Since its debut in 2019, the Kia Seltos has grown to become the Korean carmaker’s best-selling model line. But Kia has even bigger ambitions for the subcompact crossover as it gets a complete makeover that will see it grow larger, add more features and a first-time hybrid option. Headlight.News takes a first look at the 2027 Kia Seltos.
The 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line.
In its earliest days, Kia was known for a line-up of small, bargain-basement product lines. And the first-generation Seltos didn’t stray far from that formula, though the subcompact crossover did offer a more appealing design and a reasonable assortment of features. Now, however, Kia is ready to show that even its most affordable products can be surprisingly appealing to those who aren’t on a limited budget.
The second-generation, 2027 Kia Seltos not grows larger but adds a variety of safety and creature comfort features. It also becomes the latest in the automaker’s growing line-up of models available with a fuel-saving hybrid option. And despite a decision to move Seltos out of the bargain basement in terms of its appeal, the automaker’s CEO promised it will remain “priced to be competitive.”
Already the brand’s best-selling product line, Kia plans to expand the availability to Seltos to new markets, notably including Europe, said Ho Sung Song, the company’s president and CEO, and that, he predicts, will yield about a 7.5% in global sales once the next-generation crossover reaches showrooms.
What’s new
A hybrid option will be added for the 2027 Kia Seltos – though it won’t be available immediately at launch.
Seltos first rolled out in Kia’s home South Korean market in 2019, then expanding to other markets – the U.S. getting the little CUV in time for the 2021 model year.
The second-generation crossover grows larger in key dimensions: total length coming in at 174.4 inches, up from 172.6 inches in the gen-1 package. The new model will be 72 inches wide, up from 70.9 inches, while its wheelbase grows to 105.9 inches, up from 103.5 inches. Cargo space now goes as high as 27.9 cubic feet, with the rear seats folded down. Another plus: those back seats can recline.
During an hour-long media webinar, Song and other Kia officials outlined all the updates and upgrades to Seltos, a list including more technology, such as twin 12.3-inch digital displays, a new wireless smartphone charger, a surround-view monitor and other advanced driver assistance systems.
Kia also plans to give Seltos a first-time hybrid drivetrain, the automaker saying it will soon have nine separate model lines where gas-electric options are available by the 2027 model year, up from six today.
New design
The interior of the 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line package.
The 2027 Kia Seltos not only grows bigger but gets a design makeover more in line with the rest of the automaker’s line-up, noted Karim Habib, Kia’s head of global design. “Seltos combines a familiar legacy of a traditional SUV with the sleek, futuristic feel of all new Kia models,” he said during the webinar.
That includes a wider grille framed by distinctive vertical LED running lights. A broad rear lightbar also is framed by vertical taillights. As with the horizontal layout of the instrument panel, the goal was to emphasize the width of the new Seltos and give it a more planted feel.
While some of the design details were lifted from the brand’s SUV flagship, Telluride, Seltos also picks up cues from the brand’s battery-electric line-up, such as the EV9. That includes flush, pop-up door handles.
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Powertrain
Along with the hybrid Kia plans three ICE options worldwide.
Kia plans to offer three different internal combustion engine options, depending upon market. The automaker declined to offer specific details about what will be available in the U.S. once the 2027 Seltos goes on sale. It’s currently offered with a choice of a 2.0-liter inline-four making 146 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.6-liter upgrade generating 195 hp. The standard package features a CVT gearbox, the turbo mated to an 8-speed automatic.
We do know that the 2027 Seltos will continue to be available with a choice of front- and all-wheel-drive.
While, again, short on details, Kia officials did confirm that the update will bring the first-ever hybrid package for Seltos. And if it holds true to what we’ve seen with existing Kia hybrid packages it will not only deliver a big bump in fuel economy but in performance, as well.
Technology
The 2027 Kia Seltos will feature twin 12.3-inch displays, with an optional 12-inch HUD.
Twin 12.3-inch display, seamlessly linked under a single sheet of glass will cover almost two-thirds of the Seltos instrument panel. The crossover also will be offered with an optional 12-inch head-up display, a feature rarely found in base models. The touchscreen display will be equipped for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and will be able to stream video – when parked, of course. Wireless charging is offered, as well as a 100-watt USB charger.
And convenience features include the latest version of Kia’s Digital Ky technology.
There’s a long list of standard and optional smart safety systems, Kia officials noted during the presentation, including multiple camera displays, forward collision assist and highway driving assist.
Pricing and availability
Depending upon the package, buyers will have a choice of front or AWD for the 2027 Seltos.
Look for the 2027 Kia Seltos to arrive in U.S. showrooms sometime in 2026 – the automaker yet to reveal precisely when.
The subcompact crossover will be produced in three different global locations, though U.S. models will come from South Korea. The downside is that this means they will be subject to 15% tariffs. How much might be passed on to buyers, along with any additional pricing to reflect added content, wasn’t disclosed. The current 2026 Seltos starts at $25,135, including delivery fees.
Considering much of today’s market for Seltos consists of budget-minded buyers, the automaker is clearly aware of the limits of elasticity. On top of that, it clearly sees more opportunities to grow demand should it not price itself out of contention. Seltos is currently on track to generate 400,000 sales for 2025. Song is targeting 430,000 once the new model is fully rolled out.
As a result, said the CEO, “To be (Kia’s) best-selling product in the world we have to be competitive in pricing.”
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