Second-gen Kia Seltos gets bold, new design

The 2027 Kia Seltos will launch with a gasoline-burning powertrain, but the automaker intends to add a hybrid version as well.

2027 Kia Seltos front — *Kia has unveiled an all-new Seltos, which will be available sometime in 2026. – Kia photo*

Kia has unveiled an all-new Seltos, which gives the crossover SUV a bold, new design that mirrors Kia’s other recently launched vehicles.

The Seltos is a subcompact SUV that slots in below the Sportage in Kia’s lineup.

The second generation of the Seltos is expected to be available in Canada sometime in 2026, likely as a 2027 model.

Small, but big

While the Seltos is classified as a subcompact, it is roomy for its class and the second-gen model is growing as well.

The 2027 Seltos is 4,430 mm long (up from the current version’s 4,385 mm), 1,830 mm wide (up from 1,800 mm), 1,600 mm tall (down from 1,625 to 1,630 mm) and has a wheelbase of 2,690 mm (up from 2,630).

Kia said the new Seltos has a luggage capacity of 536 litres, plus it has flexible storage configurations and a foldable dual-level cargo board.

Kia Seltos trio — *Kia plans multiple powertrain options for the 2027 Seltos. – Kia photo*

Powertrains

The Seltos is on Kia’s new K3 platform, which is said to have increased body rigidity, improved noise insulation and a balanced chassis for smooth and stable handling.

Kia will launch the subcompact SUV with three different gasoline-powered powertrains, while a hybrid will join the lineup in 2026.

It is unclear which of the three powertrains will be available in Canada as each may be earmarked for different markets.

The three units include:

Standard-output 1.6-litre turbocharged engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) or six-speed manual transmission with 177 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque
High-output 1.6-litre turbocharged engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with 190 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque
2-litre engine with 147 hp and 132 lb.-ft. of torque (this is the one currently offered in Canada)

Kia didn’t provide performance specs for the hybrid powertrain.

But, the company said it will feature Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, which will allow it to power external devices. It will also introduce Kia’s Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0, which the company said automatically adjusts regenerative braking based on traffic flow and navigation data to optimize energy recovery.

2027 Kia Seltos interior front — *Kia plans to load up the second-gen Seltos with plenty of tech features. – Kia photo*

Tech and comfort features

Kia and its sibling brand Hyundai are known for loading up vehicles with technology and features above their price class, and the Seltos doesn’t disappoint.

The crossover gets a panoramic display that uses two 12.3-inch screens, an AI assistant, over-the-air updates Digital Key 2, which allows your smartphone to act as a key with shareable key access, customizable 64-colour mood lighting and more.

Advanced driving aids include:

Highway Driving Assist 2
Lane Following Assist 2
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2
Safe Exit Warning
Surround View Monitor
Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse
Parking Distance Warning-Front/Side/Reverse

2027 Kia Seltos rear — *The Kia Seltos is a roomy subcompact SUV. – Kia photo*

“The Kia Seltos has always represented best-in-class value, and the next generation model builds on that legacy with an enriched offering that resonates with the diverse passions of our customers. Its expanded global presence and abundant practical and stylish features underline Kia’s commitment to meeting diverse mobility needs worldwide,” said Ho Sung Song, president and CEO of Kia Corporation, in a news release.

Production of the all-new Kia Seltos begins this month (December 2025) for India. Afterwards, the second-gen Seltos will launch in Korea, North America, Europe and China in 2026.

For updates, visit the Kia Canada website.