2027 Kia Seltos Undercuts Rivals on PriceKia (Kia)Value has always been a calling card of Kia's Seltos subcompact SUV. In a crowded field of offerings, the Seltos has consistently delivered a solid mix of features, style, and affordability, making it one of the easiest-to-recommend models in the segment.The formula has only improved with the updated 2027 Kia Seltos thanks to a substantial redesign inside and out, highlighted by a boxier, more upright exterior style that brings it more in line with its EV9 and Telluride SUV stablemates. Better still, Kia managed to do it without blowing past the price ceiling that matters most to buyers. The 2027 Seltos starts at $26,485 in front-wheel-drive form, and all-wheel drive adds just $1,700.That pricing keeps the Seltos in a strong position against key rivals like the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, and Subaru Crosstrek. Depending on the trim, Kia's subcompact crossover undercuts those competitors by anywhere from $230 to a little more than $4,000. Among base front-drive models, the Honda HR-V LX starts at $28,050, or $1,565 more than the Seltos, while the Hyundai Kona SE lands much closer at $615 more. Fuel economy among the three is tightly grouped, but the Kona takes a narrow win at 28/35/31 mpg city/highway/combined. The Seltos follows closely at 28/33/30 mpg, while the HR-V trails at 26/32/28 mpg.Basic AWDsThe same value story plays out among base all-wheel-drive trims. The Subaru Crosstrek Base starts at $28,415, just $230 more than the Seltos LX AWD at $28,185. The Honda HR-V LX AWD, meanwhile, carries a $29,550 sticker, making it $1,365 pricier than the Kia. Efficiency is similarly close. The Crosstrek edges ahead at 26/33/29 mpg, while the Seltos returns 26/30/28 mpg from its 2.0-liter I-4 and AWD setup. The HR-V again finishes last at 25/30/27 mpg, though the gap is hardly dramatic.MotorTrend (MotorTrend)Better for Adventure?Shoppers looking for something more rugged will likely end up comparing the Kia Seltos X-Line SX with the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. Here, too, the Kia keeps a pricing edge, starting at $34,285 versus $35,215 for the Crosstrek Wilderness. The Subaru remains the more capable off-roader on paper, thanks largely to its 9.3 inches of ground clearance, which gives it a 1.2-inch advantage over the Kia. But the Seltos answers with a clear cargo-space win. It offers 27.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, comfortably beating the Crosstrek Wilderness and its 20.0 and 54.9 cubic feet.AdvertisementAdvertisementFuel economy is nearly a wash. The Seltos X-Line SX uses a 1.6-liter turbo I-4, an eight-speed automatic, and AWD to deliver 24/30/26 mpg. The Crosstrek Wilderness, powered by Subaru's 2.5-liter flat-four and CVT, comes in at 24/29/26 mpg. Its slight deficit is hardly surprising given its more aggressive tires, trail-focused bumper design, and taller ride height.What About the Hybrid?A hybrid version of the 2027 Kia Seltos is coming, but it isn't expected until later this year. Kia has yet to release pricing or fuel economy figures for the electrified model. Even so, the brand's existing hybrid lineup offers a useful guide. Expect the Seltos Hybrid to carry a premium of roughly $1,500 to $2,500 over the standard front- and all-wheel-drive models.Photo credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: KiaPhoto credit: KiaPhoto credit: KiaPhoto credit: KiaAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Kia