Gird your loins everyone, we’re talking about a redesigned subcompact crossover. It’s not a brand-new model, but it is a new generation of an existing one that’s now actually quite good looking. The second-generation 2027 Kia Seltos just debuted in U.S.-spec form at the New York International Auto Show, and it looks pretty good. The new Seltos’ exterior and interior design of the new Seltos as well as some of its specifications were released late last year, but that was for the model’s launch in other markets; we now have confirmed specs for the one that’ll be sold in this country, and they’re about what you expect.
Beyond the Seltos’s handsome baby-Telluride looks, it will feature a new off-road-flavored X-Line model as well as a new hybrid model, just like its bigger sibling. Hybrid aside, the redesigned Seltos will have two familiar available powertrains: a standard naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that’s paired to a CVT and sends a carryover 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, and the slightly upgraded turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4 that now sends an estimated 190 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo is now only available in X-Line trim with all-wheel drive for 2027, while AWD is an option with the base engine.
Similar to the Kia Niro hybrid, the Seltos Hybrid will have a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter inline-4 paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It will be offered in either front-wheel-drive guise, or with Kia’s first e-AWD system. Of course, the juiciest details like EPA fuel economy numbers, pricing, and power output are not available yet, but expect both gasoline powertrain options to be available within the next few months, with the hybrid showing up later this year.
Seltos, now available in X-Line
The X-Line trim is a new addition for the subcompact Seltos, and it gives the little crossover a more rugged appearance. It’s the only trim that will be available with all three engine options; the Seltos X-Line 2.0L will roll on standard 18-inch alloy wheels, while the X-Line 1.6T and X-Line Hybrid with e-AWD have 19-inch black wheels. Opting for a Seltos X-Line gets you slightly different exterior styling, a monotone black SynTex interior with mesh headrests and standard four-way lumbar on the front seats, and some new color options including Terrain Brown, Frost Blue, and Snow White Pearl with a black roof.
Kia says the all-wheel-drive system on the gas-powered Seltos has been reworked for 2027, now called Multi-Mode All-Wheel-Drive. The Seltos Hybrid will feature Kia’s first e-AWD system, which, if Kia is using the same tactics as Toyota with its hybridized e-AWD models, will likely have no physical connection between the gasoline engine and the rear wheels. Instead, it will likely have a small electric motor that sends power to the rear wheels when needed, though Kia hasn’t divulged the specifics of its new system just yet. It has shared that Seltos Hybrids will have Kia’s steering column-mounted Bop It–style gear selector stalk as well as push-button start; other Seltoses will have a traditional center console-mounted mechanical gear selector.
The Seltos is basically a baby Telluride, and that should be a great thing
We knew the new Seltos was bigger, with a 2.4-inch-longer wheelbase than the old one and 1.8 inches more overall length, but now we know how that increased exterior size affects interior room. Kia says the longer wheelbase allows for more leg room in the front seat, giving no specific measurement, but rear seat legroom has increased one inch. Cargo volume has increased too, with the space behind the rear seats up 1.2 cubic feet to 27.8, and when you fold those seats flat, cargo volume has also increased by 1.3 cubic feet to a total of 64.1.
Kia has always produced cars with desirable features, and that doesn’t change with this redesign. As standard, the 2027 Seltos has a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB-C ports front and rear, and driver-assistance features like automated emergency braking, full-speed adaptive cruise control, and hands-on detection. Optional equipment includes a surround-view camera system, a panoramic sunroof, and a power-operated “relaxation” driver’s seat with four-way lumbar and memory.
Kia
On the face of it, at least, the 2027 Seltos looks to have what it takes to make a splash in this popular segment with its bigger size, new X-Line trim, and available hybrid powertrain. That’s about all we know about the 2027 Seltos for now, but we’ll keep you updated with any new details that go public.
