The SUV market in India has grown exponentially, with buyers seeking a perfect balance between style, comfort, performance, and affordability. Two strong contenders currently grabbing attention are the Maruti Victoris and the Kia Seltos. While the Kia Seltos has already established itself as a trusted mid-size SUV with a premium edge, the newly launched Maruti Victoris is making headlines as a value-packed alternative.
In this detailed comparison, we explore the design, performance, features, safety, fuel efficiency, and pricing of both SUVs to determine which one truly offers more value for money.
1. Exterior Design and Styling
- Maruti Victoris:
The Victoris sports a bold and modern design with a muscular stance. Its upright grille, LED headlamps, and sculpted bonnet give it a commanding road presence. The alloy wheels and body cladding emphasize a sporty and rugged appeal, ideal for young buyers. - Kia Seltos:
The Seltos has always been admired for its sharp, urban styling. With its signature tiger-nose grille, sleek LED DRLs, and aggressive bumper design, it oozes sophistication. The facelifted version also comes with sharper lines and sportier dual-tone paint options.
✅ Verdict: If you prefer premium urban style, the Seltos wins. But if you want a rugged SUV vibe, the Victoris holds its ground.
2. Interior Comfort and Features
- Maruti Victoris:
Inside, the Victoris focuses on practicality and comfort. It comes with a spacious cabin, ample legroom, and supportive seats. Features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, and a digital driver display. Maruti has ensured practicality with multiple storage spaces and a large boot capacity. - Kia Seltos:
The Seltos is known for its feature-rich cabin that blends style with technology. It offers ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, premium leather upholstery, a Bose 8-speaker system, panoramic sunroof, air purifier, and ADAS features in higher trims. It definitely feels more upmarket compared to Victoris.
✅ Verdict: For luxury and tech, the Seltos is ahead. But for functional value and affordability, the Victoris makes a strong case.
3. Engine Options and Performance
- Maruti Victoris:
The Victoris is expected to come with 1.5L petrol and strong hybrid options, delivering excellent fuel efficiency. Power output may not be the most thrilling, but it focuses on practicality and long-term running cost savings. The hybrid system ensures smooth city driving and lower emissions. - Kia Seltos:
The Seltos offers three engine choices – 1.5L petrol, 1.5L diesel, and 1.4L turbo-petrol (in some trims). With manual, iMT, CVT, and DCT gearbox options, it caters to both economy-focused and performance-driven buyers. The turbo-petrol version, in particular, offers an exciting driving experience.
✅ Verdict: Victoris shines in mileage and hybrid efficiency, while Seltos wins for performance variety and driving thrill.
4. Fuel Efficiency
- Maruti Victoris:
One of its biggest selling points is efficiency. The hybrid powertrain is expected to deliver 20–25 km/l, making it ideal for buyers conscious about rising fuel prices. - Kia Seltos:
The petrol and diesel variants offer decent efficiency in the range of 15–19 km/l, depending on driving conditions. However, it cannot match the Victoris hybrid in long-term savings.
✅ Verdict: Maruti Victoris clearly wins here with its hybrid mileage advantage.
5. Safety Features
- Maruti Victoris:
Comes with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability program (ESP), hill hold assist, 360-degree camera, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. Maruti is also focusing on improving its Global NCAP safety ratings. - Kia Seltos:
The Seltos offers advanced safety features like ADAS Level 2, blind spot detection, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, and up to 6 airbags. It also has a strong safety record in global crash tests.
✅ Verdict: While both are safe, the Seltos edges ahead with ADAS features for tech-savvy safety seekers.
6. Pricing and Value for Money
- Maruti Victoris:
Expected pricing ranges from ₹10 lakh to ₹17 lakh (ex-showroom), making it an attractive option in the segment. With hybrid technology and Maruti’s wide service network, it offers great long-term value. - Kia Seltos:
Priced between ₹11 lakh to ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom), the Seltos is on the premium side. However, for the extra cost, you get luxury features and a performance edge.
✅ Verdict: If budget and efficiency are top priorities, choose Maruti Victoris. If you don’t mind paying more for features and brand prestige, go for the Kia Seltos.
Final Verdict: Which SUV is Right for You?
Both SUVs target different buyer preferences:
- Choose Maruti Victoris if you want:
- Better mileage and hybrid efficiency
- Affordable pricing
- Spacious and practical family SUV
- Low running and maintenance costs
- Choose Kia Seltos if you want:
- Premium features and luxury feel
- Performance-oriented turbo engines
- Advanced ADAS safety features
- Stylish urban appeal
Ultimately, the Maruti Victoris is the value king, while the Kia Seltos is the luxury performer. Your choice depends on whether you want efficiency and affordability or premium comfort and thrill.