Not everybody needs a massive three-row SUV like the Kia Telluride. Many people don't even need something compact like the Sportage. That's exactly the niche the Kia Seltos fills — subcompact dimensions at a price below $30,000 — and the model is now in its second generation. After its worldwide unveiling at the tail end of last year, Kia has brought the U.S.-specification 2027 Seltos to the New York auto show.
Kia's current styling approach is anything but understated, and that applies fully to the new Seltos. It shares the bold visual character of the brand's electric models while pulling some cues from the recently refreshed Telluride. The Seltos features upright, boxy proportions and is available with flush door handles. The front end is defined by vertically oriented daytime running lights in a striking amber tone, while the taillights echo that vertical theme and nearly merge into a full-width light bar.
The new Seltos has grown in every dimension. The wheelbase is 2.4 inches longer than before, and ground clearance now reaches up to 8.1 inches. The X-Line tops the trim hierarchy above the LX, S, and EX levels. Standard models ride on 16-inch alloy wheels, while the X-Line can be equipped with 18- or 19-inch rollers.
The powertrain lineup retains two gasoline-only options: a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four. Kia hasn't detailed the base engine's specs, but it continues to pair with a CVT and is available with front- or all-wheel drive. The turbocharged 1.6-liter, reserved for the X-Line, produces 190 horsepower and connects to an eight-speed automatic; all-wheel drive is standard with this engine.
A new third powertrain joins the family for 2027. The Seltos Hybrid uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. Kia is holding back further details until the hybrid's launch near the end of the year, but confirms it will debut in front-wheel drive and also become the brand's first hybrid SUV to feature an electronic all-wheel-drive system (called e-AWD).
The cabin features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that can be paired with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 5.0-inch climate control touchscreen. Physical controls for volume and HVAC functions are thankfully still present. The steering wheel has a squared-off design, and upper trims use a column-mounted electronic gear selector in place of a conventional shifter. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the lineup.
Optional features include a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable seats with memory, a 360-degree camera system, and a blind-spot camera that projects a live feed into the gauge cluster. The X-Line's Prestige package adds a Relaxation Seat with a fold-out footrest for the driver. Rear legroom has grown by an inch over the previous generation, and cargo capacity expands to 28 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 64 cubic feet with them folded flat.
Pricing hasn't been announced for the 2027 Seltos, but non-hybrid models are expected to go on sale in the second quarter of this year. The Seltos Hybrid will follow later, arriving in the fourth quarter.
