Kia Seltos

Name: 2027 Kia Seltos
Brand: Kia

EPA MPG: 28 mpg

CR's Take

A few years ago, the subcompact SUV market blossomed with a wide variety of tall hatchbacks sourced from around the globe. Models like the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Hyundai Kona, and Kia Seltos combined the frugal nature of small cars with the convenience of large doors, a tall roof, and a roomy cabin on a tiny, urban-friendly platform. Now, some of these baby SUVs are growing up, like the redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos.

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New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

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Kia Seltos

vs. Similar Cars

Buick Encore GX

Chevrolet TrailBl...

Chevrolet TrailBlazer

Ford Bronco Sport

Honda HR-V

Hyundai Kona

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Safety

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Safety

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Subcompact SUVs Ratings

CR's
Take

2027 Kia Seltos

$24,990 - $32,790

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Buick Encore GX

$26,200 - $33,300

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

$23,300 - $29,500

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

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2026 Ford Bronco Sport

$31,845 - $37,265

CR MPG

Road test

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Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Honda HR-V

$26,500 - $31,850

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

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2026 Hyundai Kona

$25,500 - $34,150

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Kia Seltos

$23,790 - $31,490

CR MPG

Road test

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2026 Mazda CX-30

$26,375 - $37,900

CR MPG

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2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

$27,695 - $31,845

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CR's
Take

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

$24,995 - $29,695

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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Predicted Reliability

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2026 Nissan Kicks

$22,430 - $28,160

CR MPG

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2026 Subaru Crosstrek

$26,995 - $34,995

CR MPG

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2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

$26,995 - $34,995

CR MPG

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2026 Toyota Corolla Cross

$25,235 - $33,630

CR MPG

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2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

$28,995 - $33,030

CR MPG

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2026 Volkswagen Taos

$26,500 - $35,900

CR MPG

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See All Subcompact SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

1.6-liter 4 hybrid (139 hp)
1.6-liter 4 turbo (190 hp)
2-liter 4 (147 hp)

8-speed automatic
6-speed sequential
CVT

Basic 5 years/60,000 miles
Drivetrain 10 years/100,000 miles
Corrosion 5 years/100,000 miles
Hybrid NA
Roadside Aid 5 years/60,000 miles
Maintenance NA

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Model History

2027

2027 Redesign Year

Compared to its predecessor, the second-generation Seltos expands slightly in most dimensions, including adding a bit more elbow and cargo room. It is also adding to its list of amenities, with an interior that looks more inviting than some larger, more expensive models, and a long roster of comfort, convenience, and active safety technology. In addition to traditional four-cylinder engines, the Seltos gains a hybrid powertrain. All-wheel drive remains optional. And to provide more flavors for buyers, it is expanding on the LX, S, and EX trims to add an off-road-inspired X-Line. The modern-looking interior features a wide, panoramic display comprised of three screens. A head-up display is available. The digital voice assistant is powered by ChatGPT. All told, the 'entry-level' descriptor may no longer apply to Kia’s smallest and most affordable SUV.

2021-Present

Current Generation

The new for 2021 Seltos slots below Kia's Sportage and offers versatility at an affordable price. It has a roomy interior for its small footprint, easy access, clear visibility, and good fuel economy. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission, provides unobtrusive acceleration. The uplevel 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine suffers from non-linear acceleration. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. The stiff ride and loud cabin are two significant drawbacks. Handling is responsive and secure. Controls are easy to use, and the rear seat is roomy for the class. The base LX trim does not include any advanced safety features. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more, come with the higher trims. For 2022, these safety features became standard.