Powertrains and Performance: Engine Options and First-Ever Hybrid
The 2027 Kia Seltos is a second-generation redesign with a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase, more cargo room, a new dual-screen interior, and new X-Line trims. The gasoline models are on sale now, and a Seltos Hybrid with electric all-wheel drive is expected later this year. The engines are not new (the 2.0-liter and 1.6-liter turbo carry over), so the changes you will notice come from size, ride height, technology, and styling rather than power.
At Liberty Kia in Libertyville, we want you to know exactly what changed before you compare the 2027 Seltos against the one you drive now. This guide covers the trims and pricing, a side-by-side look at the 2026 and 2027 numbers, what the Hybrid is expected to add, and how to match a Seltos to the way you drive around Lake County.
Explore the 2027 Kia Seltos Redesign, Trims, Pricing, and Hybrid Updates
- What the 2027 Kia Seltos Is
- Where the Redesign Shows Up
- Trims, Engines, and Pricing
- 2027 Kia Seltos Cargo Space and Passenger Room
- 2026 Seltos vs. 2027 Seltos: What Changed and What Did Not
- The Seltos Hybrid: What Is Confirmed and What Is Not
- Which 2027 Seltos Fits Which Driver
- Lake County Winters and the Seltos
- Safety and Technology Worth Knowing About
- What Carries Over for Current Seltos Owners
- Visit Liberty Kia to See the 2027 Seltos
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What the 2027 Kia Seltos Is
The 2027 Kia Seltos is a compact SUV that sits below the Sportage in Kia's U.S. lineup. For 2027 it moves to a second-generation design with a 105.9-inch wheelbase, up from 103.5 inches on the 2026 model. It is on sale now with two gasoline engines, and Kia has announced a Hybrid version for later in 2026.
Where the Redesign Shows Up
A wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear axles. When a designer lengthens it, the body can grow between the wheels without growing much past them, which is where passengers and cargo sit. That is the main idea behind this redesign. The 2027 Seltos is 174.4 inches long, compared with 172.6 inches for the 2026 model, a gain of 1.8 inches overall. The wheelbase grew by 2.4 inches, which is more than the body did. Kia put the extra length between the axles, where it helps the cabin.
Width grew from 70.9 inches to 72.0 inches. Ground clearance, the space between the lowest part of the underbody and the road, is listed at 7.5 to 8.1 inches depending on trim, up from 7.3 inches. You will feel the clearance change as a slightly taller step-in and a higher seating position, which some drivers like for visibility.
The interior has changed more visibly than the exterior. Kia lists dual 12.3-inch screens (an instrument display and an infotainment display) along with an optional 5-inch climate control screen. Together they total nearly 30 inches of display, and the system supports over-the-air software updates. The exterior picks up Telluride-inspired styling and auto-flush door handles.
Trims, Engines, and Pricing
The 2027 Seltos lineup has five trims: LX, S, X-Line S, EX, and X-Line SX. Four of them use the same engine, and one uses a turbocharged engine. Here is how they sort out, using Kia's published specifications and pricing.
| Trim | Engine | Output | Transmission | Drivetrain | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | 2.0L Atkinson | 147 hp, 132 lb-ft | CVT | FWD (AWD +$1,700) | $24,990 |
| S | 2.0L Atkinson | 147 hp, 132 lb-ft | CVT | FWD (AWD +$1,700) | $26,390 |
| X-Line S | 2.0L Atkinson | 147 hp, 132 lb-ft | CVT | AWD standard | $28,990 |
| EX | 2.0L Atkinson | 147 hp, 132 lb-ft | CVT | FWD (AWD +$1,700) | $28,390 |
| X-Line SX | 1.6L Turbo GDI | 190 hp, 195 lb-ft | 8-speed automatic | AWD standard | $32,790 |
Source: Kia Media 2027 Seltos specifications and Kia's pricing release. MSRP excludes the $1,495 destination charge, taxes, title, license fees, and options. Prices and equipment can change; confirm current figures with our team.
A few terms in that table are worth explaining. A naturally aspirated engine, like the 2.0-liter, draws air into the cylinders without a turbocharger. Kia describes this one as an Atkinson-cycle design, which is tuned for efficiency over peak power. A turbocharged engine, like the 1.6-liter in the X-Line SX, uses exhaust energy to push more air into the cylinders, which is how a smaller engine makes 190 horsepower. A CVT (continuously variable transmission) uses a belt and pulleys instead of fixed gears, while the 8-speed automatic uses conventional gears.
Fuel economy follows the same split. Kia lists EPA estimates of 28 mpg city, 33 highway, and 30 combined for the 2.0-liter in front-wheel drive. With AWD, the 2.0-liter drops to 26 city, 30 highway, and 28 combined. The 1.6-liter Turbo with standard AWD is rated at 24 city, 30 highway, and 26 combined. Those figures are EPA estimates. Your results will vary with how and where you drive.
The 2.0-liter trims are front-wheel drive by default, and AWD is a $1,700 option on the LX, S, and EX. The X-Line S and X-Line SX come with AWD standard. If you read an earlier article, or a competitor's page, that says the 2.0-liter Seltos cannot be had with all-wheel drive, that is incorrect for 2027.
2027 Kia Seltos Cargo Space and Passenger Room
The 2027 Kia Seltos offers 27.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, according to Kia's specifications. Passenger volume is listed at 54.8 cubic feet in the first row and 48.6 cubic feet in the second row. The gasoline powertrains are a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter and a 190-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo, and the Hybrid is expected to join them later in 2026.
Cubic feet of cargo volume is a measure of enclosed space, not a promise that any given item fits. It tells you how much room is available in total, but the shape of the opening, the height of the load floor, and the wheel wells all affect real use. When you visit, bring the stroller, hockey bag, or cooler that you carry most often and test it in the cargo area.
2026 Seltos vs. 2027 Seltos: What Changed and What Did Not
The best way to judge a redesign is to put the old and new numbers next to each other. This table uses Kia Media's published specifications for both model years.
| Measurement | 2026 Seltos | 2027 Seltos | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 103.5 in. | 105.9 in. | +2.4 in. |
| Length | 172.6 in. | 174.4 in. | +1.8 in. |
| Width | 70.9 in. | 72.0 in. | +1.1 in. |
| Ground clearance | 7.3 in. | 7.5 to 8.1 in. (by trim) | Higher |
| Cargo behind 2nd row | 26.6 cu. ft. | 27.8 cu. ft. | +1.2 cu. ft. |
| Maximum cargo | 62.8 cu. ft. | 64.2 cu. ft. | +1.4 cu. ft. |
| Passenger volume | 99.6 cu. ft. | 103.5 cu. ft.* | About +3.9 cu. ft. |
| 2.0L engine | 147 hp | 147 hp | No change |
| 1.6L Turbo engine | 190 hp | 190 hp | No change |
| EPA combined, 2.0L FWD | 31 mpg | 30 mpg | -1 mpg |
| EPA combined, 2.0L AWD | 29 mpg | 28 mpg | -1 mpg |
| EPA combined, 1.6T AWD | 25 mpg | 26 mpg | +1 mpg |
*Kia's 2027 overview lists 103.5 cu. ft. of total passenger volume. Its detailed specification table lists 54.8 cu. ft. in the first row and 48.6 cu. ft. in the second row.
The table corrects a common assumption. Some coverage of the redesign describes new engines or a first-ever AWD option. Neither is accurate. The 2026 Seltos already offered the same 2.0-liter and 1.6-liter turbo engines at the same output, and it offered AWD as well. What is new is the body, the interior, the technology, the X-Line trim designation, and the Hybrid.
The fuel economy rows are worth reading closely. The 2.0-liter models are rated 1 mpg lower in combined driving than their 2026 counterparts. Highway ratings dropped by 1 mpg in FWD and 1 mpg in AWD. The turbo model went up 1 mpg combined, with the highway rating improving from 27 to 30 mpg. A bigger, taller vehicle often costs a little efficiency, and the 2027 numbers reflect that. The differences are small, but they are real, and a redesign page should say so.
If you are trading in a 2026 or older Seltos, the practical effects you are likely to notice first are the extra rear-seat and cargo room, the dual-screen cabin, and the higher ride height. If you were hoping for more power, the engines will feel familiar.
The Seltos Hybrid: What Is Confirmed and What Is Not
Kia has confirmed that the 2027 Seltos Hybrid uses a 1.6-liter hybrid engine with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission and offers an available electric all-wheel drive system. A dual-clutch transmission is an automatic that uses two clutches to pre-select the next gear, which is a different design from the CVT in the 2.0-liter models. Kia has said the Hybrid goes on sale "later this year." As of this writing, Kia has not published U.S. pricing, EPA fuel economy, or system horsepower for the Seltos Hybrid.
For full information on Seltos Hybrid pricing, fuel economy, system output, and electric AWD operation, contact Liberty Kia. Our team can explain the information Kia has released and share additional details as they become available.
What you can do now is decide whether the Hybrid's expected strengths matter to you. If fuel economy is your top priority, or if you want AWD from a hybrid, it makes sense to ask us about the latest timing before you commit to a gas trim. If you need a vehicle this month, the gasoline Seltos is available to shop today.
Which 2027 Seltos Fits Which Driver
Our recommendation depends on what you value, and the table below ties each priority to a trim based on Kia's published specifications. It does not rank trims by popularity, because we are not making claims about what other customers buy.
| If your priority is | Look at | Why, based on Kia's specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest starting price | LX FWD | $24,990 MSRP, the lowest in the lineup |
| Lower price with AWD | LX, S, or EX with the AWD option | AWD adds $1,700 to the FWD price |
| AWD without paying for an option | X-Line S | AWD is standard, 2.0L engine, $28,990 MSRP |
| More power | X-Line SX | 190 hp and 195 lb-ft from the 1.6L Turbo, AWD standard |
| Most efficient gasoline Seltos | 2.0L FWD | 30 mpg combined, EPA estimate |
| Highest clearance | Check by trim | Kia lists 7.5 to 8.1 in. across the lineup; confirm your trim |
| Hybrid efficiency or e-AWD | Wait for the Hybrid | Confirmed for later in 2026; pricing and specs not yet released |
Here is how we think about the decision. If your commute is mostly highway miles on I-94 and you want the strongest merging power, the X-Line SX gives you the most output and an 8-speed automatic. If you drive shorter trips and care about cost, the 2.0-liter trims cover a wider price range. If winter traction is the deciding issue, you have three ways to get AWD, and the best one is the one that fits your budget and your trim preferences.
Lake County Winters and the Seltos
A compact SUV is a sensible fit for Libertyville drivers who use Milwaukee Avenue and I-94, since a smaller footprint is easier to park downtown and around busy Lake County shopping corridors, and it still carries more cargo than a sedan on weekend errands.
For winter, the useful comparison for the 2027 Seltos is front-wheel drive versus AWD on the 2.0-liter trims. AWD can improve traction when accelerating on snow or ice. It does not shorten stopping distances or help you turn on a slick road, and it does not replace winter tires or cautious driving. If you drive a long distance in winter conditions, ask about the AWD option and about tires, because tires affect braking and cornering more than the drivetrain does.
The Seltos's higher ground clearance (7.5 to 8.1 inches by trim, up from 7.3 inches) can also help in unplowed parking lots and slush, though it is still a compact SUV and not an off-road vehicle. Clearance varies by trim, so confirm the number on the one you intend to buy.
Safety and Technology Worth Knowing About
Kia lists enhanced driver-assistance features for the 2027 Seltos, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with junction turning capability, along with available Surround View Monitor and Blind Spot View Monitor systems. Driver-assistance features have limits. They can help in certain situations, but they do not replace an attentive driver, and weather, lighting, and road conditions can reduce how well they work. Equipment varies by trim, so ask our team to confirm which features come on the one you are considering.
The software updates deserve a note too. Over-the-air support means some updates can be delivered without a trip to the dealership. Kia describes the capability, but the specific features that can be updated, and how long that support lasts, are not something we can promise. Check Kia's current materials for the details.
What Carries Over for Current Seltos Owners
If you drive a Seltos now, a good deal will feel familiar. The engines and their output are unchanged. The compact SUV format is the same. AWD was already offered on the previous generation and remains available. The things you will notice are the larger cabin, the newer screens, the taller stance, and the new X-Line trims.
Before you decide, it is worth getting an appraisal on your current vehicle, because trade-in value changes with the market and with your vehicle's condition. You can start with our trade-in form, and our team will review it with you.
Visit Liberty Kia to See the 2027 Seltos
The best way to judge a redesign is to sit in it. Our team can help you check current availability and compare the 2.0-liter trims against the X-Line SX. You can browse our new inventory, look at the full Kia showroom lineup, or use CarFinder to look for a specific trim. If you want to wait for the Hybrid, tell us, and we will share the latest information from Kia when it is released.
To schedule a test drive, contact us or visit our dealership at 921 S. Milwaukee Ave in Libertyville. Current offers, financing options, and eligibility vary, so ask about them when you visit.
Key Takeaways
- The 2027 Kia Seltos is a second-generation redesign with a 105.9-inch wheelbase, up 2.4 inches from the 2026 model.
- The 147-horsepower 2.0-liter and 190-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo are carried over unchanged from 2026.
- AWD is a $1,700 option on the LX, S, and EX and is standard on the X-Line S and X-Line SX.
- Maximum cargo space is 64.2 cubic feet, and cargo space behind the second row is 27.8 cubic feet.
- Combined EPA estimates are 30 mpg (2.0L FWD), 28 mpg (2.0L AWD), and 26 mpg (1.6L Turbo AWD).
- The Seltos Hybrid is confirmed for later in 2026, with pricing and fuel economy not yet published by Kia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2027 Kia Seltos bigger than the 2026 model?
Yes. Its wheelbase is 105.9 inches compared with 103.5 inches, and it is 1.8 inches longer and 1.1 inches wider overall. Cargo space behind the second row is 27.8 cubic feet compared with 26.6, and maximum cargo space is 64.2 cubic feet compared with 62.8.
Does the 2027 Seltos come with all-wheel drive?
It depends on the trim. AWD is standard on the X-Line S and X-Line SX. On the LX, S, and EX it is a $1,700 option, and those trims are front-wheel drive without it.
How much does the 2027 Seltos cost?
Kia's MSRP starts at $24,990 for the LX FWD and runs to $32,790 for the X-Line SX, before the $1,495 destination charge, taxes, and fees. Seltos Hybrid pricing has not been announced.
When does the 2027 Seltos Hybrid go on sale?
Kia has said the Seltos Hybrid will go on sale later this year. It has not published an exact date, pricing, or EPA fuel economy as of this writing, so ask our team for the latest information.