Creta vs Seltos: A Tale of Two Crossovers

By Kareem LaTouche, Automotive Coordinator

In the dynamic world of compact SUVs, two vehicles are slowly building a name for themselves: the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. These two vehicles, sharing a common platform and a familial bond under the same corporate umbrella, present themselves as distinct choices. While both offer a similar proposition — a city-friendly SUV with modern amenities — their approach to design, interior feel, and driving dynamics sets them apart.

History and Evolution

The Hyundai Creta first made its mark on the global stage in 2014, establishing itself as a popular choice in emerging markets. It was a vehicle designed from the outset to meet the needs of a diverse customer base, prioritising practicality and a broad appeal. The current generation represents a significant evolution, with Hyundai refining its formula to include more advanced technology and a more sophisticated design language, moving it further into the premium compact SUV space.

The Kia Seltos, on the other hand, arrived later in 2019, quickly gaining traction as a strong competitor in the subcompact SUV segment. From its inception, the Seltos was positioned as a stylish and tech-forward option, sitting between the smaller Sonet and the larger Sportage in Kia’s line-up. The current generation builds upon this foundation, introducing a refined exterior, upgraded interior materials, and a focus on a more engaging driving experience, distinguishing itself from its contemporaries.

Exterior Design: Style vs Substance

The Hyundai Creta’s exterior design is characterised by a “dynamic” design language, featuring a harmonious blend of sculpted lines and elegant curves. The front fascia, with its cascading grille and sleek LED headlights, gives the vehicle a confident and sophisticated look. Its overall design aims for a broad, visually impactful aesthetic that is both modern and approachable.

In contrast, the Kia Seltos embraces a sharper, more assertive look. The “crown jewel” LED headlamps and star-map signature lighting on the current generation give it a futuristic and striking appearance. The signature “tiger-nose” grille is more prominent, and blacked-out pillars create a “floating roof” effect. The Seltos’s design is more overtly sporty and aggressive, targeting a younger, more style-conscious audience.

Interior Comfort, Infotainment, and Audio

Inside the Creta, there is a strong focus on comfort and luxury. The cabin is ergonomically designed, with premium materials like leather seats. The infotainment system, with a responsive touchscreen, integrates seamlessly with smartphones. A key feature is the panoramic sunroof, which enhances the sense of space and openness in the cabin. The thoughtful placement of controls, including climate buttons and steering-mounted controls, contributes to an effortless and refined user experience.

The Seltos GT-Line’s interior also exudes a premium feel, with a dual-screen panoramic display that combines the infotainment screen and digital gauge cluster. A standout feature is the ventilated front seats, a welcome addition for Jamaica’s tropical climate. The interior also includes adjustable mood lighting that can sync with music, adding a customisable ambiance. While the 8-inch touchscreen is responsive, the sound from the six-speaker audio system may require some fine-tuning to achieve the desired quality.

Driving Experience: Engine and Handling

The Creta is equipped with a 1.5-litre gasolene engine that produces 115 horsepower and 144 Nm of torque. This is paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), which provides smooth and efficient power delivery. The vehicle’s handling is designed to be confidence-inspiring, with responsive braking and steering. The inclusion of multiple driving modes like Sport and Eco allows the driver to alter the vehicle’s performance characteristics to suit different situations.

The Seltos, also powered by a 1.5-litre engine, delivers 115 horsepower but with a lower torque output. Its CVT transmission ensures adequate performance for daily driving, with a strong emphasis on fuel efficiency. The Seltos’s handling is described as “typical SUV”, with a reasonable ability to absorb road imperfections, though it exhibits some body roll. The Seltos’s engine, while not “neck-snapping,” is a strong performer, with a fuel economy that allows for a long range on its 50-litre tank.

Cargo Space and Practicality

Both the Creta and the Seltos offer a respectable amount of cargo space for their class, making them highly practical for families and individuals. The Creta provides 433 litres of boot space, which is adequate for groceries, luggage, and sports equipment. This capacity makes it a versatile choice for a range of activities, from daily errands to long road trips.

Similarly, the Seltos boasts the same 433 litres of cargo space, which is ample for luggage and other gear. This cargo capacity, combined with its city-friendly dimensions, makes it a pragmatic option for navigating urban environments and accommodating the needs of a small family.

The Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos are two well-matched competitors in the compact SUV market. The Creta offers a more luxurious and comfort-oriented experience with its refined design and premium interior features such as the panoramic sunroof and user-friendly infotainment system. Its driving dynamics are tuned for confidence and ease of use. The Seltos, on the other hand, appeals to those who favour a more assertive style and a tech-forward cabin, with features like ventilated seats and customisable mood lighting. While both vehicles share similar engine specifications and cargo space, their different design philosophies and feature sets mean that the choice between them ultimately depends on the buyer’s priorities — whether they value classic sophistication and comfort or a sporty, modern aesthetic and innovative technology.

Vehicle Specifications

Hyundai Creta

Price of Tested Model: $6.6m

Engine: 1.5-liter gasoline

Torque: 143.8 Nm @ 4500 rpm

Transmission: Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), FWD

Fuel Tank: 50 litres

Gas Consumption: 16.4km / l

Kia Seltos

Price of Tested Model: $6.9m

Engine: 1.5-litre inline-4 petrol

Horsepower: 115 PS @ 6300 rpm

Torque: 106 Nm

Transmission: CVT

Fuel Tank: 50 litres

Fuel Range: 13.7 km/l