The Mahindra XUV 7XO 2026 and the Kia Seltos 2026 are two of the most talked-about SUVs in India after their launches this year. The XUV 7XO was launched on 6 January 2026 as a modern, feature-rich mid-size SUV, while the Seltos was launched on 2 January 2026 with updates in design, technology, and performance. Both SUVs target buyers who want comfort, style, and value, but they take different approaches. This comparison helps you decide which one suits your needs best.
Design and Road Presence
The Mahindra XUV 7XO 2026 features a bold and muscular design. Its sharp LED headlamps, wide grille, sculpted body lines, and large alloy wheels give it a rugged and premium look. The overall design emphasizes strength and road presence, which appeals to buyers who want an SUV with a commanding stance.
The Kia Seltos 2026, on the other hand, focuses more on sporty and refined styling. It has a signature tiger-nose grille, sleek LED headlamps, and a balanced body profile with connected LED tail lamps. The Seltos looks modern and stylish without being too aggressive, making it suitable for buyers who prefer a premium urban look.
Interior and Comfort
Inside the XUV 7XO, the cabin is spacious and tech-rich. The dashboard features a large touchscreen infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster. Comfortable seats with good cushioning make long drives easy, and the cabin finishing includes ambient lighting and soft-touch materials in higher trims. The overall space is generous, particularly in the rear row, which benefits families and frequent travellers.
The Kia Seltos 2026 also offers a well-designed and comfortable cabin. It has a premium feel with a wide touchscreen infotainment unit, digital cluster, and quality materials. Rear passengers get good legroom and headroom, and convenience features like wireless charging and rear AC vents add to comfort. While the Seltos feels slightly more compact than the XUV 7XO, it still delivers a refined and well-built interior.
Engine and Performance
The Mahindra XUV 7XO 2026 offers powerful engine options, including responsive petrol and diesel units paired with manual and automatic transmissions. These engines are tuned for smooth performance and strong torque, making the SUV confident on highways and city roads alike. The suspension setup balances comfort and handling, giving a composed ride even on uneven surfaces.
The Kia Seltos 2026 comes with a variety of engine choices as well, including naturally aspirated petrol, turbo-petrol, and diesel engines with manual, iMT, and automatic transmissions. The turbo-petrol and diesel engines deliver strong acceleration and good efficiency, while the suspension setup provides a balance between comfort and agility. The Seltos feels lighter on its feet, making it easy to drive in urban conditions.
Features and Technology
The XUV 7XO 2026 is packed with modern features. It offers a large infotainment touchscreen, connected car technology, wireless phone charging, panoramic sunroof, and premium audio system. Higher variants include advanced driver assistance systems and safety tech for added convenience and peace of mind.
The Seltos 2026 also comes with a long list of features. It offers a large touchscreen infotainment system, connected car features, voice commands, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and ventilated seats in select trims. Advanced driver assistance features in higher variants further enhance safety and convenience.
Safety and Build Quality
Safety is a strong point for both SUVs. The XUV 7XO comes with multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, and traction control. Advanced safety technologies are available in top variants, making it a confident choice for family buyers.
The Seltos 2026 offers six airbags as standard, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, traction control, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. Higher variants may include additional driver assistance technologies. Both vehicles feel solidly built and capable of handling Indian road conditions with confidence.
Practicality and Usability
In the XUV 7XO, practicality is enhanced by generous boot space and flexible seating that make weekend trips and daily errands easy. The high seating position and good visibility add to comfortable driving in traffic and on open roads.
The Seltos also offers good boot space for everyday use and family trips. Its compact dimensions make it easier to navigate tight city spaces and parking lots, while rear AC vents and thoughtful storage areas improve overall usability.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Mahindra XUV 7XO 2026 | Kia Seltos 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 6 January 2026 | 2 January 2026 |
| Design | Bold, muscular SUV look | Sporty, refined premium look |
| Interior Space | Spacious cabin with tech focus | Well-built cabin, slightly more compact |
| Engines | Petrol & Diesel, strong torque | Petrol, Turbo Petrol & Diesel |
| Ride & Handling | Balanced comfort + stability | Comfortable, lighter city feel |
| Features | Tech-rich, advanced safety | Feature-packed, ventilated seats |
| Safety | Multiple airbags, ESC, ADAS | Six airbags, stability systems |
| Practicality | Good boot + seating flexibility | Easy city usability |
Final Word
Both the Mahindra XUV 7XO 2026 and Kia Seltos 2026 are strong contenders in the mid-size SUV segment, but they appeal to slightly different buyers.
If you want bold design, a spacious cabin for family comfort, and strong performance, the Mahindra XUV 7XO 2026 is a great choice.
If you prefer a sportier city-friendly SUV with a refined interior, smooth engines, and premium features, the Kia Seltos 2026 may be a better fit.
In the end, both SUVs offer excellent value and features, and your choice should depend on whether you prioritize comfort and presence (XUV 7XO) or agility and urban refinement (Seltos).
