- The 2027 Kia Seltos will make its world premiere at the NY Auto Show on April 1.
- The second-generation Seltos is longer and rides on a stretched wheelbase.
- Design cues connect the Seltos to the Sportage, Telluride, and the electric EV5.
In a moment that feels like déjà vu, Kia has dropped a teaser for the new Seltos ahead of its world premiere at the New York Auto Show on April 1, even though the subcompact SUV was already revealed back in December 2025 with sharper styling, a bigger footprint, and a hybrid option on the table.
While the dark teaser doesn’t reveal much, we already know that the Seltos has effectively evolved into a baby Sportage. This second-generation model stretches to 4,430 mm (174.4 inches) in length, up 45 mm (1.8 inches) over its predecessor, while the wheelbase expands by 60 mm (2.4 inches) to 2,690 mm (105.9 inches).
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The lighting signature at the front leans heavily on Telluride-inspired cues, though the Seltos adopts split LED units with the main beam integrated into the wider grille. The profile moves toward a more mature, boxier look, featuring sculpted fenders, flush door handles, and generous cladding. Around the back, the design echoes the fully electric Kia EV5, with slimmer vertical and horizontal LED elements.
The Seltos lineup will include three distinct variants, the standard model, the sporty GT-Line, and the more rugged X-Line, each differentiated by subtle changes to bumpers and trim. As with other Kia models, the US-spec version stands out with amber daytime running lights, unlike the white units seen in global markets.
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Kia has also revealed the interior, centered around a panoramic curved display that combines dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. Features include an AI voice assistant, over-the-air updates, premium audio from Harman Kardon or Bose, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof.
The larger footprint is expected to improve interior space and practicality, with cargo capacity increasing to 536 liters (18.9 cu ft). A foldable dual-level boot floor adds further flexibility.
Gasoline And Hybrid Options
Besides the redesigned exterior and revamped interior, the biggest development is the expanded powertrain lineup.
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For global markets, Kia has confirmed a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine producing 147 hp (110 kW / 149 PS), alongside a turbocharged 1.6-liter unit delivering either 178 hp (132 kW / 180 PS) or 190 hp (142 kW / 193 PS). A self-charging hybrid setup is also on the way, with full details to be announced later.
At this stage, it remains unclear which variants and powertrains will make their way to North America, though the hybrid appears likely. Full details for the 2027 Seltos will be revealed during Kia’s press conference in New York on April 1.
