Kia Teases 2027 Seltos Ahead of New York Auto Show
The New York International Auto Show is right around the corner, Kia’s hype machine is ramping up, offering up an obscured look at the 2027 Seltos SUV a week before the ute debuts.
All we get is the front of the new model in shadow as it’s brightly lit from behind. However, even that little bit reveals it favors the new squared-off front end featured on the 2027 Telluride.
Seltos is Kia’s compact SUV that combines solid looks with good fuel economy and loads of technology. The new model’s look shifts to Kia’s “Opposites United” design language that’s helped energize sales for the past year.
“The image hints at a bold, squared-off vehicle that conveys strength through its presence. It boasts pronounced, distinctive LED Daytime Running Lights, accenting the broad hood,” the company notes in a release.
“Combined with the tall, upright design, the Seltos creates distinctively versatile proportions for the class. The bold angles and clean lines, combined with the flush door handles, result in a dramatic presence.”
No word on anything else about the new variant, but the 2026 comes with two powertrain options: a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder delivering 147 horsepower and a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine putting out 190 hp, available exclusively on the SX AWD trim.
A refined interior featuring available features like dual 10.25-inch panoramic displays, upgraded connectivity, and comfort amenities such as heated front seats and a 10-way power driver’s seat adds a premium touch.
With the Soul being discontinued for 2026, the Seltos is the brand’s entry-level vehicle. Sales are up year-to-date by nearly 3,000 units, much that jump coming in January. The results are encouraging as sales dipped slightly last year, with Kia selling 56,798 units compared with 59,958 in 2024.
The second-generation Seltos takes the stage in the Big Apple on April 1 at 9:25 a.m. EDT.
[Image: Kia]
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Michael Strong has spent more than 25 years writing about the automotive industry. A Detroit-area native, he’s written about everything from local car shows to product reviews to financial news. Currently he writes and edits for a variety of national and local publications. He’s also a longtime member of the Automotive Press Association and the International Motor Press Association, and a graduate of Georgia Southern University. Hail Southern! Despite a love for ’70s land yachts and BMWs from the late ’80s and early ’90s, his personal vehicle is neither of those.
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I can't get one of these until my handlers at CIA agree.
The new Seltos fixes 2 of its biggest issues by getting larger/roomier and adding a hybrid powerplant.