2027 kia seltos pros and consThe second-generation 2027 Kia Seltos shifts away from its crossover origins, adopting a blockier, more upright SUV silhouette inspired by the midsize Telluride. Built on Kia's "Opposites United" design language, the redesigned model grows in every dimension to provide expanded passenger room and cargo volume. Alongside the carryover gasoline powertrains, the Seltos expands its consumer appeal by offering a gasoline-hybrid variant for the first time. A detailed breakdown of the entry-level SUV reveals clear advantages and distinct drawbacks.2027 Kia Seltos First Drive Review: Less Crossover, More SUV2027 Kia Seltos First Drive Review: Less Crossover, More SUVLAC-BEAUPORT, Que. – The Kia Seltos has been around for a sneaky long time. Since 2019, to be exact, and after seven years, and one facelift (2024), it's been remade for the 2027 model year as an all-new second-gen. The new Seltos, which is larger than the outgoing model, is bigger and boxier than the car it replaces, and looks more like its larger SUV siblings, especially the all-new, three-row Telluride. The new car is now fully in line with Kia's "Opposites United" design language and possesses an interior that is quite similar to its growing fleet of EVs.The other big news for the new Seltos is it will be available, for the first time, as a gas hybrid. Powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a lithium-ion battery pack and electric motors, the Seltos hybrid will be offered in front and all-wheel drive trims when it goes on sale later this year. To learn more about the 2027 Seltos, Kia invited AutoGuide to spend a day sampling a top-level, gas-powered X-Line SX tester on some undulating terrain in Lac-Beauport, Quebec, just north of Quebec City. Lee BailieLee Bailie2027 kia seltos pros and consPros: Rugged Architecture and Interior ModernizationSubstantial Size Increase: The vehicle adds 1.7 inches in length, 1.1 inches in width, and 2.3 inches to its wheelbase, creating superior legroom, headroom, and shoulder room alongside an extra 1.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity.Assertive SUV Aesthetics: Upright front styling, a wider grille, Star Map lighting signatures, and lower body cladding give the vehicle a more rugged presence that effectively moves it away from its past hatchback-style roots.Responsive Turbocharged Engine Tier: The available 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, delivering predictable, peppy acceleration both from a standstill and at highway speeds.Smooth Automatic Transmission: Moving away from continuously variable setups on upper trims, the turbo engine pairs with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission that operates transparently.EV-Inspired Dashboard Technology: The cabin layout utilizes a standard wide panoramic display housing a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen, giving the driver-focused space a wide, high-tech appearance.Traditional Mechanical Shifter: Unlike modern vehicles using dials or buttons, the gasoline-powered Seltos models retain a traditional, console-mounted mechanical gear selector lever.Comprehensive Safety Content: Standard equipment includes forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, front and rear parking sensors, and adaptive smart cruise control.2027 kia seltos pros and consAdvertisementAdvertisementCons: Carryover Base Mechanics and Material ShortfallsUnchanged Baseline Performance: Lower-tier models continue to rely on the carryover 2.0-liter Atkinson four-cylinder engine making a modest 147 horsepower, mated strictly to a continuously variable transmission.Elevated Engine Noise Under Load: While the cabin remains quiet at steady highway cruising speeds, the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine creates noticeable, loud cabin intrusion during aggressive acceleration.Inconsistent Interior Plastic Quality: Although the visual contours of the cabin provide depth, the interior panels rely on a mix of soft and hard-touch plastics that feel somewhat budget-oriented.Hybrid Layout Ergonomics: Upcoming hybrid models replace the practical console shifter with a steering column-mounted gear selector stalk, a design that is less intuitive for traditional drivers.Higher Price Boundaries for Performance: The starting price sits at an accessible $26,485 for the base LX FWD, but unlocking the turbocharged engine requires stepping up to the top-tier X-Line SX at $34,285 ($41,430 CAD to $43,430 CAD in Canada), pushing the vehicle out of the budget category.