The Kia Seltos enters its second generation for the 2027 model year with all-new styling inside and out and slightly larger dimensions designed to appeal to buyers in the market for a comparatively roomy subcompact crossover. Competitors include popular models like the Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Volkswagen Taos.
2027 Kia Seltos Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2027 Kia Seltos
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2027 Kia Seltos
The 2027 Kia Seltos is a clean-sheet redesign, taking over from the first-generation Seltos that hit the showroom floor for the 2021 model year. It rides on a stiff new platform that Kia says will improve noise insulation (resulting in a quieter cabin) and handling. A Seltos Hybrid is set to debut as well, but Kia has not yet announced exact timing for that model.
Design
The 2026 Seltos wears Kia’s “Opposites United" design philosophy, which “takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity.” In the case of the redesigned Seltos, the opposing forces behind its design are said to be “rugged SUV strength” and “refined modernity.”
The Seltos’s exterior design emphasises width from the front and rear. A blacked-out grille runs nearly the full width of the SUV’s face, bracketed by squared-off lighting elements on either side. Sharply angled rear taillights stretch across the tailgate in a visually interesting way that culminates over the Kia logo. From the side, bold creases run diagonally behind the front wheel openings in a shape that is carried to the rearmost roof pillars.
Powertrain
Globally, Kia announced three powertrain options for the new Seltos in addition to the upcoming hybrid version, and we expect to get at least two of them in the United States. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque seems likely to carry over from the previous Seltos, mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The optional 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 195 hp and 190 lb-ft is also likely to come back for 2027, again paired with an eight-speed automatic.
All-wheel drive (AWD) will be an option for the 2027 Kia Seltos. A Terrain Mode with drive settings for Snow, Mud, and Sand will give adventurous owners and those who live in areas that deal with wintry conditions extra peace of mind. The Seltos’ Drive Mode Select will offer Eco, Normal, and Sport settings.
Interior
The 2027 Kia Seltos’s interior echoes that of its exterior, with horizontal shapes meant to emphasize width. Straight lines dominate a dashboard that is topped by dual display screens. A (likely optional) panoramic sunroof keeps the cabin feeling airy, and drivers can customize the interior’s ambiance with 64-color mood lighting.
The Seltos’s reclining rear seats offer 24 degrees of adjustability, helping occupants in the back find a comfortable seating position. Kia says the 2027 Seltos will boast class-leading cargo space, as well.
Technology
The Seltos’s dual 12.3-inch digital screens will run the latest version of Kia’s infotainment system, and we’ve found it fairly intuitive in the past. For those owners who like talking to their cars, an AI Assistant will be included that Kia says will offer “natural, conversational interaction.”
Over-the-air (OTA) updates will allow Kia to keep the 2027 Seltos’ software as up to date as possible, and we expect Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to be included as standard equipment. A head-up display will also be available, which should help the driver keep their eyes on the road. Both Harman Kardon and Bose audio systems will be available, and Kia’s Connect Store will offer the unique ability to customize the car’s digital displays with Disney and NBA collaborations.
