Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara 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
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 good value by getting the optimal mix of features, space, efficiency and reliability at a justifiable price. Priority is given to generous safety equipment, latest gadgets like touchscreens, cabin comfort and low ownership costs via factors like mileage, maintenance etc. 

Premium features take a back seat but core functionality along with peace of mind cannot be compromised. Brand trust also plays a role within strict budget constraints.

Why Maruti Grand Vitara and Kia Seltos 2023 are popular

The Grand Vitara and Seltos 2023 strike a fine balance between features, performance and affordable pricing. Their engine options deliver up to 21km/l fuel efficiency for low running costs. 

Safety sees ample reassurance via multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control etc. Connected features include wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Alexa connectivity, 360° camera etc. 

The Seltos additionally provides ADAS tech like Forward Collision Avoidance. Cabins feel premium and roomy while their wide service networks assure peace of mind. Prices extend to mid and upper variants as well which enable buyers to opt for more features without overshooting affordable price points. 

Overall, both models successfully package the essentials that value-for-money buyers demand at accessible price points.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Kia Seltos 2023 variants shortlist in Rs 13-15 lakh range

For Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, we have:

For Kia Seltos 2023, we have:

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Delta AT

The Grand Vitara Delta AT is competitively priced at Rs. 13.60 lakhs. It strikes a fine balance between features and affordability. Safety sees 2 airbags, ESP, disc brakes all around etc. Equipment list covers 7” touchscreen, climate control AC, push button start, cruise control, auto headlamps etc. The torque converter auto is smooth while mileage stands at 20.58km/l. After sales service also has brand Maruti’s backing. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Grand Vitara with Honda Elevate.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Zeta

The Zeta variant enhances safety with 6 airbags while adding tech like connected car features, wireless Android Auto/CarPlay, quad LED headlamps, rain sensing wipers etc. But at Rs. 13.91 lakhs, the Delta AT brings better value currently. If you’re a gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the Grand Vitara with Hyundai Creta 2024.

Kia Seltos HTK Plus & Diesel iMT

Among Seltos variants, the HTK Plus packs in 6 airbags, auto AC, 17.78cm touchscreen, UVO connected tech, wireless charging, push button start, multiple drive modes etc at just Rs. 13.50 lakhs making it an attractive choice. Mileage is rated at 17km/l. Only sore miss is rear parking camera. 

The punchy diesel iMT gives 20.8km/l economy and is priced very close to the petrol at Rs. 13.60 lakhs but appeals more to frequent highway travellers over city users. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can check out our comparison of the Seltos 2023 with MG Hector.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Kia Seltos 2023 for Value-for-money buyers

The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Delta AT emerges as the #1 pick in this comparison for value-for-money buyers owing to its competitive pricing coupled with a long equipment list and brand Maruti’s repute and widespread service network. Priced at Rs. 13.60 lakhs, the uncluttered variant lineup from Maruti enables buyers to get top-spec safety and features at this budget price unlike the hierarchy followed by Kia.

The 102PS 1.5L mild-hybrid petrol engine delivers 20.58km/l fuel efficiency as per ARAI to help keep running costs under check. Safety sees ample reassurance via dual airbags, electronic stability program, hill hold assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors and disc brakes all around. 

Cabin features tick most boxes including auto climate control AC, push button start/stop, auto headlamps, 7” SmartPlay touchscreen, cruise control and auto-fold ORVMs. Interiors feel premium with soft-touch materials while visibility remains strong. Ownership experience is satisfying as well courtesy Maruti’s extensive service network and relatively lower maintenance costs.

In comparison, the similarly priced Kia Seltos HTK Plus does offer added features like air purifier, drive modes, UVO connected car tech etc but safety sees only 3 star GNCAP crash test rating versus the Grand Vitara’s high 5 stars along with lower equipment. 

Top 3 Variants

1. Maruti Grand Vitara Delta AT
2. Kia Seltos HTK Plus
3. Maruti Grand Vitara Zeta

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The numero uno choice is the Grand Vitara Delta AT for its value pricing coupled with strong safety credentials, torquey petrol engine delivering 20.58km/l mileage and Maruti’s backing regarding service support. Dual airbags, ESP, cruise control, auto AC, push button start/stop and 7” touchscreen cover the basics well without unnecessary expensive add-ons.
• The Kia Seltos HTK Plus takes second place by offering a maximum features for least outlay formula. Priced at Rs. 13.50 lakhs, the feature-packed variant offers segment-first equipment like 8-speaker Bose sound system, air purifier, wireless charging, multiple drive and traction modes, UVO connected car tech etc. Fuel efficiency stands at 17km/l. However, safety sees only 3 airbags and lower structural rigidity.
• In third place is the Maruti Grand Vitara Zeta missing our top spot by a whisker. For Rs. 30,000 more, it adds plenty of extra safety and tech like 6 airbags, hill descent control, height-adjustable driver’s seat, wireless Android Auto/CarPlay connectivity, 360° camera etc over the Delta AT. But you get better value from the cheaper variant without compromising on much

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