NEW YORK, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at the 2026 New York International Auto Show, Kia America hosted the North American debut of the all-new 2027 Seltos. Building on the nimble, versatile attributes of the first-generation Seltos, the second-generation Seltos brings together modern standard and available features that buyers are looking for, and some they might not expect in this vehicle class. With in-car tech, ADAS features, and other content sooner found in upmarket segments, the 2027 Seltos aims to raise the bar for the small SUV segment. With more cabin space, more cargo space, and more screen space than the previous generation, the 2027 Seltos delivers impressive content for those who crave turning any drive into an adventure.
Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/kia/9375051-en-new-2027-kia-seltos
"With the launch of the second-generation Kia Seltos the goal was to develop a small SUV that would raise the bar for the segment," said Orth Hedrick, executive director, Product Planning, Kia North America. "Packed with many standard and available features found on the all-new 2027 Telluride, the 2027 Seltos offers a thought-provoking purchase consideration for cost-conscious shoppers who crave adventure."
In addition to being larger than its predecessor, the five-passenger 2027 Seltos brings in new features that elevate the small SUV segment, such as flush door handles, an available panoramic sunroof, available Surround View Monitor6, and an available up to nearly 30 inches of total combined screens9 with Kia's latest ccNC infotainment tech, including Over-the-Air updates2. These features, as well as the available memory power seats, Multi-Mode AWD, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning are all features that can also be found in Kia's Telluride flagship SUV. In addition to carrying over the normally aspirated 2.0-liter and turbocharged 1.6-liter engines, the 2027 Seltos offers a new hybrid powertrain that combines performance and hybrid efficiency, including a Kia first electric-AWD (e-AWD)1 on a Hybrid SUV. More information on the HEV will be shared closer to the vehicle's planned on-sale date in late 2026.
The 2.0-liter will be offered in LX, S, EX and X-Line, while the 1.6T will be available in X-Line trim only. The 2.0-liter and 1.6T are expected to arrive in the United States in Q2 2026. Pricing will be announced closer to their on-sale date.
Exterior Design: The Authentic Modern SUV
The Seltos is the latest vehicle to benefit from Kia's Opposites United design philosophy, bringing together contrasting elements of nature and humanity to create thoughtful, expressive designs. The new Seltos also takes styling cues from the flagship Telluride SUV to carve out its own legacy as a small SUV that embodies a dynamic and energetic persona. Inspired by the design language of the Telluride, amber DRL frames the front fascia, while bold angles, clean lines, combines with flush door handles delivers a strong distinctive presence. At its core, the 2027 Seltos is designed for versatility. It is longer, wider, and boasts a wheelbase that is 2.4 inches greater than its predecessor.
The standard wheels are 16-inch alloys, and the Seltos X-Line 2.0L comes with larger 18-inch alloy wheels, with black 19-inch wheels on the X-Line 1.6T and X-Line HEV when equipped with e-AWD. The X-Line trim also features unique bumpers and side sills with Piano Black trim and dark gun metal accents, underscoring its distinctive persona. New colors include Terrain Brown, Frost Blue and Snow White Pearl with a distinctive black roof. Ground clearance has increased from 7.3 inches to an available 8.1 inches.
Interior Design: Functionally Sophisticated
The larger exterior dimensions of the new 2027 Seltos result in a more spacious cabin and the upright greenhouse allows for exceptional outward visibility. The cabin's overall design is highly influenced by Kia's "Opposites United" philosophy. This includes the squared-off steering wheel, open center console design, and clean lines that visually connect the Seltos to the Telluride. The Seltos interior is further punctuated by "blades" that extend the aesthetic of the dash into the front doors, creating an enveloping effect around the driver and front passenger.
Drawing inspiration from the Telluride and EV9, the Seltos Hybrid features a stalk-mounted shifter and push-button start. This is an ergonomic shift controller that moves right to where your hand naturally rests at the steering wheel. In doing so, the center console is left open, with plenty of space for water bottles, phones, and other small items.
In addition to its unique exterior, X-Line comes with an exclusive monotone black interior with SynTex upholstery and Telluride-inspired mesh headrests. The X-Line seats also boast standard four-way lumbar support and the X-Line Prestige Package includes front driver Relaxation Seat.
The longer wheelbase and greater overall length result in more legroom front and rear with 1-inch increase in rear legroom. Overall head room, hip room and shoulder room also increase.
Cargo capacity is improved, with an estimated 64.1 cu-ft. behind the first row and an estimated 27.8 cu-ft. behind the second row. The new Seltos also features a height adjustable and multi-folding luggage board and new flexible Kia Add Gear attachment points that offer drivers more storage solutions for their next adventure.
Tech Suite: Functionally Sophisticated
The all-new Seltos has thoughtful deployment of technology designed for daily life, highlighted by the digital dash display. It includes a standard 12.3-inch digital touchscreen display and is available with a 12.3-inch instrument display and 5-inch climate display panel9. The ccNC setup features over-the-air2 update capability. Wireless Apple CarPlay10 and Android Auto11 are standard across all trims.
Kia's generative AI assistant3 allows for a more natural conversation, and can be initiated simply by saying, "Hey, Kia…". Kia Connect12 allows consumers to use their compatible smartphones to send remote commands such as lock, unlock, cool, heat and start the vehicle13.
The 2027 Seltos is available with Entertainment and Data Services14, which supports streaming for Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube. There are also available display themes for some of Disney's© most iconic brands, which will be introduced throughout 2026. Display themes are also available for all 30 NBA teams, as well as themes to celebrate Kia's sponsorship of the 2026 FIFA World Cup15. Kia myQ Connected Garage offers fully integrated, convenient garage access that lets you remotely manage and control your garage door through your Kia touchscreen display16. Experience all the new ways to stay connected and entertained with these upcoming features and more, all available in the Kia Connect Store.
The 2027 Seltos can help keep devices charged with multiple standard USB-C ports that span both rows. The front-row ports are nestled between the center console and the climate controls and include a media port and two charging ports. The rear-seat charging ports are integrated into the first-row seatbacks for easy access.
Seltos Powertrains: Three Ways to Adventure
The Seltos is the only offering in the segment to offer three powertrain options starting with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with Kia's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). For those seeking lively pickup, the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine develops an estimated 190 horsepower with standard advanced Multi-Mode AWD system. This engine routes power through an 8-speed automatic transmission with manual control. The 2.0L powertrain is offered with front-wheel drive or an available advanced Multi-Mode AWD system1. Depending on trim, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, the Seltos bolsters its capability within the segment.
Rounding out the lineup is a hybrid powertrain, which is a first for the Seltos. An advanced 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine is paired with a 6-speed dual clutch transmission designed to enhance both performance and efficiency. Front-wheel drive HEV improves driving efficiency while available e-AWD1, Kia first on a HEV SUV, provides more power with on-demand all-wheel drive capability to provide a more rewarding driving experience. More information on the Seltos HEV will become available later this year. Official fuel economy figures for these versatile powertrains will be available closer to their respective on-sale dates.
Seltos ADAS: Elevated Peace of Mind
The all-new 2027 Seltos comes with a comprehensive list of standard and available Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)1 bringing features typically found in more upscale SUVs. This includes new-to-Seltos features such as standard Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) Assist with Junction Turning, standard Front and Reverse Parking Distance Warning, and newly available Side Parking Distance Warning with Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance. The Seltos now offers an optional 360° Surround-View Monitor, as well as Kia's Blind-Spot View Monitor17, which presents a video feed display of the left or right blind spot area on the digital display when the corresponding turn-signal is activated. This Blind Spot View Monitor and 360° Surround-View Monitor are optional on the X-Line trim.
The list of standard ADAS features includes Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Warning with Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, High-Beam Assist, Intelligent Speed-Limit Warning, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection. It also comes standard with Lane Following Assist 2. Available ADAS features include Intelligent Speed-Limit Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Avoidance and Safe Exit Warning18, which is designed to provide an alert to occupants if it detects another vehicle approaching as they are exiting the vehicle.
Seltos Availability
The all-new 2027 Kia Seltos 2.0L and 1.6T is anticipated to go on sale in the U.S. in Q2 2026, with the HEV expected to arrive in late Q4. Pricing, timing availability, specific trim details, and EPA-rated fuel economy estimates are subject to future announcements.
Kia America – about us
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2025. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several SUVs proudly assembled in America*.
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert
* Select trims of the all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
1 No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving conditions. Always drive safely.
2 Over-the-Air features and updates may require an additional cost and may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. Kia Connect subscription is required and Kia Connect terms and conditions apply.
3 Kia Connect subscription required. Use of the feature is subject to the Kia Connect Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. May be currently unavailable for vehicles purchased or sold in Massachusetts that are not eligible for Kia Connect. Kia does not make any warranties about the accuracy of the information provided. Distracted driving can result in a loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation.
4 YouTube is a trademark of Google LLC. Netflix is a trademark of Netflix Inc.
5 Display Themes are only available on models that have the latest ccNC (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit) based infotainment system. An active Kia Connect subscription is required to utilize Display Themes. Without and active Kia Connect subscription, Display Themes will not be operational. Once purchased, Display Themes are limited to use on the specific vehicle tied to purchase and cannot be transferred to other vehicles.
6 When engaged, Surround View Monitor is not a substitute for safe driving, and may not display all objects around vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
7 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are not substitutes for safe driving, and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
8 When engaged, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go is not a substitute for safe driving and cruise-control procedures. This is not an auto-pilot feature. Always drive safely and use caution. The Smart Cruise Control system may not detect every object in front of the vehicle.
9 Comprised of a 12.3-in. instrument display, 12.3-in. touchscreen infotainment display, and 5-in. climate display.
10 Apple CarPlay runs on smartphone cellular data service. Normal data rates apply. Apple and CarPlay are trademarks of Apple, Inc.
11 Android Auto™: Vehicle user interface is a product of Google, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android-compatible smartphone running Android™ 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
12 Kia Connect subscription required. Use of the feature is subject to the Kia Connect Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. May be currently unavailable for vehicles purchased or sold in Massachusetts that are not eligible for Kia Connect. Kia does not make any warranties about the accuracy of the information provided. Distracted driving can result in a loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation. Purchase/lease of a 2026 Kia with Kia Connect includes a complimentary 3-year subscription to the Kia Connect Ultimate package, starting from new vehicle retail sale/lease date as recorded by the dealer. Use of Kia Connect is subject to agreement to the Kia Connect Privacy Policy (available at https://owners.kia.com/us/en/privacy-policy.html) and Terms of Service (available at https://owners.kia.com/us/en/terms-of-service.html). Kia Connect may currently be unavailable for some Model Year 2022 and newer vehicles sold or purchased in Massachusetts. Kia Connect features may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change.
13 Do not use remote climate control or remote start if vehicle is in an enclosed area (e.g., closed garage) or a partially enclosed area without ventilation. Close all doors leading from adjacent living areas to the vehicle area before executing a remote climate control or remote start command. Remote feature support varies by model, model year and trim.
14 Additional subscriptions may be required for streaming services. Vehicle must be parked for video streaming and gaming features.
15 FIFA Themes are available through July 31, 2026
16 Kia myQ Connected Garage is available only on vehicles with a ccNC head unit. Kia Connect and myQ accounts are required to activate your myQ-enabled garage door opener. This feature depends on various other factors in the vehicle such as LTE network coverage to transmit data. Coverage not available everywhere. Certain services may collect location information and data usage applies. Kia Connect terms and conditions apply. Kia myQ Connected Garage is subject to a functioning link between Kia Connect and myQ accounts, as well as myQ systems availability. Speed of the network communication is dependent on the systems and LTE network coverage.
17 When engaged, Blind-Spot View Monitor is not a substitute for safe driving and may not display all objects around vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
18 When engaged, Safe Exit Assist is not a substitute for one's attention and may not detect all objects surrounding the vehicle. Always pay attention to traffic and to the area around your vehicle when exiting the vehicle.
SOURCE Kia America
