Meet Kia’s New SUV That’s Crushing Rivals Under The Radar

Kia makes some of the most value-for-money cars today. Furthermore, there are actually no corners cut when it comes to features on each of the current-gen Kia offerings. It’s like a fleet of underdogs that are making more established and older automakers sweat. Of the bunch, a particular mainstream SUV is stirring things up in the mainstream segment. This is a compact Kia SUV that most buyers have overlooked to date.

However, with its next-generation upgrade, it packs a serious punch to shake up the segment. Of greater note is that, for 2027, this will be the brand’s most affordable SUV, as its quirky Soul is being discontinued. Apart from the sinister exterior overhaul, the next-gen Kia Seltos also gets significant under-the-skin updates. These include a new platform, bigger dimensions, expanded powertrain options, and a redesigned interior with more cool technological features. All of this while still expected to maintain its exceptional VFM proposition at a shocking price.

The 2027 Kia Seltos Is A Looker

Bold, Futuristic, And Bigger

The current-gen Kia Seltos flaunts a sporty design that has been kept fresh and relevant with subtle facelifts over the years. However, the second-gen 2027 Seltos receives a dashing makeover, making it one of the boldest-looking SUVs in the segment. The coolest section of them all is the front fascia that now flaunts a much bigger grille with blended vertical lighting elements that look to be inspired by the recently unveiled, revamped 2027 Kia Telluride. This theme is carried through the rear as well, with vertical tail lamps that bend and extend horizontally toward the center, creating a fang-like design.

The only aspect similar to the last-gen model is the side profile. However, it has been refined further with new flush-mounted door handles and cooler-looking alloy wheel designs. The floating roofline layout adds more drama to the package. Trim-specific design features are also carried over for the new-gen Seltos. The X-Line features a dark gunmetal finish and reinforced lower cladding to showcase its rugged side.

The GT-Line puts forth a sportier Seltos with sleeker body-colored accents and other subtle tweaks. If you feel the new Seltos looks more muscular and broader, it’s because of its increased size. Yes, the new Seltos is now longer, with a length of 174.4 inches (up from 172.6 inches). This also results in a longer wheelbase of 105.9 inches (up from 103.5 inches). It is also over an inch wider.

Notable Design Features

• Kia star map lighting signature
• Dynamic welcome light sequence
• Flush door handles
• Floating roofline design
• Rugged-looking claddings
• Vertical and nearly connected tail lamps
• Three new vibrant color options—Iceberg Green, Gravity Blue, and Matte Magma Red

The Seltos Gets A More Upscale Interior

With A Cleverly Optimized And Connected Setup

The Kia Seltos is already renowned for offering a well-equipped cabin with advanced technology and convenience features. For 2027, it is further elevated with an all-new look and additional features. The dashboard is now low and sleek to enhance forward visibility. The center console is now a lot more spacious thanks to a new column-type Shift-by-Wire system. Kia has opted for an uncluttered layout with premium appeal for the new Seltos. Furthermore, Kia has gone the extra mile to optimize the new K3 platform to improve NVH performance.

The dashboard flaunts a single 30-inch slab that houses two big screens: a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The space between the screens is not wasted, as the five-inch display controls the air conditioner. There is a host of cool in-car technology features, including OTA software updates and a ChatGPT-powered AI voice assistant.

The comfort quotient is addressed as well. The new Seltos will offer a reclining driver’s seat and will also feature the now-popular mesh headrests for a cozier driving experience. Even the second-row seats can now recline up to 12 degrees. While this reduces cargo space, Kia has made the cargo hold’s dual-level floor 3.1 inches longer to improve space management.

Notable Interior Comfort, Convenience, And Technology Features

• Panoramic sunroof
• Customizable 64-color mood lighting
• Second-row reclining seats
• Premium Harman Kardon and Bose Audio System options
• Two 12.3-inch displays on the dashboard
• AI Assistant
• OTA Software Updates
• Digital Key

Takes The Spotlight With Assistive Features

It Scores High On Safety And Assistance

Safety is of the utmost priority on the new Seltos, as evidenced by its well-stacked technology feature list. It even starts from the bare metal surface, with Kia utilizing a lot of ultra-high-strength and hot-stamped steel to enhance body rigidity and occupant protection. It is further complemented by a range of advanced safety and assistive features to help drivers stay more vigilant on the road. The 2025 Kia Seltos already has a solid track record, with an Overall Safety Rating of 5/5 and no recalls or investigationsper the NHTSA. With the upgraded 2027 model, the safety streak should continue, as should its impressive reliability.

Notable Safety And Assistive Features

• Highway Driving Assist 2
• Lane Following Assist 2
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2
• Safe Exit Warning
• Surround View Monitor
• Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse
• Parking Distance Warning—Front/Side/Rear

New Kia Seltos Offers Versatile Engine Options

Will Soon Get A Hybrid Mill Too

There are a slew of powertrain options for the all-new global-spec Kia Seltos. It gets a standard naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. This engine focuses on efficiency and is coupled to a CVT gearbox. For those looking for more excitement, there are two versions of the familiar 1.6 turbo four. The Standard Output version packs 177.5 horsepower and 195.4 pound-feet of torque. The High Output version delivers 190 horsepower.

The turbo mill is coupled to a variety of gearbox options, including a six-speed manual, a six-speed and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and an eight-speed automatic. We expect the US-Spec model to be the more powerful 190-horsepower mill coupled to the eight-speed transmission. Both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options are available for the new Seltos. Furthermore, Kia has confirmed a new hybrid mill that should make it to American shores. Not much is revealed of the hybrid mill’s specifications, but Kia states that it will introduce the next-generation Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0 and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality.

New Kia Seltos: Launch And Pricing

Will Be The Most Affordable Kia SUV

The 2025 Kia Seltos is priced from $23,690, which makes it the most affordable mainstream SUV in its segment. The 2027 model’s pricing is still under wraps. Even if we were to increase the price by $10,000, the 2027 Seltos would still be the most affordable SUV in its segment.

Furthermore, its list of standard technology, comfort, convenience, and safety features makes the new Kia a killer proposition. Global production of the all-new Seltos begins in December 2025, starting in India. Launches will soon follow in Korea, North America, Europe, and China, scheduled throughout 2026.

The New Kia Seltos Looks To Lock Horns With The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Will Still Be The Most Affordable SUV In Its Segment

The Kia Seltos rivals are priced aggressively, but still fail to match Kia’s VFM proposition. We expect this to carry over to the all-new 2027 model as well. In terms of performance, the Seltos lags behind most of the rivals, with the Hyundai Kona the only model to match its numbers, largely because it is its corporate twin. The 158-horsepower Honda HR-V and the 169-horsepower Toyota Corolla Cross are another step ahead.

The Subaru Crosstrek and Mazda CX-30 are the most powerful of the lot with 180 and 186 horsepower, respectively. Mazda is also its only rival with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Furthermore, it, along with the Subaru Crosstrek, caters more to enthusiasts with a standard all-wheel drive layout. Thanks to the grown-up Kia Seltos, it has the longest wheelbase of the bunch, which should translate to the best cabin space too. All of this, for the most affordable price tag of the bunch, makes the Kia Seltos a force to be reckoned with.

All-New Kia Seltos Vs Rivals

(Base Trim Specs Compared Here)