Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos vs Maruti Grand Vitara – The Indian compact to mid-size SUV segment is one of the most loved ones today. From mild variations of odd road trips within the city to the longest of journeys, SUVs maintain a rather good symmetry between these two extremes. While in a comparison of 2025-26, the Hyundai Creta, the Kia Seltos, and of course, the Maruti Grand Vitara glow through offering staying power, frill, & comfort; in making the comparison, one could reasonably argue that these SUVs stand out as different competitors in their respective categories. Let us now throw aside decorum and see which SUV matches your bill better.
Design and Road Presence
The Hyundai Creta has heart-stopping looks and is, in some ways, successfully blending elegance and modernity; it offers something for everyone. Premium touches add to the front DRLs and grille ambience.
The sleeker version, that is the Kia Seltos, boldly declares this to the world. Sharp lines appeal to any eye, but the aggressive stance somewhat lends itself to a young audience.
Very modern and very clean surfaces define the Grand Vitara. It may not approach the stunner status of Creta/Seltos, but it takes the crown when you talk about minimalistic and understated.
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Grand Vitara
A good choice on practical grounds, with safety and hybrid (mild hybrid versions) technologies, albeit somewhat light on the features.
Now, all three of these SUVs have next-gen features such as ADAS, airbags, a 360-degree camera, and cruise control, but the tech-savviest one would definitely be the Kia Seltos.
Engine and Mileage
In terms of petrol and turbo petrol engines, smoothness and reasonable refinement distinguish the Creta. Ayone’s performing urbanosaur for city and highway duty fairly well, while mileage is decent and almost at par with the segment average.
The next bastion of comfort includes fun highway overtaking, giving way to turbo petrol engine performance of the Seltos, sportier indeed, which might come with CNG/Hybrid options.
In terms of economy, however, the Grand Vitara shines just a little more on the grounds of its mild hybrid setting; slight advantage in city and highways!
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Ride Comfort and Practicality
Creta wins in the arena of ride quality. It would stand up to the task of mellowing out the abruptness from city potholes and undulations from any kind of highway.
The Seltos would carry a stiff setup, which does aid handling but, on the other hand, does not spare comfort for horrid surfaces, thus enjoying the ride on the Creta.
The Grand Vitara is still a serene and pliable ride due to its soft-to-medium suspension, especially in the hybrid configuration. It gains no extra space due to the absence of a third row, but it does provide a fairly spacious cabin for five passengers.
Day-To-Day Use and Ownership
From an ownership perspective, the Grand Vitara should enjoy good service and resale values, backed by the Maruti concern, therefore appears good for the long term.
Now, both Creta and Seltos are city-friendly in driving, parking, and manoeuvring through traffic; add the wider service network of Hyundai/Kia, and it is the icing on the cake for ease of maintenance.
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Conclusion
Should you crave comfort, technology, and daily usability in a perfectly balanced amalgamation, you can trust the Hyundai Creta to never steer you wrong.
If you are looking for sporty driving with many upmarket features, you must consider the Kia Seltos seriously.
But if the costs of running, practical hybrid technology, and resale value are also important to you, then everyone will tell you the Maruti Grand Vitara is for you.

