The redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos makes an immediate statement: compact crossovers don't have to look like anonymous appliances. Spending a week behind the wheel of this revamped platform reveals a vehicle focused entirely on authentic utility, sharp execution, and everyday practicality.
Our tester arrived finished in Kia's Terrain Brown paint—an earthy shade that catches direct sunlight with a distinct, warm golden hue—paired with the aggressive X-Line blackout treatment. Kia executed a phenomenal overhaul on the exterior, pulling heavily from the design language established by the EV9. It features a squared-off, upright front fascia, sharp geometric lighting signatures, and sleek flush-mounted door handles that cleanly integrate into the bodywork. However, I will note one minor operational detail: while those flush handles look undeniably cool, they did feel a little looser and more fragile in the hand than the similarly styled handles on my Equinox EV. Otherwise, the darkened grille, black alloy wheels, and raised roof rails give it a commanding, purposeful stance that easily stands out in a crowded segment.
Step inside, and the cabin proves that the redesign is far more than skin-deep. Kia nailed the user interface execution. The infotainment screen features large, well-organized icons that make navigating through the settings effortless. Even better, they resisted the urge to bury everything in submenus—all of your HVAC controls remain traditional, tactile buttons and knobs. The 360-degree camera system is another great touch, allowing you to drag and rotate the vehicle on the screen to check every single angle before maneuvering tight spaces.
Ergonomically, Kia kept the layout straightforward and driver-focused. The controls for the heated and ventilated seats, as well as the heated steering wheel, are located right on the door. I would have appreciated them being angled just slightly toward the driver for better visibility, but that is a minimal gripe. And while the new hybrid variant moves its gear selector to a steering column stalk, this 1.6T gas model sticks with a traditional mechanical shifter right in the center console—solid, tactile, and immediately intuitive.
Practicality is where the Seltos truly dominates. Compact on the outside, the interior packaging feels remarkably open. The front seats accommodate larger frames comfortably, but the back seat is where it really surprised me. You get a generous 38.0 inches of legroom, but the physical height of the bench is what makes the difference. It is not mounted too low to the floor, creating a perfect riding position for a 5'9" individual. The cushions themselves felt plush and comfortable, providing excellent support for a bigger, heavier guy like myself. Cargo utility is equally strong, with 28.0 cubic feet of volume that expands to a massive, flat 64.0 cubic feet when the 60/40 split is folded down.
Under the hood, our tester featured the punchier 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission. Putting down 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, it delivers great throttle response—as long as you use a steady, mid-throttle approach. If you completely floor the pedal, it does show some initial turbo lag before it gets going.
Out on the road, the Seltos is tuned heavily toward comfort. The suspension is very plush, absorbing rough roads beautifully and making for a highly comfortable ride. The direct trade-off for that soft suspension is a bit of noticeable body roll. This is not a vehicle meant to be driven aggressively while cornering; it knows its mission is to be a highly comfortable daily driver, and it executes that perfectly. On the highway, our tester settled into an observed fuel economy of roughly 8.2 L/100 km, while retaining a 2,000-lb towing rating with a hitch installed.
The Verdict
The 2027 Kia Seltos hits the sweet spot for drivers who want genuine utility without stepping up to a bulky, overpriced SUV. By offering both a responsive turbocharged gas engine and an efficient hybrid alternative, Kia provides clear choices to suit different daily routines. With its bold exterior, highly functional tech interface, and a cabin that comfortably accommodates larger adults, it stands out as one of the most well-rounded and practical compact crossovers on the market.
Spec Sheet: 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line (1.6T AWD)
Powertrain: 1.6-liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
Output: 190 hp @ 6,000 RPM / 195 lb-ft torque @ 1,600–4,500 RPM
0–60 mph: ~8.2 seconds
Official Combined Fuel Economy (Canada): 9.2 L/100 km
Observed Highway Fuel Economy: ~8.2 L/100 km (~28.7 MPG)
EPA Fuel Economy (US): 24 City / 30 Highway / 26 Combined MPG
Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs (with trailer brakes/hitch)
Cargo Capacity: 28.0 cu ft (seats up) / 64.0 cu ft (seats down)
Rear Legroom: 38.0 inches
Starting Price: ~$32,000 CAD (Base FWD starts ~$25,900 CAD / AWD ~$27,900 CAD)
