The SUV market in India has never been this exciting. With buyers demanding style, space, comfort, and performance at competitive prices, automakers are bringing their best to the table. Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest carmaker, has entered the mid-size SUV segment with its brand-new Maruti Victoris, aiming to challenge established players like the Kia Seltos.
The Victoris is Maruti’s boldest attempt yet at combining futuristic design, advanced features, and competitive pricing. Meanwhile, the Kia Seltos, a proven leader in the SUV space, continues to attract buyers with its premium features and strong road presence.
So, if you are planning to buy a mid-size SUV in 2025, the big question is – Should you go for the new Maruti Victoris or stick with the tried-and-tested Kia Seltos? Let’s dive deep into a head-to-head comparison.
1. Design and Exterior Styling
Maruti Victoris
The Victoris is a breath of fresh air in Maruti’s SUV lineup. With a muscular stance, sharp LED headlamps, aggressive grille, and sporty alloys, it looks futuristic. The coupe-like roofline adds flair, while bold cuts and creases give it a premium road presence.
Kia Seltos
The Seltos is already known for its stylish design, and the 2023 facelift has made it even sharper. The signature Tiger Nose grille, redesigned LED DRLs, and sportier bumpers make it attractive. The Seltos also gets dual-tone options that give it an edge in visual appeal.
Verdict: The Victoris feels new and modern, but the Seltos still maintains an edge with its polished, premium design.
2. Interior and Features
Maruti Victoris
Inside, the Victoris offers a spacious cabin with premium upholstery and a clutter-free design. The SUV is loaded with features like:
- 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
- Digital driver display
- Ventilated seats
- 360-degree camera
- Panoramic sunroof
- Connected car tech
Kia Seltos
The Seltos has always impressed with its interiors. It comes with:
- 10.25-inch HD touchscreen
- Dual-zone climate control
- Heads-up display (HUD)
- Bose premium speakers
- Ventilated front seats
- Panoramic sunroof
- ADAS Level 2 features
Verdict: The Seltos still edges ahead thanks to its advanced ADAS and premium feel, though the Victoris gives strong competition with its bigger screen and practical features.
3. Engine and Performance
Maruti Victoris
Maruti offers the Victoris with both petrol and hybrid options.
- 1.5L Smart Hybrid Petrol Engine – Excellent fuel efficiency, tuned for city and highway drives.
- 1.5L Strong Hybrid – Provides outstanding mileage, expected to be 25–27 km/l, perfect for fuel-conscious buyers.
Kia Seltos
The Seltos offers multiple engine choices:
- 1.5L Petrol
- 1.5L Diesel
- 1.5L Turbo Petrol (157 hp) – Enthusiasts’ favorite for its power and performance.
Verdict: If you want fuel efficiency and hybrid tech, the Victoris wins. If you love performance and a variety of powertrains, the Seltos is the better choice.
4. Safety Features
Maruti Victoris
- 6 airbags
- 360-degree camera
- ABS with EBD
- Hill Hold Assist
- ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
- Expected to score well in crash tests
Kia Seltos
- 6 airbags (standard across variants)
- ADAS Level 2 with features like lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning
- 360-degree camera with blind-view monitor
- High GNCAP safety rating
Verdict: Kia Seltos takes the lead with ADAS and proven safety credentials.
5. Mileage and Efficiency
- Maruti Victoris:
- Petrol – 18–20 km/l
- Hybrid – 25–27 km/l
- Kia Seltos:
- Petrol – 16–17 km/l
- Diesel – 20–21 km/l
- Turbo Petrol – 14–15 km/l
Verdict: For mileage-conscious buyers, the Victoris is the clear winner with its hybrid technology.
6. Price and Variants
- Maruti Victoris: Expected starting price ₹11 lakh, going up to ₹18 lakh (ex-showroom).
- Kia Seltos: ₹11 lakh to ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom).
Both SUVs are competitively priced, but the Victoris might undercut Seltos slightly to attract new buyers.
7. After-Sales and Resale Value
Maruti has the strongest service network in India, which will work in favor of Victoris. Maintenance costs are expected to be lower compared to Kia. However, the Seltos has already established good resale value due to its popularity.
Conclusion – Which One Should You Buy?
- Buy the Maruti Victoris if:
- You want excellent mileage (especially hybrid).
- You prefer Maruti’s reliability and widespread service network.
- You want a fresh, futuristic design at competitive pricing.
- Buy the Kia Seltos if:
- You prioritize performance and driving thrill (turbo petrol & diesel).
- You want advanced safety features like ADAS.
- You prefer a premium, established SUV with strong brand presence.
