Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Kia Seltos 2026 – Specs & Features Compared

The compact SUV space in India continues to grow as buyers look for vehicles that offer style, safety and everyday comfort. Two strong options that stand out are the Mahindra XUV 3XO and the refreshed Kia Seltos 2026. While both SUVs serve different price points, they often attract the same buyers due to their modern features and strong road presence. One focuses on value and easy city driving, while the other offers more space, refinement and premium appeal

This comparison provides clear insights to help buyers choose the SUV that best matches their needs

Price Comparison: Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Kia Seltos 2026

Price plays a major role in the Indian car market. The XUV 3XO targets budget buyers while the Seltos 2026 is positioned higher with more features

Ex-Showroom Price Range

Mahindra XUV 3XO

• Price range: Rs 7.28 lakh to Rs 14.40 lakh
• Base MX1 petrol manual: Rs 7.28 lakh
• Top AX7 L turbo petrol automatic: Rs 14.40 lakh

Kia Seltos 2026

• Price range: Rs 10.99 lakh to Rs 19.99 lakh
• Base HTE petrol manual: Rs 10.99 lakh
• Top GTX+ or X-Line diesel automatic: Rs 19.99 lakh

Exterior Design And Road Presence

Exterior styling plays a key role in how an SUV feels on Indian roads. Both models follow different design approaches to attract different buyers

Mahindra XUV 3XO Exterior

The XUV 3XO carries a sporty and bold look suited for city use

• Sharp C-shaped LED headlamps with twin boomerang-style DRLs
• Upright front design with a strong bumper
• Roof rails and body cladding for an SUV look
• 17-inch alloy wheels on higher variants
• Compact size makes it easier to drive and park in tight areas

The overall design feels youthful and practical, especially for urban driving

Kia Seltos 2026 Exterior

The Seltos 2026 focuses on a more premium and mature design

• Updated LED headlamps and LED tail lamps
• Larger front grille for a stronger road presence
• 18-inch alloy wheels on top trims
• Shark-fin antenna and integrated roof rails
• X Line variant offers a matte exterior finish

The longer body and wider stance give the Seltos a more upscale appearance on highways

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Interior Comfort And Cabin Experience

Interior quality and comfort matter for daily use and long drives. Both SUVs offer modern cabins with different priorities

Mahindra XUV 3XO Interior

The XUV 3XO interior is designed around comfort and smart use of space

• Soft touch dashboard with a clean layout
• 10.25 inch touchscreen with digital instrument cluster
• Ventilated front seats on top variants
• Rear AC vents and adjustable rear headrests
• 60:40 split rear seats for flexible boot space

The cabin feels practical and well-equipped for daily city driving

Kia Seltos 2026 Interior

The Seltos offers a more premium cabin with extra comfort features.

• Dual 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and instruments
• High-quality seat upholstery with better cushioning
• Ventilated front seats and power-adjustable driver seat
• Ambient lighting with multiple color options
• Rear center armrest and added storage spaces

The interior suits buyers who want a refined and comfortable experience during long drives

Dimensions And Size: Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Kia Seltos 2026

Size affects comfort and road presence. The Seltos 2026 is a midsize SUV while the XUV 3XO stays under four meters for city ease

The Seltos offers more rear legroom and boot space. The XUV 3XO is easier to park and drive in tight areas. Both SUVs comfortably seat five passengers

Engine And Performance Details

Engine options decide how the SUV performs in traffic and on highways

Mahindra XUV 3XO Engine Options

• 1.2L Turbo Petrol

• • Power: 129 bhp
  • Torque: 230 Nm
  • Gearboxes: Manual or 6-speed automatic

• 1.5L Diesel

• • Power: 117 bhp
  • Torque: 300 Nm
  • Gearboxes: Manual or AMT

Kia Seltos 2026 Engine Options

• 1.5L Petrol

• • Power: 115 PS
  • Torque: 144 Nm
  • Gearboxes: 6-speed manual or CVT

• 1.5L Turbo Petrol

• • Power: 160 PS
  • Torque: 253 Nm
  • Gearboxes: iMT or 7-speed DCT

• 1.5L Diesel

• • Power: 116 PS
  • Torque: 250 Nm
  • Gearboxes: 6-speed manual or automatic

The XUV 3XO offers strong power for its size. The Seltos diesel is better for relaxed highway driving

Transmission Choices

Transmission options add comfort in daily driving

Mahindra XUV 3XO

• 6 speed manual
• 6 speed automatic (petrol)
• 6 speed AMT (diesel)

Kia Seltos 2026

• 6-speed manual
• CVT
• iMT
• 7-speed DCT
• 6-speed automatic (diesel)

Paddle shifters are available on top variants of both models. The Seltos DCT feels more sporty

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Features Comparison: Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Kia Seltos 2026

Both SUVs support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The XUV 3XO adds a cooled glovebox. The Seltos offers multi-color ambient lighting

Safety And ADAS Features

Safety is a top priority for Indian families

Common features:

• 6 airbags
• Electronic stability control
• Hill hold assist
• Tire pressure monitoring
• 360-degree camera in top trims
• All-disc brakes

Mahindra XUV 3XO

• Level 2 ADAS
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane keep assist
• Automatic emergency braking
• 5-star Bharat NCAP rating

Kia Seltos 2026

• Level 2 ADAS
• Forward collision warning
• Blind spot monitoring
• Lane assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert

Mileage And Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency depends on road and driving style

Mahindra XUV 3XO

• Petrol: 18.2 kmpl
• Diesel: 20.6 kmpl

Kia Seltos 2026

• Petrol: 17–20 kmpl
• Diesel: 20–21 kmpl

City mileage ranges between 12–15 kmpl. Highway figures can reach 18–22 kmpl

Which SUV Should You Pick: Mahindra XUV 3XO Or Kia Seltos 2026?

Deciding between the two depends on your budget and priorities

The Mahindra XUV 3XO is perfect for buyers looking for an affordable, compact, and powerful SUV that’s easy to drive in the city while offering modern features and safety

The Kia Seltos 2026 works best for those who want a bigger, more premium SUV with extra cabin space, comfort, and advanced tech for long drives