Kia Unveils Bigger, Roomier Seltos at New York Auto Show
Kia’s ongoing revamp of its SUV lineup continues with the reveal of a larger, wider, and roomier 2027 Seltos at the New York Auto Show.
The new model not only adheres to the exterior styling signature of its larger siblings, the Telluride and Sorento, it also gets a new hybrid powertrain to improve already competitive fuel economy numbers. It will be gas-only version be offered in four trims: LX, S, EX, and X-Line. The hybrid comes only as the more rugged X-Line variant.
“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.”
The 2027 model is a complete do-over starting on the outside with the Seltos getting Kia’s “Opposites United” design treatment. That starts with the now standard amber DRLs framing the black grille on the front of the compact ute. Move down the side of the boxy, but not boring Seltos and find flush door handles. The pronounced shoulder line takes you back to a brawny rear liftgate that mimics the Telluride.
Under the hood there are options. If you want a gas-only powertrain, Seltos offers a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder or a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder both mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. For the first time, a hybrid is available, it’s a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder paired with a 6-speed dual clutch transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on all models, although all-wheel drive is available. In the case of the hybrid, it uses what Kia’s dubbed e-AWD, which “provides more power with on-demand all-wheel drive capability.”
Kia didn’t offer a complete set of dimensions, but it claims the new Seltos is longer and wider with a wheelbase that is 2.4 inches longer. The result is a bigger cabin that Kia says now offers class-leading rear legroom, which is important in a compact SUV.
Like most new vehicles these days, the interior of the Seltos offers plenty of screen real estate – more than 30 inches, according to Kia. It includes a standard 12.3-inch digital touchscreen display and is available with a 12.3-inch instrument display and 5-inch climate display panel. Additionally, it comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims as well as several USB-C charging ports in the front and back rows. Kia’s AI assistant allows owners to tap into Kia Connect with a simple “Hey Kia …” phrase.
If you’re hauling kids around, the new Seltos offers Entertainment and Data Services, which allows you to access a variety streaming services like Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube. The impressive technology extends to the safety of Seltos passengers as well. Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning and Front and Reverse Parking Distance Warning are standard equipment.
Other standard equipment includes Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Warning with Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, High-Beam Assist, Intelligent Speed-Limit Warning, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection. Side Parking Distance Warning with Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance along with 360-degree surround view monitor and Blind-Spot View Monitor are optional.
Kia officials declined to offer pricing information now, adding that the gas-only models will be in dealerships later this quarter. If you want the hybrid, start checking in October.
[Images: Kia, © 2026 Tim Healey/TTAC.com]
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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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The only question I have: is "Seltos" the worst car name in the US market, or is it "Sportage?"
I was hoping for an upgraded powertrain.
Yes, the traditional automatic is smoother than the dct that was paired to the turbo engine years ago, but the fuel economy and performance is worse.
With this new redesign, we know its bigger, likely weighs a bit more, and certainly doesn't look any more aerodynamic. Its likely to have even slightly worse performance and fuel economy, making it worse in that area than the prevous model years ago.