Honda Elevate vs Kia Seltos 2023: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 13-15 Lakh for Buyers Seeking Value for Money

What are some of the value for money cars in India? Let’s look at the Honda Elevate and Kia Seltos 2023 to see which variants in their lineup are affordable car options in the mid-size SUV segment in India.

In this article, we will discuss

• What a value-for-money buyer looks for in a car
• Honda Elevate vs Kia Seltos 2023 – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, features, affordability, and fuel efficiency
• How to pick the right car for you

What a Value-for-Money Buyer Looks for in a Car

A value-conscious buyer should look for these in a car:

• Affordability – a car should be affordable, and have low maintenance costs
• Fuel efficiency – The car shouldn’t guzzle fuel
• Safety features – Essential safety features are a must in a car
• Brand perception – Is the brand of the car known for its wide service network, after sales service, etc.
• Resale value – The car should fetch good resale rates

Value-for-money buyers want a car that gives them maximum features and performance at an affordable overall cost. Good mileage, ample safety features like airbags and ABS, decent power and torque, latest gadgets like touchscreens and rear cameras matter. 

Reliable after-sales service and low maintenance costs also influence buying decisions. Value buyers may compromise on some premium features but seek an optimal mix of functionality, efficiency and ownership experience within a tight budget.

Why Honda Elevate and Kia Seltos 2023 are popular

Both Honda Elevate and Kia Seltos 2023 score highly among value-conscious buyers due to the right blend of design, performance, features and ownership experience. Their petrol engines deliver good fuel efficiency of over 16km/l along with decent power output. Safety gets high priority with standard features like up to 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, hill-hold control etc. 

Interiors flaunt modern touchscreen infotainment, multi-functional steering wheel, climate control and ample cabin space. Exterior design and detailing is contemporary and youthful. After-sales service network is wide for both Honda and Kia. 

Prices span an attractive range enabling buyers to opt for mid and higher variants with more features while staying within budget. Overall cost of maintenance is reasonable. Hence Honda Elevate and Kia Seltos manage to package the capabilities and qualities essential for value buyers remarkably well.

Honda Elevate and Kia Seltos 2023 variants shortlist in Rs 13-15 lakh range

For Honda Elevate, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 13 February 2024
V CVT	₹13,41,000
VX	₹13,70,000

For Kia Seltos 2023, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 13 February 2024
HTK Plus	₹13,50,000
HTK Plus iMT	₹15,00,000

Honda Elevate V CVT

The Honda Elevate V CVT variant is a compelling value-for-money choice priced attractively under 14 lakhs. It delivers an ARAI-certified mileage of 16.92km/l from its 1.5L iVTEC petrol engine along with decent power and torque output. 

Ownership experience is enhanced by a long features list including 6 airbags, ABS, tilt & telescopic steering, rear sensors, auto AC, push button start, 17.8cm infotainment etc. After-sales service and maintenance costs are very reasonable for Honda. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Elevate with Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.

Honda Elevate VX

The VX variant adds alloy wheels, more speakers, cruise control and rear camera over the V CVT. But it costs around ₹30,000 more while offering almost the same core mechanical specs. Hence the V CVT offers better value currently. If you’re a gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the Elevate with Hyundai Creta 2024.

Kia Seltos HTK Plus

Among Kia Seltos variants, the HTK Plus is attractively priced at ₹13.50 lakhs. It packs in 6 airbags, auto AC, 17.8cm touchscreen, push button start, wireless charging, multiple drive and traction modes etc. Mileage is decent at 17km/l. Only compromise is lack of a rear camera. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can check out our comparison of the Seltos 2023 with MG Hector.

Kia Seltos HTK Plus iMT

The HTK Plus iMT with its turbocharged engine gives scintillating performance but costs significantly more.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Honda Elevate and Kia Seltos 2023 for Value-for-money buyers

The Honda Elevate V CVT emerges as the best value-for-money choice from both models. Firstly, it is the most affordable in this comparison set with an ex-showroom Delhi price of just ₹13.41 lakhs. The proven 1.5L iVTEC petrol engine delivers 16.92km/l mileage which enhances its cost-efficiency credentials. Performance is predictable with peak power and torque rated at a capable 119BHP and 145Nm.

Interiors feel premium with a 17.8cm touchscreen infotainment unit that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, automatic climate control, multi-function steering wheel, push button engine start/stop and ample storage spaces. Exteriors look contemporary and sculpted featuring machine-finished alloy wheels, LED headlamps/DRLs, shark-fin antenna etc.

Safety gets high focus with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, hill start assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, pedestrian injury mitigation along with central locking and engine immobilizer. Ownership experience is satisfying too courtesy Honda’s extensive service network and overall lower maintenance requirements.

Comparatively, the Kia Seltos HTK Plus iMT no doubt outpaces the Honda in performance metrics but costs a steep ₹1.6 lakhs more while matching it in most other parameters. Hence for value-buyers, the Elevate V CVT turns out to be the smartest pick.

The Top 3 choices

1. Honda Elevate V CVT
2. Kia Seltos HTK Plus
3. Honda Elevate VX

Attribute	Honda Elevate V CVT	Kia Seltos HTK Plus	Honda Elevate VX
Airbags	6	6	2
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rear Camera	Yes	No	Yes
Alloy Wheels	Yes	Yes	Yes
Auto AC	Yes	Yes	Yes

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Honda Elevate V CVT leads the list as analyzed previously by balancing an attractive price tag with a long feature list, frugal petrol engine, contemporary styling and Honda’s proven ownership experience.
• The Kia Seltos HTK Plus takes second spot by virtue of its competitive pricing coupled with Kia’s extensive service network. It matches the Elevate V CVT in most attributes except for absence of a rear parking camera. But it undercuts the Honda variant by almost ₹10,000 in Delhi making it a compelling value option.
• The Honda Elevate VX in manual transmission specs takes 3rd place for buyers wanting added features like rear camera, cruise control, auto-fold ORVMs etc. It incurs a small premium over the V CVT but still lands under ₹14 lakhs ex-showroom. Mileage, though, is slightly lower at 15.31km/l. Rest of the mechanical package remains identical between both variants.

Thus for value-focused buyers not wanting to breach a ₹15 lakh budget, both the Honda Elevate V CVT and Kia Seltos HTK Plus serve up the best blend of features, efficiency and affordability.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.