New Kia SUV News
The redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos has arrived with a bolder shape, more room inside, and the kind of useful technology that can make a compact SUV feel like a genuine upgrade. It’s often referred to as the “Mini Telluride,” a cute, unofficial nickname from drivers online.
The new Seltos is much more than a fresh grille and a new set of wheels. Kia gave it a longer wheelbase, expanded passenger and cargo space, larger digital displays, and a cabin that feels like a clear step forward from the previous generation. The X-Line trims give you more room to add personality, such as the blacked-out exterior styling details that have already caught plenty of attention.
The Seltos is compact enough to feel comfortable in a crowded parking lot, yet it still has the space and flexibility to handle passengers, luggage, errands, and the occasional weekend that requires more than a grocery bag. That balance gives North Texas drivers room for the unexpected without the hassle.
Why Are People Calling the 2027 Kia Seltos the "Mini Telluride"?
“Mini Telluride” isn't an official Kia model name, but the nickname makes sense once you see the redesigned Seltos. Its more upright stance, squared body lines, and bolder lighting borrow some of the same visual confidence that helped the Telluride stand out.
The Seltos isn’t trying to be a three-row SUV. It borrows the redesigned Telluride's stronger, more upright look, bringing that visual appeal to a compact package that's easier to move through Sherman traffic and crowded parking lots.
- 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
The darker X-Line details strengthen that look with black wheels, black exterior accents, roof rails, and trim-specific design touches. Those changes give the Seltos more character without making it feel oversized or overdone.
The Seltos' Place in Kia's SUV Lineup
The Seltos fits drivers who have outgrown a small car but don’t need a bigger SUV. It offers available all-wheel drive and flexible cargo space without moving up to the size of the Sportage, Sorento, or Telluride.
That makes it a practical option for someone who wants SUV versatility without feeling like they're driving more vehicle than they need. It's easy to place on the road, comfortable during longer drives, and roomy enough for the gear and passengers that show up in a normal week.
- Kia Niro: An efficiency-focused crossover available with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric powertrains.
- Kia Seltos: A compact SUV with available AWD, flexible space, and X-Line choices.
- Kia Sportage: A larger compact SUV with additional passenger and cargo room.
- Kia Sorento: A midsize SUV with three rows and several powertrain choices.
- Kia Telluride: Kia's largest three-row SUV for drivers who need maximum passenger space.
2026 vs. 2027
From Practical to Premium: The 2027 Kia Seltos Gets a Serious Glow Up
The 2026 Kia Seltos already offered available AWD, flexible cargo space, and useful technology in an easy-to-manage size.
The 2027 model takes that foundation and gives it more presence. Kia stretched the wheelbase by 2.4 inches, created more passenger room, redesigned the cabin, and added a standard pair of 12.3-inch displays. A first-ever Seltos Hybrid is also planned to join the lineup later in 2026.
| 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 choices |
| Technology | Traditional dashboard layout | Standard dual 12.3-inch displays with an available 5-inch climate display |
| Interior | Practical, value-focused cabin | More storage solutions and updated comfort and technology |
| Passenger Space | Compact rear seating | Longer wheelbase with a class-leading 39 inches of second-row legroom |
| Cargo Space | Flexible cargo area | Class-leading 64.2 cu. ft. of maximum cargo room behind the first row |
The biggest difference may be how the new Seltos presents itself. It keeps the manageable size that made the previous model useful, but the stronger shape and upgraded cabin give buyers more reasons to choose it based on how it looks and feels.
Compact Size With Space You Can Use
The 2027 Kia Seltos is sized for the way many people actually drive. It feels manageable around town, settles in comfortably on the highway, and provides enough flexibility to move from a weekday commute to a packed weekend without making either one feel like a compromise.
Kia gives the redesigned Seltos 39 inches of second-row legroom, so adult passengers don't have to treat the back seat like a punishment. Fold that row down, and the Seltos opens to a class-leading 64.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo space behind the front seats.
A foldable luggage board and Kia Add Gear attachment points help organize smaller items and keep the cargo area from becoming one large catchall. If your routine includes hauling purchases back from Denison, the Seltos can switch from passenger duty to cargo duty without turning the changeover into a project.
Gas, Turbo, and a Hybrid on the Way
2.0-Liter Gas Engine
The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is the straightforward choice for everyday driving. It comes with front-wheel drive on most trims, while Multi-Mode AWD is available for drivers who want added traction.
Turbocharged 1.6-Liter Engine
The X-Line SX uses a 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. That combination is for drivers who want stronger acceleration along with the Seltos' blacked-out X-Line appearance.
First-Ever Kia Seltos Hybrid
For the first time, the Seltos lineup will include a hybrid powertrain with available electric all-wheel drive. Kia has not released the complete U.S. powertrain details yet.
The Seltos Hybrid is slated to go on sale later in 2026. Final pricing, EPA estimates, complete powertrain details, and local arrival timing had not been announced at the time of publication, so Bob Utter Kia can provide updated information as Kia releases it.
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 taken a real step forward. The screens are larger, but the more important change is how the layout keeps information and everyday controls easy to reach.
Every 2027 Seltos includes dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and USB-C charging. Upper trims can add a separate 5-inch 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
The wide layout keeps navigation, entertainment, vehicle information, and climate settings within easy reach without making the dashboard feel crowded. During a test drive, connect your phone and work through the controls you use most. The best technology is the kind that becomes familiar before you leave the parking lot.
Is the 2027 Kia Seltos the Right SUV for You?
The 2027 Kia Seltos may be the right SUV for you if you want useful passenger and cargo space without moving into a larger vehicle. Its compact size keeps daily driving approachable, while available AWD, flexible storage, and upgraded technology give it room to handle more than a basic commute.
A commute from Anna can call for a different mix of priorities than a three-row SUV or a smaller hatchback. The Seltos lands between those choices, giving you room for people and gear while remaining easy to park and comfortable to drive.
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.
- Want bold SUV styling that will turn heads as you roll through the parking lot.
Driver-Assistance Technology for Busy Roads and Parking Lots
The 2027 Seltos includes standard and available driver-assistance systems for highway travel, busy intersections, and tight parking situations. Think of them as a driving assistant, not a replacement for an attentive driver. Depending on the feature, they can warn you about a possible hazard, show what’s beside or behind you, and even help apply the brakes in certain 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
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?
The right 2027 Kia Seltos trim depends on the comfort, traction, styling, and performance you want to use every day. The LX, S, and EX build through the practical side of the lineup, while the X-Line S and X-Line SX add AWD capability and blacked-out exterior details that people tend to notice and compliment you on.
2027 Kia Seltos LX
The LX is the entry point for drivers who want the redesigned interior, dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless smartphone integration, and an approachable starting price.
2027 Kia Seltos S
The S adds 18-inch wheels, dark exterior trim, a wireless phone charger, and a power driver's seat. It works for someone who wants a little more personality and convenience without moving to the top of the lineup.
2027 Kia Seltos EX
The EX adds comfort upgrades such as heated front seats, SynTex seating, dual-zone climate control, and a Smart Power Liftgate. It makes sense for drivers who spend enough time in the vehicle to appreciate those daily conveniences.
2027 Kia Seltos X-Line S
The X-Line S gives the Seltos a more adventurous appearance with unique bumpers, black exterior accents, roof rails, 18-inch black wheels, and standard AWD.
2027 Kia Seltos X-Line SX
The X-Line SX combines the darker design with the 190-horsepower turbocharged engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, standard AWD, 19-inch black wheels, and a panoramic sunroof.
Feature and color availability can change with current inventory. For convenient shopping in Sherman, browse the 2027 Kia Seltos models available now to see which trims match your style and needs.
Our First Impressions of the 2027 Kia Seltos
Kia didn't make the Seltos larger simply for the sake of building a bigger SUV. The added room gives you better visibility and more useful storage. The cleaner, more modern technology layout also puts what you need within easier reach.
The Seltos still feels approachable from the moment you get behind the wheel. Its manageable size and straightforward controls help you settle in quickly without feeling like you have to learn your SUV before you can enjoy driving it.
See the Redesign in Person
Meet the 2027 Kia Seltos at Bob Utter Kia
The all-new 2027 Kia Seltos has arrived, and the best way to understand the redesign is to spend time inside it. Sit in both rows, look behind the rear seats, connect your phone, and compare the gas and turbocharged models that fit your plans.
Bob Utter Kia is ready to help you compare trims without rushing the process. Start by browsing our current selection, then contact our team when you're ready to take a closer look or ask about the upcoming Seltos Hybrid.
2027 Seltos FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2027 Kia Seltos
Can you get a panoramic sunroof on the 2027 Kia Seltos?
Yes. A panoramic sunroof is available on the 2027 Seltos EX with the EX Sunroof Package and on the X-Line S with the X-Line S Premium Package. It is also included on the X-Line SX. Packages can vary by vehicle, so check the equipment on the specific Seltos you're considering.
Which 2027 Kia Seltos engine makes more sense for everyday driving?
The standard 2.0-liter engine is the straightforward choice for commuting, errands, and normal highway driving. The 190-horsepower turbocharged engine in the X-Line SX makes more sense if you prefer quicker response while merging or passing. Focus on the kind of driving you do most instead of automatically choosing the larger number.
Do you need AWD for driving in North Texas?
Not every North Texas driver needs AWD. Front-wheel drive remains a practical choice if most of your time is spent on paved streets and highways, while AWD can provide added traction during heavy rain or on loose and uneven roads. It adds support in changing conditions, but it doesn't replace careful driving or properly maintained tires.
Is the 2027 Kia Seltos a good SUV for commuting around Sherman?
Yes. The Seltos is compact enough for crowded parking lots while still giving you useful passenger and cargo room for whatever comes along after work. Its comfortable highway manners, clear visibility, and available driver-assistance technology also make it a practical fit for everyday driving around Sherman.
Vehicle specifications, equipment, hybrid timing, and availability are based on information available from Kia America at the time of publication and remain subject to change.