Kia Seltos Vs MG Astor: Which SUV Offers Better Value In 2026?
The Kia Seltos is one of the newest SUVs in the segment, while the Astor is several years old now
Interested in buying the new Kia Seltos? Here’s our Ultimate Buying Guide!
The compact SUV segment in India is one of the most crowded spaces, with several SUVs competing for the top position. In the same segment, the Kia Seltos and MG Astor are SUVs that are very different in nature.
The new-generation Kia Seltos is one of the most sought-after SUVs currently, while the Astor still feels premium enough without being very expensive. So if you are seeking a well-rounded SUV and if you have been weighing these two names, here is a detailed look at how they compete on paper, across different parameters:
Price
| Model |
Kia Seltos |
MG Astor |
| Price (ex-showroom) |
From Rs 10.99 lakh to Rs 19.99 lakh |
Rs 9.79 lakh to Rs 15.5 lakh |
- Prices of the Seltos are much higher than those of the MG Astor.
-
There is a price gap of Rs 1.2 lakh for the base variant.
-
That gap increases to around Rs 4.5 lakh for the top-spec variants.
Apart from being one of the oldest, the Astor is also one of the most affordable SUVs in its segment, and since it's an older model now, one can negotiate with dealers for significant discounts. On the other hand, there will be little to no room for negotiation if you plan to buy the Seltos.
Here’s a look at what the Seltos offers for the additional pricing:
Dimensions
| Parameter |
Kia Seltos |
MG Astor |
Difference |
| Length |
4460 mm |
4323 mm |
+137 mm |
| Width |
1830 mm |
1809 mm |
+31 mm |
| Height |
1635 mm |
1650 mm |
(-15 mm) |
| Wheelbase |
2690 mm |
2585 mm |
+105 mm |
- The 2026 Kia Seltos is the longest car in this segment, beating the Astor by a significant margin.
-
The Seltos is larger in both length and width, giving it a stronger road presence and more interior space.
-
The Astor is slightly wider. The Seltos boasts a much larger wheelbase as well.
Colour Options
| Kia Seltos |
MG Astor |
| Morning Haze |
Aurora Silver |
| Magma Red* |
Glaze Red |
| Frost Blue |
Candy White |
| Ivory Silver Gloss |
Starry Black |
| Pewter Olive |
White Black |
| Imperial Blue |
Havana Grey |
| Gravity Grey |
- |
| Aurora Black Pearl |
- |
| Glacier White Pearl* |
- |
-
The Seltos offers three extra colour options over the Astor.
-
The Seltos also comes with dual-tone colour options.
-
The Seltos' X-Line variant adds the sporty Matte Graphite shade.
Features
| Feature |
2026 Kia Seltos |
MG Astor |
| Auto LED Headlamps |
✅ |
✅ |
| LED foglamps |
✅ |
✅ |
| LED Taillamps |
✅ |
✅ |
| Wheels |
18-inch alloy wheels |
17-inch alloy wheels |
| Roof Rails |
✅ |
✅ |
| Height-adjustable Driver Seat |
✅ |
✅ |
| Ambient Lighting |
✅ |
✅(available as an accessory) |
| Infotainment Setup |
12.3-inch touchscreen |
10.1-inch touchscreen |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto |
✅ |
✅ |
| Instrument Cluster |
12.3-inch display |
7-inch display |
| Wireless Phone Charger |
✅ |
✅ |
| Sound system |
8-speaker Bose sound system |
6-speaker |
| Air purifier |
✅ |
❌ |
| Auto-dimming IRVM |
✅ |
✅ |
| Cruise Control |
✅ |
✅ |
| Climate Control |
Dual-zone |
Single-zone |
| Keyless entry |
✅ |
✅ |
| Ventilated front seats |
✅ |
✅ |
| Powered seats |
Yes (only driver side) |
Yes (both driver and co-driver) |
| Sunroof |
Panoramic sunroof |
Panoramic sunroof |
| Front and rear centre Armrest |
✅ |
✅ |
| Paddle Shifter |
✅ (Automatic only) |
❌ |
| Cooled Glovebox |
✅ |
❌ |
| Connected Car Tech |
✅ |
✅ |
| Airbags |
6 |
6 |
| 360-degree Camera |
✅ |
✅ |
| ESC (electronic stability control) |
✅ |
✅ |
| Rain Sensing Wipers |
✅ |
✅ |
| Front and rear sensors |
✅ |
✅(front only) |
| Rear defogger |
✅ |
✅ |
| TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) |
✅ |
✅ |
| ADAS |
✅ |
✅ |
- The Seltos is much ahead in terms of equipment, and it is not even close.
-
The Seltos takes the lead with a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen, dual-zone climate control, and features like memory function for driver seats, a cooled glovebox, an air purifier, and a 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS.
-
For the Astor’s price, its feature list is impressive and gives a tough fight to the mid-spec variants of the Seltos.
Powertrain
| Model | Kia Seltos |
MG Astor |
||
| Engine |
1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol |
1.5-litre turbo-petrol |
1.5-litre diesel |
1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol |
| Transmission |
6-speed MT/ CVT |
6-speed iMT/ 7-speed DCT |
6-speed MT/ 6-speed AT |
5-speed MT/CVT |
| Power |
115 PS |
160 PS |
116 PS |
110 PS |
| Torque |
144 Nm |
253 Nm |
250 Nm |
144 Nm |
-
The Seltos comes with as many as three engine options, while the Astor can be had only with a naturally aspirated petrol engine.
-
The Seltos turbo-petrol produces the highest output here and caters to enthusiasts.
-
The diesel engine of the Seltos is for those who prioritise efficiency.
-
The Astor’s engine is neither too fuel-efficient nor very quick to drive.
| New Astor, new powertrain: A new version of the Astor is expected to be launched by the end of this year. We expect that version to come with a strong hybrid powertrain with more efficiency and power output. |
CarDekho Says
On paper, the 2026 Kia Seltos emerges as the more complete and versatile compact SUV. It offers significantly more space, a wider range of powertrain choices, including a diesel and a performance-oriented turbo-petrol, and a feature list that comfortably outshines the MG Astor. Buyers looking for the latest technology, stronger performance options, a premium cabin experience and better long-term ownership will find the Seltos worth the extra investment. After going and checking out these cars in person, buyers will also find reasons to convince themselves and get the Seltos.
The MG Astor, however, continues to make a strong case for itself as a value-for-money offering. It delivers a premium cabin feel, essential modern features, and safety amenities at a lower price. The fact that it is considerably more affordable and often available with dealer discounts further strengthens its appeal for budget-conscious buyers.
If your budget allows and you want the most well-rounded package in the segment, the Kia Seltos is the better pick. But if you're looking for a comfortable, feature-rich and safe SUV without stretching your budget too much, the MG Astor remains a sensible alternative that offers excellent value for money.
Here are some other options you can consider besides the Seltos or Astor:
- Hyundai Creta: The Seltos' closest rival offers similar features and powertrain options, but is due for an update. It remains the top-selling compact SUV.
- Skoda Kushaq: One of the newest SUVs on the block. It is among the best driving packages with premium styling, well-loaded interior, and punchy petrol engine options. (Kia Seltos vs Skoda Kushaq comparison here)
- Volkswagen Taigun: The Kushaq's sibling on the same MQB platform, with a sportier design and a similar list of features. Slightly more expensive. (Kia Seltos vs Volkswagen Taigun comparison here)
- Tata Sierra: The most feature-loaded SUV in the segment. Available with plenty of variants and powertrain options. It is also one of the largest SUVs in the segment.
- Honda Elevate: A strong choice for buyers who prioritise reliability and comfort inside the cabin. Comes with one of the smoothest NA petrol engines in the class. (Kia Seltos vs Honda Elevate comparison here)
- Maruti Victoris: A comfortable, fuel-efficient family SUV with strong resale value and an extensive service network. It is one of the few premium Marutis in India.
- In this report, you can take a closer look at how the new Seltos compares with the older version.
- Kia Seltos vs Maruti Grand Vitara comparison here
- Kia Seltos vs Hyryder comparison here
- Kia Seltos vs Tata Curvv comparison here
- Kia Seltos vs Renault Duste comparison here