Kia’s smallest SUV just got bigger and roomier, and it looks a lot more like a Telluride up front. The 2027 Seltos starts a second generation with five trims and two engines. The version that might matter most hasn’t even reached showrooms yet.
- The 2027 Seltos starts at $24,990 for the LX and climbs to $32,790 for the turbocharged X-Line SX, before a $1,495 destination charge.
- Four trims use a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, while the X-Line SX gets a 190-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo with standard AWD.
- A Seltos Hybrid with electric all-wheel drive is expected in the final quarter of 2026, with trims and pricing still unannounced.
The subcompact SUV class is a busy one. The Seltos goes up against the Chevrolet Trax, Subaru Crosstrek, and Mazda CX-30, and buyers here tend to want an affordable, practical, efficient commuter. Kia’s answer for 2027 is a redesign that makes the Seltos larger, wider, and roomier. The wheelbase grows by 2.4 inches and ground clearance tops out at 8.1 inches. Kia also claims class-leading total cargo space and best-in-class passenger room.
The Front-Drive Trio Covers the Basics
The LX, S, and EX all share a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, and AWD costs $1,700 on any of the three. With front-wheel drive, they get the best mileage of the gas lineup at 28 mpg city, 33 highway, and 30 combined.
LX at $24,990
The base model sticks to four monochrome paint colors and rolls on 16-inch alloys. You still get LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, smart cruise control, lane-keep and lane-follow assist, driver attention warning, and automatic emergency braking. Inside, there’s cloth upholstery, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 4.2-inch instrument display, and six speakers. Heated front seats, heated mirrors, and drive modes are on the options list.
S at $26,390
For $1,400 more, the S brings 18-inch wheels, a gloss black grille, auto-extending door handles, and heated mirrors with LED turn signals. Blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and safe exit warning join the safety gear, and the driver gets a 12-way power seat. Four more colors open up too, including Iceberg Green and a Frost Blue dual-tone with a black roof.
EX at $28,390
The EX spends most of its extra $2,000 on the cabin. Heated front seats become standard, SynTex replaces cloth, and dual-zone climate control arrives with its own five-inch display. You also get rear vents, reclining split-folding rear seats with a center armrest, and a smart power liftgate. Packages can add a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, and roof rails.
X-Line Models Add AWD and Attitude
Overseas, the new Seltos comes in GT-Line form in markets like Australia and South Africa. Shoppers here hoping for a Kia GT Line version of the 2027 Seltos will find the X-Line badge instead, and it gives the SUV a tougher, sportier look. Both X-Line trims come with all-wheel drive as standard.
X-Line S at $28,990
Just $600 above the EX, the X-Line S mixes S and EX features with standard AWD, drive modes, LED fog lights, gloss black roof rails, and blacked-out 18-inch wheels. Black SynTex is the only interior choice. Extra-cost paint includes dual-tone Terrain Brown, Snow White Pearl, and Frost Blue, plus a bold Magma Red. Standard AWD drops fuel economy to 26/30/28 mpg.
X-Line SX at $32,790
The top trim gets a turbocharged 1.6-liter making 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft, paired with an eight-speed automatic and AWD with Multi-Terrain Mode. Mileage dips to 24/30/26 mpg. You get 19-inch wheels, wide projector LED headlights, solar control glass, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and a wireless charger. It’s also the only trim offering the Prestige Package. That package adds Harman Kardon audio, ventilated front seats, a surround-view monitor, dual 12.3-inch displays with navigation, and highway driving assist.
Early reviews of this one are mixed. Testers praised the build quality and found it quicker than the base car. Some also questioned whether the top trim is worth the money and suggested waiting for the hybrid. Others liked the roomy cabin but pointed out that the price climbs into compact SUV territory.
The Hybrid Waiting in the Wings
That hybrid is the piece still missing. The Seltos Hybrid pairs a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with electric assist and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. It also brings electric all-wheel drive, a first for a Kia hybrid SUV. It’s expected at dealers in the last quarter of 2026, but Kia hasn’t said which trims will get it or what it will cost.
Matching a Seltos to Your Driveway
If you mostly commute and want a good mix of price and features, the front-drive S is a smart place to start. Families who care about comfort will like what the EX adds inside. The X-Line S is the cheapest way to get standard AWD and the rugged look. The X-Line SX suits drivers who want turbo power and every available feature. And if fuel economy matters most, it may pay to hold off until Kia shares the hybrid’s details.
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