2027 Kia Seltos First Look: It Grows Up—and Finally Goes Hybrid

Last December, we got a sneak preview of the all-new, second-generation 2027 Kia Seltos with a handful of photos and several details of what will change (an increase in size, features content, and technology) and what won’t (the combustion powertrains largely carry over). Today at the New York International Auto Show, Kia pulled the official wraps off the Seltos and dripped a few more details about the juiciest Seltos news, namely, the hybrid variants arriving about a half-year after the gas models launch this spring.

Two Hybrid Models

Without divulging any hard statistics, we now know that Kia is borrowing a page from the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid playbook and offering a choice of a front-wheel-drive hybrid or a more powerful electric all-wheel-drive hybrid that places a second motor at the rear axle. We now surmise that the front setup will borrow heavily from the Kia Niro hybrid, featuring the 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle direct-injected engine, belt alternator/starter, and six-speed twin-clutch transmission with electric helper motor. That setup in the Niro is good for 139 hp/195 lb-ft—slightly less than the Toyota. Adding a stronger rear helper motor, say maybe 50 hp/110 lb-ft, would give the Seltos e-AWD hybrid an advantage in torque and potential trail running capability over the Corolla Cross. For now, this is all just slightly better-informed speculation, which we expect to be clarified over the summer.

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Multi-Terrain AWD Mode

Borrowing a feature set from other Kia SUVs, the gas-model Seltos’ on-demand mechanical AWD system with lock feature and Snow mode gets a software upgrade to more judiciously apply the all-wheel-drive clutch, altering throttle mapping, transmission shift strategies, etc. to provide Snow, Sand, and Mud terrain driving modes. (This is functionally equivalent to the Telluride’s system.) Depending on trim level, the Seltos will also provide up to 8.1 inches of ground clearance (up from a max of 7.3 inches today).

More Room for People and Stuff

We’ve reported that the Seltos grows 1.8 inches in length on a 2.3-inch longer wheelbase, and is also about an inch wider, making for a roomier passenger compartment, but early indications suggested some shrinkage in cargo space. Now we’re hearing that in fact available space with the seats down rises from 62.8 to 64.1 cubic feet, with seats-up volume increasing from 26.6 to 27.8 cubic feet. And the luggage compartment is made that much more versatile thanks to the addition of 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. (Think of it as Kia’s answer to Ford’s Molle panels or Jeep’s Trail Rails.)

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Strong Telluride Vibes

The exterior styling of the 2027 Seltos is clearly inspired by the senior SUVs in Kia’s lineup, but the interior takes a lot of cues from them as well. Hybrid models will even move the shifter from the console to the stalk, and adapting the same twist paddle that incorporates the start-stop button. It’s getting to be a Kia hallmark; it’s ergonomically sensible once you get accustomed to it, and it frees up valuable space on the console for generous cupholders and wireless device charging. (Note that the photos feature the gas model, which retains a console shift lever.)

Class-Above Feature Content

Kia has always been a value leader, and that continues with standard and optional feature content that feels like it should cost more. There’s the dual 12.3-inch all-digital Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) with over-the-air update capability, on which you can now stream Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube content when parked. That screen’s various tiles can also be adorned with Disney characters, or sports logos from NBA basketball or FIFA soccer teams. Options include a panoramic sunroof, surround view monitor, blind-spot view monitor, and memory power driver’s seat with four-way lumbar. The driver-assist features include 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 and junction turning assist.

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Seltos Trim Levels

Entry Seltos 2.0-liter models will be available in LX, S, EX, and X-Line trims. The 1.6T engine is only available in X-Line. Seltos hybrid trims have not been specified, but we expect EX and X-Line to be the options. Wheel choices range from 16-inch on the lower trims, to 18-inch on 2.0-liter X-Line models, with black 19-inch rims adorning the 1.6T and hybrid X-Line models. Other distinguishing features of the X-Line trim include unique bumpers and side sills with Piano Black trim and dark gun metal accents. New colors include Terrain Brown, Frost Blue, and Snow White Pearl with a black roof.

When and How Much?

Despite the impending on-sale date of Spring 2026 for combustion-only models, the New York show timing is still just a bit ahead of the pricing release. We expect pricing to increase modestly. The Seltos hybrid models won’t arrive until quite late in 2026, so we’ll get all the details later this summer or early fall. Expect the Kia to be a spicier, more expressive alternative to the milquetoast Corolla Cross Hybrid. We expect it to win drag races—and maybe MotorTrend comparison tests or Ultimate Car Rankings—but not EPA efficiency trophies.