Review: Next-Gen 2027 Kia Seltos Levels Up with Tech and Comfort

A smooth ride, expanded cabin space, and user-friendly tech make Kia's subcompact SUV a tempting alternative to the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Toyota Corolla Cross

Jeff S. Bartlett, Consumer Reports Managing Editor, Autos.

By Jeff S. Bartlett
Managing Editor, Autos

Updated August 27, 2026

2027 Kia Seltos S driving at Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center

• The redesigned Seltos stands apart from most subcompact rivals in some positive ways, with its many available high-tech features borrowed from larger Kia SUVs, easy front access, and a compliant ride.

• The underwhelming base four-cylinder engine, a carryover from the previous generation, is the Achilles heel. A more powerful turbo engine is available on the top trim only.

• We don’t love the powered pop-out exterior door handles, odd-shaped steering wheel, and head restraints that tilt far forward.

In this article

Kia Seltos: Consumer Reports' Take Driving Experience Cabin Comfort Controls and Usability Safety and Driver Assistance

A few years ago, the subcompact SUV market blossomed with a wide variety of tall hatchbacks sourced from around the globe. Models like the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Hyundai Kona, and Kia Seltos combined the frugal nature of small cars with the convenience of larger doors, a tall roof, and a roomy cabin on a tiny, urban-friendly platform. Now some of these baby SUVs are growing up, like the redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos.

The second-generation Seltos expanded slightly in most dimensions. It also expanded its amenities to provide comfort, convenience, and active safety features that rival those of SUVs in larger, more costly classes.

The base 147-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is offered in the LX, S, EX, and X-Line S, while the 190-hp, 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is available in the top trim X-Line SX only. Kia will also offer a Seltos Hybrid starting with the 2027 model year.

For testing, we bought a Seltos S with all-wheel drive. This hits a sweet spot for price and value. In addition, we borrowed an X-Line SX from Kia to experience its turbocharged engine. We’re glad we did, as each Seltos provided quite a different driving experience.

If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the Kia Seltos is available to you below. Once we complete 2,000 break-in miles, we’ll put the Seltos through more than 50 tests at the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center, including empirical measurements of acceleration, braking, handling, car-seat fit, and usability. Consumer Reports members will have access to the full road-test results as soon as they’re available.

Sign up for Consumer Reports’ Cars email newsletter to be notified when we post our latest road-test results.

What we bought: 2027 Kia Seltos S AWD
Powertrain: 147-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine; continuously variable transmission; all-wheel drive
MSRP: $28,090
Options: Floor mats ($200)
Destination fee: $1,495
Total cost: $29,785
Final assembly point: Gwangju, South Korea

2027 Kia Seltos X-Line SX AWD front — The Kia Seltos X-Line SX comes with amenties more commonly associated with larger, more expensive models. Our favorite upgrade over the S we purchased is the turbocharged engine.

What we borrowed: 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line SX AWD
Powertrain: 190-hp, 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine; 8-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
MSRP: $32,790
Options: Prestige package ($2,500), all-weather mats ($220), floor mats ($200), first aid kit ($45)
Destination fee: $1,495
Total cost: $37,250
Final assembly point: Gwangju, South Korea

2027 Kia Seltos S, rear, at Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center — The Seltos carries several contemporary Kia design cues, including smooth sides, narrow lighting elements, a “floating” roof, and blocky wheel designs.

Become a member to read the full article and get access to digital ratings.

We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.

Jeff S. Bartlett

Jeff S. Bartlett is the managing editor for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2005. Previously, Jeff served as the online editorial director of Motor Trend for 11 years. Throughout his career, Jeff has driven thousands of cars, many on racetracks around the globe. Follow him on X: @JeffSBartlett