•20w

Hi, I am confused between the Seltos (ventilated seats) and the Elevate (missing ventilation and some minor features like a front parking sensor) petrol automatic for Chennai city as a first-time car buyer. Please help me decide between the two.

•19w

The Kia Seltos is the better choice here. It is better equipped than the Honda Elevate, has a more spacious cabin and overall feels more upmarket and refined. The Elevate has a larger boot, and its 1.5-litre petrol engine is very flexible and efficient.

However, the Honda Elevate now feels a generation behind the new Seltos, which has moved the game forward in the mid-size SUV segment.

Explore cars mentioned

Honda

Elevate

from ₹13.69 Lakh

Kia

Seltos

from ₹12.98 Lakh

•19w

Never ever a Hyundai can match the reliability of a Honda. Please mention this whenever you give your opinion.

•19w

If your need is for a naturally aspirated engine for day today use ...buy elevate...seltos na is grossly underpowered and costs significantly more

•19w

If your need is for a naturally aspirated engine go for elevate.. seltos is grossly underpowered and costly

•18w

Over and above advantages mentioned above, Elevate comes with 7 years extended warranty with unlimited kms and extendable upto 10 years after 7 years warranty period is elapsed

•18w

Go for the kia seltos! Fantastic and smooth drive. The new K3 platform has enhanced the safety. Also it's bigger on the inside now and the feeling of not getting off the car with a wet back is amazing!

•18w

Also pls remember, knowing cars is autocars business! They know what they are talking about when they give you advice. All the best for your next car whichever you choose 👍

•19w

I would anyday choose the Elevate over Seltos. Airy cabin, muscular look, reliable engine, good ground clearance, sufficient boot space, well regressed NA engine, etc.

•19w

Elevate is better choice. Yes ventilated seats are missing. You can go for seltos if only ventilated seats are priority otherwise full Paisa vasool car hai elevate

•19w

Go for Honda Elevate it's superb

•19w

Try the Jeep compass .it is built tough and has good features

•19w

Try the Jeep compass

•19w

Lol I feel so pity of these so called honda lovers. Kia’s IVT uses a chain-type belt, whereas traditional CVTs (like those in many Honda models) use a push belt design. The chain setup reduces slippage and energy loss during power transmission, which improves responsiveness and efficiency. Make your choice now. Seltos is and always will be advanced product. Now with the Global K3 platform it lags behind none.

•19w

People donot know here that Kia's IVT is more superior than Honda's CVT. The difference lies inthe use of chain in IVT wheres a rubber belt in CVT. You will notice the difference in driving eventually. Problem is people have a deja vu of Honda what it had years back and thinking ither brands can't match to that level bis just hypocrisy. I feel pity for those people. Take Seltos IVT eyes closed. Its a superior product than Elevate any day.

•19w

What about regular maintenance?? Is relaplacement only solution after say 1 Lac Km ?? It will be very taxing than

•19w

Auto cars opinion is highly biased. Japanese technology and a highly successful Ivtech engine is in a different pedestal to be compared . Limitations is the available of variants . Ensure you buy from a reliable and customer friendly agent.i had to escalate to honda to get things done which was pre paid . No brainer . A honda elevate hands down. Recently purchased and final two short listed was Elevate /Hyryder . Kia seltos was also on the run as their Gizmos was appealing though

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More questions on similar cars

•3d

Hello Autocar. I have been looking for a second car for our family. We currently own a Tata Tiago EV Long Range, which is used for all our city driving and weekend trips to our hometown, around 80 km one way. However, we now feel the need for a dedicated highway car because we miss taking longer family road trips. Our budget is under Rs. 15 lakh. My primary choice was the Honda Elevate VX Manual. I deliberately avoided the CVT because we already have an automatic EV for city use, and I don't think a petrol automatic can match the smoothness and instant response of an EV. However, I've started reconsidering my decision because I feel the Elevate isn't the ideal highway cruiser. While it is spacious and comfortable, it doesn't feel particularly relaxed at highway speeds, and its highway fuel efficiency isn't very impressive. The next option I shortlisted is the Hyundai i20 N Line N6 Manual. I generally prefer spacious hatchbacks over sub-4 metre SUVs, and I never really liked that segment. Choosing the N Line would also save me around Rs. 5 lakh compared to the Elevate, while offering better cruising ability and fuel efficiency, considering this car will be used almost exclusively for highways and long road trips. My main question is whether the i20 N Line would be comfortable enough for a family of four with some luggage. All of us are lean, under 170 cm tall, and below 60 years of age. Everyone in the family likes the idea of the N Line. We have also ruled out diesel cars because my family doesn't like them, and I didn't push that option either due to DPF concerns and the fact that the car won't be used regularly. Please advise whether the i20 N Line N6 Manual would be a good choice for us.

•2h

The Hyundai i20 N Line N6 manual is a good highway car. Its tall sixth gear allows it to cruise comfortably at highway speeds while returning respectable fuel efficiency. The engine has a strong mid-range, making overtakes easy, and it feels stable at high speeds. For your use case, performance will feel noticeably dulled with four people on board, and pushing the engine harder will reduce fuel efficiency. It also suffers from a weak bottom end, so performance below 2,000rpm is not particularly strong. A full load can also leave ground clearance marginal over taller speed breakers, and the ride is on the firmer side, which passengers may find uncomfortable. While cabin space is generally good for the segment, the boot may feel tight when carrying luggage for four.The Honda Elevate has a definite advantage when it comes to space. While your family of four, all under 170cm tall, will fit comfortably in the i20, the Elevate gives them more room to stretch out, which matters on longer journeys. Its shorter gearing means performance is actually quite good for a naturally aspirated engine, but as you pointed out, it does not feel particularly relaxed at highway speeds.If you can live with the i20 N Line’s shortcomings, it is a good fit for your needs and significantly cheaper than the Elevate. Before making a decision, take your family on an extended highway test drive to see how they feel in the rear seat. As a family car, though, the Elevate is the better choice.Alternatively, consider the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI manual. It offers better highway performance than the Elevate, more space than the i20, and is one of the best-handling SUVs in its class, which you are likely to enjoy.

I am confused between the Kia Seltos HTK Petrol Automatic and the HTE (O) Diesel Automatic, as both are similarly priced. My annual running will be around 10,000 km, with most of my driving in the city and occasional expressway trips. Which variant should I choose? My budget is around Rs. 17 lakh. I would also appreciate suggestions for any better alternatives from other brands.

•5h

Pick the Kia Seltos HTK petrol automatic. Your use is mostly city and only 10,000 km a year, so the smooth, quiet petrol suits you better, and the fuel cost gap to diesel will be small at that running. For similar money, the HTK gives you more useful kit than the lower HTE(O) diesel variant, so day-to-day it will feel like the nicer car to live with.The diesel automatic is great for long highway hauls and heavy loads, and will sip less on trips, but short city runs can be hard on modern diesels, and you’ll add urea top-ups and slightly higher service costs. It only starts to make sense if you do a lot more highway or cross 15,000 km a year.If you’re open to others around this budget, look at Honda Elevate with the automatic for a very easy city drive and simple ownership, or Skoda Kushaq 1.0 automatic if you want a stronger engine and a more fun feel. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara automatic is another easy-going, efficient city pick, just not very quick.

Kia Seltos

Skoda Kushaq

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Honda Elevate

•3d

Hi, I live in Bengaluru. I will be superannuating in a few months. I want to buy an automatic car or SUV for local use. My average daily running will be around 20 km. I want to buy a car with a 1.5-litre engine. Should I choose a petrol or a diesel? I am considering the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, and Honda Elevate, but I am unable to decide. Please suggest.

•1d

Pick petrol, and from your shortlist buy the Seltos 1.5 petrol automatic. With 20 km a day in Bengaluru traffic, diesel won’t pay back its higher price and short city runs can mess with modern diesels’ particulate filters. The Seltos 1.5 with the IVT automatic is smooth and quiet at low speeds, and its roomier than the Creta. For daily errands, the Seltos’ light steering, easy ingress and calm cabin make life simpler. The Elevate CVT is also fuss free and very dependable, but it feels a touch firmer and it’s not as relaxed. The catch is mileage will be in the low double digits in town, and fast highway passes need a firmer press.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Honda Elevate

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Popular discussions right now

•1w

Hi, I have a budget of Rs. 40 lakh and am confused between the Skoda Kodiaq Lounge, the Toyota Innova Hycross ZX(O), and the Toyota Fortuner Petrol. I am 28 years old and want a car that is fun to drive but also comfortable for my family. My driving will be split 80:20 between on-road and off-road use.

•5d

Pick the Innova HyCross ZX(O). For a hard Rs. 40 lakh cap it fits cleanly, it is the most comfortable and spacious for family, and it is far easier to live with daily. The smooth hybrid makes city drives effortless and quiet, and on broken roads, it just takes the abuse without rattling everyone. Your 20 percent off-road sounds like rough trails rather than rock crawling, and the HyCross will handle that sort of bad-road stuff better than you expect. But, the Innova isn't particularly fun to drive.If you really crave driver fun, the Kodiaq is the one that puts a smile on your face. The 2-litre turbo petrol and AWD make it genuinely enjoyable on highways and hills and the cabin feels richer. Two catches, though. It likely stretches past Rs. 40 lakh on-road in most cities, and its third row is tighter, and you have to be a bit careful off the beaten path.The Fortuner petrol is the most capable off-road, but for 80 per cent on-road use, it feels heavy and bouncy, the steering is not friendly in town, and it guzzles fuel.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Toyota Fortuner

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•4d

I am planning to buy an SUV and prefer the German twins Škoda and Volkswagen. Which one is better? Also, how significant is the DSG issue in bumper-to-bumper traffic in the NCR region? This will be my fourth car, so I want to try a German brand.

•3d

Between the German twins, the choice largely comes down to personal preference, as they share the same engines, gearboxes and underpinnings. We slightly prefer the Kushaq for its cleaner design, excellent ride and handling balance and overall value proposition.As for the DSG, it isn't as big a concern as it once was. The current DSGs are far more robust than the earlier units, but if your driving is predominantly in bumper-to-bumper NCR traffic, a torque-converter automatic is still the smoother and more relaxed option over the long term. If you want to stay with a German SUV but avoid the DSG altogether, the 1.0 TSI automatic in the Kushaq and Taigun now comes with an 8-speed Aisin torque-converter, which is smooth, refined and better suited to heavy city traffic.Coming from the S-Cross Petrol, you'll notice a significant step up in performance, cabin quality, safety and driving dynamics with either car.

Skoda Kushaq

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•5d

I have a Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid, and I am extremely satisfied with its mileage (900-1000 km from 45 liters). However, I am losing the joy of driving. I migrated to this car after owning a Swift Dzire Diesel and an XL6. The mismatch between engine revs and acceleration is becoming unpleasant. Overtaking feels riskier, and even the brakes feel spongy. I have experienced a few unpleasant situations because of this. As a result, I have reduced my overall speed, making the safety of my family a bigger priority. But the driver in me is unhappy. Should I upgrade to the Duster Hybrid, the Hycross Hybrid, or the newly launched Sierra EV? Also, do diesel engines still make sense today?

•4d

From what you've described, the Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid has impressed you with its efficiency but left you wanting more from behind the wheel. If driving enjoyment is back on your priority list, the Duster Hybrid looks like the most natural upgrade. It is expected to offer a much more engaging driving experience while retaining the fuel efficiency benefits of a strong hybrid.The Toyota Innova HyCross Hybrid will certainly improve on comfort, refinement and performance, but it won't fundamentally change the character you're looking for. It is still geared towards relaxed family motoring rather than enthusiastic driving.The Tata Sierra EV is an interesting option and has now been launched. It promises strong performance, a premium cabin and a spacious interior. However, if the "driver in you" misses the involvement and confidence of your earlier diesel cars, we'd still wait to experience how the Duster Hybrid drives before making a decision.As for diesels, we don't think they should be ruled out altogether. With the right usage, they continue to make sense. However, given your appreciation for the fuel economy of your Grand Vitara and the direction the market is heading, we'd lean towards a strong hybrid rather than going back to diesel.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Toyota Innova HyCross

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Renault Duster

View all Posts

Posted on: 20 Feb 2026