In its earliest days, Kia was known for small, affordable products for buyers on a tight budget. And the first-generation Seltos hued to that formula. But Kia has made some big changes to its line-up since 2019, and the second-generation CUV is a case in point, as we discovered during several days driving the 2027 Seltos across South Korea.
The gen-2 Seltos really is an example of how big things can be found in small packages – though the 2027 crossover actually grows larger in all key dimensions while getting a major design update that liberally borrows from the Korean carmaker’s flagship Telluride and EV9 models.
Related: 2027 Kia Seltos Debuts as a Baby Telluride With New Hybrid Power
The new Seltos also adds a variety of new features, from its twin 12.3-inch screens and 12-inch head-up display to a first-ever hybrid, one of three powertrain options buyers will get to choose from.
What’s New
In a bargain basement market segment, most manufacturers look for every possible corner to cut. That was the traditional Kia formula, anyway. But the goal with the 2027 redesign was to give Seltos a “presence,” said the automaker’s global design chief Karim Habib. “We wanted it to draw attention.”
With the new model, Seltos is clearly likely to “draw more attention,” or so I discovered during a couple days of driving the subcompact crossover across South Korea. But the makeover is more than cosmetic. The new model is markedly larger in all key dimensions, meaning more room for passengers – especially those in the second row – as well as cargo.
Related: New Kia Seltos Looks Like an EV5 With Attitude
There’s plenty of new technology onboard, including an Android-based infotainment system with augmented reality navigation and, with the hybrid drivetrain, the ability to draw power from the onboard lithium-ion battery to power up your party, picnic or worksite. That new hybrid, as I discovered, can deliver as much as 50 mpg for those with a light foot – though EPA numbers have yet to be released. Meanwhile, for those who put a premium on performance, buyers also have a sporty turbo option, as well as an affordable 2.0-liter alternative.
Drivetrains
To dig a little deeper, Seltos is one of the rare small crossovers offering so many powertrain options:
- There’s that carryover, naturally aspirated 146 horsepower 2.0-liter inline four. It’s mated to a CVT and can be spec’d out in either front- or all-wheel-drive. While EPA numbers are yet to be finalized, Kia is estimated it will deliver 27 mpg in AWD, 29 in FWD;
- The sportiest package is a 190 hp 1.6-liter turbo-four. Power is directed through an 8-speed automatic to all four wheels and Kia estimates it will get a 26-mpg combined rating;
- The big news is the addition of a hybrid pairing an electric drive system drawing power from a 1.49-kWh lithium-ion battery. Power is directed to the front axle through a DCT transmission,
The hybrid makes a modest 154 hp in front-drive…but it’s going to be offered with an option e-AWD upgrade that puts an additional motor on the rear axle. It spins up only when torque is needed but can kick in as much as 25 more ponies. Kia has yet to release mileage numbers but, considering the big Telluride has a 35 mpg EPA rating, something over 40 mpg seems likely.
Design
The second-generation crossover grows larger in all key dimensions: total length coming in at 174.4 inches, up from 172.6 inches in the gen-1 package. The new model will be 72 inches wide, up from 70.9 inches, while its wheelbase grows to 105.9 inches, up from 103.5 inches. Cargo space jumps to 18.9 cubic feet — 27.9 cf with the rear seats folded down. Those back seats not only fold forward, they can also recline, a real surprise in a subcompact CUV.
The 2027 Seltos lifts a number of styling cues from the brand’s SUV flagship, Telluride, as well as the battery-electric EV9, such as its flush, pop-up door handles. Its wider grille is framed by distinctive vertical LED running lights. A broad rear lightbar also is framed by vertical taillights. As with the horizontal layout of the instrument panel, the goal was to emphasize the width of the new Seltos and give it a more planted feel.
The interior adopts a strong horizontal layout meant to emphasize the crossover’s width, explained Habib. The most distinctive details are the twin 12.3-inch gauge cluster and infotainment system which surround a 5-inch screen used for climate control duties – with some hard switches for the system mounted below the touchscreen. The overall feel is much more sophisticated and refined with more well-blended colors and textures. There are a few odd lapses, however, such as the flat, hard plastic panel atop the armrests.
Related: 2026 Vs. 2027 Kia Seltos: What’s New and Which One to Buy
Technology
The touchscreen is equipped for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and will be able to stream video. The new Entertainment and Data Services feature allows the infotainment system to access services including Netflix, Disney+ and YouTube – when parked, of course.
Meanwhile, higher trim packages will offer an optional head-up display. The augmented reality capabilities of the Android-based navigation system is a real surprise in this segment, normally reserved for high-end models, like a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Seltos gen-2 gets the ability to download new software, as well as to update onboard systems using smartphone-style over-the-air updates.
Wireless charging is offered, as well as a 100-watt USB charger. Convenience features also include the latest version of Kia’s Digital Ky technology. Add a long list of standard and optional smart safety systems.
X-Line
Since COVID struck, millions of Americans have discovered the joys of the great outdoors – behind the wheel. Like a number of other Kia products, the 2027 Seltos is offered with a variety of packages that includes the most robust X-Line. No, you won’t take it out on the Rubicon Trail but it does offer some useful features for those who want to stray off hard pavement.
That includes a higher 8.1-inch ground clearance, modest underbody protection and additional cladding. The crossover also gets useful roof rails and, inside, more rugged water and dirt-resistant materials like synthetic “syntax” leather for the seats, as well as rubber floor mats.
Driving Impressions
Autoblog was offered the chance to visit South Korea for a visit to the factory producing Seltos and then clock a couple days driving across the country. Sadly, the country is a virtual speed trap with cameras on virtually every road – and speed bumps determined to slow you down if the electronic nannies don’t get you first.
On the plus side, that gave us a chance to see what sort of mileage the new hybrid could muster. The FWD package yielded as much as 52 mpg at various time and, unless we nailed the throttle – risking a few tickets – it routinely averaged well above 40 mpg. The downside? The package is far from compelling when it comes to performance, with our rough estimate of 8 seconds 0-60. The e-AWD upgrade wasn’t available for our drive. The system is primarily designed to kick in some rear torque when you need better traction. But the added 25 hp should up the fun-to-drive factor, as well.
The turbo option, while not exactly falling into the boy racer category, is clearly an improvement, cutting a couple seconds off launch time. It’s also pleasantly responsive, especially when the selectable drive mode is set to “Sport.” The downside was the almost squishy nature of the Korean-market suspension system. It forced us to rein things in once we finally found some mountain roads sans speed bumps and cameras. But Kia officials stressed that the home market likes that sort of boulevard ride. We can expect a much stiffer suspension set-up when the 2027 Seltos lands in the U.S.
Last Word
We’ll have to wait a bit for final specs, including official EPA ratings and pricing. But it’s widely expected that the base 2027 Kia Seltos will come in somewhere between $25,000 and $29,000, while the line should top out around $38,000 for a loaded Seltos Hybrid with the e-AWD option.
Considering what you get for the money, that’s a good deal. And it should stand Kia in a good position to take out competitors like the Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30, Subaru Crosstrek – and the little Venue from Kia’s Korean sibling, Hyundai.
