Kia’s Compact Crowd Favorite Levels Up in Looks and All-Terrain Capability

Between an accessible, sub-$25k starting price, some sharp styling and respectable standard equipment, the Kia Seltos makes for a compelling option amidst an ever-rising sea of subcompact SUVs.

As such, even with minimal changes between 2025 and 2026, it’s a vehicle that’s posting positive sales growth, with 14,699 units moved YTD compared to some 11,375 this time last year.

Kia

Now, however, Kia has unveiled next year’s Seltos. Based on the success of its predecessor, the updated version could be the brand’s next runaway hit.

Bigger and bolder

Namely, because it apes another fan-favorite with its design. As part of the update for the 2027 MY, Kia has reimagined the Seltos with slick new Telluride-inspired style.

Kia

Accordingly, along with much more modern front fascia and dramatic amber DRLs, it brings bold angles, cleaner lines, as well as flush door handles. 

While it’s a subcompact, it also comes longer and wider. Per Kia, the wheelbase stretches 2.4 inches further than the current model, enabling an extra inch of legroom and expanded head room, hip room and shoulder room.

Kia

As you’d expect, then, this pays dividends when it comes to cargo potential. With the rear seats folded, the Seltos brings 64.1 cubic-feet of storage, but even with the second row in use, it manages to offer 27.8 cubic-feet.

Toward that end, Kia has also added a height adjustable luggage board with multiple folding configurations. What’s more, it brings Kia Add Gear attachment points for modular accessory storage options.

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Powertrain options aplenty

Kia’s 2027 Seltos isn’t just a styling exercise, either; with the redesign, the Korean automaker is also expanding the SUV’s available powertrain options.

As such, in addition to bringing back the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter and turbocharged 1.6-liter engines, the model benefits from a new HEV option with Kia’s first electric-AWD powertrain.

Kia

Full output specifications won’t be available until closer to launch, but this does mean that the Seltos will provide plenty of options. Along with the ICE variants providing both IVTs and 8-speed automatics, there’s also a Multi-Mode AWD option, and the Hybrid will offer a FWD variant, too.

In any case, that’s not even addressing the extensive range of available trims. As before, the range will start at the LX level, and it’ll span S and EX options.

Now, however, those are being joined by a new X-Line option. It’s not a full-on off-road package, but it nevertheless brings unique bumpers and side sills, and ground clearance does increase from 7.3 inches to as much as 8.1 inches thanks to some larger wheels.

Kia

Availability and pricing

As you’d expect from this kind of comprehensive revamp, Kia’s changes to the Seltos extend inside the cabin. Accordingly, you’ll find other Kia Telluride influences, like the column-mounted shifter on the hybrid, a push-button start and the squared-off steering wheel, as well as a comprehensive suite of multimedia and ADAS features. 

According to Kia’s announcement, the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter and the turbocharged 1.6-liter Seltos options are set to go on sale during the second quarter of this year. However, the Hybrid won’t arrive until later this year. Pricing and more information will come closer to launch.

Kia

2027 Kia Seltos

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