Why Used Car Buyers Pay More for a Kia Seltos Than a Hyundai Creta

The Hyundai Creta is a standout performer in the midsize SUV segment. Along with the Kia Seltos, the two SUVs command a hefty market share, not just when it comes to new car sales, but also in the used segment. However, choosing between the two can be tricky, especially if it’s a used example you are considering.

Both cars have built a reputation for being reliable, well-equipped, and offering just the right combination of size, features, and performance, which has led to their popularity. Given that, it’s hard to go wrong with either. However, depending on what you’re looking for, be it price, low maintenance costs, resale value, or engine options, one of them is a better bet than the other. In this article, we will run through the real story behind resale values, depreciation rates, and maintenance costs for both SUVs.

How Much These SUVs Are Really Worth in the Used Market

The Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos are both strong performers in the second hand cars market, but there’s a noticeable difference in how they hold their value. Despite the Creta’s longer presence in the market and its well-established reputation, it’s the newer Seltos that manages to command a higher resale value.

This higher price tag isn’t random. In comparison, a used Kia Seltos benefits from fresher styling, better feature packaging in the higher variants, and the perception of Kia as a slightly more premium brand. On the other hand, the Creta has age on its side — meaning more options available in the used car market, wider service network coverage, and better familiarity among mechanics, which does influence buyer confidence in the used segment.

Note: The used car prices shown are for model years 2014 and above, with mileage under 1 lakh (<1,00,000) kilometers.

Key Talking Points from the Resale Value Data

• The Seltos holds a resale premium of over ₹1.5 lakh on average: Despite similar new car prices, the Seltos edges ahead in the used market. This is largely because the Seltos is newer (launched in 2019) and many of its units are still well within their warranty period, which helps maintain higher resale value.
   
• Creta offers a wider price range — from as low as ₹4.54 lakh: Thanks to its longer presence in the market, older used Creta models are available at significantly lower prices compared to theSeltos. If your budget is tight, an older Creta becomes the more accessible option.
   
• Higher variant Seltos models tend to retain value better: The top-spec trims of the Seltos, especially those with features like ventilated seats, sunroof, and connected car tech, tend to hold their prices stronger than lower variants. Buyers looking for well-equipped models lean toward the Seltos.
   
• Creta’s early diesel models still find buyers thanks to perceived longevity: Older diesel Creta models remain popular in the used market, especially in semi-urban and rural areas where diesel efficiency and lower running costs still matter.

What This Means for You as a Buyer

If you're prioritising the absolute lowest entry point into the segment, a second hand Hyundai Creta gives you more options, especially if you're open to slightly older models. However, if you’re looking for a newer SUV with premium features, fewer owners, and lower mileage, the Seltos is where most buyers lean — and the resale value data clearly supports this.

The catch? Many Creta examples available in the market are diesel, while Seltos buyers tend to lean toward petrol. Your decision should also factor in your running needs, fuel type preference, and the kind of features you care about.

The Hidden Math Behind Used SUV Value Drops

Depreciation tells you how much value a car loses every year, and it plays a big role when you're planning to sell the car a few years down the line.

Key Takeaways

• Both SUVs depreciate at nearly the same rate, with the Seltos holding value slightly better in the first two years.
   
• Maximum depreciation happens in the first three years, where you see value drops of up to 37%.
   
• Post third year, depreciation slows down, making 3 to 5-year-old models the most value-for-money.
   
• Seltos starts strong but Creta catches up, and by Year 5, the difference in resale value is negligible
   
• Buyers looking to resell within 3 years may prefer the Seltos, while long-term owners can go for either.

What’s Under the Bonnet Can Shape Your Experience

Both the Creta and Seltos offer similar engine and gearbox choices. These include:

Hyundai Creta

• 1.5-litre Petrol – Manual / CVT Auto
   
• 1.5-litre Diesel – Manual / Torque Converter Auto
   
• 1.5-litre Turbo Petrol – DCT Auto
   

Kia Seltos

• 1.5-litre Petrol – Manual / CVT Auto
   
• 1.5-litre Diesel – Manual / Torque Converter Auto
   
• 1.5-litre Turbo Petrol – DCT Auto
   

In terms of feel, the Seltos is slightly sportier to drive, especially in turbo variants. The Creta, meanwhile, is tuned for a more comfortable, laid-back driving experience.

The Long-Term Costs Most Buyers Don’t Factor In

Maintenance costs can significantly impact the overall ownership experience. Below is a detailed 5-year cost comparison for both petrol and diesel variants.

Hyundai Creta Service Schedule and Maintenance Costs

Kia Seltos Service Schedule and Maintenance Costs

Insights from the Maintenance Data

• Creta petrol is the cheapest to maintain, with a five-year service cost of just under ₹18,000.
   
• Seltos diesel is the most expensive, primarily due to higher individual service costs after 20,000 km.
   
• Both diesel SUVs have similar maintenance costs overall, but the Creta edges out slightly in affordability.
   
• Petrol variants of both cars are easier on the pocket, but the gap is marginal.
   
• Hyundai’s service network is marginally wider, which might tilt the balance in favour of the Creta in smaller towns and cities.
   

Conclusion

The data shows that the Kia Seltos consistently commands a higher resale value than the Hyundai Creta, averaging over ₹1.5 lakh more in the second-hand market. This price premium is driven by the Seltos’ fresher styling, and richer feature list in top variants. However, depreciation rates between the two level out by the five-year mark, meaning long-term owners won’t see a huge difference in value loss.

Where the Creta fights back is in maintenance costs. The Creta petrol variant remains the cheapest to maintain, with a five-year service cost of ₹17,939, undercutting the Seltos petrol by nearly ₹1,000. Diesel service costs for both remain comparable, but overall, the Creta offers better value for those focused on affordability and low running expenses, especially for buyers leaning toward petrol variants. The Seltos makes sense for those prioritising features and resale value, while the Creta stands out for its lower upkeep and comfort-focused ownership experience.

Both SUVs come with a 3-year/unlimited kilometers standard warranty from the manufacturer, and extended packages are available from the dealers. However, used cars sold by CARS24 are covered under a standard 30 day warranty, while customers also have the option for a 12 month extended warranty for a nominal fee.