Hi, I currently drive a Kia Sonet HTX, purchased in December 2020. It has covered around 46,000 km so far, with an annual running of approximately 9,000 km. I am now looking to upgrade to a mid-size SUV with an automatic transmission. My priorities are a feature-rich car with a 5-star safety rating, suitable for a family of four. The expected usage will be around 80% city and 20% highway driving. My budget is around Rs 20 lakh, although I can stretch it slightly for a better overall package. Please suggest some suitable options.
With 9,000 km a year and an 80:20 city-highway split, a petrol automatic is the right choice. The Kia Seltos IVT is the recommendation here. It offers a smooth, reliable CVT automatic that is well suited to city driving, a comfortable and spacious cabin for a family of four, and a strong feature set. The Seltos also has a proven ownership track record and a good service network, which matters for long-term peace of mind.
If you are willing to stretch your budget slightly, the Kia Seltos GTX+ DCT is worth considering. It adds a more powerful turbo petrol engine and a richer feature list, including ADAS, ventilated seats and a more premium cabin experience. The DCT is quick and engaging, but it is not as smooth as the IVT in stop-start traffic.
If you want a more driver-focused alternative, the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG is a strong option. It offers excellent performance and driving dynamics, but the Seltos remains the more rounded family car.
Overall, the Seltos IVT hits the sweet spot for your usage and budget.

Kia Seltos
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Posted on: 6 Sept 2026
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