Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos side-by-side comparison highlighting their design and features.

Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos Comparison – Which is Better?

The compact SUV market is bustling with options, but two models that consistently draw attention are the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. Both vehicles offer a blend of style, comfort and technology, making them a challenging one for potential buyers. This comparison delves into various aspects of both SUVs, from design to performance and maintaining these cars’ pristine condition.

Table of contents

Design and Aesthetics

When it comes to exterior design, the Hyundai Creta boasts a bold front grille and sleek headlamps that give it a commanding presence on the road. The Kia Seltos, on the other hand, offers a more dynamic look with its signature tiger-nose grille and sophisticated lighting.

A Kia and Creta parked side by side
Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta both have been loved almost equally by Indian car owners

The interiors of both SUVs are equally impressive. The Creta’s cabin is spacious and features an ergonomic design, while the Seltos provides a slightly more premium feel with its high-quality materials and finishes. For owners looking to maintain the interior just as well as the exterior, car interior cleaning services can ensure that the inside of the vehicle remains as immaculate as the day it was purchased.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos offer a range of engine options to suit different driving preferences. The Creta’s engines are tuned for a balance of efficiency and power, while the Seltos focuses on delivering a sportier performance.

Handling is another critical factor in the comparison. Both SUVs provide a comfortable ride with good road feedback and stability. However, the Seltos edges out slightly with its refined suspension setup, offering a smoother experience over rough surfaces.

A branding shot of Kia and Creta
It's a common thing to see banter go on between Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta owners

Features and Technology

In terms of technology, both the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos are well-equipped. The Creta’s infotainment system is user-friendly, offering seamless connectivity and navigation. The Seltos, however, takes a slight lead with its state-of-the-art system that includes features like a head-up display and a Bose sound system.

Safety is paramount and both SUVs score highly with robust safety features, including multiple airbags, ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors. The Seltos adds to this with its advanced driver-assistance systems, giving it an edge in this category.

Cost and Value: A Comparative Analysis of Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos

When it comes to choosing between the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, understanding the cost and value each offers is crucial for making an informed decision. The Hyundai Creta, starting at approximately ₹10.99 Lakhs, presents itself as a competitively priced option that doesn’t skimp on quality or features, ensuring buyers receive excellent value for their investment.

On the other hand, the Kia Seltos begins at a slightly lower entry point of approximately ₹10.89 Lakhs, appealing to budget-conscious people who desire a vehicle with a premium touch. The Seltos stands out with its additional features and a more upscale feel, justifying its cost for those who prioritise enhancements and a refined driving experience.

Variant-Wise Pricing Breakdown

For potential buyers, the variant-wise pricing is as follows:
  • Kia Seltos Diesel Variants:Start from approximately ₹12.35 Lakhs.
  • Kia Seltos Petrol Variants:Begin at around ₹10.89 Lakhs.
  • Kia Seltos Turbo Fuel Variants:Priced from about ₹20.35 Lakhs for the top model.
  • Hyundai Creta Diesel Variants:Start from approximately ₹12.56 Lakhs.
  • Hyundai Creta Petrol Variants:Begin at around ₹10.99 Lakhs.
  • Hyundai Creta Turbo Fuel Variants:Priced up to ₹20.15 Lakhs for the high-end models.

Electric Variants: The Future of Driving

As the automotive industry shifts towards sustainable solutions, both brands are gearing up to introduce their electric variants. The Kia Seltos EV is yet to be announced, so pricing details are currently unavailable. However, the Hyundai Creta is expected to launch its EV variant with an anticipated price range of ₹30-35 Lakhs, marking a new era of eco-friendly transportation.

Customer Satisfaction and Reviews

In 2023, the Hyundai Creta continued to dominate the market with over 1,57,300 units sold in India. Car enthusiasts and experts have consistently rated the Creta highly, with user reviews praising its comfort, features and performance.

The Kia Seltos also showcased impressive sales, with over 1.40 lakh units sold in India from January to October 2023. It has been lauded with the 2023 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Award in the subcompact crossover category. The Seltos has received rave reviews for its roomy interior, infotainment system and balanced ride and handling from publications like Car and Driver.

Both vehicles have garnered positive feedback for their design, features, and overall driving experience, making them favourites among consumers and critics alike.

Final Verdict

Choosing between the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos comes down to personal preference and priorities. The Creta offers a balanced package of comfort, style and value. The Seltos, with its additional features and cutting-edge technology, appeals to those seeking a more premium experience.

Here’s a table with some more features of comparison to help you make the right choice as per your needs:

Feature Kia Seltos Hyundai Creta
Safety Rating
Airbags
6 airbags
6 airbags
Child Seats
Yes (ISOFIX)
Yes (ISOFIX)
Adjustable Steering
Yes (Tilt & Telescopic)
Yes (Tilt & Telescopic)
Sunroof
Panoramic sunroof
Panoramic sunroof
Engine
1.5L and 1.4L Turbo options
1.5L Petrol, 1.5L Diesel, and 1.4L Turbo options
Mileage
Up to 16.8 km/l for petrol, 20.8 km/l for diesel variants
Up to 17.4 km/l for petrol, 21.8 km/l for diesel variants
Price
Starts from approx ₹9.89 Lakhs
Starts from approx ₹10.00 Lakhs

Pro Tip:

Apply a high-quality PPF coating like CarzSpa Aegis PPF and layer it with CrystalShield Marvel Ceramic Coating to protect your Kia Seltos or Hyundai Creta from the elements and maintain its showroom shine.

Some concluding thoughts

The Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos each stand tall in the compact SUV segment, boasting their unique strengths. The Creta is celebrated for its value and ease of maintenance, while the Seltos is admired for its premium offerings and advanced technology. Both vehicles are excellent choices and the decision ultimately hinges on which features resonate most with the buyer’s needs.

To maintain the showroom-like appearance and value of your SUV, consider the application of paint protection film (PPF). This transparent, durable PPF coating acts as a shield, protecting your vehicle’s paint from rock chips, scratches, and environmental aggressors. For the Hyundai Creta, with its bold design and smooth lines, the PPF for the car helps in preserving its charismatic look. The Kia Seltos, known for its dynamic styling and premium finish, remains vibrant and eye-catching with the added layer of car PPF.

Whether you’re behind the wheel of a Hyundai Creta or a Kia Seltos, integrating PPF on car exteriors into your car care routine is a prudent decision. It’s an investment that yields dividends by keeping your SUV looking as pristine as the day you bought it, safeguarding not just its appearance but also its intrinsic value. Regular car interior cleaning further ensures that every aspect of your vehicle remains in top condition, contributing to a comprehensive approach to car paint protection.

If you own either of these two vehicles, you can visit your nearest CarzSpa Detailing Studio to have a paint protection film installed, ensuring your car’s original paint remains safe from the everyday wear and tear of the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Kia Seltos bigger than Creta?
Yes, the Kia Seltos is slightly larger than the Hyundai Creta, offering more legroom and a marginally bigger boot space.

2. Why do people prefer Creta over Seltos?
Some prefer the Hyundai Creta for its comfortable ride, lower starting price and extensive service network, despite the Seltos having more features.

3. Is Creta resale value better than Seltos?
The Hyundai Creta maintains a strong resale value, being one of the slowest to depreciate in its segment.

4. Which car is better than the Hyundai Creta?
Alternatives like the Mahindra XUV 700 and Skoda Kushaq offer more power and features, presenting strong competition to the Creta.

5. Is the Hyundai Creta expensive to maintain?
The Hyundai Creta is known for its affordability in terms of maintenance. For instance, the first service can cost around ₹20,000 or slightly more for the first five years, which includes engine oil and various filters for pollen, fuel, air, etc. Insurance costs are usually calculated separately.

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Picture of Deepam Sama

Deepam Sama

Deepam Sama is the Vice President of Business Strategy and Development at CarzSpa Detailing Studios, a leading car care company in India. He is a second-generation entrepreneur who has a passion for scaling up businesses and creating innovative marketing strategies. Deepam holds an MBA in Marketing from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune and a BBA from the Institute of Management, Nirma University. He previously worked in the Sales Strategy team at ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, where he gained experience in developing and executing growth plans.

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