2027 Kia Seltos Gets New Styling, Hybrid on the Way

The new Seltos measures 174.4-inches (4,430 mm) in length which is nearly two inches longer than the current model. It is also over an inch wider, now measuring 72.0-inches (1,830 mm). Height is down a bit at 63.0-inches (1,600 mm). This gives the 2027 Seltos a wider, more sporty profile compared to the current model.

The front has a wider grille that incorporates Kia’s star map lighting signature and dynamic welcome light sequence. The look from a distance resembles the new Telluride, although the Seltos has integrated the headlights right into the grille design. 

The side has flush door handles for better aerodynamics and blocky styling that’s a Kia SUV signature. Unlike other sport utilities from the brand’s portfolio, the new Seltos has a floating roofline. Dark body cladding and satin silver color accents give the vehicle a bit more visual interest. At the rear, there are vertical tail lamps that also extend inwards across the tailgate.

To differentiate various trims and styles, the X-Line will feature dark gun metal finishes and reinforced lower garnishes. The sporty GT-Line will replace many of these pieces with body-colored accents. Kia is also introducing three new colors for the 2027 Seltos, Iceberg Green, Gravity Gray and matte Magma Red.

Inside, the new dashboard sits low for better outward visibility. There is now a column-type Shift-by-Wire gear selection system, freeing up more center console space. Once again, following its SUV siblings, the Seltos can now be had with dual 12.3-inch screens behind a with a single cover, along with a dedicated climate control panel below.

Other technology highlights available on the Seltos includes Head-Up Display, AI Assistant powered by generative AI, Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates, Digital Key 2, a panoramic sunroof, 64-color ambient lighting, and a Harman Kardon or Bose audio system.

With the larger exterior dimension, the interior of the Seltos now offers more space as well. Besides additional living space for those sitting in the rear, the seat backs can be reclined forward or backwards, up to 12-desgrees in each direction.

In the cargo area, storage capacity is listed at 18.9 cubic feet (536 liters). That figure may seem smaller than the current model, but this measurement is obtained using VDA standards, which is a more accurate way of calculating real world cargo capacity. Even VDA can differ from region to region, but the previous Seltos on a whole had a lower figure than the 536 liters quoted for the 2027 model, so expect an increase in overall space back there. Helping with flexibility, there is also a foldable dual-level cargo board.

The 2027 Kia Seltos will arrive in our region with a choice of two engines that are essentially carryover units from the current model. Most models will use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. Expect front- and all-wheel drive options for this engine. 

Top trims will continue to use a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine pumping out 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. It is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The big news though, is that a hybrid variant of the new Seltos will join the lineup sometime in the 2026 calendar year. 

The 2027 Seltos will be built on Kia’s latest K3 platform, with increased body rigidity, improved noise insulation, and recalibrated chassis tuning. The suspension will continue to be a MacPherson strut setup or the front, and a torsion beam out back for front-wheel drive models, while all-wheel drive versions get a multi-link rear suspension.

When the hybrid arrives, it will include features like Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality for powering external devices as well as Kia’s Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0. The latter is a system that will automatically adjust regenerative braking force based on traffic and navigation information to optimize energy recovery.

The 2027 Kia Seltos will be available with oodles of active safety systems, including highway driving assist, lane following assist 2, forward collision-avoidance assist 2, safe exit warning, surround view monitor, parking collision-avoidance assist-reverse, and more.

Global production of the all-new 2027 Kia Seltos is set to begin in December 2025. Expect to see the vehicle launching in North America in mid 2026.

Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter  here.