The Hyundai Creta continues to hold its position as the top-selling vehicle in the country (in February 2025). Given that the vehicle’s base variant is available at Rs. 11 lakhs (ex-showroom), it offers an excellent combination of comfort, ride quality, engine options, and reliability.
However, over the years, the Kia Seltos has also earned a lot of recognition owing to its premium fit-finish and slightly aggressive styling. Most recently, Kia updated the base variant of the Seltos with a couple of new features. So, does it make more sense to get the Creta E or the Seltos HTE (O)? Let’s find out.
Also Read: Top 6 Kia Syros Alternatives Under Rs. 10 lakhs
Hyundai Creta E vs. Kia Seltos HTE (O): Basic Differences
| Hyundai Creta E | Kia Seltos HTE (O) | |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 4330 x 1790 x 1635 mm | 4365 x 1800 x 1620 mm |
| Boot Capacity | 433 liters | 433 liters |
| Ground Clearance | 190 mm | 190 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2610 mm | 2610 mm |
| Petrol Engine (NA) | 1.5-liter (1497cc, 4-cylinder) naturally aspirated engine: 115PS of peak power and 144Nm of peak torque | 1.5-liter (1497cc, 4-cylinder) naturally aspirated engine: 115PS of peak power and 144Nm of peak torque |
| Diesel Engine | 1.5-liter (1493cc, 4-cylinder) turbo diesel engine: 116PS of peak power and 250 Nm of peak torque | 1.5-liter (1493cc, 4-cylinder) turbo diesel engine: 116PS of peak power and 250 Nm of peak torque |
| Transmission Options | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 liters | 50 liters |
| Wheel Size | 205/65 R16 | 205/65 R16 |
| Airbags (Base Variant) | 6 airbags | 6 airbags |
It is clear from the basic specifications that the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos share their underpinnings. While the Seltos is a tad longer and broader than the Creta, other aspects like the boot space, ground clearance, wheelbase, and engine options remain the same.
Also Read: Hyundai Creta Electric FAQ Guide: Every Related Question Answered
Hyundai Creta E vs. Kia Seltos HTE (O): Features
| Safety | Hyundai Creta E | Kia Seltos HTE (O) |
| Anti-lock Braking System with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle stability management (VSM) | Yes | Yes |
| Hill start assist control (HAC) | Yes | Yes |
| Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) | Yes | Yes |
| 3 Point seat belts (all seats) | Yes | Yes |
| Impact sensing auto door unlock | Yes | Yes |
| Driver power window with auto up/down | Yes | No |
| Central Locking | Yes | Yes |
| Exterior | ||
| Headlamps | Projector | Projector |
| Headlamp escort function | Yes | Yes |
| Rear defogger with timer | No | No |
| Rear parking sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Front & rear skid plate | Silver | Gray |
| LED High mounted stop lamp (HMSL) | Yes | Yes |
| Body color (ORVM) | Yes | Yes |
| Rear wiper and washer | No | No |
| Rear defogger | No | No |
| Interior | ||
| Seat Upholstery | Fabric | Fabric |
| Height-adjustable front/rear headrests | Yes/Yes | Yes/No |
| Driver seat manual height adjustment | Yes | Yes |
| 60:40 split rear seat | Yes | No |
| 2-step rear reclining seat | Yes | No |
| Rear window sunshade | No | Yes |
| Steering wheel | D-Cut steering with audio controls | Tilt steering with audio controls |
| Front console armrest with storage | Yes | Yes |
| Rear center armrest with cup holders | Yes | No |
| Air Conditioner | Manual | Manual |
| Infotainment | ||
| 20.32 cm (8.0″) touchscreen infotainment system | No | Yes |
| Android Auto & Apple Carplay | No | Yes |
| Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines | No | Yes |
| Digital cluster with color TFT MID | Yes | Yes |
When it comes to safety features, the base variants are right up each others’ alley. However, there are a few exterior and interior differences that set the models apart.
For instance, the 2025 Creta E offers 60:40 split rear seats along with a two-step reclining option for enhanced comfort during long journeys. Further, the SUV also offers a center armrest with cup holders for rear passengers. These features aren’t available on the Seltos HTE (O). However, Kia provides rear window sunshades, which are present on Creta’s higher trims.
While the Seltos lacks a couple of comfort-related features, it offers an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment screen that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Further, the HTE (O) variant also comes with a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines (that’s one less accessory customers will have to spend on).
Also Read: Kia Sryos HTK (O) vs. Sonet HTK (O): Most Value-For-Money Variants, Compared
Hyundai Creta E vs. Kia Seltos HTE (O): Price
| Hyundai Creta E | Kia Seltos HTE (O) | |
| Petrol NA (ex-showroom) | Rs. 11.11 lakhs | Rs. 11.13 lakhs |
| Diesel (ex-showroom) | Rs. 12.68 lakhs | Rs. 12.70 lakhs |
The original touchscreen infotainment system with support for smartphone connectivity and rearview camera with dynamic guidelines can set customers back around tens of thousands of rupees (for the good ones with warranty).
It is safe to say that the Kia Seltos HTE (O) offers more value for customers’ money. Whether it is the naturally-aspirated petrol engine or the diesel engine, the base variant offers more features than the Hyundai Creta E.
Given that Hyundai and Kia release several updates around the year, we speculate that the former could also equip its base variant with the missing features.
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