2023 Kia Seltos Facelift: Better Than Hyundai Creta?

For starters, you should know that Hyundai Motors is the parent organisation of Kia Motors. Both these brands cover several segments in India. As for the compact SUV segment, they only have the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos to offer. They are also among the bestsellers in the country and in the segment. These cars have a lot in common but still are very different in some aspects.

The Kia Seltos got a major facelift in September 2023, whereas the Hyundai Creta received the facelift version in January 2024. 

So, let’s see how the new Kia Seltos stacks up against the Hyundai Creta in terms of offerings. 

Build and Exterior Design 

The Kia Seltos is built on the same platform as the Hyundai Creta. 

On the design front, the Kia Seltos doesn’t receive any major changes at the front. The only noticeable difference, at first sight, is the revised headlamps, but if looked from afar, it will hardly be identified. Between the headlamps, you’ll see a bigger Kia’s signature “tiger-nose” grille that makes the front end more sportier.

The rear is where you’ll see major changes in the form of connected LED taillamps, sequential turn indicators, and a revised rear bumper. It is also worth mentioning that the X-Line variant of the Kia Seltos gets a sportier exhaust, unlike the standard version.  

Further, the Kia Seltos stands on 18-inches alloy wheels in its higher variants, while the Hyundai Creta gets 17-inches in the higher variants

Interior and Features

Both cars have a dual-screen with a curved layout that comprises an infotainment unit and instrument cluster. Each screen measures 10.25 inches. The dual-screen fashion is also seen in luxury vehicles, such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Now, the mass-market vehicles are also following the same. 

Basic features like the wireless charger, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, etc., can be had in both cars. 

The Seltos gets a sportier variant, the Seltos X-Line. This variant boasts a heads-up display and the X-Line’s Matte Grey paint scheme. The Hyundai Creta, however, has a sportier variant, the Creta N-Line. 

Both Korean SUVs are also equipped with connected car features. This feature allows the owner to remotely access features like car tracking, lock/unlock doors, switch on/off lights, vehicle status, and geo-fencing, to name a few. 

The Seltos also gets a one-touch down/up driver’s window, and a rain-sensing wiper, making it unlike the Hyundai Creta. 

On the safety front, the 2024 Seltos facelift is equipped with 17 ADAS features like forward collision warning assist, auto emergency braking, blind-spot collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and so on. The same can be had in the 2024 Hyundai Creta facelift. Plus, both siblings are equipped with 6 airbags as standard.

Engine and Transmission

Both vehicles have three engine options. There is a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated (NA) petrol, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, and 1.5-litre turbo-diesel. These engines are coupled with various gearbox options: 6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT, CVT, 7-speed DCT, and 6-speed torque converter (TC).

As far as mileage is concerned, the Kia Seltos’ mileage ranges between 17km/l and 20.7km/l. In contrast, the Hyundai Creta’s mileage ranges between 17.4km/l and 21.8km/l. 

All are ARAI-certified figures and can vary with the variant chosen, as well as, driving style. 

Ride and Handling

As per sources, the facelifted Seltos also has a slightly stiff suspension setup for better high-speed stability and better handling around the corners.

The Creta, on the other hand, has always been known for its soft suspension setup, making it a comfort-oriented vehicle. Its soft suspension can glide through uneven roads but tends to have a body roll around the corners.

Variants and Prices

The Kia Seltos has always been a good car and the inclusion of the new-age features has made this car a more compelling option than before. There are 3 major variants of the Seltos: Tech Line, GT Line, and X-Line. In parallel, the Hyundai Creta has seven broad variants: E, EX, S, S(O), SX, SX Tech, and SX(O). As for figures, the Hyundai Creta’s starting price is Rs 10.99 lakh and goes up to Rs 24.07 lakh. On the other hand, the Kia Seltos’ price starts at Rs 10.90 lakh and goes up to Rs 20.14 lakh. 

All are average ex-showroom figures, as of March 2024.