What is it?
Kia added the Seltos to its lineup in 2020, and the compact crossover stood out with its traditional SUV lines and rugged styling. Now an all-new next-generation Seltos has arrived in showrooms, and the new model continues the SUV styling, looking like a mini version of the brand’s flagship Telluride. But this is more than just a styling exercise – the Seltos also gets significant updates inside and under the skin and, for the first time, an available hybrid powertrain.

Second Generation
“With the launch of the second-generation Kia Seltos the goal was to develop a small SUV that would raise the bar for the segment,” said Orth Hedrick, executive director, Product Planning, Kia North America. “Packed with many standard and available features found on the all-new 2027 Telluride, the 2027 Seltos offers a thought-provoking purchase consideration for cost-conscious shoppers who crave adventure.”

New Look
The Seltos has a decidedly more rugged look than its predecessor, with squared-off lines and a wide grille similar to the one on the Telluride. The grille features vertical lines and integrated headlights, and the LED running lights at the front of the fenders give the small crossover a wide stance.

Rear View
Kia gives the Seltos a similar treatment at the rear, with stylish vertical taillights connected by a light bar spanning the rear hatch.

Model Lineup
The 2027 Kia Seltos is available in five trim levels: LX, S, EX, X-Line S, and X-Line SX. X-Line trims come standard with all-wheel drive, while it’s available on the rest of the lineup for an additional $1,700. Base prices range from around $26,500 for a base LX to about $39,000 for a fully loaded X-Line SX. Prices include the $1,495 destination charge.

What I Drove
Kia invited me to Newport Beach, California (and covered my travel, lodging, and meals), where the company supplied me with a 2027 Seltos X-Line SX. Painted in the trademark Terrain Brown color that it shares with the Telluride, my test vehicle also included the SX Prestige Package, carpeted floor mats, and a first-aid kit, for a total MSRP of $37,250. The Kia Seltos is produced in Gwangju, Korea.

Powertrains
The 2027 Seltos will initially be available with two engine options: a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.6-liter turbo that bumps up to 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) pairs with the base engine, while the turbocharged powerplant gets a more satisfying 8-speed automatic transmission. Kia hasn’t released any details of the hybrid powertrain except that it will be based on a 1.6-liter engine, which means it could be the same hybrid system as in the Kia Niro, which puts out 139 horsepower.

Fuel Economy
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you have to get the front-wheel drive non-turbo Seltos to get the best fuel economy, which is an estimated 30 mpg combined. All-wheel drive knocks that number down to 28 mpg, while the more powerful turbocharged version drops further to 26 mpg combined. While these figures aren’t bad, I admit to being a bit disappointed – I expected that all should be able to hit 30 mpg combined. Expect a healthy jump in fuel efficiency from the hybrid when it arrives.

Larger Inside and Out
As part of its redesign, the 2027 Kia Seltos grew in every dimension, with the new model almost two inches longer and an inch wider than the outgoing version. That added size translates to a more spacious cabin, with more rear-seat legroom and increased cargo space.

Upscale Cabin
It may be an entry-level model, but the Seltos features an upscale cabin with clean lines and materials that have a high-quality feel. Higher trims like the X-Line SX that I drove get SynTex synthetic leather seat trim, and while the seats have an odd look with a seemingly detached headrest, they provide excellent support and are quite comfortable. The gear selector takes up a good portion of the center console, but large cupholders, an available wireless charging pad, and sizeable storage beneath the center armrest ensure there’s space for all your stuff.

Large Screen
All trims of the 2027 Seltos get a large display that encompasses the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Higher trims also get a 5-inch climate control display that ties the two screens together, although its placement puts it behind the steering wheel and it can be challenging to see without looking around the wheel.

Intuitive infotainment
I’ve always liked the Kia infotainment system, and the one in the Seltos is no exception. Large icons are easy to read, and the swipeable menu system is simple to navigate. The voice interface also works quite well, although it’s not quite as sophisticated as Google Assistant. The system also comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto for those who prefer a more familiar interface. A 6-speaker audio system is standard, while the top-level trim is available with a Harman Kardon premium 8-speaker model.

Advanced Safety
All variants of the 2027 Kia Seltos come standard with a full suite of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS). Features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, lane centering, and driver attention warning. Higher trims are also available with blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, automatic rear braking, and Highway Drive Assist, which provides a semi-autonomous hands-on driving system.

On the Road
My X-Line SX test vehicle came standard with the more powerful turbocharged engine, and as we headed out from our base in Newport Beach, California, the Seltos felt lively with good throttle response. The 190 horses is more than adequate for getting around town, and the 8-speed automatic shifts seamlessly, providing better engagement than a continuously variable transmission. While the Seltos has no problem getting up to freeway speed, the engine becomes quite noisy at high rpms, and it’s not a pleasing sound.

Good Handling
It’s unlikely that the typical Seltos owner will tackle a twisty mountain road with gusto, but I did just that and came away pleasantly surprised at how well the small Kia handled the road. Steering response is good with the ability to execute quick changes in direction, and the suspension keeps the Seltos stable, even when pushed hard in the turns. I wouldn’t go so far as to call the ride sporty, but the compact crossover was enjoyable to drive, delivering a confident, stable ride.

Bottom Line
The compact crossover market is one of the most competitive in America, with strong sellers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 leading the charge. But if you’re looking for an option with bold styling, a spacious, comfortable cabin, and a range of high-tech convenience and safety features with a low starting price, the Seltos is certainly one to check out. The 2027 Kia Seltos is arriving in showrooms now; however, you’ll have to wait until the beginning of next year for the new hybrid.