The redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos transitions to a second generation with a larger body, standard dual 12.3-inch displays, an updated exterior inspired by the Kia Telluride, and an available hybrid powertrain. Compared with the outgoing 2026 model, the 2027 edition increases rear legroom to 39 inches, expands maximum cargo volume to 64 cubic feet, and carries a starting base price of $24,990 MSRP.
Kia completely re-engineered the Seltos on a newer platform for the 2027 model year. While the 2026 version offered a solid entry-level crossover experience with an available 10.25-inch screen and a choice between two gas engines, the 2027 model delivers a far more substantial stance and premium interior appointment. The wheelbase is longer, the cabin is quieter, and the dashboard architecture shifts entirely to a unified screen layout running Kia's latest digital software platform.
Drivers who commute along Interstate 271 near our Bedford showroom location will notice immediately how the 2027 redesign improves stability on highway stretches. The wider track and refined chassis tuning absorb surface impacts better than the 2026 generation. Furthermore, the introduction of a gas-electric hybrid option alongside the refined gas powertrains gives subcompact SUV shoppers three distinct performance choices for the first time.
If you are currently evaluating whether to secure an outgoing 2026 crossover or step into the redesigned 2027 generation, our team at Kia of Bedford can walk you through the key differences on our floor. You can give us a call at (440) 659-2032 to speak directly with a sales specialist about arriving vehicle shipments.
What Are the Main Exterior Design Changes and New Colors for the 2027 Seltos?
The 2027 Kia Seltos adopts a boxier, more commanding exterior design with amber LED daytime running lights, a bold digital tiger-face grille, flush door handles on select trims, and up to about 8 inches of ground clearance. In contrast, the 2026 model features smoother, rounded front-end styling with standard mechanical door handles and a traditional grille mesh.
Kia expanded the visual presence of the 2027 Seltos by increasing its overall length, width, and height. The front fascia takes clear cues from larger Kia crossovers, presenting a upright nose and crisp body lines that convey rugged capability. The rear profile is updated with a full-width LED light bar that connects the taillights, replacing the separate light clusters found on the 2026 Seltos.
Fresh paint options distinguish the 2027 lineup from previous model years. Kia added Terrain Brown and Frost Blue to the palette, giving buyers new metallic finishes to pair with optional two-tone roof combinations. The off-road-inspired X-Line S AWD and X-Line SX AWD trim levels feature dark metallic exterior accents, unique front and rear bumpers, integrated roof rails, and model-specific 19-inch alloy wheels.
For buyers comparing design generations on a budget, reviewing our pre-owned vehicle inventory provides a great look at the styling evolution between first-generation models and incoming second-generation arrivals.
Is the 2027 Kia Seltos Roomier Than the 2026 Model in Interior Space and Cargo?
The 2027 Kia Seltos provides more interior passenger volume and cargo space than the 2026 model, offering 39 inches of second-row legroom and up to 64 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity with the rear seats folded. The 2026 model provides 38 inches of rear legroom and 63 cubic feet of maximum cargo room.
Cabin dimensions expanded in every major direction thanks to the stretched wheelbase of the 2027 platform. Rear-seat passengers benefit from a 1-inch increase in legroom and added headroom, making the back row significantly more comfortable for adults on long drives. The rear bench seat also features a multi-stage recline mechanism that tilts back up to 24 degrees.
Cargo flexibility is another area where the 2027 model pulls ahead of the 2026 edition:
- Cargo volume behind the second row increases from 27 cubic feet in the 2026 model to 28 cubic feet in the 2027 redesign.
- Maximum cargo capacity behind the front seats reaches 64 cubic feet in the 2027 model compared to 63 cubic feet in the outgoing generation.
- A two-level cargo floor adjustment allows drivers to drop the floor surface to carry taller items or raise it to create a flat loading zone when folding the 60/40 split-folding rear seats.
Shoppers coming in to compare subcompact options often evaluate how easily sports gear or luggage fits into the hatch area. Those cross-shopping pre-owned options in our certified pre-owned inventory will find that while the first-generation Seltos was already among the roomiest vehicles in its class, the 2027 redesign sets a new benchmark for interior utility.
Dimensions & Capacity
Capacity and dimensions by trim
| Feature | EX AWD | EX FWD | LX AWD | LX FWD | S AWD | S FWD | X-Line S AWD | X-Line SX AWD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo | 27.8 cu ft | 27.8 cu ft | 27.8 cu ft | 27.8 cu ft | 27.8 cu ft | 27.8 cu ft | 27.8 cu ft | 27.8 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 3,373 lbs | 3,175 lbs | 3,318 lbs | 3,109 lbs | 3,373 lbs | 3,175 lbs | 3,583 lbs | 3,549 lbs |
| Payload | 1,169 lbs | 1,157 lbs | 1,224 lbs | 1,014 lbs | 1,169 lbs | 1,157 lbs | 959 lbs | 1,125 lbs |
What Technology Upgrades Does the 2027 Kia Seltos Dashboard Feature Over 2026?
Every 2027 Kia Seltos comes standard with dual 12.3-inch digital dashboard displays under a single curved glass panel, whereas the 2026 model featured a standard 8-inch screen or an optional 10.25-inch infotainment display.
The updated interior display operates on Kia's latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit ( ccNC) software. This system supports over-the-air ( OTA) software updates for navigation, vehicle controls, and entertainment features, keeping the SUV updated without requiring dealership visits for software patches. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are now standard across all 2027 trim levels, resolving an annoyance from the 2026 model where higher trims with the larger screen required a wired USB connection.
Additional technology upgrades in the 2027 Seltos dashboard include:
- A dedicated 5-inch digital climate control panel positioned between the instrument cluster and infotainment screen on select trims.
- Multiple USB-C charging ports located in both the front center console and the back of the front seatbacks for second-row passengers.
- An available AI-powered voice assistant capable of processing natural speech commands for climate adjustments, navigation destinations, and audio controls.
- Available streaming application integration for services like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube, playable on the central screen when the vehicle is parked.
If you are planning to upgrade from your current vehicle to access these connected cabin features, using our instant trade-in appraisal tool provides a fast, accurate trade value toward your purchase.
How Do the Engine Choices and New Hybrid Powertrain Compare Between Model Years?
The 2027 Kia Seltos carries over the 147-hp 2.0-liter base engine and 190-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged engine from 2026, while adding an available 1.6-liter gas-electric hybrid powertrain with electronic all-wheel drive for the first time.
The standard powertrain on the LX FWD, LX AWD, S FWD, S AWD, EX FWD, EX AWD, and X-Line S AWD is a 2.0L four-cylinder engine producing 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. It routes power through an Intelligent Variable Transmission ( Smart Stream IVT). Front-wheel drive is standard on LX FWD, S FWD, and EX FWD, delivering an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city / 33 mpg highway, while All-Wheel Drive is available across the lineup.
For stronger passing performance, the top-tier X-Line SX AWD trim comes standard with a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. This turbo engine pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission and All-Wheel Drive, delivering responsive acceleration when merging onto busy highways in Cleveland.
The most notable mechanical addition for 2027 is the hybrid powertrain. It pairs a 1.6L hybrid engine with an electric motor and a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, offering smooth torque delivery along with available electrified all-wheel drive. This gives buyers three distinct propulsion choices under one model line. You can explore our current new Kia lineup to see which engine configurations are currently available in stock.
What Expanded Safety and Driver Assistance Changes Did Kia Make to the 2027 Seltos?
Kia enhanced the safety suite on the 2027 Seltos by expanding standard driver-assistance technology and introducing advanced camera monitoring systems that were not available on the 2026 model.
Standard safety equipment across all 2027 trims includes:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning capability to help detect oncoming traffic when making left turns at intersections.
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist to monitor vehicle perimeters during lane changes and backing maneuvers.
- Lane Following Assist 2 and Lane Keeping Assist to keep the vehicle centered within road markings.
- Driver Attention Warning and High Beam Assist.
Higher 2027 trim levels add high-tech driver aids like the Surround View Monitor, which provides a 360-degree overhead camera feed for tight parking spots, and the Blind-Spot View Monitor, which projects a live video feed of side blind spots directly onto the digital instrument display when activating a turn signal. Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Safe Exit Warning further enhance peace of mind during city driving and highway cruising.
Safety & Driver Assistance
Safety and driver-assistance features by trim
All trims—EX AWD, EX FWD, LX AWD, LX FWD, S AWD, S FWD, X-Line S AWD, and X-Line SX AWD—come standard with several fundamental safety features including ABS, Isofix preparation, and two height-adjustable front seat head restraints. Rear seat head restraints are height adjustable on the EX AWD, EX FWD, S AWD, S FWD, X-Line S AWD, and X-Line SX AWD trims but are not listed for LX AWD and LX FWD; all trims have three rear head restraints. Front and rear seat belts with driver and passenger pre-tensioners and height adjustability are standard across all trims, along with a three-point center rear seat belt.
Emergency call functionality is available as standard on EX AWD, EX FWD, S AWD, S FWD, X-Line S AWD, and X-Line SX AWD, while it is added on the LX AWD and LX FWD trims. An accident data recorder is standard for all trims, supporting safety monitoring. The anti-collision system, branded Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist on all trims except the X-Line SX AWD, which features Highway Driving Assist (HDA), consistently provides features like brake light activation, automatic emergency braking, low-speed front braking, driver monitoring, emergency driver intervention, and oncoming collision avoidance, though oncoming collision avoidance is omitted on LX AWD and LX FWD.
The anti-collision systems on all trims activate starting at 5 mph and operate effectively above 30 mph and 78 mph, ensuring broad coverage in various driving conditions. This consistent equipment ensures a comprehensive approach to safety and driver assistance across the lineup.
How Much Does the 2027 Kia Seltos Cost Compared to the 2026 Model?
The 2027 Kia Seltos starts at $24,990 MSRP for the base LX FWD trim, representing a price increase of roughly $1,200 over the entry-level 2026 Seltos LX FWD, which started at $23,790 MSRP. A destination charge of $1,495 applies across all 2027 trim configurations.
The pricing structure for the 2027 Kia Seltos gas lineup spans several well-equipped trims:
- LX FWD: $24,990 base MSRP / LX AWD: $26,690 base MSRP
- S FWD: $26,390 base MSRP / S AWD: $28,090 base MSRP
- EX FWD: $28,390 base MSRP / EX AWD: $30,090 base MSRP
- X-Line S AWD: $28,990 base MSRP
- X-Line SX AWD: $32,790 base MSRP
This modest price increase delivers substantial value considering the standard addition of dual 12.3-inch displays, larger overall cabin dimensions, improved sound insulation, and expanded standard active safety features. Every new 2027 Seltos also includes Kia's industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Common Questions About Buying a 2027 vs 2026 Kia Seltos in Bedford
Q: Is the 2027 Kia Seltos a complete redesign or just a styling refresh?
Bedford buyers will notice the 2027 Kia Seltos rides on a longer wheelbase platform, offering improved stability and interior space over the 2026 model. It features all-new exterior sheet metal inspired by the Telluride, expanded interior dimensions, standard dual 12.3-inch dashboard screens, updated ccNC software, and an available hybrid powertrain that was not offered on the first-generation 2026 model.
Q: Does the 2027 Kia Seltos offer all-wheel drive on all trim levels?
All-wheel drive is available across the entire 2027 Seltos model line. Trims such as the LX, S, and EX offer a choice between standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive, while the rugged X-Line S AWD and performance-focused X-Line SX AWD trims come standard with all-wheel drive capability.
Q: What is the main interior difference between the 2026 and 2027 Seltos cabins?
The biggest interior difference is the standard screen architecture and roominess. The 2027 Seltos comes standard with dual 12.3-inch displays under a single curved panel, standard wireless smartphone integration, and additional rear legroom. The 2026 model used a traditional dash layout with an 8-inch standard screen or an optional 10.25-inch unit.
Q: When will the 2027 Kia Seltos Hybrid be available?
The gas-powered 2.0L and 1.6L turbocharged 2027 Seltos models lead the launch lineup, with the all-new 1.6L hybrid powertrain model joining the lineup shortly after. Official EPA fuel economy ratings and final pricing details for the hybrid variant will be confirmed closer to its arrival date.
Q: Which Seltos trim level offers the turbocharged engine for 2027?
The 190-horsepower 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission is exclusive to the range-topping X-Line SX AWD trim, providing maximum acceleration and standard multi-mode all-wheel drive performance.
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