2027 Kia Seltos First Look

With the 2027 Seltos, Kia reinvents its smallest crossover SUV as a modern, roomy, technologically advanced alternative to the status quo.

Christian Wardlaw | 

Dec 17, 2025 | 3 min read

Kia

A redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos is coming soon, and the automaker said it improved the driving experience, infotainment technology, safety features, interior room, seat comfort, and overall usability. The new 2027 Seltos debuted in South Korea at the end of 2025 and will go on sale in North America sometime in 2026. The photos shown in this article depict the home-market model, which may vary from the Seltos that ultimately goes on sale in the United States.

Kia

2027 Kia Seltos: Design Draws From Electric EV9

If you feel like you've seen the Seltos before, look no further than the company's EV9 electric three-row SUV. There's a shared aesthetic between them that gives the small entry-level Seltos a chunky, substantial appearance.

Kia hasn't divulged the U.S. trim level lineup or 2027 Seltos prices; that information will be available closer to the SUV's release date. However, we will get new sporty GT-Line and rugged X-Line variants, which are unavailable on the outgoing model.

Similarly, the engine specifications aren't yet final for the U.S. market. All Kia has said is that the small crossover SUV will offer a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder, with a more efficient Seltos Hybrid model arriving later in 2026. The hybrids feature vehicle-to-load functionality and a next-generation regenerative braking system.

Drivers can select from Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes. Choose a Seltos with all-wheel drive, and it comes with a multilink independent rear suspension. Kia also equips it with exclusive Terrain modes, including Snow, Mud, and Sand.

Kia

2027 Kia Seltos: Interior Is Stylish and High-Tech

Inside, the new Seltos adopts a similar vibe to the EV9, including an available widescreen display housing two 12.3-inch screens. By moving the transmission gear selector to a stalk on the steering column, Kia frees up plenty of extra storage space on the center console, adding utility to the daily drive.

Additional highlights from the available equipment list include customizable ambient lighting with 64 color choices, a relaxation comfort seat for the driver, reclining rear seats, and a panoramic glass sunroof. Kia will also offer Bose and Harman Kardon premium sound systems in the new Seltos.

Kia claims the new Seltos will offer class-leading cargo space, but hasn't announced official measurements. Currently, the Hyundai Kona is the reigning champ in that respect, at 63.7 cubic-feet of maximum capacity.

Kia

2027 Kia Seltos: New Infotainment System and Safety Features

Based on the available photography, the new Seltos features the latest Kia Connected Car Navigation Cockpit technology. The automaker confirms that the new infotainment system will feature an AI assistant powered by ChatGPT and will offer access to YouTube and Netflix, likely through apps available on the Kia Connect store. It is a safe bet to expect wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, too. Over-the-air software updates will keep the technology current over time.

Kia says the 2027 Seltos will offer a 12.0-inch head-up display, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and digital key technology that allows you to use your smartphone as the key to unlock, start, and drive the SUV. The automaker's Highway Driving Assist 2 technology is also available, a semi-autonomous driver-assistance system that pairs adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and lane-change assist functions. It works as long as the driver is holding the steering wheel.

The redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos is arriving at a prime time for people seeking more affordable vehicles to buy. With its impressive sense of style, plentiful practicality, and advanced technologies, it should find success in the subcompact crossover SUV segment.

Christian Wardlaw

Chris says his first word was "car." For as long as he can remember, he's been obsessed with them. The design. The engineering. The performance. And the purpose. He is a car enthusiast who loves to drive, but is most passionate about the cars, trucks, and SUVs that people actually buy. He began his career as the editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com in the 1990s, and for more than 30 years has created automotive content for CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, the New York Daily News, and others. Chris owns Speedy Daddy Media, has been contributing to Capital One Auto Navigator since 2019, and lives in California with his wife, kids, dog, and 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata.