Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos: Which Should You Buy in Bahrain?

A complete comparison of the ⁦Hyundai Creta⁩ VS ⁦Kia Seltos⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across Bahrain.

⁦Hyundai Creta⁩ VS ⁦Kia Seltos⁩: the verdict

The Kia Seltos takes the lead for buyers prioritizing performance and value, offering a more powerful engine and a lower starting price. However, the Hyundai Creta stands out for its transparent fuel economy figures and published acceleration, appealing to those who value known running costs and predictable urban performance.
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Price Comparison
Starting at7,950 – 9,750 BHD7,700 – 9,150 BHD
Engine & Power
Engine1,497 cc · 4 cyl1,400 – 1,600 cc · 4 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)115 hp121 – 138 hp
Torque (Nm)144 Nm151 – 242 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)12 s—
Top Speed (Km/h)170 km/h—
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)7.1 L/100km—
Fuel Tank Capacity40 – 55 L50 L
Gears66 – 7
TransmissionAutomatic / CVTAutomatic
Drive TypeFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolPetrol
Measurements
L×W×H4.3 / 4.3 m × 1.8 m × 1.6 / 1.6 m4.3 m × 1.8 m × 1.6 m
Wheelbase (meters)2.6 m2.6 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,190 kg—
Trunk Capacity (liters)430 L433 L
Overview
Body StyleSUV CrossoverSUV Crossover
Seating Capacity5 seats—
Doors5 doors5 doors
Features
Key features
12V Socket360-Degree Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAirbagsAlloy PedalsAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Door LockAUXBA (Brake Assist)Body Colored GrilleBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCD PlayerCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDVD PlayerEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofFabric SeatsFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog LightsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFront BrakesFront CameraGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHalogen HeadlampsHDMIHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeHID HeadlightsImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLED Fog LightsLegroomManual ACManual HeadlampsMap Reading LampsMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNight VisionNumber of SpeakersOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff Road KItOff-Road DampersPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Window DefoggerRemote StartRemote Windows DownSeat Adjustment - ManualSeatbelt pretensionerSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTouchscreen SizeTraction ControlTrip ComputerUrethane Steering WheelUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Wheel SizeWheels - AlloyWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACAUXBA (Brake Assist)BluetoothBody Colored GrilleBumper Side StepCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofFabric SeatsFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog Lamp - Rear OnlyFog LightsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFront BrakesFront CameraGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDMIHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeHID HeadlightsHill AssistImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomLive Traffic InformationMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayNight VisionNumber of SpeakersOBD (On-board Diagnostics)Off Road KItOff-Road DampersPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear CameraRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Window DefoggerRemote StartRemote Windows DownSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSingle Exhaust TipSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTouchscreenTraction ControlTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Wheel SizeWheels - AlloyWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Performance Seekers

The Kia Seltos wins here with its engine delivering up to 138 hp and 242 Nm of torque, significantly outperforming the Creta's 115 hp and 144 Nm. Choose the Seltos for a more spirited drive.

2

Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers

Starting at 7,700 BHD, the Kia Seltos offers a more accessible entry point than the Hyundai Creta, which begins at 7,950 BHD. It provides great value without compromising on key features.

3

Best for Fuel Economy Transparency

The Hyundai Creta provides a clear fuel economy figure of 7.1 L/100km, which is not available for the Seltos. This makes the Creta a more predictable choice for managing running costs.

4

Best for Measured Urban Driving

With published acceleration (12 seconds) and top speed (170 km/h) figures, the Hyundai Creta offers predictable performance for daily city commutes, coupled with a smooth CVT option.

Pros & cons

Hyundai Creta

Pros

  • Published fuel efficiency (7.1 L/100km)
  • Known acceleration (12s) and top speed (170 km/h)
  • Available with a smooth CVT transmission
  • Flexible fuel tank capacity (up to 55 L)

Cons

  • Lower engine power and torque output
  • Higher starting price
  • Slightly smaller trunk capacity

Kia Seltos

Pros

  • Higher engine power (up to 138 hp)
  • Significantly higher torque (up to 242 Nm)
  • Lower starting price (from 7,700 BHD)
  • Slightly larger trunk capacity (433 L)

Cons

  • Fuel economy figures are not published
  • Acceleration and top speed data unavailable
  • No explicit CVT option mentioned

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos more affordable in Bahrain?

The Kia Seltos is generally more affordable in Bahrain, with a starting price of 7,700 BHD compared to the Hyundai Creta's 7,950 BHD. If budget is a primary consideration, the Seltos offers a more attractive entry point.

Which SUV offers better engine performance: Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos?

The Kia Seltos delivers stronger engine performance, offering up to 138 hp and 242 Nm of torque, while the Hyundai Creta produces 115 hp and 144 Nm. For drivers seeking more power and responsiveness, the Seltos is the better choice.

How do the fuel economies of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos compare?

The Hyundai Creta has a published fuel economy of 7.1 L/100km, providing a clear indication of its efficiency. Fuel economy figures for the Kia Seltos are not available, making the Creta a more transparent option for fuel-conscious buyers.

Which vehicle has more cargo space, the Kia Seltos or Hyundai Creta?

The Kia Seltos offers a slightly larger trunk capacity at 433 L, compared to the Hyundai Creta's 430 L. While the difference is minimal, the Seltos provides a touch more room for your belongings.

Which is better for daily city driving, the Creta or Seltos?

The Hyundai Creta, with its published acceleration of 12 seconds and a CVT option, offers predictable and smooth performance ideal for daily city driving. While the Seltos has more power, the Creta's known figures and transmission type might appeal more to urban commuters.