New Kia Seltos vs Honda Elevate – Detailed Comparison

The new 2023 version of the Kia Seltos mid-size SUV has recently been launched while the Honda Elevate is about to make its entry into our market.

In this Kia Seltos vs Honda Elevate comparison, we take a look at the various aspects corresponding to these mid-size SUVs. The 2023 facelift of the Seltos has recently been launched in the country with tons of comfort, convenience, connectivity and tech features. There is also the addition of a new powertrain. On the other hand, Honda wants to enter the mid-size SUV segment with its Elevate SUV. It has already been revealed but the official launch has not taken place yet. Nevertheless, we shall compare the two on the basis of the details available.

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Honda Elevate vs Kia Seltos Price Comparison

The launch of the Elevate signifies Honda’s reentry into the mainstream SUV market, filling the void left by the discontinuation of the Mobilio-based BR-V. Honda’s objective with the introduction of this new model is to reinforce its presence in the market. The Honda Elevate is presently offered with an introductory starting price range of INR 10,99,900 to INR 15,99,900. In comparison, the new Kia Seltos is available at a price bracket of Rs. 10.90 – 20 Lakh (ex-showroom). It’s worth noting that the Elevate is available in a single engine variant, while the Seltos offers three engine variants, including 2 petrol and 1 diesel option.

Kia Seltos vs Honda Elevate – Specs Comparison

The new Kia Seltos offers an impressive range of choices, including three powertrain options and five transmission variants. These options consist of a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine, and a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. The car is available in three trims: X-Line, GT-Line, and Tech-Line. While the first two engines have been carried over from the previous model, the latter is sourced from the recently launched Verna, replacing the previous 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine. The power and torque outputs for the engines are as follows: 115 PS / 144 Nm for the petrol engine, 115 PS / 250 Nm for the diesel engine, and 160 PS / 253 Nm for the turbo petrol engine. Regarding transmission options, the petrol engine can be paired with a manual, IVT, or DCT, while the diesel engine offers an iMT and automatic transmission. The prices for the different variants range from Rs 10.90 lakh to Rs 19.99 lakh, ex-showroom.

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While the latest-generation Honda City is available in ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) and strong Hybrid variants, the Elevate has been introduced exclusively in a petrol-only version. As expected, this SUV, which competes with the Hyundai Creta, shares its engine with the City. It is equipped with the same 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, DOHC iVTEC engine, delivering a maximum power of 121 hp and a peak torque of 145 Nm. The available transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 7-step CVT. There are indications of a potential Hybrid version in the pipeline, along with the possibility of a full-electric version.

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Kia Seltos vs Honda Elevate – Dimensions Comparison

The 2023 Kia Seltos is 4,365 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, 1,620 mm high and has a wheelbase of 2,610 mm. Moreover, it has a decent sized boot of 433 litres. On the other hand, the Elevate measures 4,312 mm in length, 1,790 mm in width, and 1,650 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm. The new compact SUV also offers a decent boot space of 458 litres and has a ground clearance of 190 mm.

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Mileage Comparison

Honda has revealed the mileage figures of the Elevate recently. The manual trim offers a fuel economy of 15.31 km/l while the CVT automatic will churn out a better 16.92 km/l. The new 2023 Kia Seltos offers a great fuel economy of 17.7 km/l (iMT) and 17.9 km/l (DCT). The latter has a clear edge over the soon-to-be-launched Elevate.

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Features & Safety Comparison

Kia has introduced a range of exciting new amenities for their latest offering. These include a voice-controlled Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof, ADAS 2.0 featuring 17 advanced safety features, Dual-Zone Climate Control, and two 10.25-inch Panoramic Dual Displays for Infotainment and Driver’s Instrument Cluster. Additionally, the SUV comes equipped with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering enhanced connectivity options. Safety is a priority, with 15 Standard Safety Features and an impressive total of 32 Safety features. The new-age Kia Connect system enables Alexa Home-to-Car Connectivity, ensuring seamless integration between home and vehicle. Other notable features include Connected LED Taillamps, Ventilated Front Seats with 8-way Powered Adjustment, and a Smart Purifier. For an enhanced audio experience, the SUV boasts an 8-Speaker Premium Bose Sound System.

On the other hand, the Honda Elevate’s equipment lineup closely resembles that of the City. It features a 7-inch digital instrument cluster in addition to a 10.25-inch infotainment unit. Among its key highlights are an electric sunroof, and the top model includes 6 airbags for added safety. The SUV also offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, along with compatibility with Alexa, WatchOS, and Google. Furthermore, it boasts a 360-degree camera system, voice commands, electrically adjustable ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors), a Day/Night Inside Rear View Mirror, and more. There are also passive and active safety features like 6 airbags for the top-spec model, ABS with EBD, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control and ADAS (Honda Sensing tech).

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What We Think

Now both these SUVs come with modern styling, the latest tech, convenience, connectivity and comfort features and a whole host of powertrain options. On one hand, the new Seltos is loaded to the brim with incredibly features, it is also the only SUV that has a diesel powertrain. On the other hand, the Elevate compares fairly well on the features front, but misses out on the diesel mill. Also, the official prices have not been announced yet. Hence, we shall have to wait until then to give our official verdict although one can’t really go wrong with either of these.