Honda is all set to enter the highly lucrative mid-size SUV segment of our market with Elevate and it has teased quite a lot of information to warrant this comparison post with the Kia Seltos which is also set to receive a facelift.
This is a specs, design, and features comparison post of the upcoming Honda Elevate vs Kia Seltos 2023. Elevate will be Honda’s weapon against the mighty popular Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos in our market. The latter two Korean SUVs have grabbed a majority market share in this rapidly growing segment. In the last couple of years, products like Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, VW Taigun and MG Astor have also entered this segment making the competition for any new entrant quite stiff. But Honda is backing its strengths and arriving to this party despite being late. Let us see what to expect from these two SUVs.
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Honda Elevate vs Kia Seltos Facelift – Specs Comparison
It is known that the upcoming SUV from Honda will borrow powertrains from the existing City sedan. This indicates that Elevate will have a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.5-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine with a strong hybrid system on offer. The former is good for a decent 121 hp and 145 Nm while the latter makes 109 hp and 253 Nm of peak power and torque. The non-hybrid mill is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic and the hybrid powertrain will be mated to a sole e:CVT automatic transmission. Some reports also suggest that there could also be a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine that will produce 120 hp and 173 Nm of peak power and torque but there has been no official statement on this yet.
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On the other hand, the facelift version of the Seltos is likely to come with the same powertrains as the existing model. This includes a 1.5-litre petrol engine making 115 PS and 144 Nm, a 1.5-litre diesel making 115 PS and 250 Nm and a 1.4-litre turbo petrol making 140 PS and 242 Nm of peak power and torque respectively. There are options of a 6-speed manual, CVT automatic and a 7-speed DCT automatic depending on the variant. Note that Hyundai recently introduced the new 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine in the Verna and it might replace the 1.4-litre in Seltos with the facelift as well since Kia sources all its powertrains from Hyundai.
| Specs | Honda Elevate | Kia Seltos |
| Engine | 1.5-litre petrol; 1.5-litre Atkinson hybrid petrol | 1.5-litre petrol; 1.5-litre diesel; 1.4-litre turbo petrol |
| Power | 121 hp (P)/ 109 hp (Hybrid) | 115 hp (P) / 115 hp (D) / 140 hp (P) |
| Torque | 145 Nm (P)/ 253 Nm (Hybrid) | 144 Nm (P) / 250 Nm (D) / 242 Nm (P) |
| Transmission | 6-speed MT / CVT / e:CVT | 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT / CVT / DCT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Mileage | NA | 16.1 kmpl -18 kmpl |
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Honda Elevate vs Kia Seltos – Design Comparison
While there are no clear images released by Honda yet, it has officially revealed that the mid-size will have a regular electric sunroof and not the panoramic one like on the Creta. Nevertheless, judging by some modest and logical digital concepts online, we can expect the understated but elegant design language that could consist of a bold front end with sleek LED headlamps, imposing fascia, stylish alloy wheels, subtle creases on the sides and modern LED taillamp unit. The official image also showcased a shark fin antenna and roof rails to accentuate the SUV traits.
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Similarly, there are no official images of the facelift version of the Seltos but it has already been launched in multiple international markets last year. Hence, we could infer that the overall design will resemble that of the current-gen model save for a few subtle differences in the grille section at the front along with headlamp units. Furthermore, the alloy wheel pattern will be new and there will be changes to the rear section as well. Since it will just be a facelift, don’t expect a radically different design altogether.
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Interior and Features
Since the Elevate will share a lot of components with the City sedan, it makes sense to inherit some of its key features too. This could include things like Honda SENSING ADAS features, Amazon Alexa Connectivity, Lane Watch Camera, G-Meter, LED Foglamps, All Four One-Touch Power Windows, Touchscreen Infotainment System, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Commands, 6 Airbags, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, 8-Speaker Premium Audio System, Electric Sunroof, Ambient Lighting, Height Adjustable Driver Seat, and more.
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On the other hand, Seltos is among the most feature-laden products in its segment. There are things like a 10.25-inch Digital Infotainment Display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-inch Head Up Display, Digital Instrument Cluster, BOSE Premium 8-speaker Audio System, Connected Car Tech, Voice Recognition, Blind Spot Monitoring, Ventilated Front Seats, Wireless Charging, Ambient Lighting, Air Purifier, 8-Way Adjustable Driver’s Seat and more. The facelift model could even boast some more features. We shall update this post when the Elevate and Seltos facelift are officially launched.
