The 2027 Kia Seltos isn’t just another model year update — it’s a full redesign that repositiones this subcompact SUV with bigger dimensions, bolder style, and a richer feature set. Expected to hit U.S. showrooms in 2026, the new Seltos aims to deliver more space, tech, and SUV attitude while staying within an accessible price bracket.
What’s especially notable: Kia re-worked the Seltos to echo some of the styling cues of its larger siblings, giving it a tougher, more commanding presence, without losing the compact-SUV convenience that made the original attractive.
What’s New: Size, Design & Powertrain Upgrades
📐 Bigger, Roomier Footprint
- The 2027 Seltos is longer overall than before — with a longer wheelbase and stretch in dimensions to create more interior space.
- Cargo capacity improves as well: more rear-seat room and increased storage volume with seats up or folded, making the Seltos more practical for daily driving, errands, or road trips.
🎨 Fresh, Tougher-Looking Design
- The new Seltos embraces a more SUV-like, bold styling — sharper lines, a wider grille, and a more rugged overall stance.
- Multiple trim levels — notably GT-Line and X-Line — will offer distinct visual personalities, likely with different wheels and exterior details.
⚙️ Powertrain & Performance Options
- Depending on the market, the 2027 Seltos will come with a mix of engines, including a base 2.0-liter gas engine and a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four. The turbo versions produce strong power (~177 hp standard or up to ~190 hp in the high-output version) and healthy torque.
- Transmission options globally range from manual to various automatics, though U.S. buyers are likely to see the more conventional automatic setups rather than manual ones.
- Importantly, a hybrid powertrain is also in the works — a first for the Seltos lineup — promising better efficiency while giving buyers more flexibility.
🛋️ Interior & Tech — From Subcompact Basic to Modern SUV-Class
Kia didn’t just stretch the Seltos, they upgraded its cabin and tech significantly:
- Inside you’ll find dual 12.3-inch screens — one for instrumentation and one for infotainment — giving a modern, “digital cockpit” feel.
- Additional features include a large panoramic sunroof, a 12-inch head-up display, and reclining rear seats — a big step up in comfort and usability over previous generations.
- On the safety/assistance front: expect a full suite of driver-assist technologies, including more advanced, likely semi-autonomous features depending on trim or market.
In short: the new Seltos aims to blur the line between “budget-friendly subcompact” and “well-equipped modern SUV.”
💵 What It Means for Buyers — Value, Versatility & Competition
- Early reports suggest U.S. pricing may start somewhere around $25,000 — which, given the upgrades and size bump, positions the Seltos as a strong value proposition among small SUVs.
- The added space and features make it more versatile: good for commuting, daily errands, small families, or those who want SUV practicality without moving up to a larger, more expensive vehicle.
- With the hybrid option, buyers concerned about fuel costs and efficiency get a new reason to consider the Seltos — especially in a market increasingly conscious of sustainability and cost of ownership.
✅ Verdict — The 2027 Seltos: A Smart Step Up
If you liked the convenience and size of the old Seltos but wanted more — more space, more comfort, more style — the 2027 redesign seems to deliver. Its evolution toward a more rugged, SUV-like feel, combined with modern tech and a hybrid option, could make it one of the most compelling subcompact SUVs on the market.