Presentation of the Updated 2027 Kia Seltos
At the New York Auto Show, Kia unveiled the fully updated Seltos for the 2027 model year. The most important news for the American market was that, for the first time in its history, this model will receive a hybrid powertrain. This is a landmark event for a vehicle that was previously offered in the US exclusively with gasoline engines. This step indicates a shift in the positioning of the brand’s smallest SUV: from a simple, affordable option to a technologically advanced and versatile one.
New Design and Increased Dimensions
The exterior of the second-generation Seltos was inspired by the flagship Telluride. The car received a flatter hood, sharper lines, and a massive radiator grille, giving it a solid presence. The rear of the body shares features with the electric compact crossover EV3, which also debuted at the New York show.
The new model has become more spacious. The wheelbase increased by 60 mm, and the body width by 40 mm. Furthermore, in the most capable trims, the ground clearance has grown to 206 mm, improving off-road capabilities.
Three Powertrain Options
The automaker offers three different powertrain options:
Models with traditional engines will appear at US dealerships this spring, while the hybrid variant will become available significantly later.
Technological Interior Equipment
The car’s interior received a modern digital panel that combines the instrument cluster and infotainment system screens into a single panel with a diagonal of almost 30 inches (depending on trim). The new infotainment system supports over-the-air updates, streaming services such as YouTube and Netflix, as well as themed displays dedicated to NBA teams and Disney characters.
The list of options also includes a panoramic sunroof, a surround-view camera, and a new steering-wheel-mounted gear selector, similar to the one installed on the EV9 (the latter is available only for the hybrid version).
Trims and X-Line Version
For the version with the base 2.0-liter engine, a range of trims is offered: LX, S, EX, and the off-road-styled X-Line. The latter is distinguished by black 19-inch wheels, unique bumpers, side sills, and dark trim. The turbocharged 1.6 version is available exclusively in the X-Line styling, as is the hybrid, with both receiving 20-inch wheels. Among the features of the X-Line are headrests inspired by the Telluride, standard four-way lumbar adjustment, and in the Prestige package, a “Relaxation Seat” function for the driver is added.
Conclusions and Context
The update makes the Kia Seltos a significantly more attractive product, which can now compete not only in the segment of affordable crossovers but also attract buyers who previously considered it too small or insufficiently technological. The appearance of a hybrid version clearly aligns with Kia’s overall strategy for electrifying its model range. Interestingly, the increased dimensions and the appearance of the X-Line version with improved off-road capability expand the target audience, adding traits of a “real” SUV to the car. For many buyers, the main question now may be the choice between this convenient, economical hybrid and the fully electric EV3, which offers similar dimensions and design but a fundamentally different powertrain. The success of the Seltos in the market will largely depend on the final price of the hybrid version, which remains unknown for now.