The 2027 Kia Seltos has become a talking point on enthusiast forums, where owners compare its shape to larger Kia models. The subcompact SUV’s squared-off rear glass, amber strip lights and flush door handles echo design cues from the brand’s three-row flagship, prompting the nickname “baby Telluride.”
Boxy Looks Stir Online Debate
Members of the r/kia community argue whether the new look borrows more from the Telluride or the electric EV9. The discussion is largely complimentary; a vehicle priced around $37,000 rarely receives such design scrutiny.
During a drive event in Newport Beach, three bystanders asked if the test car was a new Telluride trim before the reviewer clarified it was a Seltos. The similarity appears intentional, according to Kia’s recent styling language rollout.
Inside the Cabin and Space
The interior feels upscale for its segment. Twin digital displays sit above a center console, while real climate control knobs replace the usual rotary dials. Soft-touch panels line the doors, giving the cabin a premium feel without raising the price dramatically.
Rear-seat legroom measures 39 inches, a result of a stretched wheelbase. The reviewer was able to place two forward-facing child seats without compromising the front passenger’s knee clearance. Cargo capacity starts at 27.8 cubic feet and expands to 64.2 cubic feet when the rear seats fold flat, rivaling larger SUVs.
For families, the Seltos includes two complete LATCH sets in the outboard rear seats and a tether anchor for the middle position. Those details matter more than horsepower when kids are involved.
In practice, the extra space means weekend trips can be packed with gear without the need to fold seats repeatedly. The layout also keeps adult passengers comfortable on longer drives, a point often missed in subcompact reviews.
Powertrain and Road manners
The test vehicle featured the X-Line SX AWD trim, powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic handles the output, while the torque-vectoring AWD system with a locking center differential provides noticeable stability on wet canyon corners.
Fuel consumption averages 26 mpg with all-wheel drive engaged. The system, usually reserved for larger, pricier models, tightens the chassis during cornering, reducing body sway.
Base-model buyers can opt for a 2.0-liter engine making 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with front-wheel drive and a lower entry price near $24,990. The turbo variant’s extra torque is most evident on steep on-ramps.
The vehicle can tow up to 2,000 pounds when equipped properly, a capability uncommon in this class. That figure expands utility for owners who need to haul small trailers or boats.
From a practical standpoint, the combination of a modest engine size, respectable power and a capable AWD system gives everyday drivers confidence in varied weather without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
Safety, Warranty and Future Hybrid
Standard safety equipment includes forward collision avoidance with junction-turn detection, blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert and front-and-rear parking distance warnings. An optional package adds a blind-spot view monitor and a full-surround-view camera, useful in tight urban parking.
No crash-test ratings from IIHS or NHTSA are available yet, leaving prospective buyers to wait for official results. Kia backs the model with a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, among the longest in the segment.
A hybrid version is slated for early next year, pairing the same 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor and a rear e-axle. While EPA numbers are not yet certified, Kia’s hybrid strategy has succeeded elsewhere, such as the Sorento Hybrid, which attracted buyers from larger competitors.
Hybrids currently outsell EVs by a three-to-one margin nationwide, a trend that is expected to continue. The upcoming model could therefore appeal to shoppers seeking better fuel economy without committing to full electrification.
Overall, the 2027 Seltos manages to blend a bold exterior that sparks conversation with a well-equipped interior and capable mechanics. For drivers who value space, a capable AWD system and a warranty that eases long-term ownership concerns, the vehicle presents a solid option in the crowded subcompact SUV market.
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