MG Astor Vs Kia Seltos – Which Compact SUV is Better?

A few years ago, picking a compact SUV meant choosing between two or three decent options. But today, it feels like there’s a new SUV launching every few months. So, if you’ve been looking for one, you’ve probably heard two names the most – MG Astor (Morris Garages Astor) and Kia Seltos. They both look sharp, come packed with features, power and promise a premium experience. So the real question arises – Which compact SUV is right for you? In this blog, we will help you make an informed decision by comparing each and every aspect from exterior & interior, engine performance to specifications and performance of the MG Astor vs Kia Seltos.

You might find this interesting – MG Astor vs Rivals In India | A Comparison

MG Astor vs Kia Seltos – How They Compare?

A. Get to Know the Cars 

The MG Astor comes from a brand that’s new to India but has quickly made a name for itself with stylish design and tech-forward features. Based on the ZS platform, the Astor focuses on giving you a “European” feel, clean lines, soft-touch materials, and even a small AI assistant on the dashboard.

You get two petrol engine options:

• 1.5L naturally aspirated (110 PS)
• 1.3L turbocharged (140 PS)

There’s no diesel variant, which might be a dealbreaker for some.

Kia Seltos has been a massive hit since the day it launched. And honestly, it’s hard not to see why, it’s stylish, premium, and it’s got just about every feature you’d want, especially after the 2023 facelift.

Engine options:

• 1.5L petrol (115 PS)
• 1.5L turbo petrol (160 PS)
• 1.5L diesel (116 PS)

B. Exterior and Interior – MG Astor vs Kia Seltos

MG Astor comes with a European design, front grille, and LED headlamps, giving it a premium look. Kia Seltos, on the other hand, comes with sharp lines, and the upright stance makes it look sportier and more SUV-like. 

Step inside and you’ll notice both SUVs bring a lot to the table.

The Astor’s cabin feels plush and modern. The dashboard design is clean, the materials feel soft and rich, and it even has a talking AI assistant on the dash that reacts to your voice and expressions, which is fun, especially for families with kids. You also get a large 10.1-inch touchscreen, a fully digital driver’s display, and useful tech like:

• Panoramic sunroof
• 360-degree camera
• Level 2 ADAS features (like lane assist and adaptive cruise control)
• Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay (only with the CVT though)

The Seltos interior feels premium but also practical. After the recent update, the twin-screen layout (for infotainment and driver display) adds a modern touch. The quality of plastics and buttons is impressive, and it feels solid.

Feature highlights in the Seltos include:

• Panoramic sunroof
• Ventilated front seats
• Dual-zone climate control
• Bose sound system
• Level 2 ADAS (available in top trims)

C. Engine and Performance – MG Astor vs Kia Seltos

MG Astor comes with a 1.5L petrol engine and is fine for daily city runs, but if you want that extra punch, the 1.3L turbo is the one to pick. It’s quick, smooth, and handles overtakes well on highways. But remember – there’s no diesel, so if mileage and long-distance driving matter, you might want to look into something else.

This is where the Seltos really shines. You get more variety:

• The regular 1.5L petrol is good enough for daily use
• The 1.5L turbo-petrol is more powerful than Astor’s and is fun to drive
• The 1.5L diesel is refined, fuel-efficient, and perfect for long hauls

D. Features and Safety – MG Astor vs Kia Seltos

Others Read – MG Astor Safety Rating: Breaking Down Features and Real-World Value

E. Specifications and Dimensions – MG Astor vs Kia Seltos

F. Price Comparison – MG Astor vs Kia Seltos

G. What’s Missing in Both?

As much as these two SUVs offer, neither is flawless, and that’s worth pointing out.

MG Astor could’ve been better if:

• It offered a diesel variant, especially for those who drive long distances.
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were available across all variants, not just the CVT.
• The rear seat was a bit roomier for taller passengers.

Kia Seltos misses out on:

• A slightly softer suspension, bad roads can feel a bit harsh at times.
• Some must-have features are in the lower variants, like the 360-degree camera or ventilated seats.
• A little bit of uniqueness, since Seltos is a common choice and might not stand out as much.

Know about Seltos’s Safety – Kia Seltos: NCAP rating & Features

MG Astor vs Kia Seltos: Which One Should You Buy?

A. Buy the MG Astor if:

• You love stylish interiors.
• You want a comfortable, tech-filled city SUV.
• You mostly drive short to medium distances.
• You want something different and futuristic.

B. Buy the Kia Seltos if:

• You need space and versatility.
• You travel long distances or need a diesel.
• You prefer driving performance and sharp looks.
• You want more engine and gearbox combinations.

Conclusion

If you’re still not sure between the MG Astor vs Kia Seltos, here’s the simple truth – both are great picks, but for very different types of buyers.

The MG Astor is for someone who wants a premium-looking SUV with a plush cabin, cool tech, and doesn’t mind sticking to petrol only. It got a certain charm, something you’d love if your driving mostly within the city.

But if you want more practicality, more performance options, and a car that feels solid on long highway trips and rough roads, the Kia Seltos takes the win. The diesel engine, roomier cabin, and slightly better feature spread (especially in the higher variants) make it the more versatile choice. So here’s your decision:

• Want something futuristic and fancy for daily drives? Go for the Astor.
• Need something well-rounded and road-trip ready? Seltos is your SUV.

Either way, you’re getting a feature-loaded, good-looking SUV — just pick the one that fits your kind of drive.

FAQ’s

1. Which is better, MG or Kia?

Well, it kind of depends on what you want. MG feels more techy and cool on the inside, while Kia gives you more peace of mind with its reliability, better service reach. Additionally, Kia has been around longer so people trust it more, especially when it comes to resale and long-term ownership.

2. Why don’t people buy MG Astor?

People usually skip the Astor because there’s no diesel option, which matters to folks who drive a lot. Plus the back seat isn’t that spacious and even though it looks fancy, MG is still kinda new in India, so some buyers just don’t feel fully confident yet.

3. Is Astor bigger than Seltos?

Not really, because even though the Astor is slightly wider and the Seltos is longer and has a better wheelbase so it feels more spacious, especially in the back, and looks a bit more like a proper SUV when you see them side by side.

4. What is the drawback of MG cars?

The biggest issue with MG cars is that while they look great and come with cool features, they miss out on practical things like diesel engines. Some variants skip features people expect, and since the brand is still building up, resale and service access in smaller cities isn’t as strong yet.

Want to Compare More Cars? Read these:

• MG Comet vs Tiago EV vs Citroen eC3
• Aura vs Dzire – A Complete Comparison of Compact Sedans
• Kia Seltos vs Skoda Kushaq Detailed Comparison for SUV Buyers
• Venue vs Nexon – Compact SUV Comparison
• Skoda Kushaq Vs Volkswagen Taigun- Which One Should You Pick in 2025?
• Hyundai Verna vs Honda City Comparison for Best Sedan Choice
• BMW vs. Mercedes-Benz: A Complete Comparison of German Giants
• Hyundai Alcazar vs Tata Safari | The Epic Comparison