Buying the outgoing Kia Seltos or paying more for the redesigned version is a surprisingly close decision. The 2027 Seltos has a larger cabin, more cargo room, bigger displays and upgraded standard driver assistance. Yet its gasoline engines produce exactly the same horsepower as those in the 2026 model, and some versions of the older SUV are slightly more fuel-efficient. The real question is whether those improvements justify the $1,200 higher base price.
What’s Actually New for the 2027 Kia Seltos?
The 2027 Seltos begins the nameplate’s second generation in the United States. Kia changed its proportions, cabin and equipment. Its more upright nose, angular lighting and boxier profile borrow visual ideas from the larger Telluride, giving the small crossover a more substantial presence.
The redesign also brings available pop-out door handles, a panoramic sunroof and X-Line styling. The 2027 X-Line S adds rugged-looking exterior details and all-wheel drive, while the X-Line SX pairs that look with the turbocharged engine. Neither should be confused with a dedicated off-road vehicle.
Most important, passengers gain space and the dashboard gets larger standard screens.
Price Difference: Does the 2027 Justify Its Premium?
In the U.S., the 2026 Seltos LX FWD originally started at $23,790. Its 2027 equivalent costs $24,990, an increase of $1,200. Moving to LX AWD raises the comparison from $24,990 to $26,690, while an EX FWD climbs from $26,490 to $28,390.
Both are MSRPs, exclude the $1,495 destination charge, and are not guaranteed dealer prices. Remaining 2026 inventory may be discounted.
The more interesting calculation is equipment per dollar. A 2027 LX provides technology and driver-assistance features previously associated with costlier versions, so a base-to-base price comparison does not tell the whole story. Conversely, a well-discounted 2026 S or EX could provide a comfortable, well-equipped crossover for considerably less than a similarly specified 2027. Compare written out-the-door quotes.
Same Horsepower, Different Buying Choices
Both model years offer a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. It uses Kia’s continuously variable-style Intelligent Variable Transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available.
The alternative is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic and AWD. In 2026, that combination belongs to the SX; in 2027, it powers the X-Line SX.
The turbo has a meaningful 43-hp advantage on paper, particularly appealing to buyers who frequently merge onto highways or carry several passengers. But the redesign is heavier, so identical horsepower ratings do not prove identical acceleration. Neither year can be declared faster without comparable testing. Neither engine requires a switch to premium fuel in Kia’s published specifications.
Fuel Economy: An Unexpected Win for the 2026
The 2026 2.0-liter FWD Seltos carries a Kia-published estimate of 31 mpg combined, compared with 30 mpg for its 2027 counterpart. With the 2.0-liter engine and AWD, the comparison is 29 versus 28 mpg combined.
The turbocharged AWD models reverse that pattern: the 2027 is estimated at 26 mpg combined against 25 mpg for the 2026. In other words, neither generation wins every fuel-economy comparison.
A one-mpg difference is modest, and actual consumption varies. Compare the precise engine and drivetrain. The announced 2027 hybrid could change the wider Seltos efficiency story once U.S. figures are finalized.
Bigger Dimensions, More Useful Passenger Space
The 2027 measures approximately 174.4 inches long versus 172.6 inches for the 2026. Its wheelbase grows from 103.5 to 105.9 inches, and rear legroom from 38 to 39 inches.
Luggage space improves too. The older model offers 26.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Those figures rise to 27.8 and 64.2 cubic feet for the redesigned SUV. Both seat five, without a third row.
Maximum listed ground clearance increases from 7.3 to 8.1 inches, although the latter applies to the 2027 X-Line SX; the 2027 LX sits lower. The 2026 also includes a temporary spare, listed as optional on 2027 LX and S models.
Interior Technology and Safety Are the Real Upgrade
The 2026 LX comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, while other trims use a 10.25-inch infotainment display. The 2027 moves to a standard 12.3-inch central touchscreen and a matching-width digital instrument display, although the instrument screen’s usable display area varies by configuration. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the new model. The 2026 LX already supported wireless projection.
The new cabin adds USB-C ports in both rows, over-the-air updates, available wireless charging and an optional five-inch climate display. Heated front seats appear on higher trims, while the EX includes rear climate vents; ventilated seats and a surround-view camera require the X-Line SX Prestige package.
Safety equipment is another reason to consider the redesign. The 2027 makes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and front and rear parking sensors standard. Blind-spot monitoring is available from the S trim upward. The 2026 reserves adaptive cruise control for the SX.
Crash-test results cannot be transferred between generations. IIHS rated the 2026 Seltos Good in its small-overlap crash assessment, Acceptable in its updated moderate-overlap test and Marginal in its updated side test. Those results are not a crash-test verdict on the redesigned 2027.
Should You Wait for the 2027 Seltos Hybrid?
For buyers who prioritize city fuel economy, the biggest mechanical change may arrive after the gasoline Seltos. Kia has announced a conventional 1.6-liter hybrid with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Front-wheel drive and available electric all-wheel drive are planned.
As a conventional hybrid, it requires no external charging. Kia’s U.S. announcement targeted a launch later in 2026, but as of October 2026, official U.S. hybrid pricing and final fuel-economy ratings had not been established in the published information reviewed here.
Waiting could suit efficiency-focused buyers, but speculative MPG is no substitute for a real dealer offer.
Which Kia Seltos Trim Is the Smartest Buy?
The 2027 LX FWD is attractive for its generous standard technology. The $26,390 S FWD adds useful equipment, including wireless phone charging, blind-spot assistance and a power driver’s seat, making it an appealing everyday choice.
The EX FWD, at $28,390, better suits buyers who want heated front seats, rear air vents and automatic climate control. Choose the $28,990 X-Line S for its AWD and styling, not for extra horsepower: it still has the 147-hp engine. Choose the $32,790 X-Line SX for the turbo.
Ownership Costs and Reliability
Both models are covered by Kia’s five-year/60,000-mile basic limited warranty and a ten-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty for qualifying original buyers. Long-term reliability of the redesigned 2027 cannot yet be established from a single model year. Before buying either SUV, check the vehicle identification number for recalls, compare insurance quotes and verify the maintenance schedule. If buying a used 2026, ask which warranty benefits transfer to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2027 Kia Seltos bigger than the 2026? Yes. It is longer, has a longer wheelbase and provides more rear legroom and cargo volume.
Does the 2027 Seltos have a spare tire? A temporary spare is standard on some trims but optional on LX and S. Verify the equipment on the individual vehicle.
Is the 2027 Kia Seltos Hybrid available? Kia has announced it, but U.S. retail timing, price and final efficiency figures need confirmation.
Does the 2027 Seltos support wireless Apple CarPlay? Yes, along with wireless Android Auto, on its standard 12.3-inch infotainment system.
Is AWD standard on every 2027 Seltos? No. It is available on conventional trims and standard on X-Line S and X-Line SX.
TillDrive Verdict: 2026 Value or 2027 Technology?
Buy the 2026 if you find a meaningful dealer discount and care more about price than screens, cabin room or newer assistance systems. Choose the 2027 if rear-seat space, standard adaptive cruise control and improved everyday usability justify the premium. The newer SUV is better equipped, but the older one can be the smarter bargain.
For shoppers focused primarily on fuel savings, the upcoming hybrid is worth evaluating after Kia releases its real U.S. numbers. The best Seltos is ultimately the one whose actual selling price matches the equipment you will use.
2027 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Quick Specs
| Specification | 2026 Kia Seltos | 2027 Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Kia | Kia |
| Vehicle Type | Subcompact SUV | Subcompact SUV |
| Generation | First | Second |
| Base Engine | 2.0L 4-cylinder | 2.0L 4-cylinder |
| Base Horsepower | 147 hp | 147 hp |
| Base Torque | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft |
| Turbo Engine | 1.6L 4-cylinder | 1.6L 4-cylinder |
| Turbo Horsepower | 190 hp | 190 hp |
| Turbo Torque | 195 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft |
| Transmission | IVT / 8-speed automatic | IVT / 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD |
| 2.0L FWD Combined MPG* | 31 | 30 |
| 2.0L AWD Combined MPG* | 29 | 28 |
| Turbo AWD Combined MPG* | 25 | 26 |
| Length | 172.6 in | 174.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.5 in | 105.9 in |
| Rear Legroom | 38.0 in | 39.0 in |
| Cargo Behind Rear Seats | 26.6 cu ft | 27.8 cu ft |
| Maximum Cargo | 62.8 cu ft | 64.2 cu ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Maximum Ground Clearance | 7.3 in | 8.1 in |
| Base Touchscreen | 8 in | 12.3 in |
| Hybrid Model | Not offered | Announced |
| Starting U.S. MSRP | $23,790 | $24,990 |
| Basic Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Limited Powertrain Warranty | Up to 10 years / 100,000 miles | Up to 10 years / 100,000 miles |
*Fuel economy figures are Kia-published estimates for the listed gasoline drivetrains. MSRP excludes destination, taxes and fees. Powertrain warranty eligibility and transfer restrictions apply.
