Affordable subcompact SUVs are plentiful, yet not many have the style and refinement of pricier vehicles. The 2027 Kia Seltos is an exception. In its reworked form it offers a level of comfort and polish that is hard to come by in this segment. Between the bolder looks, the much improved interior and three powertrains avaialble, the new Seltos has a strong appeal for those desiring a small SUV with more substance than an entry-level model.
The change is obvious at first sight. A thorough styling update has made the 2027 Seltos look more substantial and sophisticated. It bears some resemblance to the Telluride, especially in the upright stance and bold front end. It is a good thing; the Seltos now appears to be worth more than the sticker price would have you believe. Some of its subcompact rivals still seem like mere conveyances, but the Seltos has the air of something from a higher class.
Inside is where the case for the redesigned Seltos is most convincing. Kia has put together a cabin of a premium nature that one might not expect in this category. The dash is modern and uncluttered, with well-chosen materials and details that raise the standard. You will find a degree of style here that eludes many competitors, even in their costlier trims.
A broad display panel takes up much of the dashboard, putting in a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an infotainment screen of the same size. It imparts a high-tech feel without being overwrought. The infotainment is easy to work with, the menus and controls are responsive and the technology serves to enhance the drive, not hinder it.
Not every ergonomic choice has been spot on, however. The climate controls are sited between the gauge cluster and the infotainment unit. That seems like a sensible use of space until you are in the driver’s seat. With the steering wheel in certain positions the controls are hard to see and adjusting the fan or temperature while on the move is more trouble than it ought to be. An odd miss in an otherwise fine cabin.
Elsewhere there is little to complain about. The front seats are both supportive and comfortable, so the Seltos is a fine place to be on a cross-town commute or a protracted road trip. Kia has also been effective in shutting out noise from the road and wind, a measure of refinement that is commendable for the money.
The second row is agreeably roomy. For all its compact exterior, the Seltos does not make adults in back feel hemmed in. The seatbacks will recline too, which is no given in a subcompact and goes some way to underlining the emphasis on passenger comfort.
As for what is under the hood, Kia has three 2027 powertrains to choose from. The 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder is the norm, mated to a CVT and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive can be had if desired. It is sufficient for day-to-day motoring if nothing more. Acceleration is unremarkable when passing or getting on the highway and, being heavier than the old model, the new Seltos is a touch slower.
Those wanting a bit of verve would do better with the optional turbo. A 1.6-liter four that puts out 190 horsepower and comes with an eight-speed auto and all-wheel drive as standard. With the extra power on hand, the Seltos is more responsive, especially in accelerating from a standstill or to merge with traffic. The turbocharged model has a more natural feel to it thanks to the conventional automatic, a nice change from the CVT.
The stronger engine does not make the Seltos any more sporty, though. Kia has put ride comfort ahead of handling and you can tell as soon as the road gets twisty. The suspension handles bumps and uneven pavement well but there is no reason to put the Seltos through its paces in a corner. It is predictable and composed if not the sort of engaging drive an enthusiast would want.
Then again, most of this segment’s buyers are after fuel economy, comfort and general usability rather than to carve up a mountain pass. In that regard the Seltos is what it should be. The cabin is quiet, the suspension makes short work of broken pavement and the whole experience is easygoing. It is a small SUV at its best when making daily life a bit more comfortable.
Kia announced a new hybrid for the efficiency minded, coupling a 1.6-liter four-cylinder to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. It is another way for drivers to cut down on fuel use without giving up the practicality of an SUV. We will have to wait for Kia to put out the numbers before we know how much of an edge the hybrid has over the rest.
As for the standard 2.0-liter with front-wheel drive, it is rated at 28/33/30 mpg city/highway/combined. Put all-wheel drive on it and those become 26/30/28. The turbo, which is only available with AWD, is good for 24/30/26. Respectable figures for the class. The penalty for the turbo’s power is modest enough to be appealing, while the forthcoming hybrid may be of interest to the heavy commuter once its ratings are made public.
What stands out about the 2027 Seltos is the value. At $26,485 you can get into one and a top spec model is in the vicinity of $34,000. That is competitive for an SUV with this kind of styling, room inside and technology. The entry level has what you need without being sparse and the pricier ones have the refinement of a compact luxury vehicle. Even the base model has the same fundamental appeal as the rest of the redesigned line.
The Verdict
There are some missteps. The climate controls are in an awkward spot and the added weight has had a slight effect on acceleration. A driver looking for some involvement behind the wheel could find the soft suspension and easy handling wanting.
None of that takes away from what Kia has done here. They have let their smallest SUV be what it is and concentrated on the things of consequence to the average buyer: space, value, technology and a measure of comfort. You end up with a subcompact that is far more mature and upscale than the old one. The Telluride-like looks give it an identity and the roomy back seat and quiet interior are fine for everyday use.
It is not the most thrilling small SUV but the 2027 Seltos grows on you. With the premium design and the price tag, the reworked Seltos shows that an affordable SUV need not be a basic one.
