New Kia SUV News
The redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos is beginning to arrive at dealerships, and it has already earned a fitting nickname among SUV shoppers: the "Mini Telluride."
The new Seltos is much more than a facelift. Kia gave it a longer wheelbase, a roomier cabin, larger digital displays, and an interior that feels like a genuine step forward from the previous generation. For the first time, the lineup will also include an available hybrid powertrain, giving shoppers even more ways to build the Seltos around their lifestyle.
For drivers around Anderson, Greenville, Clemson, Easley, Pendleton, and throughout Upstate South Carolina, the redesigned Seltos strikes a nice balance. It's compact enough to navigate busy parking lots and daily commutes with confidence, yet spacious enough for road trips, weekend adventures, and everything that comes with everyday life.
Why Are People Calling the 2027 Kia Seltos the "Mini Telluride"?
"Mini Telluride" isn't an official Kia model name, but it's quickly become the nickname shoppers are using online, and it's easy to understand why.
That's because the new Seltos doesn't just borrow a few design details from the Telluride. It embraces the same design philosophy, giving Kia's smallest SUV a bolder, more rugged look than the model it replaces.
- More upright, SUV-inspired proportions
- Telluride-inspired front-end styling and lighting
- A wider, more planted stance
- Squared-off body lines with rugged design details
- A cleaner cabin with a more premium look and feel
If you've always liked the Telluride's styling but don't need the size of a three-row SUV, the redesigned Seltos delivers a similar look in a package that's easier to park, easier to maneuver, and a better fit for everyday driving.
Where Does the Seltos Fit in Kia's SUV Lineup?
The Seltos fills an important spot in Kia's SUV lineup. It's larger than the Niro and offers available all-wheel drive, but it doesn't step into the size or price range of the Sportage, Sorento, or Telluride.
That makes it a great option for drivers who want the versatility of an SUV without feeling like they're driving more vehicle than they need. It's easy to park, comfortable on the highway, and still offers the cargo space and technology most drivers use every day.
- Kia Niro – Efficient hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and EV options.
- Kia Seltos – Compact SUV with available AWD and the first-ever Seltos Hybrid arriving later this year.
- Kia Sportage – Larger compact SUV with additional passenger and cargo space.
- Kia Sorento – Three-row SUV for growing families.
- Kia Telluride – Kia's flagship three-row SUV.
2026 vs. 2027
From Practical to Premium: The 2027 Kia Seltos Gets a Serious Glow Up
The 2026 Kia Seltos already had a lot going for it. Available AWD, flexible cargo space, and modern technology made it a popular choice for drivers looking for a compact SUV that could handle everyday life.
The 2027 model takes that foundation and pushes it further. Kia stretched the wheelbase to create more passenger room, completely redesigned the cabin, added larger digital displays, and introduced the first-ever Seltos Hybrid. It doesn't feel like a typical model-year update. It feels like the next chapter for the Seltos.
| Feature | 2026 Kia Seltos | 2027 Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Design | Rounded crossover styling | Boxier, Telluride-inspired SUV design |
| Platform | Previous-generation platform | New platform with a longer wheelbase and roomier cabin |
| Powertrains | Gasoline engines | Gas, turbocharged, and upcoming hybrid options |
| Technology | Traditional dashboard layout | Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with an available panoramic display layout |
| Interior | Practical, value-focused cabin | More premium materials, storage solutions, and technology |
| Passenger Space | Compact rear seating | Longer wheelbase with increased rear legroom |
| Cargo Space | Flexible cargo area | Up to 27.8 cu. ft. behind the second row with improved cargo organization |
The biggest difference may be how the new Seltos presents itself. The outgoing model looked practical. The 2027 Seltos looks like something shoppers may choose because they genuinely love the design.
Built for Everyday Life
The 2027 Kia Seltos is sized for the way most people actually drive. It's easy to maneuver around town, comfortable on the highway, and offers the flexibility to handle everything from the weekday commute to weekend adventures.
Behind the second row, the Seltos provides an estimated 27.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold the rear seats down, and that expands to an estimated 64.2 cubic feet, giving you room for luggage, sports equipment, camping gear, or those unexpected trips to the home improvement store.
A height-adjustable cargo floor and available cargo attachment points make it easy to configure the space for whatever the day has in store.
Three Ways to Power the 2027 Kia Seltos
2.0-Liter Gas Engine
The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is designed for efficient, everyday driving and can be paired with front-wheel drive or Kia’s available Multi-Mode AWD system.
Turbocharged 1.6-Liter Engine
Drivers looking for stronger acceleration can choose the available turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, which produces an estimated 190 horsepower and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD on the X-Line SX.
First-Ever Kia Seltos Hybrid
For the first time, the Seltos lineup will include a hybrid powertrain. The 2027 Kia Seltos Hybrid pairs a 1.6-liter hybrid engine with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and is expected to offer front-wheel drive or available electric all-wheel drive.
The Seltos Hybrid is currently expected to join the lineup in late 2026, with dealership arrival timing anticipated around the fourth quarter. Final U.S. pricing and EPA fuel-economy estimates have not yet been announced.
Inside the Glow Up
Technology That Feels Like a Major Step Up
The redesigned cabin is one of the clearest signs that the Seltos has moved upmarket.
Every 2027 Seltos includes a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and USB-C charging. Upper trims can add a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a separate climate display, creating nearly 30 inches of combined screen space.
Available technology includes:
- Nearly 30 inches of combined digital displays
- Kia Digital Key 2
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Available panoramic sunroof
- Surround View Monitor
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Kia Connect services
- Over-the-air system updates
- Available premium audio
More screens are not helpful unless they make the vehicle easier to use. In the Seltos, the wide layout keeps navigation, entertainment, vehicle information, and climate controls within easy reach without making the dashboard feel cluttered.
Is the 2027 Kia Seltos the Right SUV for You?
The redesigned Seltos sits in one of the most competitive vehicle segments on the market, and for good reason. It offers the versatility of an SUV without the size of a midsize or three-row model, making it a comfortable fit for a wide range of drivers.
If your daily routine includes commuting, running errands, weekend road trips, or the occasional adventure, the Seltos is designed to handle all of it while remaining easy to drive and easy to park.
The 2027 Kia Seltos could be a great fit if you...
- Want a compact SUV that's easy to maneuver around town.
- Need flexible passenger and cargo space without moving into a larger SUV.
- Appreciate modern technology and available driver-assistance features.
- Want available all-wheel drive for changing weather or weekend adventures.
- Plan to wait for the first-ever Seltos Hybrid.
Driver-Assistance Technology for Busy Roads and Parking Lots
The 2027 Seltos adds standard and available driver-assistance systems designed to support the driver during highway travel, busy intersections, and tight parking situations.
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Lane Following Assist 2
- Driver Attention Warning
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Front and rear Parking Distance Warning
- Available Surround View Monitor
- Available Blind-Spot View Monitor
If you're curious about how features like Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Smart Cruise Control work in everyday driving, check out our complete guide to Kia Drive Wise safety features.
These technologies are designed to support an attentive driver and are not substitutes for safe driving.
Which 2027 Kia Seltos Trim Is Right for You?
2027 Kia Seltos LX
The LX is the entry point for shoppers who want the redesigned interior, standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and an approachable starting price.
2027 Kia Seltos S
The S adds style and convenience features for drivers who want a little more personality without moving to the top of the lineup.
2027 Kia Seltos EX
The EX is aimed at shoppers who prioritize additional comfort and premium cabin features for commuting and longer drives.
2027 Kia Seltos X-Line S
The X-Line S gives the Seltos a more adventurous appearance with unique bumpers, dark exterior accents, larger wheels, and available Multi-Mode AWD.
2027 Kia Seltos X-Line SX
The X-Line SX combines the more rugged design with the 190-horsepower turbocharged engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, standard AWD, and access to the lineup’s most advanced available technology.
New to Kia? Model names like LX, S, EX, and X-Line each represent a different combination of features, technology, and capability. Our Kia trim levels explained guide breaks down what each trim designation means across the lineup.
Our First Impressions of the 2027 Kia Seltos
Kia didn't reinvent the Seltos. Instead, it improved the areas shoppers notice most. The styling is bolder, the cabin feels more modern, and the addition of a hybrid powertrain gives buyers another option in one of the industry's most competitive SUV segments.
If you've been waiting for a compact SUV that combines everyday versatility with Kia's latest design language and technology, the redesigned 2027 Seltos is shaping up to be one of the most exciting arrivals of the model year.
2027 Seltos FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2027 Kia Seltos
Why is the 2027 Kia Seltos called the “Mini Telluride”?
The nickname comes from its boxier proportions, upright stance, bold lighting, and premium interior design. “Mini Telluride” is an informal shopper nickname rather than an official Kia model name.
Is the 2027 Kia Seltos bigger than the 2026 model?
Yes. The 2027 Seltos is longer and wider, and its wheelbase is 2.4 inches longer than the previous generation. Kia also increased rear legroom and expanded passenger and cargo space.
How much cargo space does the 2027 Kia Seltos have?
Kia estimates 27.8 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row and 64.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Does the 2027 Kia Seltos offer AWD?
Yes. Multi-Mode AWD is available with the 2.0-liter engine and standard on the turbocharged X-Line SX. The upcoming hybrid is also expected to offer an electric all-wheel-drive system.
When will the 2027 Kia Seltos Hybrid arrive?
Kia expects the hybrid to arrive in late 2026, with timing targeted for the fourth quarter. Local inventory dates may vary.
How much does the 2027 Kia Seltos cost?
The 2027 Seltos is expected to start around $25,000 before destination, taxes, title, license fees, options, and dealer charges. Hybrid pricing will be announced closer to its release.
Which SUVs compete with the 2027 Kia Seltos?
Shoppers may compare the Seltos with the Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, Subaru Crosstrek, and Chevrolet Trax. The Seltos stands apart with Telluride-inspired styling, available AWD, three planned powertrain choices, and a roomy interior for its class.
See It in Anderson
Meet the 2027 Kia Seltos at Kia of Anderson
The all-new 2027 Kia Seltos is beginning to arrive, and Kia of Anderson is ready to help you compare trims, explore features, value your trade, and get behind the wheel.
Waiting for the first-ever Seltos Hybrid? Our team can also keep you updated as the hybrid models begin arriving later this year.
MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, taxes, title, license fees, options, and dealer charges. Actual pricing and availability may vary. Estimated cargo measurements, powertrain details, equipment, launch timing, and other specifications are based on information available from Kia America at the time of publication and remain subject to change.