Subcompact crossovers used to mean settling for compromise. Drivers routinely accepted noisy cabins, unrefined powertrains, and budget-grade interiors just to get an affordable footprint, a raised ride height, and all-wheel drive. The completely redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos changes that dynamic. Stretched longer, wider, and styled with boxy, Telluride-inspired confidence, this second-generation crossover brings upscale technology and cabin refinement once reserved for luxury vehicles. However, with the top-tier X-Line Limited trim pushing past $40,000 CAD, does it still deliver the unbeatable value proposition that made the original Seltos a hit?
Performance
Engine – The 2027 Kia Seltos comes with two distinct engine choices. Lower trims rely on a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates under 150 horsepower. However, the standout powertrain is found under the hood of the top-tier X-Line model: a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine making 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque (142 kW & 264 Nm), with max torque arriving low at just 1,600 RPM. This turbo engine feels peppy and well-suited for everyday driving, offering ample passing power for highway overtakes without feeling overstrained, though it stops short of true hot-hatch performance.
Fuel Economy – With the turbocharged engine and standard All-Wheel Drive, fuel economy is rated at 9.9 L/100km (23.7 MPG) in the city and 7.8 L/100km (30.2 MPG) on the highway. While these numbers are realistic and easily attainable in everyday driving, turbo power and AWD do come with a noticeable trade-off at the pumps. On the upside, the turbo motor runs on standard regular gasoline without requiring premium fuel. Buyers looking for maximum efficiency will want to wait for the dedicated hybrid version arriving later in 2026.
Transmission – Unlike the base 2.0L engine that uses a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the 1.6L turbo pairs with an 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. This is a massive upgrade over the clunky 7-speed dual-clutch transmission found in the previous-generation Seltos. The 8-speed automatic eliminates low-speed shudder, making creep-crawling in bumper-to-bumper traffic and reversing up inclines smooth and predictable. Selecting Sport mode sharpens throttle response and holds gears longer; while it isn’t the fastest-shifting transmission on the market, it sets off without hesitation and shifts cleanly.
Braking – The 2027 Kia Seltos comes standard with four-wheel disc brakes featuring 12.0-inch vented rotors up front and 11.2-inch solid discs at the rear. Pedal response feels linear, progressive, and confident for daily commuting duties. An Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold comes standard across the board, holding the vehicle in place at red lights without needing constant pressure on the pedal. While stopping distance from highway speeds is slightly longer than the outgoing model due to the extra overall curb weight of the redesign, the system provides smooth, drama-free stopping power during routine city traffic and highway stops.
Handling – While it isn’t as agile or engaging to drive as a Mazda CX-30, the 2027 Seltos trades sharp handling for highway composure. Kia widened the track, stretched the wheelbase, tuned the steering for slower response, and added a multi-link rear suspension setup on AWD models. The resulting extra heft makes the crossover feel stable, mature, and planted rather than tossable, aiming squarely at comfortable city commuting and stress-free long-distance cruising.
Comfort
Ride Comfort – Overall ride comfort takes a major step forward thanks to the longer wheelbase and revised damper tuning. The previous generation could feel harsh or “crashy” over rough road surfaces, but the new setup soaks up sharp bumps far more gracefully. Buyers opting for lower trim levels equipped with 16- or 18-inch wheels—and their corresponding meatier tire sidewalls—can expect even smoother compliance than the top-spec X-Line on its 19-inch alloy wheels.
Interior Space – Occupant space improves noticeably courtesy of the stretched wheelbase. While front-seat passengers enjoy a spacious cabin layout, rear-seat legroom is generous for average-height adults, and the rear seats feature a reclining function alongside ample headroom, even under the available panoramic sunroof. Further back, practical usability remains a strong suit: the cargo bay measures 786 L (27.7 cu-ft) behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,817 L (64.2 cu-ft) with the seats folded flat. A temporary spare tire rests safely under the cargo floor.
Noise, Vibration, & Harshness – In terms of cabin isolation, the 2027 model marks a dramatic transformation. Quietness is significantly improved over the outgoing generation; internal decibel tests put its interior sound levels on par with a Hyundai Palisade, one of the quietest non-luxury SUVs on the market. Road noise and harsh pavement vibrations are kept firmly at bay.
Odds and Ends
Pricing – The 2027 Kia Seltos lineup opens at $28,495 CAD ($24,990 USD) for the base LX FWD trim, with All-Wheel Drive adding $2,000 CAD ($1,700 USD). The fully optioned X-Line Limited trim pushes north of $40,000, landing at $41,295 CAD ($32,790 USD). While steep for a subcompact crossover, it justifies the price point by out-specing similarly priced competitors.
Gadgets – The top-trim Seltos punches above its weight class by including tech features rarely found in this segment. Above the digital display setup, it offers an available head-up display, a Blind View Monitor, and a panoramic sunroof. Everyday convenience is equally well covered, with standard and available amenities like ventilated and heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a wireless phone charging pad, and a power liftgate.
Interior Design – The redesigned cabin adopts a modern dual-screen layout with a small, dedicated climate control screen placed between the main displays. While this climate screen can be partially obscured by the steering wheel spoke from the driver’s seat, physical toggle switches for temperature and fan speed remain below on the center console, and touching the screen brings up full climate controls on the main screen. The dashboard retains physical shortcut buttons, steering wheel controls, and door-mounted seat heating/ventilation controls. While the previous generation’s multi-tone interior options have been replaced with a simple all-black theme, ambient lighting adds back visual interest at night.
Exterior Design – Styling takes heavy inspiration from the larger Kia Telluride, giving the Seltos a boxier, mini-Telluride presence on the road. Up front, prominent amber LED daytime running lights immediately grab attention, while the profile features sleek flush pop-out door handles and gloss black wheel arch cladding. Around back, the SUV finishes strong with a full-width light bar anchored by vertical LED taillight signatures that match the front lighting design.
Safety – Kia equips the 2027 Seltos with an expanded suite of standard driver-assistance technology across all trims. Baseline protection includes eight airbags, forward collision-avoidance assist with junction turning, lane keeping assist, blind-spot collision avoidance, safe exit alert, and front/rear parking sensors. Moving up to the top-tier X-Line model adds high-end driver aids like a camera-based Blind View Monitor, a Surround View 360-degree camera system, rear automatic emergency braking, and Highway Driving Assist with adaptive cruise control.
Warranty – In Canada, Kia backs the Seltos with its standard 5-year/100,000 km comprehensive “bumper-to-bumper” and powertrain warranty, which includes 5 years of unlimited-kilometer 24/7 roadside assistance. For more information on Kia’s Canadian warranty, click here. For Kia USA warranty information, click here.
Conclusion – The 2027 Kia Seltos shifts the subcompact crossover dynamic by delivering the refinement, isolation, and premium feature set of a $50,000 vehicle in a compact, city-friendly size. It sacrifices some corner-carving agility for sheer daily comfort, quietness, and usable cabin space. If you are shopping for an all-weather daily driver or weekend getaway vehicle that punches well above its size class, the new Seltos deserves a spot at the top of your test-drive list.
Thank you to Kia Canada for providing the 2027 Seltos. www.Kia.ca
2027 Kia Seltos Gallery
