Three Powertrains, Five Trims, 60 mm Longer Wheelbase: The 2027 Kia Seltos Arrives This Summer

The second-generation Kia Seltos is a ground-up redesign — longer, wider, taller, and more capable than the model it replaces. It arrives for the 2027 model year with a five-trim lineup, three distinct powertrain options, and a technology suite that closes the gap between the subcompact SUV class and vehicles from larger, more expensive segments. The 2.0 L and 1.6T variants are expected to arrive in Canada this summer, with the Hybrid set to follow by end of year.

This is not an incremental update. The wheelbase grows by 60 mm over the previous generation, rear legroom increases by 25 mm, headroom gains 25 mm, and cargo capacity expands to an estimated 1,817 litres with the seats folded and an estimated 786 litres with seats up. The upright greenhouse and flush exterior door handles give the body a more confident, squared-off profile — a design direction that pulls from Kia's larger SUV lineup.

Three Powertrains, Five Trims

The 2027 Seltos lineup separates into two powertrain families at launch, with a third arriving later in the year.

2.0 L 4-cylinder (LX, EX, EX Premium) The naturally aspirated 2.0 L Nu Atkinson 4-cylinder produces 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Kia's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). Fuel economy is rated at 8.3 / 6.8 / 7.6 L/100 km city/highway/combined in FWD configuration and 8.8 / 7.5 / 8.2 in AWD. The LX is available in both FWD and AWD; EX and EX Premium are AWD only.

1.6 L Turbocharged 4-cylinder (X-Line, X-Line Limited) The 1.6 L T-GDI turbocharged 4-cylinder produces 190 hp, routed through an 8-speed automatic transmission with manual control. Available in AWD only. Fuel economy figures for the 1.6T are subject to future announcement.

New: 1.6 L 4-cylinder Hybrid (HEV) — arriving end of year A first for the Seltos. The HEV pairs an advanced 1.6 L 4-cylinder hybrid engine with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. FWD is standard; available e-AWD marks a Kia first on a Hybrid SUV. Fuel economy and trim details for the HEV will be confirmed closer to its on-sale date.

What's New in the Cabin

The interior is redesigned around a wider body and a new digital cockpit architecture. A squared-off steering wheel, an open centre console design, and dashboard "blades" that extend into the front doors give the cabin a more structured, driver-focused feel.

Standard technology across all trims:

• 12.3-inch digital touchscreen (ccNC-lite with SiriusXM and traffic/mapping services)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• USB-C ports in both rows — front ports (one media, two charging) sit between the centre console and climate controls; rear ports integrate into the first-row seatbacks
• Over-the-air (OTA) software update capability
• Smart key with push-button start and remote start

Available on EX and above:

• 5-inch dedicated climate display panel added alongside the 12.3-inch touchscreen, creating a dual-screen arrangement
• Built-in navigation
• Wireless phone charger
• Dual-zone automatic climate control

Available on EX Premium and above:

• Highway Driving Assist (HDA Level 1)
• Power driver's seat with 4-way lumbar and memory function
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated rear seats
• Premium Relaxation function for the driver's seat
• Smart Power Liftgate

X-Line Limited exclusive tech:

• Full triple-screen integrated display (12.3" instrument cluster + 5" climate + 12.3" touchscreen)
• Highway Drive Assist 2 (HDA 2 with NSCC+R — navigation-based lane change assist)
• Surround View Monitor (3D)
• Blind-Spot View Monitor (live video feed in screen during lane changes)
• Heads-Up Display (HUD)
• Harman Kardon premium audio system
• Digital Key 2.0

Updated ADAS Suite

The 2027 Seltos arrives with a notably expanded standard safety suite, including features that were previously available only on larger vehicles in the segment.

Standard on all trims:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning (FCA + FCA-JT)
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Lane Following Assist (LFA)
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
• High-Beam Assist (HBA)
• Intelligent Speed-Limit Assist (ISLA)
• Parking Distance Warning — Front and Rear
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Hands-On Detection (HOD)
• Safe Exit Alert
• 8 airbags (including rear side airbags — new to this generation)
• OTA capability

Available on X-Line Limited only:

• FCA with Lane Change Oncoming and Lane Change Side detection
• Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist — Reverse
• Parking Distance Warning — Side added
• Surround View Monitor and Blind-Spot View Monitor
• Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) — available via Digital Key 2.0

How It Sits Against the Previous Generation

The 2027 Seltos is substantially larger and more feature-rich than the model it replaces. The jump from 6 airbags to 8 (with standard rear side coverage), the move to a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen across all trims, and the introduction of flush exterior door handles are among the most visible upgrades. The new HEV powertrain — including available e-AWD — is entirely new territory for this nameplate.

• Rear legroom: +25 mm
• Headroom: +25 mm
• Wheelbase: +60 mm
• Cargo (folded): Estimated 1,817 L (up from 1,778 L on the outgoing model)
• Standard airbags: 8 (vs. 6 previously)
• Standard display: 12.3-inch touchscreen (vs. 8-inch on previous LX)

Learn More at Bessada Kia in Pickering

The all-new 2027 Kia Seltos is set to arrive in Canada this summer. To get the latest details on trim availability, specs, and on-sale timing, reach out to the team at Bessada Kia in Pickering.

To learn more about the 2027 Kia Seltos, visit Kia.ca