The all-new 2027 Kia Seltos takes small SUV expectations higher

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Friday, 17 Jul 2026 12:00 0 2 autotech

The all-new 2027 Kia Seltos takes small SUV expectations higher

July 17, 2026 by Kia
• Telluride-inspired styling: Chiseled design, available auto-flush door handles, modern, premium interior
• Larger, wider, and roomier than previous generation with best-in-class passenger room1 and class-leading max cargo room behind first row2
• Multiple powertrain options: Choice of 2.0-liter normally aspirated, 1.6-liter turbocharged and new HEV make Seltos the only vehicle in its segment with three powertrain options
• Next generation technology: Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) with over-the-air update capability3 and available Entertainment and Data Services4 with YouTube, Disney+ and Netflix5 streaming
• Big SUV Capability: Boxy, upright profile, available Multi-terrain AWD6 mode, and up to 8.1 inches of available ground clearance
• Standard dual 12.3-inch screen displays and an available 5-inch display for climate control; intuitive touch and manual controls
• Big on features: Available Panoramic sunroof, Surround View Monitor7 and Blind Spot View Monitor8

• Expanded ADAS9: Standard Hands-On Detection, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go10, Front-and-rear Parking Distance Warning
• The 2027 Seltos ICE is on-sale now, with Seltos HEV slated to go on sale later this year

Surrounded by coastal highways, canyon routes and destination-worthy drives that define Southern California, the all-new 2027 Kia Seltos made its national press debut in Newport Beach today. Designed for drivers whose days can begin with a commute and end with an adventure, the next-generation Seltos delivers enhanced capability, elevated comfort and intuitive technology in a confident, right-sized SUV package.

Larger than its predecessor, the 2027 Seltos brings in new features that elevate the small SUV segment, such as flush door handles, an available panoramic sunroof, available Surround View Monitor7, and an available up to nearly 30 inches of total combined screens11 with Kia’s latest ccNC infotainment technology, including Over-the-Air updates3. These features, as well as the available memory power seats, Multi-Mode AWD6, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning, have all trickled down from Kia’s Telluride flagship SUV. In addition to carrying over the normally aspirated 2.0-liter and turbocharged 1.6-liter engines, the 2027 Seltos offers a new hybrid powertrain that combines performance and hybrid efficiency, including a Kia first electric-AWD (e-AWD)6 on a Hybrid SUV. More information on the HEV will be shared closer to the vehicle’s planned on-sale date later this year.

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Standard wheels are 16-inch alloys, and the Seltos X-Line S comes with larger 18-inch alloy wheels, with all-black 19-inch wheels on the X-Line SX and X-Line EX HEV. The X-Line trim also features unique bumpers and side sills with Piano Black trim and dark gun metal accents. New colors include Terrain Brown, Frost Blue and Snow White Pearl with a distinctive black roof. Ground clearance has increased from 7.5 inches to an available 8.1 inches.

Interior Design: Functionally Sophisticated

The larger exterior dimensions of the new 2027 Seltos result in a more spacious cabin while the upright greenhouse allows for exceptional outward visibility. Inside, the interior features a wide horizontal layout, creating a clean, spacious feel. A squared-off steering wheel, open center console design, and clean lines visually connect the Seltos to the Telluride. The interior is modern simplicity meets technology integration, highlighted by an available nearly 30-inch total combined panoramic display13 that combines the infotainment system and digital cluster into a single panel.

Drawing inspiration from the Telluride and EV9, the Seltos HEV is available with a stalk-mounted shifter and push-button start. This is an ergonomic shift controller that moves right to where your hand naturally rests at the steering wheel. In doing so, the center console is left open, with plenty of space for water bottles, phones, and other small items.

In addition to its striking exterior, the X-Line comes with an exclusive monotone black interior with SynTex upholstery and the Telluride’s uniquely styled mesh headrests which blend bold design and enhanced comfort. The X-Line seats also boast standard four-way lumbar support and the X-Line Prestige Package includes front driver Relaxation Seat.

The longer wheelbase and increased overall length create a more spacious cabin, delivering best-in-class passenger volume of 103.5 cu-ft.1 Headroom, hip room, and shoulder room have also increased, along with a class-leading 39 inches of second-row legroom14, providing greater comfort for all passengers.

Cargo capacity has also improved, with a class-leading 64.2 cu-ft. maximum cargo space behind the first row2 and best-in-class total interior volume of 131.3 cu-ft.15 The new Seltos also features a foldable luggage board and new flexible Kia Add Gear attachment points that offer drivers more storage solutions for their next adventure.

Tech Suite: Functionally Connected

The all-new Seltos has thoughtful technology designed for daily life, highlighted by the digital dash display. 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. The ccNC16 setup features over-the-air3 update capability17. Wireless Apple CarPlay18 and Android Auto19 are standard across all trims.

The available Kia AI assistant20 allows for a more natural conversation, and can be initiated simply by saying, ‘Hey, Kia…’. Kia Connect21 allows consumers to use their compatible smartphones to send remote commands such as lock, unlock, cool, heat and start the vehicle22.

The 2027 Seltos is available with Entertainment and Data Services23, which can support streaming for Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube on certain trims. There are also available display themes for some of Disney’s© most iconic brands, which will be introduced throughout 2026. Display themes are also available for all 30 NBA teams, as well as themes to celebrate Kia’s sponsorship of the FIFA World Cup 2026 ™24. Available Kia myQ Connected Garage offers convenient garage access that lets you remotely manage and control your garage door through your Kia touchscreen display25. Experience all the new ways to stay connected and entertained with these upcoming features and more, all available in the Kia Connect Store.

To help devices stay charged, the cabin features a total of five standard USB-C ports. The front-row ports are nestled between the center console and the climate controls and include a media port and two charging ports. The rear-seat charging ports are integrated into the first-row seatbacks for easy access.

Seltos Powertrains: Three Ways to Adventure

The Seltos is the only CUV in the segment to offer three powertrain options starting with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). For those seeking lively pickup, the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine develops 190 horsepower with standard advanced Multi-Mode AWD system. This engine routes power through an 8-speed automatic transmission with manual control. The 2.0L powertrain is offered with front-wheel drive or an available advanced Multi-Mode AWD system1. Depending on trim, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, the Seltos bolsters its capability within the segment.

Rounding out the lineup is a hybrid powertrain, which is a first for the Seltos. An advanced 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine is paired with a 6-speed dual clutch transmission designed to enhance both performance and efficiency. Front-wheel drive HEV improves driving efficiency while available e-AWD1, Kia first on a HEV SUV, provides more power with on-demand all-wheel drive capability to provide a more rewarding driving experience. More information on the Seltos HEV will become available later this year. Official fuel economy figures for these versatile powertrains will be available closer to their respective on-sale dates.

Seltos ADAS: Elevated Peace of Mind

The all-new 2027 Seltos comes with a comprehensive list of standard and available Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)1 bringing features typically found in more upscale SUVs. This includes new-to-Seltos features such as standard Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) Assist with Junction Turning, standard Front and Reverse Parking Distance Warning, and newly available Side Parking Distance Warning with Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance. The Seltos now offers an optional 360° Surround-View Monitor, as well as Kia’s Blind-Spot View Monitor8, which presents a video feed display of the left or right blind spot area on the digital display when the corresponding turn-signal is activated. This Blind Spot View Monitor and 360° Surround-View Monitor are optional on the X-Line trim.

The list of standard ADAS features 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. It also comes standard with Lane Following Assist 2. Available ADAS features include Intelligent Speed-Limit Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Avoidance and Safe Exit Warning26, which is designed to provide an alert to occupants if it detects another vehicle approaching as they are exiting the vehicle.

Seltos Availability

The all-new 2027 Kia Seltos 2.0L and 1.6T are on-sale now, with the HEV expected to arrive later this year.