autocar-logo
Delhi
SU

Sudesh

1w

Hi, I want to purchase an SUV with an automatic transmission. There are so many vehicles, and I am confused. My budget is ₹18-20 lakh, and my daily city drive is between 30 and 40 km. Can you suggest the best vehicle with safety, comfort and good service?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
4d
For your requirements, the Kia Seltos is a good fit with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine mated to the IVT automatic. In your budget, you can opt for the HTX variant, which is well-equipped with features like a 12.3-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system, ventilated front seats and a Bose sound system.
Performance from the naturally aspirated engine is more than adequate in the city, and the IVT automatic is smooth and seamless in operation. Alternatively, you could opt for the Hyundai Creta, which uses the same powertrain, but since the Seltos is on the newer platform, it would be our pick.
The Seltos gets six airbags, front and rear disc brakes, stability control, a tyre-pressure monitor and ISOFIX child-seat mounts as standard. The cabin is among the most spacious in the segment, and Kia’s service is generally very well regarded. Do a test drive before you commit.
Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos

Was this helpful? Ask a follow-up

RA

Rahul

3d

Which is better kia seltos or tata Sierra ? My kid loved Sierra due to third screen and bigger sunroof, I already have another car so my monthly travel with new car won't be more than 50-60 km but once in 3-4 month will have family trips

RA

Rahul

3d

Which is better kia seltos or tata Sierra,my kid loved Sierra due to third screen and bigger sun roof

DK

Dk

4d

Please help me to decide Kia seltos vs carens clavis . Is XL6 is better choices

Latest questions people are discussing

SA

Saransh

2d

I am planning to buy a new SUV at around ₹17 lakh on-road price and have shortlisted the Honda Elevate ZX, Kia Seltos HTK and new Kushaq Prestige. I primarily need a car for 80% driving in the city and around 1000-1200 km per month. Which is better in terms of engine and mileage? Is the Honda Elevate outdated compared to other cars in the segment?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
3h

The Honda Elevate is a good option for your needs. The 1.5-litre petrol engine is smooth and refined, and the CVT automatic gearbox is well-suited to city driving. The car is spacious and comfortable, and the ZX variant is well-equipped too. However, in comparison to the Seltos, it does not have the space or the modernity, and the cabin does not feel as plush.The Kia Seltos HTK with the CVT gearbox is the best option considering all your needs. It is a lot better-equipped than the Honda, has a better ride quality, and the engine has a lot more punch and strong performance while still being easy to drive in the city. The smoothness, refinement and ease of use are why the Seltos will be our recommendation.The Skoda Kushaq is a good option, too. The 1.0-litre TSI engine is quite efficient, but it is not as smooth as the 1.5-litre engines of the Honda and Kia. The facelift that was recently revealed will be launched in a few days, but it hasn't changed much in the rear seat space, where it is still not as spacious as the Seltos. So we would advise you to shortlist the Seltos.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleHonda Elevate
VehicleSkoda Kushaq
SU

Subash

2d

I am confused about whether to buy the petrol or diesel variant of the Kia Seltos. I always prefer to drive a manual transmission and am not interested in an automatic at all. I was owning a Kia Carens 1.5 Petrol MT previously and am now looking for a new SUV. Suggest which one to take, either petrol or diesel in the Seltos MT. Also considering the Skoda Kushaq, but afraid of the high maintenance cost in Skoda.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
4h

Since you have not mentioned your monthly running, the choice between petrol and diesel mainly depends on how much you drive and the kind of driving you do. As a general rule, if your running is more than about 1,300 to 1,400 km per month, then the diesel version of the Kia Seltos can make sense. You should also have regular highway drives so that the diesel engine can operate properly and avoid potential DPF related issues.If your running is lower than that or largely city-focused, the petrol Seltos will suit you very well. Since you prefer a proper manual gearbox, you should know that the turbo petrol engine is only available with the clutchless iMT. The conventional manual gearbox comes with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.While it is not as punchy as the turbo petrol, it is smooth and perfectly adequate for everyday driving, especially in the city. In fact, you are already familiar with this engine because your Kia Carens uses the same powertrain and transmission combination.Regarding the Skoda Kushaq, the brand has improved a lot over the past few years, and the earlier reliability concerns are largely sorted. However, since you already own a Kia car and are satisfied with the ownership experience, sticking with the Seltos would be the safer and more comfortable choice for you.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleKia Carens
VehicleSkoda Kushaq
AD

Aditya

3d

My monthly running is 900 Km. I have shortlisted the Hyundai Creta petrol (on-road price of ₹20 lakh) and the Windsor Pro (on-road price of ₹20 lakh). Which one should I opt for?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
2d

Without knowing more about your usage and requirements, it is hard to give you the ideal pick. Broadly speaking, the Hyundai Creta petrol is the more rounded package. It's a proven product with a user-friendly and spacious interior and a pleasant driving experience. If you are open to the Creta petrol, it's worth your while to check the new Kia Seltos, which is newer, roomier and more feature-packed.The MG Windsor Pro entices with keen pricing, an airy cabin and a sofa-like rear seat. However, there is a learning curve to the Windsor experience because many of the key controls are via the touchscreen. Also, while your usage doesn't suggest you'll have an issue, EVs work best if you have the option to install a charger at home.

VehicleHyundai Creta
VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleMG Windsor

Posted on: 9 Mar 2026