2027 Kia Seltos: A budget SUV that looks anything but
The 2027 Kia Seltos goes on sale in the US this summer, starting at $24,990 — roughly $1,610 less than the Honda HR-V and neck-and-neck with the Toyota Corolla Cross at $25,235. Kia has fully redesigned the second-generation model, giving it a look borrowed from the brand's larger Telluride SUV. For anyone shopping a first SUV or trading up from a sedan, it arrives as one of the most spacious and feature-packed options under $25,000.
The look
The new Seltos drops the fussier chrome details of its predecessor in favor of a cleaner, wider face anchored by full-LED lighting and a reshaped grille. Kia's design language — shared with the EV9 and Telluride — now runs all the way down to the entry trim. The wheelbase grows 2.4 inches over the outgoing model, which adds meaningful rear-seat legroom and pushes cargo capacity to 64.2 cubic feet behind the front row, a class-leading figure according to Kia's press release.
The powertrains
Two engines are on offer. Base LX and S trims get a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder making 147 hp, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It's smooth and fuel-efficient, suited to city commuting. Step up to the X-Line trims and you get a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 190 hp, mated to an eight-speed automatic — noticeably more responsive on the highway. All-wheel drive is available across the range for $1,700 extra; the top X-Line SX AWD reaches $32,790.
Inside
Every trim gets a dual 12.3-inch display setup — one for infotainment, one for the instrument cluster — plus a separate 5.3-inch climate control screen. Wireless phone charging, heated seats, and dual-zone climate control arrive on higher grades. Driver-assist features are standard across the board: lane-keeping, automatic emergency braking, and driver fatigue monitoring all come included.
The catch
A Seltos Hybrid is coming, but not until late 2026, with limited initial stock expected. That's a problem if fuel economy is a priority — the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is already on sale at $29,595 and ready to buy today. Per CarsDirect, some Seltos trims are priced nearly $2,000 higher than the outgoing model, so buyers cross-shopping last year's leftover inventory may find even better deals for now.
For most buyers who don't need a hybrid, the 2027 Seltos makes a strong case on value, space, and design alone. It's in dealerships now.
