The New York International Auto Show is upon us, and some of the biggest news comes from one of Kia‘s smallest products. The 2027 Seltos subcompact crossover has made its U.S. debut with more space, more powertrain options, and more safety tech, not to mention styling clearly inspired by that of the Telluride midsize SUV. For its second generation, there’s also more off-road capability, thanks to greater ground clearance and a new Multi-terrain AWD mode (on certain models), and more screen real estate, so let’s take a closer look, starting with what’s under the hood.
2027 Kia Seltos: Three Powertrains, New Colors to Choose From
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For the 2027 model year, the second-gen Seltos still offers a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine and a 190-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged mill, but there’s also now the option of a 1.6-liter hybrid. Or at least there will be—the two carryover engines arrive first. The 2.0-liter motor still directs its power to the front wheels as standard, with AWD optional, doing so through a continuously variable transmission, while the 1.6-liter turbo is AWD only and makes use of an eight-speed automatic. The hybrid will offer both FWD and AWD setups, and it will use a third transmission: a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. Kia hasn’t revealed full outputs or EPA estimates yet, saving that information for a time closer to the on-sale dates. For now, we know that the 2.0-liter engine will come with LX, S, EX, and X-Line trims, and the 1.6 turbo will only be offered in X-Line form, which explains why it’s AWD only.
Related: 2027 Kia Telluride Can Wade Deeper Than a Bronco Raptor or Defender
The 2.0-liter X-Line upgrades the standard 16-inch alloy wheels to 18-inch wheels, while the 1.6 turbo and 1.6 hybrid X-Line will get black 19-inch wheels, the latter when e-AWD is selected. X-Line trims also get special bumpers and side sills with Piano Black trim and gunmetal accents, plus up to 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Along with the Telluride-inspired styling, which includes flush door handles, the 2027 Seltos adds three new colors: Terrain Brown, Frost Blue, and Snow White pearl with a black roof.
2027 Kia Seltos Gets Plenty of Screen Space
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Inside, the 2027 Seltos draws further inspiration from the Telluride with its column-mounted shifter stalk (opening up storage space in the center console) and its numerous screens, which include a 12.3-inch center infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard and, optionally, a 12.3-inch driver display and 5.0-inch climate control display. There’s more space in the Seltos, thanks to a wheelbase that has been stretched 2.4 inches to create more legroom in both rows (an extra inch in the back), and because the crossover is wider and a little taller, Kia promises more hip, shoulder, and headroom, too. The enlarged crossover also provides more cargo capacity, with an estimated 27.8 cubic feet of volume behind the second row and up to 64.1 cubic feet behind the first row.
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Other Telluride inspirations include the squared steering wheel, push-button start, and, in the X-Line, the mesh headrests. This trim gets a monotone black cabin finished in SynTex upholstery and standard four-way lumbar support. USB-C ports in both rows (three in front, two in the first-row seatbacks) should ensure everyone’s devices are charged, and the new Seltos also offers streaming for Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube. An AI assistant and various customizable themes are almost obligatory nowadays, and the Seltos obliges. The themes will include offerings from Disney and the FIFA World Cup, the latter of which will be available from the end of July. Strange, since the 2026 World Cup ends on July 19, but anyway…
2027 Kia Seltos Safety and On-Sale Dates
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As standard, the new Seltos gets lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, driver attention warning, intelligent speed-limit warning, and forward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection, but spend a little extra, and Kia will throw in speed-limit assist, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic avoidance, and a vehicle exit warning system. Borrowed from the Telluride are forward collision avoidance assist with junction turning, front and rear park distance warning systems, and a new side parking distance warning with reverse parking collision avoidance. Buyers can also opt for a surround-view monitor and a blind-spot view monitor, which sends a video feed from the left or right blind sport area to the digital cluster when the relevant turn signal is used.
The second-generation 2027 Kia Seltos will go on sale in the U.S. between now and July, but only with the 2.0-liter N/A or 1.6-liter turbo powertrains; the 1.6 HEV is expected to arrive just before the end of the year. Pricing and further information will be released closer to the respective on-sale dates.
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