Bringing Big-SUV Polish to the Subcompact Class
The competitive subcompact crossover segment just got a serious wake-up call. Following Kia America’s media driving event at its Irvine headquarters, we took the fully redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos on an extensive 112-mile test drive through Lake Elsinore and Corona.
Behind the wheel of the top-tier X-Line SX trim, it quickly became clear that Kia didn’t just tweak a few panels—they rebuilt the Seltos from the ground up to punch well above its price tag.
Exterior & Interior: Telluride Aesthetics Meets Expanded Space
Exterior Presence
Visually, the 2027 Seltos borrows heavily from the winning design language of Kia’s flagship Telluride. Its boxier silhouette, upright stance, and sharp geometric corners give this compact SUV an imposing, confident road presence. Modern touches like flush-fitting door handles add sleek sophistication, though they may take a slight learning curve for some drivers.
The 2027 model has also grown noticeably in every dimension:
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Wheelbase: Extended by 2.4 inches to 105.9 inches
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Overall Length: Stretched by 1.8 inches to 174.4 inches
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Width & Height: Expanded to 72 inches wide and 64.9 inches tall
Cabin Comfort & Technology
The expanded footprint pays massive dividends inside. The clean, horizontal dashboard layout creates an airy, panoramic view of the road. Every trim now comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Front-seat space is generous for long-distance cruising, though the passenger seat lacks power adjustments even on this range-topping trim. Second-row legroom is improved thanks to the longer wheelbase, while cargo capacity offers 27.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expands to 64.2 cubic feet when folded flat.
On the Road: Performance, Ride Quality, and Handling
Powertrain Performance
Our X-Line SX test vehicle came equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower, paired with standard all-wheel drive. (Base models feature a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, while a Hybrid option is slated to arrive between late this year and early next year).
The turbo powertrain provides punchy, immediate acceleration. Merging onto fast-moving freeways and executing high-speed passes required minimal effort. While the throttle response can feel slightly sensitive off the line, the overall power delivery is lively and engaging.
Ride Quality and Refinement
Where the 2027 Seltos truly shines is its ride composure. The updated suspension smooths out road imperfections effortlessly, isolating the cabin from harsh impacts over potholes and expansion joints. Wind and tire noise are exceptionally well-suppressed for this price point, maintaining a quiet, refined cabin at highway speeds.
Steering is intentionally light, making tight parking maneuvers and city driving effortless. On winding mountain roads, the chassis remained surprisingly poised, resisting body roll through consecutive turns.
EPA Fuel Economy Ratings
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1.6L Turbo AWD (Tested): 24 MPG City / 30 MPG Highway / 26 MPG Combined
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2.0L Base Model: 28 MPG City / 33 MPG Highway / 30 MPG Combined
Pricing and Dealership Availability
Imported directly from Kia’s manufacturing facility in Gwangju, South Korea, the 2027 Kia Seltos is arriving at US dealerships now.
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Base LX Trim: Starts at $24,990
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Top-Tier X-Line SX Trim: Starts at $32,790
Final Verdict: With its rugged styling, quiet ride, and high-tech cabin, the 2027 Seltos sets a formidable new benchmark for entry-level crossovers. It offers big-SUV utility and style without the big-SUV price tag.
