2027 Kia Seltos Revealed For America: Trims, Engines, Specs

Kia still hasn’t realized the internet is a global phenomenon and has unveiled the all-new 2027 Seltos that we will get in the United States. It might look familiar because the automaker revealed the redesigned crossover back in September for markets outside North America, but now we know more about the compact crossover we will get here.

Kia will offer the 2027 Seltos with three powertrain choices. The entry-level offering is the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder. It makes 147 horsepower and will be the standard engine in the Seltos LX, S, EX, and X-Line trims, pairing with a continuously variable transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is optional.  

The 190-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter engine is available in the X-Line and comes with AWD as standard. Kia will also offer a hybrid powertrain in the Seltos, combining a 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on the hybrid, but Kia will also offer an electric AWD system that delivers more power.

We will have to wait for more Seltos Hybrid details later this year.  

A Revamped Design

America’s revamped Seltos has a new, Telluride-inspired styling. It is also larger than the outgoing model, with 2.4 inches of additional wheelbase and has up to 8.1 inches of ground clearance. 

Sixteen-inch wheels are standard, with the 2.0-liter Seltos X-Line getting 18-inch options. Black 19-inch wheels are available on the 1.6-liter X-Line and Hybrid e-AWD models. The Seltos X-Line also features unique bumpers and black side sills with dark gunmetal accents.  

Inside, the Seltos continues to draw inspiration from the EV9 and Telluride. It has a stalk-mounted shifter, a squared-off steering wheel, and push-button start. The additional wheelbase results in a 1.0-inch increase in rear legroom, with increases in overall headroom, hip room, and shoulder room throughout the crossover.  

Photo by: Kia

The Seltos comes with a 12.3-inch infotainment display, a 5.0-inch climate control panel, and an available 12.3-inch driver display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The crossover has up to 64.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row and up to 27.8 cu ft behind the second row.

2027 Seltos Availability

The new Seltos, which debuts at the New York Auto Show, will go on sale in the United States within the next three months. The hybrid variant will not arrive until late this year. The automaker will release pricing, specific trim details, and fuel economy estimates closer to its on-sale date.  

The 2026 Kia Seltos starts at $25,285, including the $1,495 destination charge. We expect the 2027 model to receive a small price increase.  

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Source: Kia

Motor1’s Take: At a time when consumers are clamoring for affordable vehicles, the new Seltos provides a potential option. The various powertrains, available in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations, and the latest technology, should appeal to cost-conscious consumers and families.