KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Hyundai Creta: all-rounder with multiple engines and premium features
- Tata Sierra: feature-rich cabin with versatile engine options
- Maruti SUVs: hybrid powertrains and advanced tech/safety
The 2026 Kia Seltos has arrived with a fresh design, upgraded interiors and smarter tech, aiming to reset expectations in the mid-size SUV market. But if you're planning to buy one, the real story begins when you look around, because many of its rivals already offer something just as tempting, if not more. So, what else should be on your radar? Let's break down the best alternatives worth considering. However, before moving further, make sure to join the 91Wheels WhatsApp community to never miss out on any automotive updates.
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Hyundai Creta: Best All Rounder For Most Buyers
Just like the Seltos, the Creta sits among India's most popular compact SUVs in the segment; in many ways, they're siblings. The Creta offers a choice of powertrains: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.5-litre diesel or a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, along with multiple gearbox options including 6-speed manual, automatic/CVT and, in top trims, a 7-speed DCT. Depending on the variant, it packs features such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, a Bose sound system, wireless charging, and a modern safety kit (airbags, ABS-EBD, ESC, parking sensors and 360-degree camera on higher variants). Most importantly, it comes at a starting price of Rs 10.72 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 20.19 lakh (ex-showroom).
Grand Vitara/ Hyryder
The Grand Vitara and Hyryder offer the same set of features along with powertrains. Both cars offer three powertrains: a 1.5-litre mild hybrid setup, a 1.5-litre strong hybrid setup and lastly, a CNG-powered setup with the same engine. Meanwhile, transmission options include a 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and an eCVT unit. It comes loaded with features such as a 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a digital cluster, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, automatic climate control with rear AC vents, wireless charging, 360-degree camera, ABS-EBD with ESP, and six airbags. The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is priced from around Rs 10.76 lakh for the base mild-hybrid petrol variant up to about Rs 19.72 lakh for the top-spec strong-hybrid automatic, while the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder starts slightly higher at Rs 10.94 lakh and goes up to roughly Rs 19.76 lakh for the top hybrid trim.
Maruti Suzuki Victoris
Maruti Suzuki Victoris is the flagship SUV sold by Maruti Suzuki's Arena network. This SUV shares the same powertrains and transmission options as its siblings, Grand Vitara and Hyryder, but in terms of features, Victoris remains ahead. Maruti Victoris offers many features that were missing in the Grand Vitara, including level 2 ADAS, 10.25-inch infotainment, powered tailgate with gesture control and much more. Most importantly, it is priced lower than the Grand Vitara and Hyryder. It comes at a starting price of Rs 10.49 lakh and goes up to Rs 19.98 lakh (ex-showroom).
Tata Sierra
A new addition to the mid-size SUV segment, the Tata Sierra offers a versatile 1.5litre engine lineup, including a NA petrol, turbo-petrol and diesel, paired with manual, automatic, or DCT gearboxes depending on the variant. Prices start at Rs 11.49/lakh (ex-showroom). It comes loaded with t, riple screens setup electronic tailgate release, push-button start/stop, dual-zone climate control with rear AC vents, multiple USB ports including Type-C, electronic parking brake with auto-hold, six airbags, parking sensors with reverse camera, flush door handles with welcome lighting, panoramic sunroof, and premium cabin touches like ambient lighting, making it a feature-rich and versatile alternative in the mid-size SUV space.
Volkswagen Taigun/ Skoda Kushaq
The Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq are built on the same MQB-A0-IN platform, offering a solid driving experience. Both SUVs feature 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre TSI turbo-petrol engines, paired with 6speed manual, 6-speed torque converter automatic, or 7-speed DSG gearboxes. Key features include a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, digital instrument cluster, ventilated seats, sunroof, wireless charging, six airbags, ESC, hill-hold assist, and 360-degree camera. Prices for the Taigun range from Rs 11.39/lakh to Rs 19.14/lakh (exshowroom), while the Kushaq is priced slightly lower, starting at Rs 10.61 lakh up to Rs 18.43 lakh, making them ideal for buyers who are a little tight on budget.
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Verdict
The 2026 Kia Seltos sets a new benchmark with its refreshed design, premium interiors, and tech-rich cabin. However, the mid-size SUV segment is packed with capable alternatives that offer competitive pricing, versatile powertrains, and segment-first features. From Hyundai Creta's all-round comfort, Maruti's hybrid trio (Grand Vitara, Hyryder, Victoris) with advanced safety and tech, Tata Sierra's feature-loaded versatility, to the European-style dynamics of Taigun and Kushaq, buyers have plenty of options to match their priorities in performance, comfort, and value.
