SUVs continue to dominate the American market, and Kia has just introduced one of the most compelling small contenders yet: the redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos. With a starting price under $25,000, a brand-new hybrid powertrain option, and premium luxury features inspired by the flagship Telluride, this “mini Telluride” aims to leave rivals like the Toyota Corolla Cross and Honda HR-V in the dust. In this review, we’ll dive into the styling, technology, and performance of this affordable SUV to see if it truly is the best value in its segment.

2027 Kia Seltos Pricing & Trim Levels

The 2027 Seltos offers a range of gas and hybrid trims to fit various budgets, with gas models seeing a slight price increase of $1,000 to $2,000 over the previous generation. At the time of writing, only the gas-powered variants are available. We will share our Hybrid review as soon as we get our hands on one!

Trim Level                                                                                                                               

Starting MSRP                                                                                           

This trim is for buyers who…

LX

$24,990

Best for value-conscious buyers looking for the entry-level price point.

S

$26,390

The “Sweet Spot” for features vs. price, including a SynTex wrapped steering wheel and wireless charging.

EX

$28,390

Provides upgraded materials like SynTex seating and dual-zone climate control.

X-Line S AWD

$28,990

Offers a rugged look with standard All-Wheel Drive and darkened exterior elements.

X-Line SX AWD

$32,790

For those who want every single luxury, including the 1.6T engine and a panoramic moonroof.

Want to know what dealers paid for this model? Check out our New Car Quotes Tool: www.carconfections.com/new-car-quotes

Performance, Powertrain & Capability

  • Engines: 2.0L I-4, 1.6L Turbo I-4, or the all-new 1.6L Hybrid (HEV) powertrain.
  • Output: 147 HP / 132 lb-ft (2.0L) or 190 HP / 195 lb-ft (1.6T).
  • Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (Std) or All-Wheel Drive (Std on X-Line). Transmissions include a CVT (2.0L), 8-speed automatic (1.6T), or 6-speed Dual Clutch (HEV).
  • Towing/Utility: Features up to 8.1 inches of ground clearance for light off-road capability.
  • Fuel Economy: Up to 30 MPG combined (2.0L FWD) or 26 MPG combined (1.6T AWD). Hybrid ratings are yet to be officially released.
2027 Kia Seltos premium compact SUV in Terrain Brown parked outdoors showing front bumper and side profile
Front view of the redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos showing the new chrome accented grille and rugged bumper design
Close up of the new 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line gloss black geometric alloy wheels
Side profile view of the 2027 Kia Seltos in Terrain Brown showcasing ground clearance and black wheel arches
2027 Kia Seltos interior cabin featuring the new Blades dash design and dual 12.3-inch infotainment screens
Interior front seats of the 2027 Kia Seltos showing gray SynTex material and premium stitching

Exterior Design

The 2027 Seltos adopts Kia’s “Opposites United” design language, resulting in a more rugged and premium appearance.

  • General Theme: A “Mini Telluride” aesthetic that looks significantly more expensive than its starting price.
  • Trim Differences: X-Line models feature a chrome-accented grille with dark accents and gloss black wheel arch surrounds.
  • Wheel Sizes: Ranges from 16-inch alloys on the LX up to 19-inch alloys on the X-Line SX.
  • Design Options: New colors include Terrain Brown, Frost Blue, Snow White Pearl, and a matte Magma Red, with optional black roof combinations.

2027 Kia Seltos interior cabin featuring the new Blades dash design and dual 12.3-inch infotainment screens

Interior Tech & Luxury Highlights

Inside, the Seltos features a new “Blades” design that flows from the dash into the doors, creating a modern, wraparound feel.

  • Infotainment: Dual 12.3-inch displays powered by the Kia ccNC system with standard wireless phone connections and OTA updates.
  • Audio System: A standard 6-speaker system or an optional 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system on higher trims.
  • Seating: Material options include cloth or SynTex, with the X-Line SX offering a specialized Driver Relaxation Seat and available ventilation.
  • Cargo Space: One of the largest in its segment with 27.8 cu.ft behind the second row and up to 64.2 cu.ft total capacity.

Safety & Driver Assistance

  • Standard Suite: Includes Auto High Beams, Forward Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Smart Cruise Control.
  • Premium Tech: Available Highway Driving Assist (HDA 1.0), a 360-degree camera, and a Blind Spot Camera on the X-Line SX.

LOOKING TO BUY any New VEHICLE?

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Final Verdict: Big Value + Style

The 2027 Kia Seltos is a masterclass in packaging, offering a more premium experience than its sub-$25,000 price point suggests. It provides significantly more rear legroom and cargo space than the Honda HR-V or Toyota Corolla Cross, making it a top choice for small families or adventurers. Whether you choose the efficient new hybrid or the punchy turbo, the Seltos remains one of the most compelling options in the segment.

Watch the Full “Car Confections” Review!

Check out our detailed review on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OzqaV5Ey_1Y

Would you choose the traditional 2.0L gas engine, or are you waiting for the new Hybrid powertrain and its eAWD system?