Maruti Victoris Vs Kia Seltos: A Detailed SUV Face Off

The midsize SUV market in India is buzzing with activity and the arrival of the Maruti Victoris has made things even more interesting. Buyers looking for a strong mix of style, features and efficiency will now have to compare it with established rivals like the Kia Seltos. Both SUVs have their strengths, and the differences in powertrains, features, safety and price could make or break a deal for you

Here’s a complete breakdown of Maruti Victoris vs Kia Seltos explained in simple words to help you decide better

Maruti Victoris Vs Kia Seltos: Design

Design is one of the biggest factors in the midsize SUV space as buyers often look for a car that makes a statement on the road. Both SUVs carry modern, premium styling but follow different philosophies

Maruti Victoris design highlights

• Muscular stance with squared off wheel arches and bold SUV proportions
• Slim LED DRLs integrated with a wide chrome accented grille
• Split headlamp design with projector LEDs
• Clean upright silhouette that adds height and presence
• Panoramic sunroof integrated seamlessly into the roofline

Kia Seltos design highlights

• Sportier, more dynamic design compared to the Victoris
• Signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille with chrome and piano black accents
• Sleek LED headlamps and heartbeat-style LED DRLs
• Strong shoulder lines and a slightly coupe-like stance
• Dual tone paint schemes with contrast roof options for younger buyers
• Stylish connected LED tail lamps and dual exhaust inspired bumper design

Key takeaway: The Victoris has a rugged, upright SUV appeal that emphasises height and presence, while the Seltos looks more premium, sporty and urban focused with sharp styling elements.

Maruti Victoris Vs Kia Seltos: Engine And Gearbox Options

Both SUVs come with several engine choices but their focus is different

• Maruti Victoris offers four options
  • 1.5 litre petrol engine (102 bhp, 139 Nm)
  • 1.5 litre strong hybrid unit
  • 1.5 litre petrol CNG
  • 1.5 litre AWD petrol automatic

Transmission options include a five speed manual, a six speed automatic and an e CVT (for the hybrid)

• Kia Seltos provides three engine options
  • 1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol (113 bhp, 144 Nm)
  • 1.5 litre diesel (114 bhp, 250 Nm)
  • 1.5 litre turbo petrol (158 bhp, 253 Nm)

Gearbox choices include manual, iMT (clutchless manual), CVT, six-speed automatic, and a seven-speed DCT

Key takeaway– The Victoris scores high with its hybrid and CNG options, which suit economy focused buyers. The Seltos on the other hand, appeals to those who want diesel power and more gearbox choices

Maruti Victoris Vs Kia Seltos: Fuel Efficiency

Mileage plays a big role in India, and both SUVs have different strategies here

• Maruti Victoris (ARAI numbers):
  • Petrol Manual – 21.18 km/l
  • Petrol Automatic – 21.06 km/l
  • Strong Hybrid – 28.65 km/l
  • AWD Automatic – 19.07 km/l
  • CNG Manual – 27.02 km/kg
• Kia Seltos (ARAI numbers):
  • Petrol MT – around 17 km/l
  • Turbo-petrol DCT – 17.9 km/l
  • Diesel MT – up to 20.7 km/l

Key takeaway: The Victoris takes the lead with strong hybrid and CNG fuel efficiency, while the Seltos relies on its diesel engine for long distance economy.

Maruti Victoris Vs Kia Seltos: Dimensions And Space

Both SUVs are similar in size but differ in details that may matter in daily use.

• The Victoris is longer and taller.
• The Seltos is slightly wider, has a longer wheelbase, and offers a bigger boot.

Key takeaway: The Seltos is a bit better in storage and rear-seat space, while the Victoris emphasizes height and presence.

Maruti Victoris Vs Kia Seltos: Features

Modern SUV buyers look closely at tech and comfort. Both SUVs pack advanced features, but their focus areas differ.

• Maruti Victoris feature highlights:
  • 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • Heads-up display
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Gesture-controlled powered tailgate (segment-first)
  • Eight-speaker Infinity audio with Dolby Atmos
  • Six airbags
  • Level 2 ADAS driver-assist tech
  • Automatic climate control
  • 17-inch alloy wheels
• Kia Seltos feature highlights:
  • 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster + infotainment screen
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Ambient lighting with 64 colors
  • Eight-way powered driver’s seat with ventilation
  • Eight-speaker Bose premium audio
  • Dash camera (select trims)
  • Level 2 ADAS driver-assist tech
  • 18-inch alloy wheels

Key takeaway: The Victoris focuses on unique touches like Dolby Atmos audio and gesture-based tailgate, while the Seltos leans toward premium comfort features like dual-zone AC, ventilated seats, and larger alloys.

Maruti Victoris Vs Kia Seltos: Safety

Safety ratings are now a big priority in this segment.

• Maruti Victoris:
  • Global NCAP 5-star safety rating
  • Six airbags
  • Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
  • Hill-hold assist
  • 360-degree camera
• Kia Seltos:
  • Six airbags
  • ABS with EBD
  • Electronic stability control
  • Traction control
  • Front and rear parking sensors

Key takeaway: The Victoris stands out with its Global NCAP 5-star rating, giving it an edge for safety-conscious buyers.

Maruti Victoris Vs Kia Seltos: Ride And Performance

• Maruti Victoris:
  • Tuned more for daily comfort and efficiency
  • Hybrid system adds smoothness in city use
  • AWD variant is useful for mild off-roading
  • Less powerful than Seltos turbo
• Kia Seltos:
  • Sharper performance, especially with turbo petrol
  • Diesel engine delivers strong torque for highways
  • Sportier suspension tuning makes it fun to drive
  • More variety for driving enthusiasts

Key takeaway: The Victoris feels more relaxed and efficient, while the Seltos is designed to attract those who want a lively driving experience.

Maruti Victoris Vs Kia Seltos: Price And Value

Price plays a big role in decision-making.

• Maruti Victoris
  • Bookings opened on 3 September 2025
  • Positioned between the Brezza and Grand Vitara in the brand lineup
  • Price: ₹10.5 lakh for the base variant
  • Top variants likely to go slightly higher than Grand Vitara, due to added features
• Kia Seltos
  • Current price: ₹11.19 lakh to ₹20.56 lakh (ex-showroom)
  • Prices expected to reduce from 22 September 2025 due to GST 2.0 tax cuts

Key takeaway: The Victoris could be the value pick if Maruti keeps pricing aggressive, while the Seltos may still appeal to buyers looking for premium performance and features.

Maruti Victoris Vs Kia Seltos: Final Verdict

Both SUVs bring strong qualities to the table.

• Choose Maruti Victoris if you want:
  • Best fuel efficiency with hybrid or CNG
  • 5-star Global NCAP safety rating
  • Practical pricing with strong features
  • AWD option for occasional adventure
• Choose Kia Seltos if you want:
  • More powerful engines, including turbo and diesel
  • Premium cabin with dual-zone climate and ventilated seats
  • Bigger boot and slightly more space
  • Sporty design with wider alloy options

At the end of the day, the choice between the Maruti Victoris vs Kia Seltos depends on what you value more—efficiency and safety or performance and luxury.