The compact and mid-size SUV segment in India continues to grow rapidly, and Kia is preparing to strengthen its position with the next-generation 2026 Kia Seltos. Known for its bold styling, feature-rich cabin, and solid performance, the Seltos has been one of the most successful SUVs in its category. With the upcoming 2026 model, Kia aims to elevate its game — especially when it comes to size, cabin space, and overall road presence.
But the competition is tougher than ever. Rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, MG Astor, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, and Honda Elevate are all fighting for dominance.
In this detailed analysis, we compare the 2026 Kia Seltos with its key competitors to see where it stands in terms of size, dimensions, practicality, and road presence.
Why Size Matters in This Segment
In today’s SUV market, dimensions are more important than ever. Buyers look for:
- More cabin space
- Better road presence
- Larger boot capacity
- Improved comfort for long journeys
Bigger dimensions often translate to better seating comfort, more luggage room, and a more premium look — all of which influence the buying decision.
The 2026 Kia Seltos aims to offer a strong balance of all these factors.
2026 Kia Seltos: Expected Dimensions
Although the official numbers will be revealed closer to the launch, industry expectations and early prototype sightings suggest the following approximate dimensions:
- Length: 4,400 mm
- Width: 1,800 mm
- Height: 1,645 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,630 mm
- Boot Space: Around 430–450 litres
If these figures hold true, the new-gen Seltos grows slightly in length and height, giving it a more SUV-like stance and better interior room.
How the 2026 Seltos Compares to Rivals
Let’s compare the estimated size of the 2026 Seltos with major competitors.
1. Hyundai Creta (2025/2026 Model)
The Creta has always been the closest rival to the Seltos.
- Length: 4,330 mm
- Width: 1,790 mm
- Height: 1,635 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,610 mm
Verdict
The 2026 Seltos is likely to be longer, wider, and taller than the Creta, offering slightly better road presence. Its larger wheelbase should also improve rear-seat legroom.
2. Maruti Grand Vitara / Toyota Hyryder
Both SUVs share the same platform.
- Length: 4,345 mm
- Width: 1,795 mm
- Height: 1,645 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,600 mm
Verdict
The Seltos is expected to be longer and offer more interior space. The height is similar, but the wheelbase advantage goes to the Seltos by a good margin of 30 mm.
3. MG Astor
The Astor is known for its premium feel, but dimensions have remained moderate.
- Length: 4,323 mm
- Width: 1,809 mm
- Height: 1,650 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,585 mm
Verdict
Here again, the Seltos is expected to be larger in every direction, with a significant wheelbase advantage, making it more spacious inside.
4. Skoda Kushaq
The Kushaq focuses more on driving dynamics than size.
- Length: 4,225 mm
- Width: 1,760 mm
- Height: 1,612 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,651 mm
Verdict
The Kushaq has a surprisingly long wheelbase, but the 2026 Seltos is bigger overall. While Kushaq may remain better for driving feel, Seltos wins in size and comfort.
5. Volkswagen Taigun
This is the Kushaq’s twin, sharing similar dimensions.
- Length: 4,221 mm
- Width: 1,760 mm
- Height: 1,612 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,651 mm
Verdict
The Taigun, like the Kushaq, has a long wheelbase but remains compact in exterior size. The Seltos is expected to feel more premium and spacious.
6. Honda Elevate
Honda’s new contender has competitive dimensions.
- Length: 4,312 mm
- Width: 1,790 mm
- Height: 1,650 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,650 mm
Verdict
The Elevate comes close in height and wheelbase, but the Seltos is still expected to be longer and wider, giving it better street presence.
Dimension Comparison Summary
| SUV Model | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Road Presence Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Kia Seltos | ~4400 mm | ~1800 mm | ~1645 mm | 2630 mm | Strongest Overall |
| Hyundai Creta | 4330 mm | 1790 mm | 1635 mm | 2610 mm | Close but smaller |
| Grand Vitara | 4345 mm | 1795 mm | 1645 mm | 2600 mm | Seltos larger |
| MG Astor | 4323 mm | 1809 mm | 1650 mm | 2585 mm | Wider but shorter |
| Skoda Kushaq | 4225 mm | 1760 mm | 1612 mm | 2651 mm | Long wheelbase only |
| VW Taigun | 4221 mm | 1760 mm | 1612 mm | 2651 mm | Long wheelbase only |
| Honda Elevate | 4312 mm | 1790 mm | 1650 mm | 2650 mm | Closest rival |
Boot Space Comparison
Boot capacity is an important factor for families and travellers.
- 2026 Kia Seltos: 430–450 litres (expected)
- Creta: 433 litres
- Grand Vitara: 373 litres
- Kushaq/Taigun: 385 litres
- Astor: 448 litres
- Elevate: 458 litres
Verdict:
Seltos will be among the best, but the Elevate and Astor may have a slight edge in raw numbers.
Road Presence: Where the Seltos Wins
The new-gen Seltos is designed to look:
- More muscular
- More premium
- More SUV-like
- Larger from every angle
The extended length and redesigned LED lights give it a bold road stance. Kia’s updated design language with sharper cuts, layered DRLs, and a larger grille will make the Seltos stand out more than most rivals.
Cabin Space Advantage
Because of the expected increase in wheelbase and height, the Seltos is likely to offer:
- Better rear legroom
- Improved headroom
- Wider seats
- More shoulder room
- Larger windows for airy feel
This will help it appeal to families looking for comfort.
Conclusion: Where Does the 2026 Kia Seltos Stand?
Based on expected dimensions and early technical leaks, the 2026 Kia Seltos clearly emerges as one of the largest and most spacious SUVs in its category. It is likely to outperform its major rivals in:
- Overall length
- Width
- Cabin space
- Road presence
Only a few SUVs like the Honda Elevate and MG Astor come close, but the new-gen Seltos is expected to maintain an upper hand thanks to Kia’s modern design philosophy and focus on giving the SUV a more premium and imposing stance.
If Kia retains competitive pricing, the 2026 Seltos may once again become one of the segment leaders, especially for buyers who prioritize size, comfort, and premium looks.
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