Here are 8 SUVs that present a strong case against the well-established Creta, each with its own set of pros and cons:

1. Kia Seltos (Rs. 11.13 Lakh – Rs. 20.51 Lakh)

Launched as a direct rival to the Creta, the Kia Seltos has consistently impressed with its striking design, extensive features, and multiple engine and transmission choices. The 2025 Seltos boasts a refreshed design and an even more comprehensive feature list.

Pros Over Hyundai Creta:

• More Edgy And Youthful Design: Often perceived as having a more striking and modern design than the Creta.
• Wider Range Of Variants and Features: Offers a vast array of variants and segment-leading features in higher variants.
• Aggressive Pricing For Certain Variants: Can offer a slightly more competitive price point for similarly equipped models.

Cons Over Hyundai Creta:

• Ride Quality: Some might find the Seltos’ ride slightly firmer compared to the Creta’s more comfort-oriented setup.
• Brand Perception (for some): While Kia has established itself, Hyundai has a longer and more widespread brand presence in India.

2. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara (Rs. 11.19 Lakh – Rs. 19.99 Lakh)

The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara brings a unique proposition with its efficient mid-hybrid and strong hybrid powertrain option, offering exceptional fuel efficiency. It also boasts a spacious interior and the reliability of the Maruti Suzuki brand.

Pros Over Hyundai Creta:

• Strong Hybrid Option: Delivers significantly higher fuel efficiency compared to the Creta’s petrol engines.
• Spacious Rear Seat: Offers generous legroom and comfortable seating for rear passengers.
• Maruti Suzuki’s Extensive Service Network: Benefits from Maruti’s widespread and reliable after-sales service.

Cons Over Hyundai Creta:

• Performance Of Mild-Hybrid: The mild-hybrid petrol engine feels less powerful compared to the Creta’s turbo-petrol and diesel options.
• Feature List (Mid-Range): Some mid-range variants lack certain premium features offered by the Creta.

3. Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder (Rs. 11.34 Lakh – Rs. 19.99 Lakh)

Sharing its underpinnings as well as powertrain options with the Maruti Grand Vitara, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder offers similar advantages in terms of fuel efficiency and rear-seat space, backed by Toyota’s renowned reliability.

Pros Over Hyundai Creta:

• Toyota’s Renowned Reliability: Benefits from Toyota’s strong reputation for build quality and long-term dependability.
• Excellent Fuel Efficiency (Strong Hybrid): Offers class-leading fuel economy with its strong hybrid system.
• Comfortable Ride Quality: Provides a comfortable and composed ride.

Cons Over Hyundai Creta:

• Performance Of Mild-Hybrid: Similar to the Grand Vitara, the mild-hybrid engine feels less powerful.
• Feature List (Mid-Range): Feature distribution across variants is not as comprehensive as the Creta.

4. MG Astor (Rs. 11.30 Lakh – Rs. 18.55 Lakh)

The MG Astor stands out with its bold design and segment-first AI assistant and Level 2 ADAS features, offering a tech-forward experience in the compact SUV segment.

Pros Over Hyundai Creta:

• AI Assistant and ADAS: Offers advanced technology features not commonly found in this segment.
• Premium Interior Feel: Higher trims boast a well-appointed and premium-feeling cabin.
• Turbo-Petrol Option: Provides a punchier driving experience with its turbo-petrol engine.

Cons Over Hyundai Creta:

• Rear Seat Space: Rear passenger space might be slightly less generous compared to the Creta.
• Brand Perception (relative to Hyundai): MG is a newer brand in India compared to Hyundai’s established presence.

5. Skoda Kushaq (Rs. 10.99 Lakh – Rs. 19.01 Lakh)

The Skoda Kushaq emphasises driving pleasure and robust build quality, appealing to enthusiasts who prioritise performance and a solid European driving experience.

Pros Over Hyundai Creta:

• Excellent Driving Dynamics: Offers superior handling and a more engaging driving experience, especially with its turbo-petrol engines.
• Strong Build Quality and Safety: Built with a robust structure and offers good safety features.
• Punchy Turbo-Petrol Engines: Provides exhilarating performance from its TSI engines.

Cons Over Hyundai Creta:

• Feature List (Base Variants): Lower variants miss out on some features offered by the Creta.
• Rear Seat Space: Rear passenger space might be slightly less compared to the Creta.
• After-Sales Service Perception: Skoda’s after-sales service perception might be a concern for some buyers.

6. Volkswagen Taigun (Rs. 10.89 Lakh – Rs. 18.69 Lakh)

Sharing its platform and engine options with the Skoda Kushaq, the Volkswagen Taigun offers a similar blend of engaging driving dynamics, strong build quality, and potent turbo-petrol engines, wrapped in Volkswagen’s distinct design language.

Pros Over Hyundai Creta:

• Fun-to-Drive Nature: Offers a dynamic and engaging driving experience.
• Solid Build Quality: Built with Volkswagen’s renowned robust construction.
• Capable Turbo-Petrol Engines: Provides good performance for enthusiastic drivers.

Cons Over Hyundai Creta:

• Feature List (Base Variants): Similar to the Kushaq, lower variants might lack some features.
• Rear Seat Space: Rear passenger space might be slightly less compared to the Creta.
• After-Sales Service Perception: Volkswagen’s after-sales service perception might be a concern for some buyers.

7. Honda Elevate (Rs. 11.91 Lakh – Rs. 16.63 Lakh)

The Honda Elevate is the newest entrant in this segment, emphasising Honda’s traditional strengths of a refined engine, comfortable ride, and spacious interiors, along with a focus on practicality.

Pros Over Hyundai Creta:

• Spacious And Comfortable Cabin: Offers generous interior space, particularly in the rear.
• Refined Petrol Engine: Honda’s 1.5L normal petrol engine is known for its smooth and refined performance.
• Practical and User-Friendly Design: Emphasises ease of use and practicality.

Cons Over Hyundai Creta:

• No Diesel Or Turbo-Petrol Option: Misses out on the more powerful engine choices offered by the Creta.
• Feature List (Compared to Top Creta): Top-end variants lack some premium features such as a panoramic sunroof available on the Creta.

8. Citroen Aircross (Rs. 8.49 Lakh – Rs. 14.55 Lakh)

The Citroen C3 Aircross offers a unique design and a focus on comfort and practicality, along with a turbocharged petrol engine. Its more affordable pricing for certain variants also makes it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.

Pros Over Hyundai Creta:

• Unique And Quirky Design: Stands out with its distinctive French styling.
• Comfortable Ride Quality: Emphasises a comfortable and absorbent ride.
• Turbo-Petrol Engine: Offers decent performance from its turbocharged petrol unit.
• More Affordable Pricing (for some variants): Certain variants are priced competitively.

Cons Over Hyundai Creta:

• Feature List (Overall): The overall feature list is less extensive compared to the Creta.
• Rear Seat Experience (Bench Type): The flat rear bench is not as comfortable for 3 adults on longer journeys.
• Brand Perception and Network: Citroen has a smaller brand presence and service network compared to Hyundai.

While the Hyundai Creta continues to be a strong all-rounder, this diverse range of alternatives offers compelling reasons for buyers to explore other options in the competitive compact SUV segment. From the Kia Seltos’ bold design and extensive features to the Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder’s fuel efficiency, the MG Astor’s tech-forward approach, the Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun’s driving dynamics, the Honda Elevate’s practicality, and the Citroen Aircross’ unique styling and affordability, there’s likely a compelling alternative to the Creta that perfectly suits individual preferences and priorities.

Here’s how the Hyundai Creta’s base petrol engine compare against its rivals:

Here’s how the Hyundai Creta’s top petrol engine compare against its rivals:

Finally, here’s how the Creta diesel compares against its only other diesel rival in the segment:

You can use our Fuel Cost Calculator to see how much any petrol, diesel or CNG car will cost to run based on the latest fuel price in your city.