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Media post: 2027 Kia Seltos Redesign: Bigger, Smarter, and More Expensive?

The 2027 Kia Seltos redesign is a full second-generation overhaul, not a minor facelift. Kia has increased its size, expanded its passenger and cargo space, introduced more advanced cabin technology, added rugged X-Line trims, and confirmed a new hybrid powertrain.

It is clearly bigger and smarter. Whether it is significantly more expensive depends on the trim, drivetrain, and eventual Canadian pricing.

2027 Kia Seltos: The Quick Answer

The redesigned Seltos remains a subcompact SUV, but it is moving closer to the space, technology, and road presence normally associated with larger compact crossovers.

The biggest updates include:

– A completely redesigned second-generation platform

– Larger exterior dimensions

– More rear-seat and cargo space

– Telluride-inspired exterior styling

– Standard dual 12.3-inch displays

– Available 190-horsepower turbo engine

– Available all-wheel drive with terrain modes

– A new Seltos Hybrid with available electric AWD

– Expanded driver-assistance technology

– More premium convenience features

Kia says the redesigned model offers increased passenger space, better utility, and more advanced technology than the previous generation.

Drivers comparing current models can browse the latest new Kia inventory at Kia 417.

Is the 2027 Kia Seltos Bigger?

Yes. The Seltos has been stretched and repackaged to deliver more interior room without becoming difficult to park or maneuver.

2027 Seltos Size and Packaging

Category2027 Kia Seltos
Vehicle classSubcompact crossover SUV
Seating capacity5 passengers
PlatformNew second-generation architecture
Body designLonger, wider and more upright
Passenger spaceIncreased
Cargo flexibilityExpanded adjustable cargo system
Ground clearanceUp to approximately 206 mm / 8.1 in

The larger footprint provides:

– More second-row legroom

– Better headroom and shoulder space

– Easier access to the rear seats

– More usable cargo storage

– A more substantial highway presence

– Improved family practicality

Kia also claims class-leading second-row legroom for the new Seltos Hybrid.

The Design Looks More Like a Small Telluride

The outgoing Seltos had a rounded crossover profile. The 2027 version is more upright, squared-off, and SUV-like.

Exterior changes include:

– Telluride-inspired body proportions

– Vertical front and rear lighting

– Stronger wheel-arch styling

– More prominent front fascia

– Available auto-pop flush door handles

– Blacked-out X-Line trim

– Exclusive X-Line wheel designs

– A more rugged overall stance

The X-Line trims add unique fascias, piano-black fender flares, darker exterior details, roof rails, and model-specific wheels.

The redesigned Seltos looks less like an entry-level crossover and more like a scaled-down version of Kia’s larger SUVs.

The Interior Is Significantly Smarter

The interior receives one of the largest upgrades.

Kia has introduced a driver-focused digital cockpit with nearly 30 inches of combined display space on available configurations. The standard gas model features dual 12.3-inch displays, while certain versions add a separate climate-control screen.

Major Cabin Upgrades

– Standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster

– Standard 12.3-inch infotainment display

– Available dedicated climate-control screen

– Available panoramic sunroof

– Available ventilated front seats

– Available driver-seat memory

– Wireless smartphone charging

– More useful physical controls

– Adjustable cargo-management system

– Available panoramic camera technology

The redesigned cabin should feel more premium, but Kia has retained physical controls for commonly used functions rather than forcing every adjustment through a touchscreen.

Three Different Powertrain Directions

The 2027 Seltos gives buyers more choice than the outgoing model.

2027 Kia Seltos Powertrains

PowertrainTransmissionMain Advantage
2.0-litre naturally aspirated gas engineIntelligent Variable TransmissionLower entry price and straightforward daily driving
1.6-litre turbocharged gas engine8-speed automaticUp to 190 hp and stronger acceleration
1.6-litre hybrid system6-speed dual-clutch transmissionBetter efficiency and available electric AWD

The 2.0-litre engine will be offered across several LX, S, EX, and X-Line configurations.

The turbocharged 1.6-litre engine is reserved for the more performance-focused X-Line SX and produces up to 190 horsepower.

The new Seltos Hybrid combines a 1.6-litre gasoline engine with an electric system. Kia has also announced available electric all-wheel drive, which uses an electric motor to provide additional rear-wheel traction when required.

Final Canadian power, fuel-economy, trim, and hybrid availability may differ from U.S. specifications.

Better AWD for Canadian Conditions

The available all-wheel-drive system adds a multi-terrain selector.

Available terrain settings include:

– Snow

– Mud

– Sand

These modes adjust traction and power delivery to suit changing surfaces. This should make the Seltos more useful for:

– Winter commuting

– Snow-covered residential roads

– Gravel cottage routes

– Wet or muddy parking areas

– Light recreational driving

The Seltos is not intended to replace a dedicated off-road SUV, but the redesigned AWD system adds practical capability for Canadian conditions.

More Driver-Assistance Technology

The 2027 Seltos introduces additional safety and visibility systems, depending on trim.

Available technologies include:

– Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist

– Junction-turning assistance

– Blind-Spot View Monitor

– Surround View Monitor

– Lane-following assistance

– Smart cruise control

– Rear cross-traffic safety assistance

– Parking-distance warnings

– Safe-exit technology

Several features previously associated with larger Kia SUVs are now available in the smaller Seltos, including driver-seat memory, multi-mode AWD, and enhanced collision-avoidance assistance.

Buyers should verify each trim carefully because not every feature is standard across the lineup.

Is the 2027 Kia Seltos More Expensive?

In the United States, the redesigned 2027 Seltos starts at $24,990 USD, excluding the $1,495 destination charge.

Canadian pricing had not been officially announced in the sources reviewed at the time of writing.

2027 U.S. Seltos Pricing

TrimDrivetrainU.S. MSRP
LXFWD$24,990 USD
SFWD$26,390 USD
LXAWD$26,690 USD
SAWD$28,090 USD
EXFWD$28,390 USD
X-Line SAWD$28,990 USD
EXAWD$30,090 USD
X-Line SX TurboAWD$32,790 USD

Pricing excludes destination, taxes, licensing, accessories, and dealer charges. Hybrid pricing will be announced separately.

How Much Did the Price Actually Increase?

Comparing entry pricing is difficult because the previous U.S. base configuration was primarily positioned around AWD, while the redesigned model introduces a lower-priced LX FWD trim.

The more useful comparison is equipment.

What Buyers Receive for the Higher Price

UpgradeBuyer Benefit
New platformMore cabin space and improved refinement
Dual 12.3-inch displaysMore standard technology
Larger bodyBetter rear-seat and cargo usability
Terrain-selectable AWDMore confidence in changing conditions
New hybrid optionPotentially lower fuel consumption
More advanced camerasEasier parking and improved visibility
Telluride-inspired designMore premium road presence
Available turbo engineStronger highway performance

The base Seltos remains competitively priced, but an AWD, turbocharged, hybrid, or highly equipped version will cost considerably more than the entry model.

2026 vs 2027 Kia Seltos

Category2026 Seltos2027 Seltos
GenerationFirst generationAll-new second generation
Exterior designRounded compact crossoverBoxier Telluride-inspired SUV
Cabin spacePracticalLarger and more flexible
ScreensSmaller or trim-dependentStandard dual 12.3-inch displays
Gas engines2.0L and 1.6L turboUpdated 2.0L and 1.6L turbo
HybridNot offeredNewly available
AWDAvailableAvailable with terrain modes
Ground clearanceCompetitiveUp to approximately 8.1 in
Overall positioningValue-focusedMore refined and technology-focused

Should You Wait for the 2027 Seltos?

The redesigned model is worth considering when:

– You want the latest interior technology

– You need more rear-seat room

– You are interested in the new hybrid

– You want improved AWD controls

– You prefer the Telluride-inspired design

– You plan to keep the vehicle long term

A current Seltos may still be the better choice when:

– You need a vehicle immediately

– You find a strong incentive on an outgoing model

– You want a proven powertrain

– You prioritize the lowest possible transaction price

– You do not need the redesigned cabin or hybrid

Final Verdict: Bigger, Smarter and Potentially Pricier

The answer is yes, with one qualification.

The 2027 Kia Seltos is bigger and smarter, but it is not dramatically more expensive at the entry level in the U.S. market. The major price difference will appear when buyers move into AWD, turbocharged, hybrid, and premium technology trims.

The redesign brings meaningful improvements:

– More interior space

– Better cargo flexibility

– Standard dual digital displays

– More advanced safety systems

– Stronger SUV styling

– Improved AWD functionality

– A new hybrid powertrain

– Up to 190 horsepower from the turbo engine

The Seltos is evolving from a straightforward value crossover into a more complete and sophisticated small SUV.

For Canadian availability, incoming inventory, trade-in information, or model updates, contact Kia 417.

Author: Kia 417
Ottawa, Ontario

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