Today at the 2026 New York International Auto Show, Kia America hosted the North American debut of the all-new 2027 Seltos. Building on the nimble, versatile attributes of the first-generation Seltos, the second-generation Seltos brings together modern standard and available features that buyers are looking for, and some they might not expect in this vehicle class. With in-car tech, ADAS features, and other content sooner found in upmarket segments, the 2027 Seltos aims to raise the bar for the small SUV segment. With more cabin space, more cargo space, and more screen space than the previous generation, the 2027 Seltos delivers impressive content for those who crave turning any drive into an adventure.

 

 

“With the launch of the second-generation Kia Seltos the goal was to develop a small SUV that would raise the bar for the segment,” said Orth Hedrick, executive director, Product Planning, Kia North America. “Packed with many standard and available features found on the all-new 2027 Telluride, the 2027 Seltos offers a thought-provoking purchase consideration for cost-conscious shoppers who crave adventure.”

 

In addition to being larger than its predecessor, the five-passenger 2027 Seltos brings in new features that elevate the small SUV segment, such as flush door handles, an available panoramic sunroof, available Surround View Monitor6, and an available up to nearly 30 inches of total combined screens9 with Kia’s latest ccNC infotainment tech, including Over-the-Air updates2. These features, as well as the available memory power seats, Multi-Mode AWD, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning are all features that can also be found in Kia’s Telluride flagship SUV. In addition to carrying over the normally aspirated 2.0-liter and turbocharged 1.6-liter engines, the 2027 Seltos offers a new hybrid powertrain that combines performance and hybrid efficiency, including a Kia first electric-AWD (e-AWD)1 on a Hybrid SUV. More information on the HEV will be shared closer to the vehicle’s planned on-sale date in late 2026.

 

The 2.0-liter will be offered in LX, S, EX and X-Line, while the 1.6T will be available in X-Line trim only. The 2.0-liter and 1.6T are expected to arrive in the United States in Q2 2026. Pricing will be announced closer to their on-sale date.

 

The Seltos is the latest vehicle to benefit from Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy, bringing together contrasting elements of nature and humanity to create thoughtful, expressive designs. The new Seltos also takes styling cues from the flagship Telluride SUV to carve out its own legacy as a small SUV that embodies a dynamic and energetic persona. Inspired by the design language of the Telluride, amber DRL frames the front fascia, while bold angles, clean lines, combines with flush door handles delivers a strong distinctive presence. At its core, the 2027 Seltos is designed for versatility. It is longer, wider, and boasts a wheelbase that is 2.4 inches greater than its predecessor.

 

The standard wheels are 16-inch alloys, and the Seltos X-Line 2.0L comes with larger 18-inch alloy wheels, with black 19-inch wheels on the X-Line 1.6T and X-Line HEV when equipped with e-AWD. The X-Line trim also features unique bumpers and side sills with Piano Black trim and dark gun metal accents, underscoring its distinctive persona. New colors include Terrain Brown, Frost Blue and Snow White Pearl with a distinctive black roof. Ground clearance has increased from 7.3 inches to an available 8.1 inches.

 

The larger exterior dimensions of the new 2027 Seltos result in a more spacious cabin and the upright greenhouse allows for exceptional outward visibility. The cabin’s overall design is highly influenced by Kia’s “Opposites United” philosophy. This includes the squared-off steering wheel, open center console design, and clean lines that visually connect the Seltos to the Telluride. The Seltos interior is further punctuated by “blades” that extend the aesthetic of the dash into the front doors, creating an enveloping effect around the driver and front passenger.

 

 

Drawing inspiration from the Telluride and EV9, the Seltos Hybrid features a stalk-mounted shifter and push-button start. This is an ergonomic shift controller that moves right to where your hand naturally rests at the steering wheel. In doing so, the center console is left open, with plenty of space for water bottles, phones, and other small items.

 

In addition to its unique exterior, X-Line comes with an exclusive monotone black interior with SynTex upholstery and Telluride-inspired mesh headrests. The X-Line seats also boast standard four-way lumbar support and the X-Line Prestige Package includes front driver Relaxation Seat.

 

The longer wheelbase and greater overall length result in more legroom front and rear with 1-inch increase in rear legroom. Overall head room, hip room and shoulder room also increase.

 

Cargo capacity is improved, with an estimated 64.1 cu-ft. behind the first row and an estimated 27.8 cu-ft. behind the second row. The new Seltos also features a height adjustable and multi-folding luggage board and new flexible Kia Add Gear attachment points that offer drivers more storage solutions for their next adventure.

 

The all-new Seltos has thoughtful deployment of technology designed for daily life, highlighted by the digital dash display. It includes a standard 12.3-inch digital touchscreen display and is available with a 12.3-inch instrument display and 5-inch climate display panel9. The ccNC setup features over-the-air2 update capability. Wireless Apple CarPlay10 and Android Auto11 are standard across all trims.

 

Kia’s generative AI assistant3 allows for a more natural conversation, and can be initiated simply by saying, “Hey, Kia…”. Kia Connect12 allows consumers to use their compatible smartphones to send remote commands such as lock, unlock, cool, heat and start the vehicle13.

 

The 2027 Seltos is available with Entertainment and Data Services14, which supports streaming for Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube. There are also available display themes for some of Disney’s© most iconic brands, which will be introduced throughout 2026. Display themes are also available for all 30 NBA teams, as well as themes to celebrate Kia’s sponsorship of the 2026 FIFA World Cup15. Kia myQ Connected Garage offers fully integrated, convenient garage access that lets you remotely manage and control your garage door through your Kia touchscreen display16.  Experience all the new ways to stay connected and entertained with these upcoming features and more, all available in the Kia Connect Store.

 

The 2027 Seltos can help keep devices charged with multiple standard USB-C ports that span both rows. The front-row ports are nestled between the center console and the climate controls and include a media port and two charging ports. The rear-seat charging ports are integrated into the first-row seatbacks for easy access.

 

The Seltos is the only offering in the segment to offer three powertrain options starting with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). For those seeking lively pickup, the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine develops an estimated 190 horsepower with standard advanced Multi-Mode AWD system. This engine routes power through an 8-speed automatic transmission with manual control. The 2.0L powertrain is offered with front-wheel drive or an available advanced Multi-Mode AWD system1. Depending on trim, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, the Seltos bolsters its capability within the segment.

 

Rounding out the lineup is a hybrid powertrain, which is a first for the Seltos. An advanced 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine is paired with a 6-speed dual clutch transmission designed to enhance both performance and efficiency. Front-wheel drive HEV improves driving efficiency while available e-AWD1, Kia first on a HEV SUV, provides more power with on-demand all-wheel drive capability to provide a more rewarding driving experience. More information on the Seltos HEV will become available later this year. Official fuel economy figures for these versatile powertrains will be available closer to their respective on-sale dates.

 

The all-new 2027 Seltos comes with a comprehensive list of standard and available Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)1 bringing features typically found in more upscale SUVs. This includes new-to-Seltos features such as standard Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) Assist with Junction Turning, standard Front and Reverse Parking Distance Warning, and newly available Side Parking Distance Warning with Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance. The Seltos now offers an optional 360° Surround-View Monitor, as well as Kia’s Blind-Spot View Monitor17, which presents a video feed display of the left or right blind spot area on the digital display when the corresponding turn-signal is activated. This Blind Spot View Monitor and 360° Surround-View Monitor are optional on the X-Line trim.

 

The list of standard ADAS features includes Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Warning with Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, High-Beam Assist, Intelligent Speed-Limit Warning, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection. It also comes standard with Lane Following Assist 2. Available ADAS features include Intelligent Speed-Limit Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Avoidance and Safe Exit Warning18, which is designed to provide an alert to occupants if it detects another vehicle approaching as they are exiting the vehicle.

 

The all-new 2027 Kia Seltos 2.0L and 1.6T is anticipated to go on sale in the U.S. in Q2 2026, with the HEV expected to arrive in late Q4. Pricing, timing availability, specific trim details, and EPA-rated fuel economy estimates are subject to future announcements.