Skoda Kushaq vs Kia Seltos – Features, Safety, Engines Comparison!

The Skoda Kushaq just made its global debut a couple of days ago and it is only natural to compare it with segment favourites. We have already done a detailed comparison of the Kushaq against the segment leader, the Hyundai Creta earlier. The next most popular mid-size SUV in the segment is the Kia Seltos which is what we are going to cover in this post. Skoda, as we all know, is betting big on this product, which is also the first product under its India 2.0 strategy along with Volkswagen. They have jointly developed MQB A0 IN platform for our market on which many new products will be based including this SUV and upcoming executive sedans from both brands. Having been heavily localized, the Kushaq is focused to grab a large chunk of the market in the mid-size SUV segment, which is currently dominated by the Korean siblings. To compete with the popular SUVs, Kushaq will be priced competitively. Let us compare the two SUVs on various fronts in this post.

Skoda Kushaq vs Kia Seltos – Exteriors and Dimensions

Skoda has been able to retain a lot from the Vision IN concept that was showcased at the Auto Expo 2020. This means that the Kushaq features a very bold and muscular exterior with a typical butterfly front grille, split crystalline LED headlamps with LED DRLs, a chunky bumper with skid plates and an upright stance. The sharp creases all around make it unmistakably Skoda and the sides are accentuated by 17-inch dual-tone alloys, practical roof rails and sporty. At the rear, the LED tail lamps around the corners make the car look wider, the skid plates under the rear bumper, the chrome strip running across the width of the SUV makes the rear modern and sophisticated.

Also read: Sales Report for mid-size SUV segment – Creta, Seltos, Hector and Harrier!

The Kia Seltos is a muscular bold and modern SUV that is warmly welcomed by the customers after its arrival. Having already known the Indian sensibilities, Kia made sure that the exterior appearance of the Seltos does make it look blingy and grand. Therefore, the front facia features the LED headlamps along with LED strip and LED DRLs, that run across the width of the car on the nose, a large signature Tiger Nose grille with chrome outlines, vertical LED fog lamps on the bumper and skid plates. On the sides, the 17-inch Crystal Cut Alloys with red brake calipers and floating roof rails make the car look sporty. On the rear, the most striking features include a chrome bar that connects the two LED heartbeat Tail lamps, Rear Spoiler, Shark Fin Antenna and much more.

In terms of exterior dimensions, the Kia Seltos has a slight edge over the Skoda Kushaq but the Kushaq scores well on the wheelbase length. This translates into more rear cabin space which is very important for a vehicle in our market. That does make the boot a little smaller, but that is the trade-off that one needs to be willing to make.

Also read: Why are carmakers like Skoda, VW, Jeep and Citroen focusing on localization!

Skoda Kushaq vs Kia Seltos – Interiors and Features

The Skoda Kushaq boasts of an impressive features list and has all the modern amenities, features and connectivity. This includes a free-standing 10-inch Digital Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Connected Car Tech with a ton of features, pre-installed Apps, Wireless charging, Automatic Climate Control with touch inputs, two-spoke multi-purpose Steering Wheel, White Ambient Lighting, LED Reading Lights, chrome-plated Door handles, chrome bits at various places inside the cabin, 6-speakers Skoda Audio System with extra subwoofer in the Spare Wheel well and much more. The special Skoda simply clever bits include a non-slip base in a cup holder, a ticket holder on A-Pillar, bag hooks in the boot, a phone box in the front fro the smartphone and smartphone storage pockets on the front seatbacks.

Also read: Kia EV6 revealed – Check out beautiful and unique EV car concepts!

The Kia Seltos is known for being equipped with comfort and convenience features upto the brim. The long list includes features like a 10.25-inch Digital Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch Digital Colour Instrument Display, an 8-inch Head-up Display UVO Connected Car Tech, Smartwatch Connectivity, BOSE premium 8 speaker system with dynamic speed compensation, Bluetooth Connectivity, Voice Recognition, Steering Mounted Audio Control, Blind View monitor, Driving rearview monitor, Ventilated Front Seats, Wireless Smartphone Charging, Smart Pure Air purifier, Traction and Drive Modes (AT and DCT only), 8-way Driver power seat, Ambient LED mood lighting and much more.

Skoda Kushaq vs Kia Seltos – Safety

On the safety front, the Kushaq comes equipped with 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD and ESC, Hill-Hold Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, ISOFIX child seat mounts, Multi-Collision Brake, Three-point Seatbelt, Front and rear parking sensors with Camera and much more.

Also read: Kia becomes the fastest carmaker to reach 2 lakh sales in India!

The Seltos, on the other hand, comes with a safety list including 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, Vehicle Stability Management, All-four Disc Brakes, Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems, Front and Rear Parking Sensors with a 360-degree view Camera with dynamic parking guidelines, Hill-Start Assist and much more. Both these cars are equally well equipped in terms of safety kit.

Skoda Kushaq vs Kia Seltos – Engines and Expected Prices

The Skoda Kushaq comes with the legendary 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine, making 115 PS and 175 Nm and its bigger sibling, the 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol unit making 150 PS and 250 Nm in action with the Kushaq. Complementing the 1.0-litre engine will be a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The larger 1.5-litre unit will come mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG (DCT) gearbox. The expected prices of the Skoda Kushaq will be in the range of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 18 lakh, ex-showroom.

The Kia Seltos comes with a multitude of engine-gearbox combinations including a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol making 115 PS and 144 Nm, a 1.5-litre diesel making 115 PS and 250 Nm and a 1.4-litre Turbo petrol with direct injection making 140 PS and 242 Nm. These engines can be had with either a 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, 7-speed DCT or a CVT transmission options. The Kia Seltos costs between Rs 9.89 lakh and Rs 17.45 lakh, ex-showroom.

Also read: Kia Sonet vs Renault Kiger – Prices, Engines, Features Comparison!

Skoda Kushaq vs Kia Seltos – Verdict

These two feature-packed mid-size SUVs make choosing extremely difficult. In fairness, one can’t really go wrong with either of the two. However, there are distinct characteristics to both the vehicles which might suit some particular requirements. For instance, if someone is looking to drive himself/herself and wants a great handler with dynamic power delivery for pleasure, one ought to opt for the Skoda Kushaq. On the other hand, if someone wants a diesel engine or regular engines with more focus on comforts and conveniences, one might be better off in Kia Seltos. Everyone will find their requirements satisfied with these two SUVs.