New Kia Seltos vs rivals: Specifications compared

Based on the new K3 platform, the second-generation Kia Seltos is now longer, wider and has a longer wheelbase. Though its petrol and diesel engine options have been carried over, Kia will introduce a hybrid powertrain later. As before, the latest Seltos competes with midsize SUVs, including the Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra, Maruti’s Victoris and Grand Vitara, and the Toyota Hyryder.

The Seltos also rivals the Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Citroen C3 Aircross and MG Astor. Here’s how the new Kia Seltos compares with its 10 rivals in size and powertrains, at least on paper.

New Kia Seltos vs rivals: Dimensions

Seltos is the longest here

While the 2026 Seltos leads in length, the Tata Sierra dominates in width, height and wheelbase. The Tata SUV also stands out with its biggest boot and the largest wheel size option in this group. The Honda Elevate has the highest ground clearance; notably, Kia hasn’t yet revealed the new Seltos’s figure. The Citroen Aircross X is the only one to offer a 7-seat layout option.

New Kia Seltos vs rivals: Powertrains

TGDI Seltos, Creta, Sierra make most power; Sierra leads in torque

Among the naturally aspirated petrol engines in these midsize SUVs, the Elevate’s is the most powerful and the torquiest; the Sierra’s NA unit matches it on torque. The Skoda Kushaq and VW Taigun stand out with their smallest 1-litre turbo-petrol engine here, while the Citroen Aircross X is the only one to offer both 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and 1.2-litre NA petrol options.

In the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol group, the 2026 Seltos, Hyundai Creta and Sierra are tied for the highest power output, though the Sierra edges ahead with a bit more torque. These three SUVs are also the only ones here with a diesel option, and the Sierra diesel leads the pack in both power and torque.

The Maruti Grand Vitara and Victoris siblings and the Toyota Hyryder stand out for offering a strong hybrid setup and even a factory CNG option. But the Seltos hits back with two gearbox choices for each of its three engines, the most in this comparison.