The new Kia Seltos has been unveiled and it has grown bigger and contains even more interior amenities
In this post, I am comparing the new Kia Seltos with the Hyundai Creta on the basis of specs, features, design and more. Note that Seltos and Creta are typical cousins who share many components, including the mechanicals. However, the styling and equipment list lend each of them a distinct individuality. The mid-size SUV segment has been dominated by these two models for a long time. Despite stiff competition in this space, the Koreans enjoy a huge share of the market. The new Seltos can be booked for Rs 25,000 and the prices will be announced on January 2, 2026. For now, let us take a look at the details of how these two SUVs compare.
New Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Creta – Features
We know that modern customers need all the bells and whistles in their vehicles. Thankfully, Hyundai and Kia equip their products with the latest tech, connectivity, safety and convenience amenities. Hence, these are among the most feature-laden cars in their respective segments. Firstly, let us check out what the new Kia Seltos comes with:
- 30-inch Trinity Panoramic Screens for Infotainment and Driver Display
- ADAS Level 2+ Suite with 28 Autonomous Features
- Voice-controlled Dual-pane Sunroof
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Automatic Streamline Door Handles
- 8-speaker Bose Premium Audio System
- AI-based Voice Recognition
- 8-inch Head-up Display
- 64-colour Ambient Mood Lighting,
- Kia Connect 2.0 Connected Car Tech Features
- Automatic Climate Control
- Welcome Seat Function
- 10-way Adjustable Driver’s Seat with Power Lumbar Adjust and Memory Function with Relaxation Function
- Welcome Retract Seat Function
- White Two-Tone Interiors with White Accents and Leatherette Seats
- Double D-Cut Dual Tone Leatherette-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Memory Function for ORVM
- Reflective-type HUD
- Type-C USB Charging Ports
- Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof
- 60:40 Split Seats with Recline Adjust
- First-in-segment Smart Key Proximity Unlock Function
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- OTA Software Updates
- Wireless Charging
- Auto Hold Function
- 6 Airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Blind View Monitor
- 360°Surround Camera
- Side Parking Sensors
Similarly, even the Hyundai Creta is among the most feature-packed vehicles in this class. Some of its top attractions are:
- 10.25-inch Connected Superscreen Infotainment Screen
- 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
- Leatherette Upholstery
- D-Cut Steering Wheel with Multimedia Controls
- Wireless Charging
- Front Row Ventilated Seats
- Drive Modes
- Paddle Shifters
- 8-Speaker Bose Premium Music System
- Hyundai Bluelink Connected Car Tech
- Voice Recognition
- OTA Updates for Map and Infotainment
- Home-to-Car (H2C) with Alexa
- 64-colour Ambient Lighting
- Touch-based AC Controller Unit
- Half Crystal Polished Passenger-side Dashboard
- Voice-Enabled Panoramic Sunroof
- Level 2 ADAS Active Safety – Hyundai SmartSense with 19 features
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- 360-Degree Camera
- Ventilated Front Seats
- 8-Way Powered Driver’s Seat
- 6 Airbags
- ESC, VSM
- Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- All Four Disc Brakes
- ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
- Level 2 ADAS
New Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Creta – Specs
This is one aspect where we have nothing to choose between the two SUVs. These come with the familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit that makes 115 PS and 144 Nm, a 1.5-litre diesel motor that produces 116 PS and 250 Nm, and a 1.5-litre turbo petrol unit that develops an impressive 160 PS and 253 Nm of peak output. Performing transmission duties is a wide variety of options, including 6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT, 6-speed automatic, CVT, or 7-speed DCT gearboxes. In this manner, the needs of all sorts of buyers can be met.
| Specs | New Kia Seltos | Hyundai Creta |
| Engine | 1.5L (P) / 1.5L (D) 1.5L (Turbo P) | 1.5L (P) / 1.5L (D) 1.5L (Turbo P) |
| Power | 115 PS / 116 PS / 160 PS | 115 PS / 116 PS / 160 PS |
| Torque | 144 Nm / 250 Nm / 253 Nm | 144 Nm / 250 Nm / 253 Nm |
| Transmission | 6MT / 6iMT / 6AT / CVT / 7DCT | 6MT / 6iMT / 6AT / CVT / 7DCT |
Design and Dimensions Comparison
We had the opportunity to see the mid-size SUV up close during the media drive, and its updated design language significantly enhances its road presence. Up front, the prominent grille is flanked by sharp LED headlamps and sleek DRLs, paired with a sporty bumper featuring distinct styling touches. The side profile highlights muscular wheel arches, dual-tone aero alloys, blacked-out pillars, faux roof rails, and tough-looking body cladding. I especially appreciate the well-executed third-quarter section, which adds a stylish flair. At the rear, the large roof spoiler, slim split LED tail-lamps, sporty bumper, and unique cut-outs complete the look. Overall, the new Seltos receives substantial updates that clearly distinguish it from the outgoing version.
On the other hand, the Hyundai Creta adopts a more stylish and urban-centric design. Up front, it sports a full-width connected LED light bar that flows into the DRLs, a prominent grille with headlamps positioned on the outer edges, a sporty bumper, and a tough-looking skid plate. The profile highlights sleek alloys housed in muscular arches, a distinctive C-pillar, chrome-finished door handles, and contrasting black ORVMs. At the rear, the Creta features a shark-fin antenna, connected LED tail-lamps with a linking light strip, a roof spoiler, a rugged skid plate, and a bold bumper. The overall look is premium, modern, and unmistakably SUV-like.
| Dimensions (in mm) | New Kia Seltos | Hyundai Creta |
| Length | 4,460 | 4,330 |
| Width | 1,830 | 1,790 |
| Height | 1,635 | 1,635 |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 | 2,610 |
Price Comparison
Note that the prices of the new Kia Seltos will be announced on January 2, 2025, which is when I will update this section. Still, the Hyundai Creta retails between Rs 10.73 lakh and Rs 20.20 lakh, ex-showroom.
My View
I believe choosing between these two will be a matter of preference and budget. I would ideally want to wait to make any conclusions before knowing the prices of the new Seltos. I will update this section thereafter.
Also Read: New Maruti Victoris vs Hyundai Creta – Which One To Go For?
