| Quick Highlights | Next-gen Redesign Generous Passenger Space Competitive Prices Lacks Sportiness |
The 2027 Kia Seltos debuts a new sporty look for its second generation. When Kia introduced the Seltos in 2020, it brought a distinctive styling to the subcompact SUV segment. Now, the automaker is taking things a step further with a bolder design that’s hard to ignore.
Outside the redesign, the 2027 Kia Seltos checks a few more important boxes. It’s bigger on all dimensions, and brings a suite of fancy tech for modern buyers. However, the ride quality falls short of expectations despite the presence of a turbocharged engine. Here’s a rundown of the 2027 Kia Seltos.
2027 Kia Seltos Key Specifications
| Performance | |
| Drivetrain | FWD Gas, AWD Gas |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Combined Output 0 – 60 mph time | FWD Gas: 147 hp AWD Gas: 190 hp 8.3 seconds |
| Efficiency | |
| Estimated MPG(e) Range (Combined) | 28/33/30 (city/hwy/combined) |
| Interior | |
| Infotainment | 12.3-inch display (Supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) |
| Digital Gauge Cluster | 12.3-inch |
| Legroom (Front/ Rear) in. | 40.5/38.9 inches |
| Head Room (Front/ Rear) in. Cargo Volume (behind front/second row) | 41.4/39 inches 64.2 /27.8cu ft |
| Trims & MSRP | |
| LX S EX X-Line X-Line SX | $24,990) $26, 390 $28,390 $28,990 $32,790) |
Design: A Futuristic New Face
For a compact SUV, the Seltos looks pleasantly grown-up and futuristic, thanks to design cues borrowed from the Kia Telluride playbook. Instead of the rounded hatchback curves common in the segment, the Seltos adopts sharp body lines and angular detailing. The face is highlighted by a wide tiger-nose grille and slim LED lights, while the bumper is now more sculpted. The SUV also gets flush handles and power-adjustable side mirrors.
Likewise, there is up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance, wheel arches and about 19-inch wheels that give the SUV a more aggressive appearance. The wheelbase has been stretched to extend the total length to 178.3 inches, about 7.7 inches longer than the previous model. Kia also added a power liftgate and available roof rails for extra luggage.
Performance: No Extra Power Here
The Kia Seltos uses a standard 2.0L 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that delivers 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. An available turbocharged 1.6L engine pushes the output to 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, but overall performance is still lower than its predecessor. FWD is standard, while AWD is available on select trims except the two top trims, which come standard with the turbocharged engine. The SUV uses an 8-speed auto transmission with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) system.
Not like anyone expects the Kia Seltos to drive like a performance vehicle, but it got noticeably slower because of the added weight. The base 2.0L engine does 0 to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds, while the turbocharged engine has an estimated time of 7.3 seconds. Even on the top trim, the SUV is not as sporty as it looks. It handles corners well and has a relatively quiet cabin, but there’s a lot of body roll and a slight hesitation while downshifting.
Also, the fuel economy (28/33/30 mpg) is in line with what is common in the segment. Nothing fantastic, but we expect the hybrid to bring in better fuel economy. More so, it has only the drive mode on most trims, except the top trim with an additional Terrain Mode.
Interior: Futuristic Dashboard
The Kia Seltos dashboard feels like it was lifted right out of a futuristic EV. It integrates a 12.3-inch infotainment display with a digital gauge of similar dimensions in one flow. The heated steering wheel also got a facelift, and there’s a bigger center console with a wireless charging pad and cupholders. The base trims feature durable cloth materials, while top trims upgrade to SynTex leather. Ventilated and heated front seats are available on demand, and for the first time, the Seltos gets a panoramic sunroof with a power shade.
In terms of space, the 2027 Kia Seltos offers class-leading room for passengers and cargo. Six-feet occupants can comfortably fit front to back in the SUV, and there’s enough cargo room behind the 60/40 reclining rear seats. Still, folding the rear seats opens up to 64.2 cu ft of cargo space.
Tech: Stylish and Functional
In addition to the digital display, Kia kept enough physical buttons below the screen for quicker access to basic functions such as climate control and media control. The infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Kia Connect App provides additional wireless control. The Seltos also comes equipped with a host of driver-assist features, including the Rear Traffic Collision Alert, a 360-degree monitor, Highway Drive Assist, and Reverse Automatic Braking.
Trims: Five Trims Available; Hybrid Model Promised
Kia offers the 2027 Seltos in five gas-powered trims. The lineup starts at $24,900 (MSRP) for the entry-level LX trim, which comes with a lot of smart standard features. Although the features continue to pile up as you move up the lineup, the Seltos is best enjoyed on the fully loaded X-Line SX trim. At around $32k, buyers can get 12-way power seats, one-touch power windows, rear armrests and dual-zone climate control on the range-topping trim.
Nonetheless, the turbocharged engine output on the peak trim is hardly exciting. So, buyers who want more power can look forward to the hybrid model, scheduled to arrive in Q4 2026. As of now, Kia hasn’t disclosed official performance specifications, but we expect the hybrid model to use the 1.6L hybrid powertrain paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission and produce around 181 hp and 106 lb-ft of torque.
Competition: How the Seltos Stacks Up
The 2027 Kia Seltos is a class above its rivals when it comes to interior and cargo capacity, thanks to its larger dimensions. It edges out the Crosstrek on price and available tech features, but can’t match the Subie’s capacity for adventure. Moreover, its base 147-hp engine feels less potent than those on the Honda HR-V, Corolla Cross, and Subaru Crosstrek.
Overall, the Seltos is a great bargain for a compact SUV. With a starting MSRP of around $24k, it undercuts most of its rivals, except the Nissan Kicks, which starts at about $21k. Considering its generous dimensions and range of support features, the Seltos is a rounded SUV for everyday commutes. We recommend the top-of-the-line trim for buyers who can’t wait for the hybrid model.
