Hyundai Tucson vs Kia Seltos vs Creta: Korean Trio Compared for UAE Buyers

Abu Dhabi: The Korean brands have quietly built a strong presence in the UAE over the years. Kia and Hyundai more or less rank in the first 5 brands in terms of annual sales. This makes the brand highly visible across the Emirates, earning huge brand loyalty and customers pull towards their sedans and SUVs. 

Today, finding a Hyundai or Kia in any parking lot around Dubai or Abu Dhabi isn’t a rare sight, they are quite common across the country. What makes them highly popular and also loved is the incredible reliability, distinct design, and best features. On top of all of it, they don't cost as much as the German or Japanese alternatives. Giving all of this at a reasonable price point is their key USP, highly regarded by car buyers. 

Both brands have a strong hold in certain segments, one among them is the mid to compact size SUV space. Three models that stand out in these segments: the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Seltos, and Hyundai Creta. All three share Korean engineering DNA, but they target different buyers with different needs and budgets. The Tucson is the larger, more premium option. The Creta sits in the middle, practical and popular. The Seltos is the sportier, younger-looking choice.

If you're in the market right now for an SUV in the UAE and considering any of these three, this comparison will help you understand what each one offers and which might work best for you.

Market Position

Hyundai launched the Tucson globally back in 2004, and it's now in its fourth generation. The current model arrived in 2021 with a bold new design that makes it stand out in its segment. Hyundai tried to make it more premium in 2025 updates, and an upmarket choice to take on well-established rivals at the right price. Looks like the brand has been largely successful, looking at the SUV inside and out. In the UAE, Tucson appeals to families who generally prefer bigger space, some cool features, and a mix of driving dynamics with comfort without spending a lot.

The Kia Seltos is the newest of the three, launched globally in 2019, with its last update earlier this year.  Kia has positioned it as a stylish, packed with the latest tech, compact SUV aimed at younger buyers or those buying their first SUV after, say, driving a sedan for years. It shares its platform with the Creta, which means they're mechanical cousins (sister brands), but the Seltos has its own character. In the UAE, it attracts buyers who want something that looks sporty and modern without the high price tag of European brands.

The Creta first appeared in 2015, targeting emerging markets where compact SUVs were gaining popularity. It hit the sweet spot between size and price, quickly becoming a car to reckon with. The second generation launched in 2020, and it's been a strong seller across the region. It received its latest update in 2025. In the Emirates, you see Cretas everywhere because they make sense for small families, young professionals, and anyone who wants an SUV that's easy to drive and park while still offering decent space.

It is fair to say, all these three SUVs have really found their own audience in the highly competitive compact SUV segments in the UAE. They may look quite similar in applications, but they are not. The Tucson is the premium choice, the Creta is the practical bestseller, and the Seltos is the style-conscious alternative. Korean cars, in general, have shaken off their budget image over the past decade. These three prove that point.

Price Comparison

Everything ultimately comes down to the price, which is what really matters to the end user and also the success of any car hinges on. When comparing three SUVs from the same country of origin. The Seltos and Creta are nearly identical in their entry prices, while the Tucson commands a premium for its larger size and extra features. All of them have several variants with key features and tech. 

Variant	Hyundai Tucson (AED)	Kia Seltos (AED)	Hyundai Creta (AED)
Base Model	95,900	76,500	76,900
Mid-Range	1,14,900	84,900	94,900
Top Trim	1,31,900	1,01,500	1,04,900

The Seltos and Creta offer the lowest barrier to entry, making it accessible for first-time SUV buyers or those on a tighter budget. The Tucson costs another 15,000 to 25,000 dirhams on top of the Creta and Seltos, as you get larger dimensions, more powerful engine options, and an upmarket interior.

All three come with Hyundai or Kia's standard warranty packages, which include five years or 150,000 km coverage in the UAE. Service costs are reasonable compared to European brands, and parts availability is good across the Emirates.

Dimensions Comparison

The size differences between these three become obvious when you park them side by side. The Tucson is noticeably larger, closer to a traditional mid-size SUV. The Creta and Seltos are compact SUVs, easier to navigate in tight spaces, but what they compromise is lower cabin space compared to the Tuscon; that trade-off is obvious with sizes.

Dimension	Hyundai Tucson (mm)	Kia Seltos (mm)	Hyundai Creta (mm)
Length	4,630	4,365	4,315
Width	1,865	1,800	1,790
Height	1,665	1,635	1,630
Wheelbase	2,755	2,610	2,610
Ground Clearance	170	183	183
Fuel Tank	62L	50L	50L
Boot Space	620L	430L	430L
Wheel Size	17/18/19 inches	16/17 inches	16/17 inches

Tucson's extra length means superior legroom in the back seat and significantly more boot space. If you regularly carry luggage for family trips or need to carry sports equipment, that extra 187 litres of cargo space makes a real difference. The longer wheelbase also means a smoother ride over the highway.

The Creta and Seltos share the same platform, so their dimensions are nearly identical. They both offer decent ground clearance at 183 mm, and they are perfect to take on our roads where you have mixed terrains and driving conditions. Actually, a comfort to know when with speed bumps and the occasional unpaved parking area, common situations in the UAE.

The Tucson feels more solid on the road. Its wider stance makes it more stable at highway speeds. But the Creta and Seltos are easier to park in crowded mall parking or navigate through tight city streets. As you have already figured out, all three are five-seaters. These are not your typical full-size SUV, which comes with three rows. Those are different segments and price points. 

Performance Comparison

Here's where things get interesting and also most buyers would like to know.  The Tucson offers more power and engine options. The Creta and Seltos share engines but tune them slightly differently to match their target audiences.

Specification	Kia Seltos 2025	Hyundai Tucson 2025	Hyundai Creta 2025
Engine Options	1.5L Diesel CRDi, 1.4L Turbo Petrol	1.6L Turbo GDI Petrol, 2.0L Petrol	1.5L Petrol, possibly 1.4L Turbo
Power (hp)	114.41 hp (Diesel), 175 hp (Petrol)	180 hp	113-115 hp
Torque (Nm)	250 Nm (Diesel), 265 Nm (Petrol)	265 Nm	144 Nm
Transmission	6-speed Auto, 7-speed DCT	Automatic	6-speed Auto or Manual
Drive Type	Front Wheel Drive (FWD)	FWD; AWD (HTRAC in some trims)	Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
Fuel Tank Capacity	Approx. 50 liters (varies by variant)	62 liters	40 liters
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	Not specified (~10-12 seconds est.)	Around 9 seconds	Approx. 12.2 seconds
Top Speed	Not specified	~200 km/h	Around 170 km/h
Fuel Type	Diesel/Petrol	Petrol	Petrol

The Tucson's 2.0-litre engine produces 156 hp of power, which is quite enough for the SUV, and serves well for a daily city drive or occasional highway. The 1.6-litre turbo, as expected, is for those who want responsive acceleration for highway driving and overtaking. It produces 180 hp and delivers power smoothly through a dual-clutch transmission. The Tucson also offers all-wheel drive on higher trims, useful if you go to the desert or drive in wet conditions.

The Creta and Seltos both come with 1.5-litre engines. The naturally aspirated version produces115hp, which may feel slow, especially with a full load of passengers. But the performance in the city is just fine, but it could struggle with quick acceleration. The turbocharged 1.5-litre is the one to get, producing 160 hp of power and much better torque. Both the Creta and Seltos are available in a turbo engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

On UAE highways, the Tucson feels more solid and confident at higher speeds. The extra weight and longer wheelbase help, in the overall ride quality, which is actually quite comfortable.

The Creta rides well for its size. The suspension is tuned for comfort, which means it soaks up bumps nicely. Don’t assume it is sporty, because it isn’t, but good for your daily commute to work or even on weekend highway drives.

The Seltos has a slightly firmer suspension setup. Kia wanted it to feel sportier, and it does, to some extent. You feel more connected to the road, and it handles corners with less body roll than the Creta. But this comes at the cost of a slightly busier ride over rough surfaces, so yes, the difference isn't big on the surface, but it's noticeable when behind the wheel.

Features Comparison

Most of us know the key differentiators of the Korean brand have always been their focus on offering cool and desirable features. They have been better in this aspect regarding the immediate competitors. This is quite evident in all three SUVs, because both Kia and Hyundai continue with that strategy. All three SUVs pack a lot of equipment, even in their base trims. The Tucson offers the most, rightly justifying its higher price. The Creta and Seltos match each other closely, with small differences in presentation.

Exterior

Feature	Hyundai Tucson	Kia Seltos	Hyundai Creta
Headlights	LED with DRLs	LED projector with DRLs	LED projector with DRLs
Wheels	17/18/19-inch alloy	16/17-inch alloy	17-inch alloy
Styling	Bold, futuristic design	Sporty, aggressive stance	Conservative, elegant lines

Tucson's exterior design divides opinion; frankly, this is the case with even most cars. There are some who just love the bold, angular look with its connected LED daytime running lights and parametric jewel-pattern grille. Others find it too busy, too concept-car-like. Whatever your perspective, it does stand out in traffic. The hidden door handles on higher trims give it a modern feel.

The Seltos looks quite firm, persistent and sporty; most of us would agree on these aspects. Things like tiger-nose grille, muscular wheel arches, and floating roof design make it an athletic persona. It's more conventional than the Tucson but still appeals.

The Creta takes a more conservative approach, some would not agree. But if you look at the smooth lines, chrome accents, and a clean profile. In fact, the 2025 updates have got some stark changes and Hyundai is trying to make it more appealing to large audiences.  And, mostly, the design works for buyers who want something that looks sophisticated without being fancy. The cascading front grille represents Hyundai's current design language without going overboard.

Interior and Comfort

Feature	Hyundai Tucson	Kia Seltos	Hyundai Creta
Upholstery	Fabric / Leather	Fabric / Leather / Synthetic leather	Fabric / Leather
Climate Control	Dual-zone automatic	Manual / Automatic	Manual / Automatic
Infotainment	10.25-inch touchscreen	10.25-inch touchscreen	10.25-inch touchscreen
Digital Cluster	10.25-inch	10.25-inch	4.2-inch / 10.25-inch
Seating	5-seater	5-seater	5-seater
Audio	6/8 speakers / Bose (8 speakers)	6/8 speakers	6/8 speakers

Get inside the Tucson, and within no time you notice the quality difference. The materials feel more premium. Soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard, good quality plastics, and available ambient lighting create an upscale atmosphere. The dual digital screens, each measuring 10.25 inches, sit behind a single pane of glass, giving a tech-forward impression. The interface is seamless, with physical buttons for climate control, which is great for all users. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work seamlessly; you won’t complain. Hyundai does it better, most of the time. 

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with good positioning and with commanding view of the road. The ventilated seats are available on higher trims, essential during UAE summers. The rear seats offer generous legroom, and three adults can sit comfortably. The panoramic sunroof, available on top trims, for better lighting and also air, when necessary. 

The Creta's interior is functional and well laid out. The 10.25-inch touchscreen dominates the centre console, but I think, bigger size is better, if it comes in the next update. However, it works well, is responsive and easy to use. The BlueLink connected car features allow you to remotely start the car, control climate settings, and track the vehicle through your smartphone. This is useful when you want to cool down the cabin before getting in. The seats are comfortable enough for long drives. The rear bench has adequate space for two adults, though three will feel cramped on longer journeys. The boot is practical with a flat loading floor. Air vents for rear passengers are standard, helping cool down the back seats quickly.

The Seltos interior shares much with the Creta but has some sportier touches. The flat-bottom steering wheel and different trim patterns give it a more youthful character. The UVO connected car system offers similar features to Hyundai's BlueLink. The driving position feels slightly more commanding in the Seltos compared to the Creta, though the difference is subtle. The seats have decent support, and the rear legroom is identical to the Creta since they share the same platform.

One advantage Tucson has is the build quality, since it is a premium SUV in among the three.  The doors close with a satisfying thunk. The switchgear feels more solid. It's details like these that justify the price difference.

Safety and Driver Assist

Feature	Hyundai Tucson	Kia Seltos	Hyundai Creta
Airbags	6	6	6
Driver Assist	Blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control	Blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist	Blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert
Brakes	ABS, EBD, ESC, Hill-start assist	ABS, EBD, ESC, Hill-start assist	ABS, EBD, ESC, Hill-start assist
Parking	Rear camera / 360 camera, front and rear sensors	Rear camera / 360 camera, front and rear sensors	Rear camera, front and rear sensors

Safety features across all three are satisfactory with the comprehensive package. There are six airbags which come as standard, along with ABS, electronic stability control, and hill-start assist. These are baseline features you'd expect in any modern SUV today; most of the customers now don’t even give it a thought because they expect it. 

Tucson has the most advanced driver assistance systems. There is blind spot monitoring with collision avoidance, lane keeping assist that gently steers you back if you drift, and adaptive cruise control that maintains a set distance from the car ahead. The 360-degree camera system makes parking easier, showing multiple angles on the touchscreen. Also, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking adds an extra safety layer.

The Seltos gets many of these features on higher trims. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera are available. The Creta has solid safety features but fewer advanced driver aids compared to its siblings. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available on higher trims. The rear camera is standard across variants, with parking sensors helping guide you into tight spots.

Considering the kind of driving conditions we encounter in UAE, blind spot monitoring is genuinely useful. Highway traffic moves fast, and lanes are often crowded. Having an extra set of electronic eyes helps. The 360-degree camera is invaluable for parking in tight mall spots or navigating narrow streets.

Which One Best Suits UAE Buyers in 2025?

Not a simple answer, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The actual selection of the right SUV entails several factors. Right at the top, one must consider personal needs and priorities. As far as the options are concerned, all three are solid choices, but they serve different purposes and appeal to different buyers.

Consider Tucson if you have the following focus

• If space and comfort for family trips are a priority 
• Not just the city, but highway driving is your regular need
• A high-end, upscale cabin with superior quality materials and great features
• If you can afford to spend a little extra for luxury and comfort
• For adventure and fun to drive, if you need all-wheel drive capability

Choose the Kia Seltos if:

• Looking for a sporty, modern-handsome SUV
• If this is your proper all-new SUV
• Mostly going to drive in city, and parking is easier
• Want plenty of features and new, modern technologies
• You want something that feels more dynamic and elegant 

Choose the Hyundai Creta if:

• If you’re looking for a practical, reliable and dependable family SUV
• A combination of space, features, and price
• If you want reasonable running costs
• Not a big SUV but one that is easy to park and drive in the city
• A hassle-free ownership experience for a long time and also assured resale value

A few practical considerations for UAE buyers: All three handle the heat well with strong air conditioning systems. The remote start feature is available across the range means you can cool the car before you get in. The ground clearance on the Creta and Seltos is better for your city or outskirt driving, where dealing with speed bumps and the occasional sandy parking area is taken care of.

The service networks for both Hyundai and Kia are well established across the UAE. Both brands are known for their great after-sales support, and won't struggle to find authorised service centres in major cities and towns. And availability of parts and prices are reasonable, and routine maintenance costs are lower than European brands.

Conclusion

With this in-depth analysis across all possible parameters, it is crystal clear that the Korean trio offers something for everyone in the compact to mid-size SUV space. None of them will disappoint you, quite frankly, whichever one you choose, because they are here to serve a purpose. No question on their built quality, plentiful features and more importantly, running costs are manageable. So, head to the nearest Hyundai and Kia showrooms. Sit in all three. Test drive them on roads you normally use, explore the cabin, seating configuration and space, and compare which cabin layout feels right. Check if the boot space works for your needs. Experience how each one drives and handles.

Once you’re done with this, it won’t be long to make up your mind. The right choice is the one that fits your daily life, matches your budget, and makes you feel good about your purchase. Rest assured, whichever one it is, Tucson, Creta or Seltos, that you choose,  will serve you well in the UAE; you are up for a great choice.