Kia Seltos vs Honda Elevate CVT performance comparison

The second-generation Kia Seltos is among the newer midsize SUVs for MY26. It offers multiple powertrain combinations, with a petrol-CVT being one of them. The Honda Elevate, on the other hand, also offers the same engine-gearbox configuration and has been on sale since 2023. We’ve put the petrol-CVT versions of the two SUVs through our comprehensive real-world acceleration tests to determine which of the two performs better.

Explore full specs, features, and a price breakdown in our Seltos vs Elevate comparison.

Kia Seltos vs Honda Elevate CVT: Specifications

Elevate delivers slightly more power

Comparing their naturally aspirated petrol engines side by side, the Elevate has a slight edge in power and torque figures. Both have similar displacement, but the Elevate delivers 6hp and 1Nm more than the Seltos, while also featuring an extra gear ratio on its CVT unit.

Kia Seltos vs Honda Elevate CVT 0-100kph acceleration test

Seltos is 1.18 seconds slower than the Elevate to 100kph

The Elevate outdoes the Seltos by 1.18 seconds in our 0-100kph acceleration tests, with the lead further increasing to 1.84 seconds at 120kph. This can be attributed to the higher power output of the Elevate’s engine. Overall, the Elevate’s engine feels the stronger of the two and is eager to rev, while the Seltos offers better refinement. 

Kia Seltos vs Honda Elevate CVT rolling acceleration tests

Elevate edges ahead in 20-80kph and 40-80kph tests

Like with the 0-100kph acceleration times, the Honda Elevate manages quicker timings in rolling acceleration tests as well. Elevate’s 20-80kph times and 40-100kph times are 0.19 seconds and 0.62 seconds faster, respectively, than its Kia counterpart, proving that the Honda has an edge in performance. 

Kia Seltos vs Honda Elevate CVT: Prices 

Seltos is more expensive, especially at the top end

When it comes to their respective CVT price ranges, the Elevate is more accessible by about Rs 17,000 in the entry-level versions, with the gap further increasing to Rs 3.34 lakh at the top end.

Autocar India’s testing standards

Before we conduct our performance tests, we check and maintain tyre pressures based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and ensure the car has a full tank of fuel. The car is then tested in a controlled environment with two people on board, and the data is collected via highly accurate GPS-based timing equipment.