Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos: Features, Performance, and Price Compared

Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos: In-Depth Comparison

If you’re in the market for a compact SUV, two standout contenders are the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. These two vehicles share many similarities but offer distinct differences that cater to diverse preferences. In this article, we’ll compare both SUVs side by side, covering everything from design and features to performance and comfort to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Exterior Design & Styling

• Hyundai Creta: Its LED headlights offer sharp looks and adequate light throw. The Creta’s design leans towards a more mature and premium feel.
• Kia Seltos: The Seltos also features sharp-looking headlights, though its light intensity and spread aren’t as strong as the Creta’s. It comes with fog lamps, giving it a slight edge in practicality.

Wheel Options

• Creta: Available with 16-inch wheels in the base variants and 17-inch wheels in the top trims.
• Seltos: Starts with 16-inch wheels and offers 18-inch wheels on the top variants, enhancing its sporty appeal and road presence.

Interior & Cabin Quality

Both the Creta and Seltos provide premium cabins, though each emphasizes different elements.

• Hyundai Creta: Improved materials with soft-touch plastics and a focus on comfort. The connected touch screen and instrument cluster add a modern touch.
• Kia Seltos: A more premium feel, with leatherette finishes and multiple color options. The fit and finish are excellent, making the cabin feel luxurious.

Comfort Features: Both SUVs offer ventilated seats, electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the Seltos stands out with an added heads-up display, a feature not present in the Creta.

Boot Space & Practicality

Both SUVs offer 433 liters of boot space, with 60:40 split rear seats for additional storage. The rear seat space and comfort are almost identical.

• Creta: Comfortable recline for rear passengers, but only two adjustable headrests.
• Seltos: Provides three adjustable headrests, enhancing comfort for all rear occupants.

Technology & Infotainment

Both the Creta and Seltos feature responsive touch screens with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Both cars also come with 360-degree cameras, enhancing parking ease, with excellent usability both day and night.

Charging & Connectivity Options:

• Creta: Offers USB, Type-C ports, and wireless charging.
• Seltos: Features cooled wireless charging along with multiple USB and Type-C charging points.

Performance & Driving Experience

Both SUVs share similar powertrain options:

• 1.5L Petrol (Manual/IVT).
• 1.5L Diesel (Manual/Automatic).
• 1.5L Turbo Petrol (Automatic Only).

Ride Quality & Handling

• Hyundai Creta: Tuned for comfort, making it ideal for city driving and family road trips. The suspension is soft, providing a smooth ride even on bumpy roads.
• Kia Seltos: More sporty and offers stiffer suspension, providing better handling on curves but less comfort on uneven surfaces.

Both SUVs offer Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), with features like blind spot monitoring, collision alerts, and cross-traffic alerts, ensuring enhanced safety.

Safety & NCAP Rating

Both vehicles have improved safety features, aiming to perform better in Bharat NCAP tests. They offer 3-point seat belts for all passengers, multiple airbags, and 4-wheel disc brakes.

Driving Dynamics Comparison

• Hyundai Creta: Known for a more relaxed driving experience with a smooth engine and light steering, making it ideal for everyday city use.
• Kia Seltos: Provides a more engaging and fun-to-drive experience, with a slight edge in handling and cornering ability. However, the ride can feel stiffer on bad roads.

A Comparison table of differences between the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos based on features and pricing:

Summary of Price Difference: The Kia Seltos is generally ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000 more expensive than the Hyundai Creta across similar variants. The added cost reflects its sportier design, larger wheels, heads-up display, and additional IMT option for Diesel variants.

Which One Should You Pick?

If comfort and premium features are your priorities, the Hyundai Creta might be a better fit. On the other hand, if you prefer sportier handling and a more engaging drive, the Kia Seltos is the way to go.

• For Families: Creta’s softer ride quality and more comfortable rear seats are ideal.
• For Young Drivers: The Seltos, with its sportier dynamics and heads-up display, offers a more exciting experience.

Both SUVs are excellent choices in their segment, and your decision will ultimately depend on your driving style and preferences. Whether you prioritize comfort, performance, or feature richness, both the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos provide compelling options in the competitive compact SUV market.