Kia has confirmed that the North American premiere of the second-generation Seltos SUV will take place at the 2026 New York International Auto Show on April 1.
Already available in South Korea, the new Kia Seltos for the US is expected to carry over the same ‘Opposites United’ design language that is featured on the latest models from the brand, including the new Telluride. The design philosophy is said to “highlight the intersection and tension between nature and humanity.”
No Surprises on the Styling Front
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You can tell already by looking at the single teaser photo released so far that the all-new Seltos will look the same as its Korean sibling (pictured above and below). The dark image reveals the LED daytime running light signature of the 2027 Seltos, which is identical with the Korean model that features split vertical LED headlights and a massive grille spanning the entire width of the front end.
The distinctive LED DRLs accent the broad hood, which, combined with the tall, upright design, give the Seltos “distinctively versatile proportions for the class,” according to Kia.
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Compared to its predecessor, the 2027 Seltos is a squared-off vehicle that features bold angles and clean lines, including flush door handles. The Korean version features muscular fenders, a ‘floating roof’ design above the C-pillars, and an upright rear end featuring a full-width LED strip that ends in vertical headlamps on each side of the vehicle.
Kia says the second-generation Seltos will raise the bar for the compact CUV market in the US, but it doesn’t provide any specifications yet. If the Korean version is anything to go by, the 2027 Seltos should offer both gas and hybrid powertrains.
A Choice of Gas and Hybrid Powertrains
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There are three gas engine choices in Korea—two turbocharged 1.6-liter four cylinder units and a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter unit. The standard 1.6-liter engine makes 178 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, and is hooked to either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or a six-speed manual.
There’s also a more powerful 1.6-liter version rated at 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, offered exclusively with an 8-speed automatic. Finally, the 2.0-liter engine delivers 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque and is hooked to a CVT; this version is optimized for fuel efficiency and smooth everyday driving, according to Kia.
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All powertrains come with standard front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is offered as an option. A hybrid powertrain will be added this year, but details about this version are yet to come. We do know that the 2027 Seltos hybrid will offer Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality for powering external devices, as well as a new regenerative braking system that adapts to traffic conditions and navigation data.
Expect the US market to get the more powerful 1.6L and the 2.0L gas engines, as well as the hybrid.
Bigger and More Sophisticated than the Outgoing Seltos
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As far as dimensions go, the new Seltos is larger than the outgoing model, adding 1.8 inches in overall length (up to 174.4 inches) and 2.4 inches in wheelbase (up to 105.9 inches). Combined with the boxier body, this translates into increased cabin space and cargo capacity to 18.9 cubic feet (a gain of 3.6 cu ft).
Inside, the 2027 Seltos will bring a panoramic display combining two 12.3-inch displays, a new AI assistant powered by ChatGPT, and over-the-air (OTA) updates that will keep the tech fresh over time. A wide panoramic sunroof will also be offered, along with customizable 64-color mood lighting, second-row reclining seats, and premium Harman Kardon and Bose sound systems.
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Surprisingly for an entry-level compact SUV, the Seltos will also offer a Digital Key 2 system that enables users to use the smartphone as a key, as well as a Head-Up Display system and YouTube and Netflix apps in the infotainment system.
The suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) will blow the outgoing Seltos out of the water, with available features including Highway Driving Assist 2, Lane Following Assist 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, Surround View Monitor, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse, Parking Distance Warning-Front/Side/Reverse, and Safe Exit Warning.
Full official details about the US-spec 2027 Seltos will be released at the 2026 NYIAS press conference on April 1.
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