New Automotive Preview: 2027 Kia Seltos Grows Up With EV Model And Hybrid Ambitions : Automotive Addicts

Automotive

Kia is giving the Seltos a severe glow up for its second era, and this time the subcompact SUV is leaning exhausting into the model’s EV-inspired design language. The 2027 Kia Seltos rides on a brand new platform, grows in nearly each route, and packs a tech-heavy inside that will not look misplaced in a costlier Kia. A hybrid mannequin can also be on the best way, which ought to broaden its attraction for patrons who need SUV practicality with out frequent stops on the pump. For a nameplate that has quietly turn out to be one in all Kia’s core gamers, this redesign appears like an enormous assertion.

From the skin, the brand new Seltos seems prefer it has been procuring within the EV9’s wardrobe. Flush mounted door handles clear up the profile, whereas a bigger grille and complicated lighting signatures give the little Kia a extra upscale face. Vertical lighting parts body the entrance and rear, and the taillights are linked by a full width gentle bar that emphasizes the added width. Alongside the edges, the bodywork takes on a barely origami look, with sharp creases, a roofline that flows into an built-in rear spoiler, and flared fenders that make the stance seem extra planted. It’s not only a visible trick, both. Size grows to 174.4 inches, the wheelbase stretches to 105.9 inches, and the physique is over an inch wider, even when the general top is a bit decrease. Trim ranges will really feel acquainted to present Seltos buyers, with EX, LX, SX, X-Line, and GT-Line all returning.

Beneath the hood, the 2027 Seltos sticks with a two engine technique at launch. The bottom powertrain is a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder with 147 horsepower paired with a repeatedly variable automated transmission, aimed toward effectivity and on a regular basis commuting. Patrons who need a bit extra punch will once more be capable of step as much as a 1.6 liter turbocharged 4. Relying on market, it will possibly make 178 horsepower, however U.S. fashions are set to get the stronger 190 horsepower tune with an eight velocity automated. Entrance wheel drive and all wheel drive will each be accessible, preserving the Seltos aggressive with rivals that tout gentle off pavement functionality. The actually attention-grabbing half remains to be to return, although. Kia has confirmed a hybrid Seltos is within the works, and whereas particulars are nonetheless beneath wraps, there’s a strong probability that configuration ultimately lands in American showrooms.

Beneath the pores and skin, the Seltos now rides on Kia’s K3 platform, which the corporate says is notably stiffer and tuned to cut back noise, vibration, and harshness. That units the stage for an inside that feels extra refined than the outgoing mannequin. Entrance and middle is a sweeping 30 inch show setup that merges two 12.3 inch screens with a smaller 5 inch strip within the center that handles local weather controls. It runs Kia’s newest infotainment software program, helps over the air updates, and even contains an AI voice assistant powered by ChatGPT to deal with pure language requests. Consolation has clearly been a precedence too. The driving force’s seat can convert right into a recliner with an ottoman for these instances you might be parked and ready, and the ethereal mesh headrests borrowed from the EV9 make an look. Rear passengers get seatbacks that recline as much as 12 levels, and whereas cargo house drops to 19 cubic ft in contrast with the earlier mannequin, the twin degree flooring has been lengthened by 3.1 inches to make the house extra usable.

Official pricing has not been introduced but, however all indicators level to the 2027 Kia Seltos touchdown in a really acquainted candy spot. Count on the entry degree entrance wheel drive mannequin to start out round $27,000 when it arrives at U.S. sellers someday subsequent yr, with totally loaded variations probably creeping previous $44K. If Kia can ship the identical worth story the present Seltos is understood for whereas including extra model, extra tech, and ultimately a hybrid choice, this redesigned subcompact SUV should not have any hassle preserving its place on procuring lists. For patrons who need one thing that appears like a child EV9 however matches simply into day by day life and the month-to-month cost, the brand new Seltos is shaping as much as be a really compelling improve.

Mike Floyd is a finance government by commerce and a automotive fanatic at coronary heart. As a CFO with a eager eye for element and technique, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering contemporary insights and distinctive views that transcend the floor. His ardour for vehicles—particularly his favourite, the Porsche 911, fuels his contributions to Automotive Addicts, the place he blends a love for efficiency and design along with his skilled precision. Whether or not he’s breaking down business developments or spotlighting rising improvements, Mike helps hold the positioning each sharp and forward-thinking.