2027 Kia Seltos: A Stunning Evolution
The subcompact SUV segment is booming in Canada. Rising prices for compact cars are part of the reason, but growing interest in smaller vehicles is also a major factor. Kia is therefore unveiling the second-generation Seltos at the New York Auto Show; the model has quickly become one of the automaker’s top-selling vehicles.
In fact, by 2025, Kia had surpassed the sales of the Toyota Corolla Cross, the Mazda CX-30, and the Honda HR-V, which speaks volumes about its success. A model that now aligns more closely with the brand’s other vehicles, boasting a particularly eye-catching design. This is a significant advantage over the Hyundai Kona (its close cousin), for which opinions on the styling are less unanimous.
Kia, however, is introducing a Seltos that’s slightly larger than its predecessor, featuring a wheelbase that’s 60 mm longer. A more modern and versatile vehicle that will offer more cargo space as well as a modernized interior featuring, as standard, the now-traditional 12.3-inch stacked screens, separated by a 5-inch digital display used for heating and air conditioning controls.
The Korean automaker is also placing greater emphasis on safety and driver-assistance features by expanding the range of standard equipment. For example, front and rear parking assist, blind-spot and lane-change detection, and cross-traffic alert. Offered as standard, these technologies come with a more advanced digital service that includes the ability to perform over-the-air updates as well as the use of a digital key.
From a technical standpoint, the Seltos will initially be available this summer with the two engines already announced: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine (147 horsepower) and a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine (190 horsepower). However, starting this fall, Kia will also offer a hybrid powertrain about which we currently have few details, other than that it will feature e-AWD technology without a driveshaft.
This means the vehicle will feature an electric motor on the rear axle to power the all-wheel-drive system, thereby optimizing fuel efficiency. A 6-speed dual-clutch sequential transmission will also be part of the powertrain, enabling Kia to better compete with the Toyota Corolla Cross and Subaru Crosstrek, which lead the segment.
Kia is thus gaining an edge over Hyundai, which is expected to unveil an updated version of the Kona shortly. Will the Kona also offer a hybrid powertrain starting next year? It’s quite possible. But in the meantime, Kia has confirmed that this technology will arrive at dealerships by the end of the year, while the gasoline-powered versions will go on sale this summer.
