2026 Creta Rivals – What’s New?
Bottom line: Several fresh midsize SUVs are set to challenge the Hyundai Creta in 2026, offering sharper styling, better mileage, and prices that force buyers to rethink their choices.

2026 Hyundai Creta Rivals – New SUVs, Price, Mileage & Features
Image: 2026 Hyundai Creta Rivals – New SUVs, Price, Mileage & Features – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
Manufacturers are betting on bold front‑grilles, LED lighting packs, and roof‑rails that double as style statements. The Kia Seltos gets a refreshed bumper with a larger grille, while the Tata Nexon adopts a coupe‑like roofline that makes it look sportier. Even the Nissan Kicks, a newcomer to India, arrives with a sleek silhouette that hides a roomy cabin. If you love the Creta’s clean lines, you’ll notice these rivals push the envelope with sharper creases and more premium trim options.
Performance & Mileage
Most 2026 entrants stick to proven 1.5‑litre petrol engines, but a few add turbocharged variants for extra punch. The Mahindra XUV300 now offers a 1.2‑litre turbo that delivers 110 hp while sipping around 17 km/l in city traffic. The Renault Duster brings a 1.6‑litre engine that promises 15.5 km/l combined. Across the board, manufacturers claim mileage figures that edge or match the Creta’s 17.5 km/l, making fuel efficiency a key battleground.
Price & Rivals
Pricing is where the competition gets intense. While the Creta starts at about ₹11.5 lakh, most rivals sit between ₹10.5 lakh and ₹13 lakh, giving buyers a tighter value proposition. Below is a quick snapshot of the most talked‑about challengers.
| Model | Engine | Mileage (km/l) | Price (₹ lakh) | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Seltos | 1.5 L Petrol | 17.2 | 10.9‑13.4 | UVO infotainment, LED DRLs, 10‑airbag suite |
| Tata Nexon | 1.5 L Turbo Petrol | 17.5 | 9.5‑13.0 | iRA connected car, Harman sound, Dual‑zone AC |
| Mahindra XUV300 | 1.2 L Turbo Petrol | 17.0 | 11.0‑13.5 | ADAS, Sunroof, 6‑airbag package |
| Renault Duster | 1.6 L Petrol | 15.5 | 9.8‑12.5 | 7‑inch touchscreen, Hill‑Hold Assist, 4‑wheel drive option |
| Nissan Kicks | 1.5 L Petrol | 16.8 | 10.5‑12.8 | ProPILOT Assist, Intelligent Around View Monitor, Bose sound |
FAQ
- What is the mileage of the 2026 Kia Seltos? The Seltos offers about 17.2 km per litre in combined driving conditions.
- Is the Mahindra XUV300 worth buying over the Creta? If you value a turbocharged engine and advanced safety features at a similar price, the XUV300 makes a strong case.
- Which 2026 SUV has the lowest starting price? The Tata Nexon starts around ₹9.5 lakh, making it the most affordable among the listed rivals.
Let us know which upcoming SUV you think will give the Creta the toughest competition – drop a comment below!
Source: Read Official News







