Automotive
When we first previewed the 2027 Kia Seltos, it was clear Kia was taking its small SUV well beyond a routine redesign. Now that the gas-powered 2027 Seltos is on sale, the picture is much clearer. This second-generation Seltos arrives larger, wider, more refined, and more technology-focused than before, while keeping the compact footprint and value-minded pricing that helped make the outgoing model popular with shoppers who wanted big-SUV attitude without big-SUV size.
The new Seltos borrows heavily from Kia’s larger SUVs, especially the Telluride, with a boxier stance, chiseled bodywork, amber daytime running lights, and available auto-flush door handles. Its wheelbase grows by 2.4 inches, helping open up the cabin while giving the SUV a more planted look. Ground clearance now reaches up to 8.1 inches, and X-Line models add more rugged visual cues, including unique bumpers, Piano Black trim, dark gunmetal accents, larger wheels, and a more adventurous personality.
Inside, Kia has pushed the Seltos further upscale with a cleaner horizontal dashboard, a squared-off steering wheel, an open center console, and standard dual 12.3-inch screen displays. Higher trims can add a 5-inch climate display, creating nearly 30 inches of combined screen space. The latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit brings over-the-air update capability, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Available features such as a panoramic sunroof, Surround View Monitor, Blind Spot View Monitor, Kia AI assistant, and streaming support for services like YouTube, Disney+, and Netflix make the Seltos feel more like a premium compact SUV than an entry-level runabout.
The extra size pays off where it matters most. Kia says the 2027 Seltos offers best-in-class passenger volume at 103.5 cubic feet, class-leading second-row legroom at 39 inches, and up to 64.2 cubic feet of cargo room behind the first row. Those numbers matter in this class, where many small SUVs ask buyers to compromise rear-seat comfort or cargo flexibility. Kia has also added thoughtful storage solutions, including a foldable luggage board and new Kia Add Gear attachment points for more flexible cargo organization.
For now, buyers can choose between the familiar 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the stronger turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder. The 2.0-liter is offered on LX, S, X-Line S, and EX trims with front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive, while the 1.6-liter turbo is reserved for the X-Line SX and makes 190 horsepower with standard Multi-Mode AWD and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Pricing starts at $24,990 for the LX before destination and reaches $32,790 for the X-Line SX before destination, keeping the Seltos competitive even as it gains more space, styling, and technology.
The biggest piece still to come is the new Seltos HEV, which is scheduled to go on sale later this year. Kia has not released full pricing or fuel economy numbers yet, but the hybrid will pair a 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission and offer available electric all-wheel drive, a first for a Kia hybrid SUV. As a follow-up to our earlier 2027 Seltos preview, the final takeaway is that Kia has turned this small SUV into a more complete and mature product. With gas models now on sale and the hybrid arriving soon, the new Seltos looks ready to raise expectations in one of the most competitive segments in the market.
Mike Floyd is a finance executive by trade and a car enthusiast at heart. As a CFO with a keen eye for detail and strategy, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering fresh insights and unique perspectives that go beyond the surface. His passion for cars—especially his favorite, the Porsche 911, fuels his contributions to Automotive Addicts, where he blends a love for performance and design with his professional precision. Whether he’s breaking down industry trends or spotlighting emerging innovations, Mike helps keep the site both sharp and forward-thinking.
