Kia just pulled the wraps off the U.S.-spec 2027 Seltos at the New York International Auto Show, and the little crossover looks all grown up. It’s longer, wider, rides on a stretched wheelbase, wears styling borrowed from the flagship Telluride, and for the first time ever it can be had as a hybrid. For shoppers hunting a value-priced small SUV, this redesign feels like a real step forward rather than a light refresh.
- Three powertrains: a 2.0L naturally aspirated four, a 190-hp turbo 1.6L, and a new 1.6L hybrid
- Wheelbase grows 2.4 inches, with up to 8.1 inches of ground clearance on certain trims
- Gas versions arrive in mid-2026; the Seltos Hybrid follows late in the year
A Baby Telluride With Real Presence
Kia’s “Opposites United” design language shows up clearly here, with the Seltos pulling styling cues from the Telluride, including amber daytime running lights framing the front fascia, bold angles, clean lines, and flush door handles. The proportions work, too. The new Seltos rides on a wheelbase that’s 2.4 inches longer than before, and the U.S.-spec version brings more rear seat legroom along with extra cargo space.
Cargo numbers back up the roomier feel. Kia set capacity at 27.8 cubic feet behind the back seat and 64.1 cubic feet with those seats folded, compared with 26.6 and 62.8 cubic feet in the outgoing U.S. model. Not a massive jump, but noticeable when you’re loading gear for a weekend trip.
Three Engines, Including a First-Ever Hybrid
The entry-level offering is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 147 horsepower, standard in the LX, S, EX, and X-Line trims and paired with a continuously variable transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. Step up to the X-Line 1.6T and you get an eight-speed automatic, standard all-wheel drive, and an estimated 190 horsepower that matches the current turbo Seltos.
The headline news is the hybrid. It pairs a 1.6-liter gas engine with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic and offers either front-wheel drive or an electrified all-wheel-drive setup, though final fuel economy and output details are still under wraps. Kia calls it a first on a HEV SUV for the brand, providing on-demand all-wheel-drive capability for a more rewarding drive. Against rivals like the Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, and the Hyundai Kona, a hybrid option gives the Seltos a real edge in a class that’s still light on electrified choices.
X-Line Gets Tougher, Tech Gets Bigger
The X-Line trim is new to the Seltos lineup, adding a more rugged appearance with 18-inch alloys on the 2.0L, 19-inch black wheels on the 1.6T and Hybrid e-AWD variants, plus different exterior styling, a monotone black SynTex interior, and fresh colors like Terrain Brown, Frost Blue, and Snow White Pearl with a black roof. Ground clearance climbs to as much as 8.1 inches depending on trim.
Inside, Kia pushed the tech hard. A 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard, and upper trims add a matching 12.3-inch driver display plus a separate 5-inch climate panel, giving the dash nearly 30 inches of total screen area. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and Kia is throwing in features that still feel upscale in this class, including a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera system, and a driver’s seat with memory settings. There’s also a generative AI assistant activated by “Hey, Kia…,” remote commands through the Kia Connect app, and Entertainment and Data Services that support Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube streaming.
Pricing and When You Can Buy One
The current 2026 Seltos starts at $25,285, and the redesigned 2027 model is expected to start just over $25,000 before destination, keeping it near the affordable end of the segment. Expect to pay closer to $30,000 for a hybrid model. Gas-only models go on sale in the middle of 2026, with the hybrid arriving late in the year.
Why This Redesign Matters
The Seltos has always been one of the smarter picks in the subcompact crossover class because it gave shoppers plenty of space and tech for the money. The 2027 redesign doubles down on that formula and fills in the gap that nagged at buyers who wanted better fuel economy without stepping up to a pricier Sportage Hybrid. With Telluride-flavored styling, a roomier cabin, a genuine off-road-lite X-Line trim, and a hybrid option coming by year’s end, Kia is making a strong pitch to families who want practical value without settling for plain.
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