Small Crossover Steps Up Value Game in Korea: 2027 Kia Seltos Review

Since it made its debut in 2019, the Kia Seltos has become the Korean carmaker’s second-best-selling product line worldwide. Kia’s ambitions are even bigger with the launch of the second-generation SUV — especially in the U.S. market. Here it goes up against competitors like the Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Mazda CX-30.

It helps to have a completely new look, both inside and out. But there’s a lot more to like about the 2027 Kia Seltos, as GearJunkie discovered during a visit to South Korea for a first drive. At a time when fuel prices are hovering near record levels back in the States, Kia will offer three solid powertrain choices for the gen-2 Seltos, including a peppy turbo-four and a first-time hybrid that, we discovered, easily delivered more than 40 mpg in real-world driving conditions. 

Add the fact that the three drivetrains will be available with all-wheel drive — either standard or optional, depending on the package. The X-Line trim with the internal combustion drivetrain will also offer selectable drive modes that instantly adjust torque distribution, yielding modest off-road capability.

In short: The 2027 Kia Seltos has a lot going for it. It picks up some of the standout exterior design cues from the high-end Telluride, while delivering a much better-appointed cabin than one would expect from an entry SUV. There are also more features than many competitors offer, especially on top Seltos trims, such as an optional head-up display. The offer of three engine options is rare in this class, and the new hybrid arrives at precisely the right time, considering rising fuel prices. Our test vehicle’s suspension was softer than we’d like, but it was a Korean configuration, Kia officials promising a more dynamic ride for the U.S. version.

Affordable Crossover

In its early days, Kia was a bargain-basement brand. A lot has changed since then, especially with products like the sophisticated, three-row Telluride. But the Korean carmaker hasn’t totally abandoned its roots — as the newly redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos demonstrates. 

While we’ll have to wait a bit for final pricing, the second-generation Seltos should remain one of the most affordable products in the subcompact crossover market. Yet it offers the sort of refinements and features not found on many of its competitors, which include familiar offerings like the Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Mazda CX-30 — as well as the Venue from sibling Korean brand Hyundai.

What comes as a surprise with the gen-2 Seltos is the ability of three separate powertrains, including a new, high-mileage hybrid that will be available in a choice of either front-wheel-drive or e-AWD, a second motor delivering traction, when needed, on the back axle.

What’s New

The first-generation Seltos made its Korean debut in 2019, reaching the U.S. market 2 years later. For 2027. The crossover pushes the limits of the subcompact segment, growing to an overall length of 174.4 inches, up from 172.6 inches in the gen-1 configuration.

The new model has a 72-inch width, up from 70.9 inches, while its wheelbase grows to 105.9 inches, up from 103.5 inches. Cargo space now goes as high as 27.9 cubic feet, with the rear seats folded down. Another plus: those back seats can recline.

Depending on the package, the new Seltos will offer features including twin 12.3-inch digital displays that bookend a 5-inch display for the climate control system. On high-end models, motorists also can opt for a 12-inch head-up display, a distinct rarity in this market segment. 

The addition of a hybrid drivetrain brings to three the number of choices one can tick off on the order sheet — plus there’s the option to go front or all-wheel-drive. The internal combustion packages use a mechanical link to the rear axle, but the hybrid gets a new e-AWD system. That omits the mechanical link, instead mounting another motor on the back axle. That combination also delivers a bump of 25 more horsepower.

New Design

The 2027 Kia Seltos is not only bigger but also gets a fresh new look that’s more in tune with the Korean brand’s higher-end product lines. “Seltos combines a familiar legacy of a traditional SUV with the sleek, futuristic feel of all new Kia models,” Karim Habib, Kia’s head of global design, suggested back in April, ahead of the CUV’s debut at the NY Auto Show.

You’ll likely notice the grille’s similarity to the flagship Telluride SUV. The aero-flush door handles are lifted from the three-row EV9.

New lighting, such as the vertical LED running lights that frame the grille, gives Seltos a more sophisticated look. Vertical taillights also frame a broad rear lightbar. As with the instrument panel’s horizontal layout, the goal was to emphasize the new Seltos’s width and give it a more planted feel.

What really caught my attention was the detailing of the interior, however. Most of the panels you’ll come in contact with are soft-touch and nicely textured. Unfortunately, Kia designers missed the top of the armrests, and they stand out like a wart on a nose.

Powertrain Options

Kia offers an unusual  three different powertrain options for the U.S. version of the 2027 Kia Seltos, including:

•  A base 2.0L inline-four mated to a CVT. Available in FWD or AWD, it makes 146 horsepower;
• A turbocharged 1.6L upgrade generating 190 horsepower. It mates to an eight-speed automatic and sends power to all four wheels;
• A first-ever hybrid package for Seltos with a 1.6L inline-four mated to a six-speed double-clutch transmission. 

The hybrid will offer a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive, though the e-AWD package will be a late addition to the 2027 lineup. Details won’t be available until later this year, but the hybrid is widely expected to deliver as much as 40 mpg. (That should be no surprise considering the second-generation Telluride Hybrid gets an EPA rating of 25 mpg.)

X-Line

While not a true off-roader, the X-Line does give motorists a bit more freedom to take the 2027 Seltos off pavement thanks to a driver-selectable terrain system that adjusts front-to-back torque distribution and throttle response.

Key differences include bolder, blockier exterior trim, front and rear underbody protection, roof rails, and other exterior accents. Ground clearance is raised to 8.1 inches, and X-Line buyers can choose from exclusive 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The interior features water and dirt-resistant materials like synthetic “syntax” leather for the seats, as well as rubber floor mats.

Driving Impressions

Here’s the good news: GearJunkie was invited to visit South Korea for an early driving opportunity. The bad news? We’ve yet to find any place with more restrictive speed limit enforcement. There are speed cameras everywhere and plenty of speed bumps to help get the message across.

I did rely on my smart navigation system to help me figure out where I could occasionally exercise the turbo-four — and eventually found a wonderfully windy section of two-lane blacktop slicing through the country’s mountainous terrain where I could really test things out.

Over the course of a couple of days driving, I split time between the turbo and a front-drive version of the hybrid packages. The gas-electric drivetrain delivered impressive fuel economy when strictly obeying Korean speed limits, occasionally approaching 45, even 50 mpg.

That said, there was a clear trade-off in terms of performance. Not quite anemic, but my copilot and I estimated 0-60 times of around 8 seconds. The e-AWD system wasn’t available, unfortunately. The extra 25 horsepower should be a welcome addition.

The turbo-four, on the other hand, brought the little crossover to life. The engine was delightfully responsive and almost intuitively interrupted any movement of my right foot. The AWD configuration was another plus, especially when I got to that mountainous stretch late on my second day in-country. 

If I had any major complaint, it was the soft, almost squishy, tuning of the Seltos suspension. I know from prior visits to the country that this is the way buyers there like their vehicles set up. Why not when you’re normally driving at such a slow pace? Kia execs promise Seltos will have a more dynamic feel when it comes to the States, and, based on what I’ve experienced with the rest of the lineup, I’ll cautiously take them at their word.

Final Thoughts

While you can get a fairly stripped-down package, most Seltos models will have plenty of features onboard, many traditionally unavailable in this class. That includes the previously mentioned head-up display, as well as a wide range of advanced driver assistance systems.

The touchscreen display is equipped for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and will be able to stream video — when parked, of course. Wireless charging is offered, as well as a 100W USB charger.

Kia has repeatedly gone the extra mile with the products its produced over the last decade. And that’s been reflected by the long list of awards models like the Telluride have been bringing home.

I’m already signing up for the next drive event out in California, looking forward to seeing how the suspension gets retuned — among other changes for the U.S. market. I’m particularly anxious to get into the hybrid e-AWD model, though it won’t be available until late in the year.

Based on what I experienced in Korea, however, the 2027 Kia Seltos is more than just a refresh of an already good entry crossover. It’s a significant step forward and likely to win over a lot of new buyers who’ve yet to discover this impressive brand.