KIA Seltos Diesel vs Hyundai Creta Diesel

kia Seltos Diesel vs Hyundai Creta Diesel

Hyundai Creta Diesel
Modern Diesel SUV
₹ 12.69- 20.00Lakh (Approx.)
Strong city performance with refined diesel engine efficiency
85 kW • 250 Nm Torque 18–21 km/L 0–100 km/h in 10.5s
KIA Seltos Diesel
Family-Focused Diesel SUV
₹ 12.46 - 19.81 Lakh (Approx.)
Excellent fuel economy with smooth diesel power delivery.
85 kW • 250 Nm Torque 18–20 km/L 0–100 km/h in 11.8s

Kia Seltos Diesel vs Hyundai Creta Diesel – Which Diesel SUV is Better

The battle of Kia Seltos Diesel vs Hyundai Creta Diesel has become one of the hottest rivalries in the compact SUV segment. Both SUVs are known for their refined diesel engines, strong fuel efficiency, premium features, and highway stability, making them the preferred choice for buyers who want power with practicality. With similar pricing and performance figures, new buyers are confused about which diesel SUV offers the best value, comfort, and long-term ownership experience.

 

Performance & Mileage Comparison

Both the Kia Seltos Diesel and Hyundai Creta Diesel use the same 1.5-litre diesel engine, but their performance character differs on the road. The Creta Diesel is tuned for smoother acceleration and fuel-friendly driving, while the Seltos Diesel provides sharper throttle response and a sportier feel, especially in higher revs. In the mileage race, the Creta delivers around 20–21 km/l under mixed conditions, while the Seltos returns around 19–20 km/l, depending on driving style. For highway touring, both models offer excellent diesel torque and relaxed cruising.

 

Features, Comfort & Safety

When comparing Hyundai Creta Diesel vs Kia Seltos Diesel on features, both SUVs pack segment-leading technology, including large infotainment screens, connected car features, multiple drive modes, and advanced driver assistance safety features. The Seltos Diesel feels slightly more premium on interior layout, while the Creta Diesel offers a softer suspension for family comfort and city usage. In safety, both offer 6 airbags, ESC, VSM, Hill Assist, and strong crash-resistant bodies, but the top-end Seltos has an edge with ADAS availability.

 

Verdict – Which One Should You Buy?

If your priority is comfort, smoother ride, better resale and fuel economy, the Hyundai Creta Diesel is the better family-focused diesel SUV. However, if you prefer sporty design, sharper handling, more features, and enthusiastic driving, the Kia Seltos Diesel offers a more exciting ownership experience. In short, Creta Diesel is perfect for comfort-oriented drivers, while Seltos Diesel suits driving enthusiasts. No matter which SUV you choose, both stand out as reliable, powerful, and feature-loaded diesel SUVs under ₹20 lakh in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which SUV offers better fuel efficiency — Seltos Diesel or Creta Diesel?
The Hyundai Creta Diesel claims around 21.4 km/l (ARAI) and delivers real-world figures of about 17-19 km/l in mixed use, while the Kia Seltos Diesel is rated at roughly 20.7 km/l and real usage averages around the same 17-19 km/l mark. Therefore, if mileage is a top priority, the Creta holds a slight edge.

Both models use a 1.5 litre turbo diesel engine and offer approximately 85 kW (≈ 113 bhp) and 250 Nm of torque in their top trims.
Bottom line: Performance is very close between the two — the decision comes down to drive feel, features and comfort.

The Creta and Seltos share nearly identical wheelbase figures (~2,610 mm) and both claim a boot capacity of 433 litres.
Implication: You won’t lose significant interior space with either — both serve as practical 5-seater compact SUVs.

The Seltos Diesel variants begin around ₹12.35 lakh (ex-showroom) and go up to approx the high ₹18-20 lakh range; the Creta Diesel variants start around ₹12.56 lakh (ex-showroom) and extend similarly.
Both models are feature-rich. However, many reviews note that the Seltos has a slight edge with advanced infotainment, premium trims, and optional 360° camera or premium sound systems in certain variants.
While both vehicles share many service parts and networks (being from the same parent group), the Creta tends to have a slightly broader service network due to longer presence and may offer better resale value in some markets. Combined with its slightly better mileage, this gives the Creta a slight maintenance/resale advantage in long-term ownership scenarios.
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