In the highly competitive midsize SUV segment, both the Honda Elevate Facelift and the Kia Seltos stand out as strong contenders. Honda launched the facelift version of the Elevate this month, with prices starting from ₹11.80 lakh and going up to ₹18.40 lakh (ex-showroom). On the other hand, the Kia Seltos begins at roughly ₹10.99-11 lakh, with top-end variants stretching past ₹21 lakh. The updated Elevate brings a refreshed look, new features, and an enhanced safety package, while keeping the familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine unchanged.
Engine Options and Performance
The Kia Seltos offers greater variety and features by providing three distinct engine choices, namely a naturally aspirated petrol, a turbo petrol, and a diesel engine. Both vehicles offer ample space, comfort, and modern technology suitable for family use, but the right choice ultimately depends on individual budgets, driving styles, and feature preferences. The Elevate features a 1.5-litre NA petrol engine that produces 121 PS of power and 145 Nm of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. Its claimed mileage stands at 15.31 km/l for the manual and 16.61 km/l for the CVT. In comparison, the Seltos offers a 1.5 NA petrol making 115 PS, a 1.5 turbo petrol making 160 PS, and a 1.5 diesel making 116 PS. The mileage for the Seltos reaches up to 16.5 km/l for the NA petrol, 17.5 km/l for the turbo DCT, and 19.4 km/l for the diesel manual. While the Seltos wins on performance variety, the Elevate maintains an edge in refinement.
Dimensions and Exterior Design
In terms of exterior styling, the front of the Elevate Facelift sports a bold new mesh grille, segmented LED DRL strips, and a revised bumper, complemented by connected LED tail lamps at the rear. It measures 4312 mm in length, 1790 mm in width, and 1650 mm in height, featuring a wheelbase of 2650 mm and a ground clearance of 220 mm. Meanwhile, the Kia Seltos boasts a more modern and aggressive stance, measuring longer at 4460 mm and wider at 1830 mm, with a wheelbase of 2690 mm. The Seltos is widely regarded as having a more premium and sporty road presence.
Cabin Layout, Interiors and Space
Stepping inside, the Elevate features an updated dual-tone theme, soft-touch materials, and ambient lighting. The top-tier variants are equipped with powered front seats offering 8-way adjustment for the driver and 4-way for the passenger, along with front and rear ventilated seats, segment-first rear ventilation, and a PM 2.5 air filter. It offers a boot capacity of 458 litres. In contrast, the Seltos incorporates large 12.3-inch dual screens, superior finish levels, a panoramic sunroof, and a more luxurious feel, backed by a boot space of roughly 447 litres. Cabin space is generous in both models, though the Seltos feels slightly more roomy.
Technology and Luxury Features
When it comes to technological offerings, the Elevate comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree camera, a wireless charger, a sunroof, and Honda Connect. The Seltos steps ahead in luxury and tech by offering a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a digital cluster, a Bose sound system, a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, and an extensive suite of connected features.
Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance
Both SUVs come equipped with six airbags as standard safety equipment. The Elevate incorporates the Honda Sensing Level-2 ADAS suite featuring adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking, alongside a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, electronic parking brake, and rear disc brakes specifically on the CVT model. Meanwhile, the Kia Seltos holds a prestigious 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, securing 31.70 out of 32 for adult protection and 45 out of 49 for child protection, while also featuring camera-and-radar-based Level-2 ADAS and advanced safety assists.
