2027 Kia Seltos: New Platform, Up to 190 HP, EV9-Inspired Styling

The Seltos has been one of Kia's quieter success stories not flashy, not fast, and not the Kia Soul, but still reliably useful and consistently profitable. The second-generation 2027 Seltos arrives with the nameplate's first redesign since 2020: new K3 platform, larger footprint, and exterior styling that visually connects it to the Telluride and EV9 for the first time.

Exterior

The more upright, squared-off stance borrows directly from the Telluride’s recent redesign — same star map lighting signature up front, vertical tail lamps extending across the tailgate out back, and flush door handles throughout. Diagonal character lines on the flanks and a floating roofline give it more visual presence than the outgoing model. Wheel options run from 16 to 19 inches.

Two distinct appearance packages: X-Line with dark gunmetal accents and rugged lower cladding for those who want the outdoorsy look without leaving the suburbs, and GT-Line with body-color accents for a sportier aesthetic. New colors at launch include Iceberg Green, Gravity Gray, and matte Magma Red.

More Room Where It Matters

The new Seltos adds meaningful dimension. Length grows to 174.4 inches from 172.6, width to 72 inches from 70.9, and the wheelbase extends to 105.9 inches from 103.5. Kia moved the shifter to the steering column via a Shift-by-Wire system, freeing up the center console and opening up the cabin considerably. Second-row seats recline up to 24 degrees, 12 forward and 12 back, and cargo capacity comes in at 18.9 cubic feet, which Kia claims is class-leading. A foldable dual-level cargo board and the new AddGear modular accessory system add flexibility.

Powertrain

Three engines are offered globally. Kia has not announced which come to the U.S.:

• 1.6-liter T-GDI (High Output): 190 hp and 195 lb-ft, paired with an 8-speed automatic
• 1.6-liter T-GDI (Standard Output): 177 hp and 195 lb-ft, available with a 7-speed dual-clutch or 6-speed manual
• 2.0-liter naturally aspirated: 147 hp and 132 lb-ft

AWD models get a multi-link rear suspension and Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand) alongside Drive Mode Select (Eco, Normal, Sport). FWD models use a torsion beam rear.

A hybrid variant joins the lineup in 2026 with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability and Kia’s Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0, which automatically adjusts regenerative braking intensity based on navigation data and traffic conditions, though V2L may not be offered in the U.S. The Seltos will be the only Kia utility vehicle without a hybrid or plug-in hybrid option at launch.

Tech Inside

A panoramic display panel combines dual 12.3-inch screens, instrument cluster and infotainment,with a dedicated climate control panel below. A 12-inch head-up display projects driving information onto the windshield. The AI assistant is powered by generative AI (ChatGPT under the hood) for voice interaction, and over-the-air updates keep the software current without a dealer visit. Optional premium audio comes from either Harman Kardon or Bose. The interior also gets 64-color ambient lighting, a wide panoramic sunroof, and Digital Key 2 for smartphone-based vehicle access and sharing.

Highway Driving Assist 2, Lane Following Assist 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, Surround View Monitor, and a full complement of parking assistance systems are included.

The Numbers Behind the Redesign

The Seltos has been Kia’s fourth-bestselling crossover in the U.S. since its 2020 launch, behind the Sportage, Telluride, and Sorento. Kia CEO Ho Sung Song put the first-generation global tally at over 2 million units; the target for the redesign is 430,000 globally per year, up from 400,000.

In the U.S., Kia has been chasing 100,000 annual Seltos sales since launch without reaching it. Deliveries peaked at 60,053 in 2023, came in at 59,958 in 2024, and sat at 40,065 through September this year, toward the bottom half of the subcompact crossover segment behind the Chevrolet Trax, Subaru Crosstrek, and Honda HR-V. With the Soul winding down, the Seltos also becomes Kia’s primary value entry point to the brand. The 2027 Telluride is launching in the first quarter as well, meaning Kia’s largest and smallest crossovers will both be fresh at the same time.

When and How Much

U.S. deliveries begin in 2026 with no specific date confirmed. We expect to see the U.S. version released in Spring 2026 at the New York International Auto Show. The Seltos is assembled in South Korea, making it subject to U.S. import tariffs, currently 15 percent, down from 25 percent. The 2026 Seltos starts at $25,135 including shipping; 2027 pricing has not been announced. Global production begins in India in December 2025, followed by Korea, North America, Europe, and China throughout 2026.