2027 Kia Seltos EX Review: Smart Balance in a Compact Package

Exterior Style

From the outside, the 2027 Seltos manages to look rugged without crossing into over-the-top aggressiveness. Its stance feels proportional, and the paint finish shifts distinctly under different lighting conditions to give the bodywork added visual depth.

The standout detail on the exterior is easily the door handles. Featuring a sleek, flush mechanism reminiscent of high-end sports cars, they extend outward when in use rather than relying on traditional grab handles. It is a subtle design touch, but one that adds a sense of occasion every time you open the door. Up top, an available dual sunroof layout floods the cabin with natural light, making the subcompact footprint feel noticeably airier.

Interior Comfort and Usability

Inside is where the Seltos truly makes its case. Despite its compact footprint, the cabin offers generous spatial efficiency with plenty of breathing room for driver, front passenger, and rear occupants alike.

Kia avoided the trap of going entirely touch-based. The interior strikes a great balance between traditional physical controls and screen real estate. The primary infotainment center is large, positioned high for clear visibility, and straightforward to navigate.

Cabin Highlights & Power Options:

• Connectivity: Three front USB-C ports, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a hidden 12V outlet in the center console.
• Rear Comfort: Dedicated USB-C charging ports mounted on the backs of both front seats for rear passengers.
• Driver Amenities: Power-adjustable driver’s seat paired with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
• Passenger Seat: Uses manual controls—a standard cost-conscious trade-off at this price point.

Powertrain and Driving Dynamics

Under the hood sits a practical four-cylinder engine. It isn't tuned for track times, but it delivers just enough spunk to make city driving and highway merging effort-free.

The main benefit of this setup comes at the gas pump. Returning roughly 24 mpg in everyday city conditions, the Seltos keeps running costs minimal. The throttle response and gearing are calibrated for predictable, smooth around-town usability rather than aggressive speed.

Driver Assistance and Safety Tech

The Seltos punches above its weight class when it comes to standard active safety features. Key systems include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control: Manages distance during highway cruising to reduce fatigue.
• Lane Keep Assist: Keeps the vehicle centered without feeling overly invasive.

These assistance systems act as supportive aids rather than driver replacements, taking the edge off repetitive highway commutes and stop-and-go traffic.

Pricing

Pricing for the Seltos starts at just $24,990 plus $1,495 for destination charges. Our front-drive EX tester wasn't too much more pricey at $28,390.00. If you want to add AWD and it will take you up to $30,090.00 plus those pesky delivery charges.

Our tester was also kitted out with the $2,500 X-Line SX Prestige Package which include a 12.3-inch digital cluster, premium audio, a memory driver seat and outside mirrors, ventilated front seats, Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Navigation Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), Parking Distance Warning (Front/Side/Rear), Parking Collision Avoidance-Reverse (PCA-R), Surround View Monitor (SVM) and Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM).