Kia Seltos Review: Is it better than the Hyundai Creta?

INTRODUCTION

The Kia Seltos has been a game-changer for the brand in India ever since its arrival, helping Kia establish itself in one of the most competitive SUV markets in the world. Over the years, the Seltos has earned a reputation for its sharp design, feature-rich interiors, and wide choice of engines and gearboxes. Today, it continues to be one of the most aspirational picks in the mid-size SUV segment, standing out as a package that blends style with everyday practicality.

INTERIOR

Step inside the cabin and it becomes clear why the Seltos struck such a chord with Indian buyers. The dashboard feels modern and upmarket, highlighted by a large twin-screen setup that combines a digital instrument cluster with the central infotainment system. The materials and textures feel premium, the design is neat, and everything is positioned intuitively. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, offering good visibility and a natural driving position, while the higher trims add premium touches like ventilated seating, a powered driver’s chair, and a panoramic sunroof that lifts the ambience of the cabin.

At the back, the Seltos offers reasonable space, though it is better suited for four adults than five. Two passengers can sit comfortably with good knee and headroom, and the cushioning of the seats ensures long drives are not tiring. The panoramic sunroof and large windows add to the sense of airiness. Three adults can manage in the rear seat for short distances, but for long journeys, it’s best as a two-plus-two setup.

Where the Seltos continues to dominate is in its feature list. Depending on the variant, you get premium equipment like a Bose sound system, ventilated seats, 360-degree camera, connected car technology, multiple drive modes, and advanced safety features including six airbags, electronic stability control, and even ADAS on higher trims. In comparison to many rivals, the Kia still feels like one of the most generously equipped SUVs in this class.

ENGINES AND PERFORMANCE

Kia offers the Seltos with multiple powertrains — a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a punchy 1.5 turbo-petrol, and a refined 1.5 diesel. Gearbox choices include manuals, iVT, DCT, and torque-converter automatics depending on the engine. But the version we drove was the 1.5-litre NA petrol with the 6-speed manual, which remains the backbone of the lineup for those who want a simple, fuss-free and affordable entry point into the Seltos range.

On the road, the 1.5-litre petrol produces 115 bhp and 144 Nm of torque, numbers that translate into a smooth and easygoing drive rather than outright performance. In the city, the engine feels relaxed and refined, delivering power in a predictable and linear manner. The clutch is light, the gearshifts are slick, and the SUV is easy to maneuver in traffic. Out on the highway, it cruises effortlessly at triple-digit speeds, but it does require a downshift if you want to execute quick overtakes. It’s not a sprinter, but that’s not the point — the naturally aspirated motor prioritizes refinement, reliability, and ease of use over thrills. For everyday commuting and family duties, it gets the job done in a way that feels stress-free and consistent.

Refinement is generally impressive in the 1.5 NA petrol manual. The engine runs quietly at lower speeds, and only when you push it hard does it make itself heard — and even then, it is not intrusive. Tyre and road noise are reasonably contained, and overall NVH levels are on par with the best in segment.

RIDE AND HANDLING

Ride quality is another strong point. The suspension has a slightly firm edge, which means you feel some sharp bumps at low speeds, but it also gives the Seltos excellent stability as speeds rise. On highways, it feels planted and confidence-inspiring, while in corners, the body roll is well controlled for an SUV of its size. The steering is light enough in town but gains weight as speeds increase, giving the driver reassurance without ever feeling heavy.

SHOULD YOU BUY ONE?

Prices for the Seltos start around eleven lakh rupees and go up to over twenty lakh for the top-end turbo-petrol and diesel variants. The 1.5 NA petrol with the manual gearbox sits at the more accessible end of the range, making it a practical choice for those who want a stylish SUV with a comfortable drive and don’t necessarily crave turbocharged punch or diesel torque.

The Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol manual, then, is about balance. It may not set your pulse racing, but it delivers exactly what most buyers in this segment truly need — refinement, ease of use, a comfortable ride, and a cabin packed with features. For those who want an SUV that looks premium, feels modern, and works reliably day in and day out without drama, the Seltos in this guise continues to be one of the most compelling options in India.