2026 Kia Seltos HTE VS Hyundai Creta E: Base Model Comparison

The base variants of the Hyundai Creta facelift and the 2026 Kia Seltos aim to offer strong fundamentals for buyers who want safety, space and reliable engines without stretching the budget. Both SUVs come with petrol and diesel manual options, but their approach to features and cabin experience is quite different.

Base models in this segment have come a long way, and the updated Creta E and the new generation Seltos HTE show how competitive this entry point has become. 

While the Creta sticks to a simpler formula with proven mechanicals and practical essentials, the Seltos offers more tech, better lighting and a richer cabin experience. 

With both SUVs offering six airbags and a choice of petrol and diesel engines, the real differences lie in design, comfort features, and the feel of the interiors. 

This comparison breaks down every aspect across exterior, interior, infotainment, powertrains and safety to give a clear picture of which SUV suits which type of buyer.

Exterior

The Creta E keeps its exterior minimal with projector headlamps, functional design elements and steel wheels. It looks familiar and clean but clearly prioritises durability over styling. 

The Seltos HTE looks far newer and more premium for an entry variant thanks to LED headlamps, LED DRLs, a shark fin style antenna and a factory spoiler. 

The flush door handles instantly give it a more sophisticated profile. Even the rear of the Seltos feels more upmarket with LED tail lamps that stand out on the road. 

Overall the Creta focuses on safe and proven basics, while the Seltos delivers stronger road presence and a more modern curb appeal in its base form.

Also Read - Cheapest 2026 Kia Seltos Base HTE variant explained

Interior

The Creta E offers a practical and airy cabin with fabric seats, a reclining rear bench and height-adjustable headrests for all passengers. It focuses more on comfort with a two-step reclining rear seat that is uncommon in base SUVs. The Seltos HTE on the other hand, feels more contemporary with a cleaner layout and better materials in key touch points.

 Keyless entry and electrically adjustable mirrors in the Seltos HTE add daily convenience that the Creta E lacks. The darker upholstery of the Seltos gives it a slightly more premium feel, while the Creta leans toward an open and simple lighter tone. 

Those preferring rear seat comfort will incline towards the Creta, while the Seltos offers a more premium experience for the driver.

Infotainment

The Creta E takes a more traditional route by skipping a touchscreen entirely, which keeps costs down but limits modern conveniences. It still offers a digital cluster with a colour MID that provides essential information. The Seltos HTE has a significant advantage here with its 12-inch digital cluster paired with a 10.25-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

 Steering-mounted controls and additional charging ports round off a setup that feels far more complete. Buyers who prioritise tech, navigation or connected features will find the Seltos miles ahead, while the Creta caters purely to basics.

Engine-Performance-Mileage

Both SUVs share almost identical engine figures since they use the same 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel units. The Creta and Seltos deliver identical figures with their respective petrol and diesel engines. The difference comes in ARAI fuel efficiency, where the Creta has a slight advantage in both fuel types due to slightly leaner tuning. 

The Seltos offers a larger boot, which helps on long trips. On the road, both engines are known for refinement, with the diesel offering a strong mid-range punch. Performance differences are minimal and day-to-day driving will feel nearly identical across both SUVs.

Also Read - New Kia Seltos Image Gallery

Safety

Safety is one area where both SUVs offer strong basics, but there have been no recent certified safety ratings from either BNCAP or GNCAP. Both get six airbags, ESC, hill assist, TPMS and ISOFIX mounts which meet current norms. 

The Creta sticks with rear parking sensors while the Seltos adds a rear camera and all-wheel disc brakes. This gives the Seltos better braking consistency and makes parking easier for new drivers. The Creta still feels solid and dependable, but the Seltos simply packs more equipment that benefits everyday use. 

For buyers prioritizing active safety hardware the Seltos is clearly the more generous package.

Pricing

For the base model comparison, the current Creta E at about ₹10.73 lakh goes up against the upcoming Seltos HTE, which should open near ₹11 lakh. The Creta will remain the slightly cheaper option, but the Seltos is still shaping up to offer better overall value.

Kia usually packs its entry trims with genuinely useful features like a proper touchscreen, a rear camera, and six airbags, making the car feel more sorted from day one. That small premium is likely to pay off, since the Seltos should feel more complete and save buyers from spending extra on aftermarket additions.

Rivals 

Buyers planning to purchase the Hyundai Creta or the 2026 Kia Seltos are recommended to wait until the first few months of 2026, as multiple SUVs are set to launch around this period. 

These include the next-generation Renault Duster, Mahindra XUV 7XO, and the facelifted Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun. The Nissan Tekton is also expected to launch by mid-2026.