Based on the new K3 platform, the new Kia Seltos is longer and wider than the previous model and has a longer wheelbase, too. Though its petrol and diesel engine options have been carried over, Kia has confirmed that it will introduce a hybrid powertrain later. As before, the 2026 Seltos competes in the hotly contested midsize SUV space, which includes the Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra, Maruti’s Victoris and Grand Vitara and the Toyota Hyryder.
The latest from Kia also rivals the Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Citroen C3 Aircross and MG Astor. Here’s how the new Seltos compares with its 10 rivals on paper in terms of pricing and specifications.
New Kia Seltos vs rivals: Prices
Seltos top model is priced lower than top-spec Creta, Sierra
*Ex-showroom prices as on January 2, 2026.
Priced at Rs 10.99 lakh, the base variants of the Seltos, Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Elevate are the second-most expensive in this group, next only to the Sierra. As for the top-spec variants, the Seltos costs Rs 19.99 lakh, the same as the Victoris, while the Creta and Sierra extend higher.
Comparing the Seltos with the two models which offer similar engine options, its base variant is priced Rs 26,000 higher than that of its badge-engineered Hyundai sibling but Rs 50,000 lower than the Sierra’s. However, at the top end, the Seltos is more affordable by Rs 21,000 and Rs 1.3 lakh, respectively.
New Kia Seltos vs rivals: Dimensions
Seltos is the longest here
The 2026 Seltos leads in length, while the Tata Sierra dominates in width, height and wheelbase measurements. 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, and the Citroen Aircross X is the only model to offer a 7-seat layout option.
New Kia Seltos vs rivals: Powertrains
TGDI Seltos, Creta, Sierra make most power; Tata SUV 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.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Dhruv Dhaka
