Kia Seltos vs Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder: Top Variants Compared for the Performance Enthusiast

What are some of the best performance cars in India? What makes them high-performance car models? Today, we take a look at the mid-size SUVs Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and find out why they appeal to performance enthusiasts.

In this article, we will share

• What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
• Kia Seltos vs Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder – A comprehensive analysis of their top variants, performance and features
• How to pick the right car for you

So, do the Seltos, Grand Vitara, or the Hyryder qualify as the fast cars you need? Read on.

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500

What a Performance Enthusiast looks for in a car

Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:

• Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
• Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
• Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
• Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance

Performance enthusiasts seek vehicles that deliver exhilarating acceleration, nimble handling, and robust engine power. They prioritize rapid acceleration times from 0-60 km/h, a linear and responsive power delivery, and minimal turbo lag. 

High-speed stability ensures confidence during speedy endeavors, while agile handling and minimal body roll accentuate cornering capabilities. Advanced automatic transmissions and innovative tech features enhance the driving experience, ensuring enthusiasts are always in control and engaged with their vehicle.

Why Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Kia Seltos are Popular

Among the lineup of cars appealing to performance enthusiasts, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Kia Seltos stand out due to their compelling blend of performance and value. 

The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara’s strong hybrid system offers a unique driving experience, combining efficiency with pep. 

Kia Seltos, with its modern tech and adaptive driving modes, caters to both city driving and spirited highway jaunts. 

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, with its reliable hybrid performance, emphasizes efficient yet engaging drive dynamics. 

These vehicles offer a harmonious blend of power, handling, and innovative features that resonate with enthusiasts.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Kia Seltos Top Variants

For Kia Seltos, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 29 August 2023
HTX Plus DCT	₹19,35,000

For Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 29 August 2023
Alpha Plus Hybrid CVT	₹19,95,000

For Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 29 August 2023
V HYBRID	₹19,49,000

Kia Seltos HTX Plus DCT

This variant comes equipped with a 158 BHP petrol engine, ensuring brisk acceleration. While it offers a stable high-speed experience, the linear power delivery is favorable for performance seekers. The 6-speed transmission, although not advanced automatic, provides direct control for those who prefer manual shifts. You can read our guide to the best Kia Seltos variants for family-focused buyers.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Alpha Plus Hybrid CVT

With a strong hybrid system, this variant stands out in terms of environmental efficiency without compromising on performance. The engine produces 91.18 BHP, which, combined with an eCVT transmission, ensures a smooth and responsive ride. The stability at high speeds complements its linear power output. If you are a style-conscious buyer, you can check out our comparison of the Grand Vitara with Volkswagen Taigun.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder V HYBRID

This model also focuses on hybrid efficiency, boasting an engine output of 91.18 BHP. Similar to the Grand Vitara, it offers a linear power delivery and eCVT transmission for a seamless drive. Its stable high-speed characteristics and glossy exterior finish appeal to enthusiasts who value aesthetics along with performance. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read how the Urban Cruiser Hyryder compares with Hyundai Creta.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Kia Seltos for Performance Enthusiasts

The Kia Seltos HTX Plus DCT emerges as the top choice for performance enthusiasts. Boasting a powerful 158 BHP petrol engine, it significantly outpaces its competitors in raw power. Its 0-60 km/h acceleration is “moderate,” but it promises a top speed of 190 km/h. 

The handling is highlighted by its stability during high-speed endeavors and the linear power delivery that performance enthusiasts crave. Its 6-speed manual transmission further allows drivers to be in complete control of gear shifts, accentuating the driving experience. 

The presence of essential features like alloy wheels, body-colored bumpers and door handles, and an LCD touchscreen ensures the vehicle doesn’t lag in terms of aesthetics and utility.

The 3 Top Variants Ranked

1. Kia Seltos HTX Plus DCT
2. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Alpha Plus Hybrid CVT
3. Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder V HYBRID

Attributes	Kia Seltos	Maruti Suzuki	Toyota Urban Cruiser
# of cylinders	4	3	3
Agility	Agile	Sluggish	Sluggish
Engine – displacement (cc)	1482	1490	1490
Engine – power (BHP)	158	91.18	91.18
Engine responsiveness	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
High-Speed Stability	Stable	Stable	Stable
Power delivery	Linear	Linear	Linear
Transmission – Auto Type	DCT	eCVT	eCVT
Wheel Type (alloy, steel)	Alloy	Alloy	Alloy

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Kia Seltos HTX Plus DCT tops the list due to its superior engine power and manual transmission. 
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Alpha Plus Hybrid CVT brings hybrid efficiency to the table, making it a close second
• The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder V HYBRID rounds off the list with its seamless eCVT transmission.

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

Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered