Buying a Compact SUV This Weekend? Maruti Grand Vitara vs Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos
If you’re in the market for a compact SUV in 2025 and planning a showroom visit soon, the segment is hotter than ever. With rising demand for versatile, feature-packed vehicles that balance city commuting with highway prowess, three models stand out as perennial bestsellers: the Maruti Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, and Kia Seltos. These SUVs dominate sales charts, with the Creta often leading as India’s top-selling SUV, followed closely by the Seltos and Grand Vitara. As of July 2025, Hyundai sold over 1.17 lakh units of the Creta in the first half of the year alone, while the Grand Vitara crossed 3 lakh units since its 2022 launch.
This comparison dives deep into their top-selling variants, engine options, space, features, and on-road prices to help you decide which one suits your needs—whether it’s fuel efficiency, performance, or tech-loaded cabins.
The compact SUV market in India has evolved rapidly, with buyers prioritizing safety, connectivity, and efficiency. The Grand Vitara appeals to those seeking Maruti’s reliability and hybrid tech, the Creta to feature enthusiasts with its bold design and ADAS suite, and the Seltos to style-conscious drivers who want a premium feel without breaking the bank.
We’ll focus on direct comparisons of popular variants like the Grand Vitara Alpha, Creta SX(O), and Seltos HTX, which are among the top sellers based on sales data and dealer feedback. All prices mentioned are ex-showroom Delhi as of August 2025, with on-road figures varying by state due to taxes and insurance.
Overview of the Models
Starting with the Maruti Grand Vitara, launched in 2022 and updated in 2025 with more standard safety features like six airbags across all variants and an optional panoramic sunroof on lower trims. It’s built on the Global C platform shared with the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, emphasizing efficiency with hybrid options.
The 2025 model introduces a “Phantom Blaq Edition” with matte black exteriors for a premium touch, available on the Alpha Plus hybrid variant.
The Hyundai Creta, refreshed in early 2025, celebrates 10 years in India with over 12 lakh units sold. It boasts a bolder front grille, LED lighting, and Knight editions with blacked-out elements. The Creta N Line adds sporty flair with turbo-petrol power and red accents. It’s assembled in Chennai and exported to over 13 countries, underscoring its global appeal.
The Kia Seltos, also updated in 2025, shares its platform with the Creta but differentiates with sharper styling, including crystal-cut alloy wheels and sequential LED indicators.
The X-Line variant offers a matte finish and exclusive features. Manufactured in Andhra Pradesh, it targets younger buyers with its tech-forward cabin and connected car ecosystem.
All three measure around 4.3-4.35 meters in length, making them ideal for urban parking while offering ample road presence.
Engine Options: Pros and Cons
Engine choices are a key battleground. The Grand Vitara stands out with its hybrid focus, offering a 1.5-liter mild-hybrid petrol (102 hp, 137 Nm) and a strong-hybrid variant (114 hp combined, with e-CVT). The mild-hybrid comes with 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, while the strong-hybrid prioritizes efficiency.
Pros: Exceptional mileage up to 27.97 kmpl in hybrid mode, smooth city driving, and low emissions.
Cons: The base petrol feels underpowered for highway overtakes, and the hybrid’s CVT can feel rubbery under hard acceleration. CNG options are available on select variants for even better running costs, delivering around 26 km/kg.
The Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos share similar powertrains, reflecting their corporate ties. Both offer a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol (115 hp, 144 Nm) with 6-speed manual or IVT/CVT, a 1.5-liter turbo-petrol (160 hp, 253 Nm) with 7-speed DCT, and a 1.5-liter diesel (116 hp, 250 Nm) with 6-speed manual or automatic.
Pros for turbo-petrol: Punchy performance, 0-100 kmph in under 9 seconds, and fun-to-drive dynamics. The diesel excels in torque for long drives.
Cons: The NA petrol averages 16-18 kmpl, lagging behind the Grand Vitara’s hybrid, and turbo variants can be thirsty at 14-16 kmpl in city traffic. The Seltos’ turbo feels slightly more responsive due to tuning, but real-world tests show similar acceleration.
In pros and cons: Grand Vitara’s hybrid wins for mileage-conscious buyers, but Creta/Seltos turbo options are better for enthusiasts seeking thrill. Diesel variants across all three offer 20-22 kmpl, making them cost-effective for high-mileage users.
Cabin Space, Boot Size, and Comfort
Space is crucial for family buyers. The Grand Vitara offers a wheelbase of 2600mm, providing generous rear knee room and headroom for three adults. Boot space is 373 liters (expandable to 690 liters with seats folded), suitable for weekend getaways but slightly less than rivals. Cabin highlights include ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof on top variants, and a practical layout with good storage. Ride quality is compliant over potholes, thanks to 208mm ground clearance.
The Creta edges ahead with 433 liters of boot space and a 2610mm wheelbase, offering flat floors for easier loading and more rear legroom. It’s the most spacious for tall passengers, with rear sunshades and AC vents enhancing comfort. The Seltos matches the Creta’s boot and wheelbase, but its sloping roofline slightly reduces headroom. Both Korean siblings feature premium touches like leatherette seats and ambient lighting, with the Seltos’ Bose 8-speaker system providing superior audio.
Pros: Creta and Seltos offer more boot versatility; Grand Vitara feels airier with its sunroof.
Cons: None excel in outright luxury, but road noise is noticeable in all at high speeds.
Features: Tech and Safety Showdown
Features are where the Creta and Seltos shine. Top variants like Creta SX(O) and Seltos HTX+ include dual 10.25-inch screens (infotainment and driver’s display), Level 2 ADAS (adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring), 360-degree camera, and panoramic sunroof. The Creta adds voice commands via Alexa integration, while the Seltos’ Kia Connect offers over 60 connected features like OTA updates.dddcc3 Safety: Six airbags standard, ISOFIX, and TPMS.
The Grand Vitara counters with a 9-inch touchscreen, heads-up display on Alpha Plus, and ADAS Level 2 on select variants. It includes unique ALLGRIP AWD for light off-roading.
Pros: Creta/Seltos have more premium tech; Grand Vitara’s hybrid-specific EV mode for silent drives.
Cons: Base variants of all feel basic, lacking wireless charging or ventilated seats.
Official Website
Maruti Grand Vitara
Hyundai Creta
https://www.hyundai.com/in/en/find-a-car/creta/highlights
Kia Seltos
On-Road Prices and Value
Pricing starts similar: Grand Vitara Sigma at ₹11.42 Lakh (on-road ₹13 Lakh), Creta E at ₹11.11 Lakh (₹12.8 Lakh), Seltos HTE at ₹11.19 Lakh (~₹13 Lakh).
Top variants: Grand Vitara Alpha Plus Hybrid ~₹23 Lakh on-road, Creta SX(O) Turbo ~₹23.5 Lakh, Seltos X-Line ~₹23 Lakh.
Value-wise, Grand Vitara offers lower maintenance (Maruti network) and better resale. Creta and Seltos provide more features per rupee in mid-variants.
Pros and Cons Summary
Maruti Grand Vitara
Pros: Best mileage (hybrid), reliable service, AWD option.
Cons: Less powerful base engine, fewer premium features.
Hyundai Creta
Pros: Spacious boot, advanced ADAS, bold styling.
Cons: Higher fuel consumption in turbo, occasional build quality niggles.
Kia Seltos
Pros: Sporty drive (turbo), premium audio, connected tech.
Cons: Similar to Creta but pricier in some variants, firm ride.
Verdict for Different Buyers
Best for Mileage: Maruti Grand Vitara hybrid—up to 28 kmpl makes it ideal for daily commuters saving on fuel costs.
Best for Features: Hyundai Creta SX(O)—loaded with ADAS, dual screens, and panoramic sunroof for tech-savvy families.
Best for Performance: Kia Seltos turbo variants—195 hp delivers thrilling acceleration for highway enthusiasts.
Ultimately, test drive all three. The Grand Vitara suits budget-conscious eco-drivers, while Creta and Seltos appeal to those wanting modern flair. With waiting periods up to 1.5 months for popular variants, act fast if buying this weekend.
You may also like to read: https://khabarkhabri.com/new-hyundai-alcazar-vs-tata-safari-3024/