2027 Kia Seltos Unveiled with Telluride-Inspired Look and Multiple Powertrain Options
- The 2027 Kia Seltos makes its debut at the New York Auto Show.
- Buyers can choose from three different powertrain setups, including a hybrid variant.
- The non-hybrid version is expected to hit showrooms in the next quarter.
Kia has officially introduced the 2027 Seltos for the U.S. market, revealing a compact crossover that reflects design cues from the larger Telluride. Though this redesign was previously shown internationally last September, the latest details focus on the version destined for American customers.
The 2027 Seltos will be available with three engine options. The base engine is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 147 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup is standard on LX, S, EX, and X-Line trims, with front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive offered as an upgrade.
Higher trims, like the X-Line, come equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder delivering 190 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive. Additionally, Kia plans to introduce a hybrid powertrain combining a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid model features front-wheel drive as standard, with an option for an electric all-wheel-drive system that boosts performance.
More specifics about the hybrid Seltos will be unveiled later this year.
Fresh Styling and Enhanced Dimensions
The 2027 Seltos sports a bold makeover inspired by Kia’s larger Telluride SUV. It boasts a longer wheelbase, increased by 2.4 inches, and offers up to 8.1 inches of ground clearance, enhancing its road presence and capability.
Standard wheels measure 16 inches, while the 2.0-liter X-Line trim upgrades to 18-inch wheels. The 1.6-liter turbo and Hybrid e-AWD versions come with distinctive black 19-inch wheels. The X-Line also features unique bumper designs and blacked-out side sills accented with dark gunmetal finishes.
Inside, the cabin draws influence from Kia’s EV9 and Telluride models, featuring a stalk-mounted gear shifter, a squared-off steering wheel, and push-button ignition. The longer wheelbase adds an inch of rear legroom, alongside increased headroom, hip room, and shoulder space throughout the interior.
Technology highlights include a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, a 5.0-inch climate control display, and an optional 12.3-inch digital driver display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Cargo capacity reaches up to 64.1 cubic feet behind the front seats and 27.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
Launch Timeline and Pricing Expectations
Following its New York Auto Show reveal, the updated 2027 Seltos will be available for purchase in the U.S. within approximately three months. The hybrid version is slated for release later this year. Pricing details, trim specifications, and fuel economy figures will be announced closer to the launch.
The 2026 Seltos starts at $25,285 including destination fees, and a modest price increase is anticipated for the 2027 model.
