Kia Seltos vs Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 13-14 Lakh for Safety-conscious Car Buyers

For a safety-conscious buyer, it is important to consider the safest cars, or top safety-rated cars in India, when purchasing a vehicle. Today, we look at the Kia Seltos and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara in terms of their safety aspects.

In this article, we will share

• What a safety-conscious buyer looks for in a car
• Kia Seltos vs Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara – an in-depth look at their safety features, ratings, and driver assistance features
• How to pick the right car for you

How have these cars fared in crash tests, and how is their structural integrity? What features do they have to ensure driver, passenger and child safety? Read on.

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

What a Safety-Conscious Buyer Looks for in a Car

Here’s what a safety-conscious buyer should look for in a car:

• Safety – What safety features does the car have? What is its safety rating?
• Driver assistance – Does the car have features like parking camera, rear parking sensors, follow-me-home headlights, etc.
• Space – Does the car have enough interior space?

A safety-conscious buyer prioritizes features that protect occupants from accidents and mitigate harm when collisions occur. Key considerations in best cars with safety features include a high Global NCAP (GNCAP) rating, indicating rigorous crash-test performance, and advanced safety technology like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), ample airbags, and high-speed stability.

Enhanced visibility through quality headlights, fog lights, and parking aids, along with structural integrity for reduced body roll, are also crucial. Buyers value proactive safety measures like crash warning systems, lane-keeping assist, and traction control, all ensuring a secure and worry-free driving experience.

Why Kia Seltos and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara are Popular

Kia Seltos and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara have garnered attention from safety-conscious buyers for their commendable blend of traditional and innovative safety features.

Both models sport a respectable GNCAP rating, with the Grand Vitara earning a slight edge due to its higher score. Notably, the Seltos stands out with its six airbags in selected variants, compared to the Grand Vitara’s standard two, offering enhanced passenger protection.

The Seltos further impresses with its inclusion of ESC, ABS, and traction control — comprehensive stability features noted for preventing accidents during tricky maneuvers or harsh driving conditions. Similarly, the Grand Vitara doesn’t fall short, equipped with vital safety attributes such as ABS and ESC, though it lacks traction control.

Moreover, both cars are lauded for their robust build quality, high-speed stability, and efficient power delivery systems that ensure smooth, controlled rides. They also boast adequate ground clearance, beneficial for preventing underbody damage and providing an extra safety layer, especially during off-road adventures.

Lastly, the Seltos offers advanced safety features like a 360-degree camera in higher variants, enhancing spatial awareness for drivers and setting a high standard for its segment.

Kia Seltos and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Variants Shortlist in Rs 13-14 Lakh Range

For Kia Seltos, we have:

For Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, we have:

Kia Seltos HTK Plus

Priced at INR 1,350,000, this variant is a viable pick for safety-oriented buyers, providing six airbags, ABS, and ESC, ensuring substantial protection and vehicle stability. However, its GNCAP rating of 3 is a slight drawback compared to the Grand Vitara’s score. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can read our guide to the best Kia Seltos variants for you.

Kia Seltos HTK Diesel iMT

This variant, costing INR 1,360,000, maintains the safety standards with six airbags, ABS, and ESC, similar to the HTK Plus. The diesel engine offers a different driving dynamic, yet the safety attributes remain consistent, making it a strong contender.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Delta AT

At INR 1,360,000, it boasts a superior GNCAP rating of 4, reflecting robust crash resilience. While it offers fewer airbags (two), it compensates with a stable build and essential safety features like ABS and ESC. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our 3-way comparison of the Grand Vitara with Hyundai Creta and Skoda Kushaq.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Zeta

This INR 1,391,000 variant steps up with six airbags, matching the Seltos in passenger protection. Coupled with its high GNCAP rating, ABS, and ESC, it makes a compelling case for safety without compromise. If you’re an off-roading enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Grand Vitara with Mahindra Scorpio-N.

Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Kia Seltos and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara for Safety-Conscious Buyers

The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Zeta emerges as the best variant for a safety-conscious buyer. Despite being the priciest at INR 1,391,000, it justifies its cost with a superior blend of safety features.

Its GNCAP rating of 4, indicative of higher crash-test resilience, offers peace of mind regarding occupant protection during collisions. This variant doesn’t skimp on airbag quantity, providing six, unlike the Delta AT variant.

Moreover, the Zeta is equipped with essential stability features, including ABS and ESC, ensuring the vehicle maintains traction and control during critical situations. Its build quality and high-speed stability further contribute to a secure driving environment, reducing risks associated with loss of control.

Additionally, the presence of LED headlights enhances visibility, a crucial safety aspect during nighttime driving or poor weather conditions.

While it may lack some advanced features present in the higher-end Seltos variants, such as a 360-degree camera, its comprehensive safety package and superior crash-test performance make the Grand Vitara Zeta the optimal choice for those prioritizing safety.

The Top 3 Choices

2. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Zeta
3. Kia Seltos HTK Plus
4. Kia Seltos HTK Diesel iMT

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Zeta leads the pack with its higher GNCAP rating and comprehensive safety features.
• The Kia Seltos HTK Plus and HTK Diesel iMT, while boasting six airbags and key stability features, fall slightly behind due to their lower GNCAP ratings. However, they offer competitive safety packages that shouldn’t be dismissed, especially considering their fog lights and robust build quality for stable driving experiences.

All three variants represent a commitment to passenger safety and vehicle stability, essential for any safety-conscious buyer. Their blend of traditional safety features with some advanced elements ensures a protective driving environment, addressing the main concerns of buyers prioritizing safety above all else.

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