Everything You Need to Know About the Upcoming 2027 Kia Seltos

Kia unveiled the all-new 2027 Seltos at the New York Auto Show, and the redesign is more than skin deep. This is a complete ground-up rebuild - longer, wider, roomier, and packed with technology that was unthinkable in this segment just a few years ago. If you've been waiting for a subcompact SUV that doesn't feel like a compromise, this is the one to watch.

The 2027 Seltos features three powertrain options, including a new hybrid with available electric all-wheel drive. It brings nearly 30 inches of combined digital displays, advanced driver assistance systems previously reserved for luxury SUVs, and enough cargo space to make you forget you're driving a subcompact. The 2.0-litre and turbocharged 1.6-litre models arrive at Canadian dealers this summer, with the hybrid following by year-end.

Key Specs and Features

Built on Kia's "Opposites United" design philosophy, the 2027 Seltos balances bold angles with clean lines. The wheelbase stretches 60 millimetres longer than the outgoing model, translating directly into 25 millimetres more rear legroom and headroom. Cargo capacity jumps to 1,817 litres behind the first row and 786 litres behind the second row - enough for groceries plus hockey bags or camping gear.

Three powertrains give buyers flexibility. The base 2.0-litre four-cylinder pairs with Kia's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) and powers the LX, EX, and EX Premium trims. The turbocharged 1.6-litre engine produces 190 hp and routes power through an 8-speed automatic - standard on X-Line and X-Line Limited trims. The new hybrid powertrain uses a 1.6-litre four-cylinder with a 6-speed dual clutch transmission. Front-wheel drive improves efficiency, while the available e-AWD system - a Kia first on a hybrid SUV - adds on-demand all-wheel traction.

The cabin makes the biggest step forward. Standard equipment includes dual 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment. Higher trims add a 5-inch climate control display, bringing total screen real estate to nearly 30 inches. The ccNC infotainment system supports over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. USB-C ports are scattered throughout - two charging ports and one media port up front, plus rear-seat charging ports integrated into the first-row seatbacks.

X-Line trims get their own visual identity: 19-inch black wheels, unique bumpers, dark gun metal accents, and distinctive trim elements. Inside, X-Line models feature monotone black interiors with SynTex upholstery, mesh headrests, and standard four-way lumbar support. The X-Line Limited adds front Relaxation Seats - a feature normally found in luxury sedans.

What Sets It Apart

The 2027 Seltos doesn't just compete in the subcompact SUV segment - it reshapes expectations. The safety suite is now standard across all trims:

• Advanced Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning
• Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist
• Parking Distance Warning for forward and reverse
• Hands-On Detection
• Safe Exit Alert

These features used to be optional on mid-size SUVs. The available 3D Surround-View Monitor provides a bird's-eye view for tight parking spots or narrow trails. Kia's Blind-Spot View Monitor displays a video feed of the corresponding blind spot on the digital display when you activate a turn signal - a small detail that makes a big difference in city traffic.

The hybrid powertrain is the headline story. This is Kia's first hybrid Seltos, and the e-AWD system is a first for any Kia hybrid SUV. The front-wheel-drive hybrid prioritizes efficiency, while the e-AWD variant adds a rear electric motor that engages when you need extra traction. It's smarter and more responsive than traditional mechanical all-wheel drive without sacrificing fuel economy.

Design details matter. Flush door handles reduce wind noise and create a cleaner profile. The panoramic sunroof is available across most trims, and the two-step foldable luggage board offers flexible storage solutions. Kia's Add Gear cargo organization system is integrated into the design for secure gear storage without aftermarket accessories.

New colours include Terrain Brown and Frost Blue, emphasizing the Seltos' outdoor-ready character. The upright greenhouse and squared-off roofline maximize outward visibility - you sit higher than in a sedan with thin pillars for excellent sightlines.

Why the 2027 Seltos Matters

The subcompact SUV segment is crowded, but the 2027 Seltos refuses to compromise. It's larger than the outgoing model yet still easy to park and manoeuvre. It offers three powertrains, including a hybrid with available all-wheel drive - something most competitors can't match. It brings technology and safety features previously reserved for vehicles two segments up without feeling cluttered.

The longer wheelbase and increased interior dimensions make this genuinely practical for families or anyone carrying gear. Cargo capacity rivals some compact SUVs, and the two-step foldable luggage board provides flexibility for separating items or creating a flat load floor.

The hybrid powertrain is the differentiator. If you want hybrid efficiency without sacrificing all-wheel traction, the e-AWD system delivers both. It's a smart solution for buyers in regions where winter weather matters but fuel economy still counts. The 2.0-litre and turbocharged 1.6-litre engines are proven powertrains alongside the new hybrid option.

The 2027 Seltos arrives this summer. If you're in the market for a subcompact SUV that doesn't feel like a downgrade, visit Winnipeg Kia in Winnipeg to learn more about the upcoming 2027 Seltos and get notified when it arrives.

To learn more about the 2027 Kia Seltos, visit Kia.ca