New Kia Seltos 2026: What Are Its Competitors

The Kia Seltos 2026 returns to India's most competitive and crowded SUV segments, in all-new garb, where almost every direct competitor boasts a clearly defined strength. Be it design-led newcomers or hybrid specialists, established bestsellers, or upcoming nameplates, the pressure on the Seltos comes from all directions. But Kia has ensured that the Seltos is well-equipped, with a triple screen, better tech, Level 2 ADAS, and multiple engine-gearbox options that made the Seltos a household name way back in 2019. 

To understand where it stands, here's a close look at its key rivals: what they offer in exterior design, interior design, features, and engine-gearbox combinations.

Citroen Aircross X

Price: Rs 8.29- Rs 13.69 lakh

Previously known as the C3 Aircross, the Citroen Aircross X is a more pragmatic, utilitarian take on the segment. Standing tall, it features split LED DRLs, big body cladding, and clean-cut proportions that focus on interior space and ease of use rather than visual theatrics. Inside, the cabin is designed in a minimalistic fashion, anchored by a 10.2-inch touchscreen and some of the most generous dimensions in the class. Citroen also offers an optional 5+2 seating layout, joining the select ranks of compact SUVs offering third-row flexibility.

Engine	1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol	1.2-litre turbo-petrol
Transmission	5-speed MT	6-speed MT/ 6-speed AT
Power (PS)	82 PS	110 PS
Torque (Nm)	115 Nm	190 Nm (MT)/ 205 Nm (AT)

Other features of the model include wireless smartphone connectivity, a digital instrument cluster, and roof-mounted AC vents for the third row. Under the hood, it gets a 1.2-litre petrol engine (a naturally-aspirated unit and a turbocharged one), paired with manual and automatic gearboxes.

MG Astor

Price: Rs 9.65- Rs 15.16 lakh

The MG Astor continues to be one of the quieter players in the segment despite offering a feature list that rivals many bestsellers. Its design leans more toward a sportier and more curvaceous look marked by a celestial grille, sharp LED headlamps, and distinctive alloy wheels. The interior exudes a premium feel with soft-touch materials, a red-and-black colour theme, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen.

Engine	1.5-litre naturally aspirated
Transmission	5-speed MT/ CVT
Power (PS)	110 PS
Torque (Nm)	144 Nm

Where the Astor does stand out is in the tech department. There's an AI assistant, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, Level 2 ADAS, a digital instrument cluster, and connected-car tech on offer. However, its powertrain list has shrunk. The Astor now only comes with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine after the recent update, in which MG axed the earlier 1.3-litre turbo-petrol.

Skoda Kushaq

Price: Rs 10.61- Rs 18.43 lakh

The Skoda Kushaq brings with it European styling and strong road manners to this segment. Its sharp lines, crystalline LED DRLs, butterfly grille, and solid stance give it an appearance distinct from others. On the inside, the cabin is clean and functional with a 10-inch touchscreen on higher trims, an 8-inch unit on lower variants, ventilated seats, and loads of storage.

Engine	1-litre TSI petrol	1.5-litre TSI petrol
Transmission	6-speed MT/ 6-speed AT	6-speed MT / 7-speed DSG
Power (PS)	115 PS	150 PS
Torque (Nm)	178 Nm	250 Nm

The list includes features such as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a single-pane electric sunroof, six airbags as standard, ESP, TPMS, and a premium sound system. A facelift is due soon, which should bring cosmetic updates, an 8-speed automatic gearbox, Level 2 ADAS, and a panoramic sunroof. Skoda is planning to launch a facelifted Kushaq soon, the details of which you can find here.

Hyundai Creta

Price: Rs 10.72- Rs 20.20 lakh

The Hyundai Creta remains the benchmark in this segment. Its latest design boasts the Hyundai "Sensuous Sportiness" theme and features a parametric grille, LED DRLs integrated into the front end, vertically arranged headlamps, and connected tail lamps. Inside, the Creta features a dual-screen layout with two 10.25-inch displays, ambient lighting, and a redesigned centre console.

Engine	1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol	1.5-litre turbo petrol	1.5-litre diesel
Transmission	6-speed MT/ 7-speed iVT	7-speed DCT	6-speed MT/ 6-speed AT
Power (PS)	115 PS	160 PS	116 PS
Torque (Nm)	144 Nm	253 Nm	250 Nm

The feature list is long and includes ventilated seats, wireless charging, Bose audio, panoramic sunroof, connected tech, and Level 2 ADAS on the higher versions. 

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara/ Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Price: Rs 10.76- Rs 19.42 lakh/ Price: Rs 10.95- Rs 19.76 lakh

Maruti’s Grand Vitara and Toyota’s Hyryder are two sides of the same coin. Both share almost all the elements; however, both SUVs maintain a distinct look of their own to stand out.  The Grand Vitara is more conventionally SUV-like, with its large chrome grille, LED DRLs, and clean, upright stance. Inside, its cabin features a dual-tone theme, soft-touch materials, and a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a digital MID.

The Hyryder features a slim DRL signature, crystal-acrylic grille, and C-shaped LED tail lamps with Toyota's styling cues. Inside, the layered dashboard design is premium, with soft-touch elements and a familiar layout.

Engine	1.5-litre mild hybrid	1.5-litre strong hybrid
Transmission	5-speed MT/ 6-speed AT	e-CVT
Power (PS)	103 PS	115 PS
Torque (Nm)	137 Nm	122 Nm

The GV’s features list includes a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, head-up display, wireless charging, and ventilated seats on a few variants. Under its hood, Maruti offers a mild-hybrid petrol and a strong-hybrid petrol, returning excellent fuel economy, and even CNG as options, making the Grand Vitara one of the most fuel-economy-centric SUVs in this segment.

On the other hand, the Hyryder comes with most of the features that are available on the Grand Vitara: a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and connected car tech. And, of course, the star of the show is the strong-hybrid powertrain with a claimed fuel efficiency of 27.97 kmpl, making it one of the most economical SUVs in the segment, besides the Grand Vitara, of course. 

Honda Elevate

Price: 11.10- Rs 16.67 lakh

The Honda Elevate features a no-nonsense, traditional SUV design. The squarish bumpers, big grille, and upright stance give it quite an aggressive look. On the inside, things are oriented with practicality: there's a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital driver display, and, remarkably, one of the roomiest second rows out there.

Engine	1.5-litre petrol
Transmission	6-speed MT/ CVT
Power (PS)	121 PS
Torque (Nm)	145 Nm

Features include a single-pane sunroof, wireless smartphone connectivity, Level 2 ADAS, six airbags, and automatic climate control. Honda also recently launched a limited Bold ADV edition of the Elevate.

Volkswagen Taigun

Price: Rs 11.39- Rs 19.15 lakh

The Volkswagen Taigun shares its underpinnings with the Kushaq but features more muscular and squared-off design language. Chromed-heavy bumpers, bold body lines, and full-width LED tail lamps make it have a strong road presence. Inside, the cabin mirrors the Kushaq's layout, featuring a 10-inch touchscreen, a digital driver's display, ventilated seats, and high-quality materials.

Engine	1-litre TSI petrol	1.5-litre TSI petrol
Transmission	6-speed MT/ 6-speed AT	6-speed MT / 7-speed DSG
Power (PS)	115 PS	150 PS
Torque (Nm)	178 Nm	250 Nm

The Taigun, like the Kushaq, is supposed to get a mid-cycle facelift; the news suggests that it gets some redesigned exterior bits and an additional Aisin-sourced 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Tata Sierra 

Price: Rs 11.49- Rs 18.49 lakh (Price of top-spec variants yet to be announced)

The Tata Sierra returns as a modern ICE-powered SUV, blending nostalgia into a modern design. It retains the iconic glasshouse silhouette but adds in a taller stance, full-width LED lighting, and modern surfacing. It features interior construction around a wide digital layout, premium upholstery, and a lounge-style rear seat experience.

Engine	1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol	1.5-litre Turbo Petrol	1.5-litre Diesel
Transmission	6-speed MT/ 7-speed DCT	6-speed AT	6-speed MT/ 6-speed AT
Power (PS)	106 PS	160 PS	118 PS
Torque (Nm)	145 Nm	255 Nm	260 Nm (MT)  280 Nm (AT)

The Sierra comes with a plethora of features- three screens, ADAS, ventilated seats, a premium sound system, a massive boot space, and of course, a massive panoramic sunroof. An electric version is expected to follow it, making it even more versatile.

BONUS

Renault Duster: A Familiar Name, Reinvented

Renault has confirmed the return of the Duster to India on January 26, 2026, reviving one of the country's most familiar SUV nameplates. Based on the same CMF-B platform as the Nissan Tekton, the new-generation Duster will take its styling cues from the global Dacia Duster, sporting a tougher, more upright design with squared-off styling, chunky cladding, and modern LED lighting.

Inside, the cabin will likely get a major uplift, with a bigger touchscreen, digital display for the driver, and even wireless connectivity for smartphones. Expect turbo-petrol engines from launch, possibly with mild-hybrid tech, while diesel options are yet to be confirmed.

Nissan Tekton: Nissan’s Big Reset for the Segment

The Nissan Tekton will come to India by mid-2026, positioned as a compact SUV above the Magnite. It will sit on the same CMF-B platform as the new-generation Renault Duster and will obviously rival all the SUVs on this list. Expect 2026 to be action-packed, with early previews pointing towards an upright, muscular design with Nissan's signature C-shaped LEDs and a strong road presence.

Inside, the Tekton should feature a modern, tech-led cabin with a digital instrument cluster, large touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, connected-car features, and possibly even Level 2 ADAS. Powertrain details remain undisclosed, but turbo-petrol engines with manual and automatic gearboxes should be a given. For Nissan, the Tekton becomes an important product to regain some lost ground in the compact SUV category.

ZigSays…

The Kia Seltos 2026 isn't up against a singular nemesis; it steps into the boxing ring of innumerable specialists. The Creta is still the all-rounder, the Grand Vitara and Hyryder are the efficiency experts, the Kushaq and Taigun are for the driving enthusiast, the Sierra boasts design and powertrain options aplenty, and then there is an upcoming storm from Nissan and Renault. But the question is, what do the buyers value most: familiarity, efficiency, performance, or freshness?

Which of these rivals would you choose over the Seltos 2026? Let us know in the comments