Kia Seltos vs Honda Elevate Spec Comparison: What’s Different?

Kia has introduced the second-generation Seltos at its global premiere in New Delhi and confirmed that international production will begin at its Andhra Pradesh plant. Pre-bookings in India have begun, ahead of a price announcement scheduled for January 2, 2026. Honda’s Elevate, already retailing in the segment, continues with a single-engine layout but positions itself strongly with a focus on practicality. Together, the two SUVs represent contrasting strategies within the same category.

Both SUVs follow an upright, SUV-oriented profile, but the details set them apart. The Seltos carries Kia’s latest design direction with a wider grille, squared LED headlamps, a refreshed rear section with full-width LED elements and flush-fitting door handles. The Elevate, meanwhile, features a prominent rectangular grille, LED projector lamps with DRLs, roof rails and a simpler, boxy profile. Its 17-inch alloy wheels contrast with the Seltos’ 18-inch units on higher variants. In terms of dimensions, the Seltos is the larger of the two, measuring 4,460 mm in length and 1,830 mm in width, with a wheelbase of 2,690 mm. The Elevate, at 4,312 mm in length, 1,790 mm in width and a wheelbase of 2,650 mm, adopts a more compact footprint.

On the inside, the two vehicles continue to reflect different priorities. The new Seltos uses a horizontal dashboard layout dominated by dual 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. The cabin also includes features such as a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, reclining rear seats and an upgraded audio system. Honda’s Elevate uses a more conventional layout with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 7-inch digital MID, along with an electric sunroof, wireless charging, an eight-speaker sound system, rear AC vents and added storage practicality.

Where the Seltos and Elevate diverge most clearly is in the powertrain lineup. Kia offers three engine options: a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine (113.4bhp and 144Nm torque), a 1.5L turbo-petrol engine (157.8bhp and 253Nm torque) and a 1.5L diesel engine (114.4bhp and 250Nm torque). These are paired with a wide selection of transmissions, including manual, iMT, IVT, DCT and automatic choices. The Elevate takes a simpler route with a single 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine (119.3 bhp and 145nm torque) available with either a six-speed manual or a CVT equipped with paddle shifters.

The Seltos is offered in eight variants, ranging from HTE to GTX, with additional optional trims such as HTE(O), HTK(O), HTX(A) and GTX(A). The Elevate, by comparison, is available in four variants: SV, V, VX and ZX.

Safety equipment has gained increasing importance in this segment and both manufacturers have invested heavily in ADAS features. The Seltos includes 24 standard safety features, along with six airbags, electronic stability control, rear occupant alert and hill-start assist. Its ADAS package offers 21 functions, including forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, blind view monitoring, smart cruise control and a 360-degree camera. Honda’s Elevate is equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-start assist, vehicle stability assist, a multi-angle rear camera and ISOFIX mounts. Its Honda Sensing suite adds collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation and more.