Kia Seltos picks up bold looks, available hybrid powertrain for 2027

The Seltos is Kia’s subcompact SUV and the next-gen model gains legroom, headroom, shoulder and hip room and cargo space.

2027 Kia Seltos driving front — *The 2027 Kia Seltos is a subcompact SUV with the bold design of a much larger one. – Kia America photo*

Kia’s subcompact SUV is going through a growth spurt for 2027.

The automaker revealed the second-generation Seltos, which is picking up a bold new design, including a wide grille, plus more space, including more legroom, headroom, shoulder and hip room and cargo space.

It’s also gaining an available hybrid powertrain.

“As one of Kia’s top selling models in Canada, it was crucial that this redesign exceed expectations to stand out in the segment,” said David Sherrard, director, strategic planning at Kia Canada, in a news release.

2027 Kia Seltos side — *The second-gen Kia Seltos is taller, wider and longer than its predecessor. – Kia America photo*

New design

The subcompact five-seater has grown longer, taller and wider and its wheelbase has been stretched by 60 millimetres.

The new Seltos is boxy with bold angles.

Kia said the rear has 25 millimetres more legroom and overall headroom grows by 25 millimetres as well.

The cargo area has a capacity of 786 litres, which grows to 1,817 litres with the rear seats folded. A two-step foldable luggage board is also available on some trims, offering a more versatile cargo area.

It has a large front grille, similar to some of Kia’s larger SUV offerings.

Other features that bring it up market are an available panoramic sunroof, flush door handles, and more.

2027 Kia Seltos driving rear — *The 2027 Kia Seltos will be offered with three powertrain choices. – Kia America photo*

Powertrains

The 2027 Seltos will offer three powertrain choices.

The base naturally aspirated 2-litre four-cylinder engine mated to an intelligent variable transmission is offered on the LX, EX and EX Premium trims.

The turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 190 hp is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual control. This engine powers the X-Line and X-Line Limited trims.

Models with the above powertrains will be available in Canada by the summer of 2026.

Lastly, the Seltos will gain its first hybrid powertrain.

The gas-electric hybrid powertrain features a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine mated with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The hybrid will also have an available electric all-wheel-drive system.

Hybrid models are expected to arrive near the end of 2026.

2027 Kia Seltos cabin front — *The 2027 Kia Seltos has a panoramic display. – Kia America photo*

Interior

The updated Seltos gets more space and a more upright greenhouse along with a squared-off steering wheel, an open centre console and clean lines on the inside.

The X-Line gets an exclusive black interior with SynTex upholstery and mesh headrests as well as seats with four-way lumber support. The X-Line Limited adds front Relaxation Seats.

As is typical with Kia, the vehicle is loaded with technology, despite the model being one of the lower priced vehicles in the automaker’s lineup.

A panoramic display is comprised of two 12.3-inch displays, one for infotainment and one for the driver’s instrument cluster, plus a five-inch climate display.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard and the Seltos can also receive over-the-air updates.

There are multiple USB-C charge ports front and back.

2027 Kia Seltos rear seats — *The Kia Seltos X-Line gets a new SynTex upholstery. – Kia America photo*

Safety features

Kia packed the Seltos with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, which includes forward collision avoidance assist with junction turning, front and rear reverse parking distance warning, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, lane follow assist, driver attention warning, high-beam assist, intelligent speed-limit assist, and forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection.

Additional available features include 3D Surround-View Monitor and a blind-spot view monitor.

For updates on the Canadian launch of the 2027 Kia Seltos, visit the Kia Canada website.