2027 Kia Seltos Road Test and Review

2027 Kia Seltos ・ Photo by Kia

The 2027 Kia Seltos is an all-new second generation compact SUV that builds on everything buyers liked about the original while addressing one of its biggest shortcomings. Available with two gasoline engines and, for the first time, a hybrid arriving later this year, the five-passenger Seltos offers shoppers more choice than ever.

This redesign brings updated styling, a longer wheelbase, more interior room, improved technology, and expanded safety features. It feels like a much more mature vehicle than the first generation while still keeping the affordability that made the Seltos so popular. It’s aimed at those who want a practical, everyday SUV with a little personality and a manageable price tag.

More Presence on the Road

The new Seltos has a stronger, more confident look that gives it far more presence than the outgoing model. Inspiration from larger Kia SUVs like the Telluride is easy to spot on the Seltos, including a bolder front end, star map lighting, and cleaner body lines that make it look substantial.

It still fits comfortably into the compact SUV segment, making it easy to park and maneuver around town. The styling strikes a nice balance between practical and stylish. It has enough personality to stand out in a crowded parking lot without trying too hard.

2027 Kia Seltos ・ Photo by Kia

Room to Stretch Out

The biggest surprise inside is just how much larger the cabin feels. The previous Seltos always felt like a small compact SUV, but the longer wheelbase gives passengers noticeably more space. Front and rear seat comfort both benefit from the added room, making longer drives more enjoyable and giving rear seat passengers far less reason to complain.

The cabin also avoids feeling inexpensive despite its affordable price. Materials are attractive, and the layout is clean. It’s comfortable enough for daily commuting while offering enough room for small families or weekend road trips. The old model could feel a bit tight, but this one finally delivers the spacious feel buyers expect from a modern compact SUV.

2027 Kia Seltos ・ Photo by Kia

Turbo Power for Everyday Driving

I drove the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, which delivers responsive acceleration and plenty of confidence around town or when merging onto the highway. It is well matched to the Seltos and feels eager during normal driving, making it easy to keep up with traffic or slip into fast moving lanes.

Push the accelerator hard at higher speeds and you can tell the engine is working, but that’s hardly unusual in a compact SUV at this price. It’s not intended to be sporty, but it delivers exactly the smooth, dependable performance most buyers are looking for.

2027 Kia Seltos ・ Photo by Kia

Comfort Over Excitement

The Seltos delivers a smooth ride that makes everyday driving easy and relaxing. Rough pavement is handled well without feeling overly soft, giving the SUV a comfortable character that fits its mission as a daily driver. Even on less than perfect roads it remains composed and settled.

Steering is nicely weighted and predictable, making it easy to manage. It’s composed rather than sporty, which feels like the right choice for anyone who values comfort more than aggressive, sports car handling.

2027 Kia Seltos ・ Photo by Kia

Practical Every Day

The larger dimensions also improve cargo capacity. There is plenty of room behind the rear seats for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment, and folding the rear seats opens up even more versatility when larger items need to come along.

The added wheelbase doesn’t just improve rear seat comfort. It also gives the cargo area a little more breathing room, making the compact Seltos surprisingly versatile. Storage throughout the cabin is well thought out with useful spots to stow small items close at hand.

2027 Kia Seltos ・ Photo by Kia

Technology That Fits Your Life

The Seltos features technology that is easy to use with large digital displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available wireless phone charging, and multiple USB C ports throughout the cabin. It’s modern without being complicated, so it makes your day easier and less frustrating.

One feature that stood out was the wireless charging pad, which does an excellent job of holding your phone securely in place while driving. It’s a small detail, but one you’ll appreciate when your phone stays in place and doesn’t go sliding off into the footwells.

2027 Kia Seltos ・ Photo by Kia

Confidence Behind the Wheel

Kia includes a long list of standard and available driver assistance features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, and smart cruise control on higher trims. Buyers can also add highway driving assist, which helps make longer highway drives a little less tiring.

During my drive, the systems blended into the background instead of constantly reminding me they were there. They stepped in when appropriate without feeling overly cautious or intrusive, adding confidence without taking away from the overall driving experience.

2027 Kia Seltos ・ Photo by Kia

Strong Value

The 2027 Kia Seltos continues to deliver plenty of value with a broad lineup that lets buyers choose the features and that best fit their needs. Front-wheel-drive models start with the LX at $24,990, followed by the S at $26,390 and the EX at $28,390. If all-wheel drive is on your list, pricing starts at $26,690 for the LX, $28,090 for the S, $28,990 for the more rugged X-Line S, and $30,090 for the EX,. The only turbocharged model is the X-Line SX at $32,790.

The first ever Seltos Hybrid will join the lineup later this year, with pricing to be announced closer to its arrival. Even before that model reaches dealerships, the Seltos offers one of the broadest lineups in the segment, making it easy to find a version that fits both your budget and your lifestyle.

2027 Kia Seltos ・ Photo by Kia

Easy to Recommend

The 2027 Kia Seltos does exactly what it sets out to do. It delivers a roomy interior, a comfortable ride, modern technology, and styling that has a little more personality than many of its competitors. More importantly, it fixes what I always thought was the biggest weakness of the original by making the cabin feel noticeably larger and more comfortable.

It is still one of the most affordable compact SUVs you can buy, but it no longer feels like you're settling because of the price. If you're looking for an SUV that's easy to drive, comfortable every day, and offers a little style without blowing the budget, the new Seltos deserves a spot near the top of your shopping list.

2027 Kia Seltos ・ Photo by Kia