Kia took the wraps off of second-generation 2027 Seltos at the New York International Auto Show and it came with a surprise.
The all-new subcompact SUV is larger and roomier than the outgoing model, with a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase, and features boxy styling accented by a dramatically large grill that makes it look like the offspring of the brand’s Sportage and Telluride.
But the even bigger update is the addition of a hybrid powertrain to the lineup, which will also be offered with 147 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder and 190 hp 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain options.
Full details on the hybrid will be released closer to when it goes on sale late this year, but the other models are heading to showrooms this spring. The 2.0-liter and hybrid will each be available with either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, with the hybrid debuting an eAWD system that is a front-wheel-drive setup that adds an electric motor to power the rear wheels. The turbo comes standard with all-wheel-drive.
Models equipped with the 2.0-liter will be offered in LX, S, EX and X-Line trims, but the turbo comes exclusively as an X-Line, which isn’t a true rugged trim, but has unique bumpers, bold piano black side sills and 8.1 inches of ground clearance to go with its Multi-Mode all-wheel-drive traction management system.
Increasing levels of advanced driver assist systems are added with each trim, with blind spot cameras, a 360-degree bird’s-eye-view display and lane-centering adaptive cruise control among them.
Pricing will be announced closer to when the South Korean-built Seltos goes on sale, but the 2026 model starts at $25,285.
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