Tested: 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line SX AWDAmir Saidi - MotorTrendSolid overall functionalityHigh-quality constructionQuicker than base SeltosWeak overall performanceTop trim's dubious valueMaybe wait for the hybridA quick glance at the new 2027 Kia Seltos suggests a successful redesign—this second-generation model looks so much better than before. It mostly feels that way, too, delivering quality and refinement that stand out among even the best subcompact SUVs.AdvertisementAdvertisementPerformance, though, is where the new Seltos runs into trouble. Even with the available turbocharged engine tested here, Kia's smallest crossover struggles. Vehicles like this aren't all about speed, but the 2027 Seltos has barely enough to keep up. Can it redeem itself?Amir Saidi - MotorTrendUpping Its GameKia's design department is on a roll these days. After delivering the knockout EV9 and upscale redesigned Telluride, it succeeds on a smaller scale with the new Seltos. The diminutive SUV looks tough and technical, with well-judged proportions, crisp sheetmetal, and sharp lighting elements. It's chic and cohesive, unlike the somewhat frumpy, disjointed original Seltos.Inside, it's also a step up, as the Seltos integrates modern Kia design cues and tech features. All models have a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen running the automaker's snappy, intuitive user interface. Below that, large physical buttons and switches keep basic functions within easy reach. The cabin layout just makes sense; things generally are where they should be. One exception is the diagonal trim piece ahead of the window switches, which forms a triangular area on the door. If it were open, it could be a useful grab handle or cubby, but it's enclosed and therefore merely decorative.The perceived quality is impressive. Everything feels tight and substantial; the doors close with a solid thud, the shifter slides neatly, and the signal and wiper stalks flick with nice damping. Even if the materials aren't exactly upscale, how they're assembled adds to a pleasantly premium impression. One bummer is that high-end models are only built with an uninteresting all-black interior; lower trims offer a light gray two-tone theme, and Kia has shown sophisticated brown and green upholstery options for other markets.Amir Saidi - MotorTrendPerformance Goes BackwardsGood looks don't matter much to our test equipment, though—and the numbers show that performance in the new Seltos is comprehensively worse than before.AdvertisementAdvertisementEngines carry over from the outgoing Seltos. Most models have a 2.0-liter I-4 producing 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, while the range-topping, off-road-inspired X-Line SX trim tested here is exclusively equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter I-4 making 190 hp and 195 lb-ft.With the base engine, the Seltos is a slug, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 11.0 seconds. The turbo engine makes the X-Line SX comparatively quick—but an 8.5-second run is nothing to praise, especially considering a 2024 Seltos with this engine took 7.3 seconds. The 2027 model's 16.7-second, 82.9-mph quarter mile is also a whole second slower than before. A nearly 400-pound weight gain in this redesign likely deserves much of the blame. At least it's quicker than the non-turbo Seltos, which meandered across the line in 18.2 seconds at 77.1 mph.Under full-force braking, this 2027 Seltos posted another troubling regression. Its 60–0-mph stopping distance of 130 feet is longer than the prior model's 113-foot result by more than its own length. The non-turbo 2027 Seltos needed a similarly disappointing 131 feet.The 2027 Seltos turbo completed our figure-eight handling test in 28.8 seconds at 0.58 g average, a half-second and 0.02 g down from the 2024 version. Discouragingly, it also essentially overlaps with the 2027 non-turbo version, which did the test in 28.6 seconds at 0.57 g average, further undermining the ostensible upgrade engine's credibility.Amir Saidi - MotorTrendNice and SlowResults from the test track aren't necessarily a practical reference for the real world; how often does anyone approach the limit of grip in normal commuting? But even with its turbocharged engine, the 2027 Seltos' slowness is noticeable in everyday driving.AdvertisementAdvertisementNot only does the engine feel low on power, the eight-speed automatic transmission's reluctance to downshift when mashing the accelerator and tendency to lug the engine at low rpm rather than putting it in a place where it could make more power further slow the rush to merging speeds. At times, choosing gears manually by pushing and pulling the shift knob seems necessary because the transmission responds so slowly; running Sport mode makes little difference.At low speeds, its behavior oddly resembles that of a dual-clutch gearbox: It sometimes lurches slightly when pulling away from a stop and can take a good moment to switch between drive and reverse. Once underway, it shifts smoothly.Otherwise, driving the Seltos X-Line SX is generally pleasant. Ride quality is comfortable; the suspension readily absorbs rough pavement and maintains composure, although larger impacts can produce a slight bounce. Despite its small footprint, the Seltos is smooth and stable as a highway cruiser, especially with how well it blocks sounds from outside. Kia's well-tuned driver aids add to the relaxation; the capacitive steering wheel requires just a light touch to maintain lane keep assistance.With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, the X-Line SX model rides slightly higher than other Seltos models. That added height might contribute to its handling feeling a bit top-heavy and tippy. Between the gradual acceleration, soft brake pedal, and light steering, this small SUV clearly isn't engineered to excite, but rather to be easygoing.Amir Saidi - MotorTrendThis Might Not Be the Seltos to GetEven though the turbocharged I-4 is weak, its quicker acceleration than the standard engine makes it seem preferable. But Kia reserves it for the X-Line SX trim, the most expensive Seltos at $34,285 to start. Granted, upgrades like black 19-inch wheels, improved headlights, a heated steering wheel, and a huge panoramic sunroof distinguish it from lesser Seltos models.AdvertisementAdvertisementThing is, our test vehicle also had the Prestige package, adding ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera and parking sensors, Harman Kardon audio, and a 12.3-inch digital display, among other features. All nice things to have—but for this vehicle's $37,250 as-tested price? That's steep for such a small, slow SUV.If the turbocharged engine were available in lower Seltos trims, it'd be easier to recommend. Sure, it'd still be slow, but not dismally so, while retaining the cool design, solid quality, and enjoyable refinement common across the Seltos lineup.Perhaps the move is to wait for the upcoming Seltos Hybrid: It will be offered in several trims across a range of prices, with an electrified powertrain that could improve acceleration and responsiveness while boosting fuel economy.Photo credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Amir Saidi - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrend
+62 others
![Kia, Kia confirms PV7 debut and previews larger EV van [Video]](https://cdn.topcarnews.net/thumb/id/aHR0cHM6Ly9pMC53cC5jb20vZWxlY3Ry-ZWsuY28vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRz-L3NpdGVzLzMvMjAyNi8wOC9LaWEtUFY3-LUVWLXZhbi1wcmV2aWV3LmpwZWc_dz0x-NTAwJmFtcDtxdWFsaXR5PTgyJmFtcDtz-dHJpcD1hbGwmYW1wO3NzbD0x/c9a8c4edc20dc8f07b915e08f476109e.jpeg?t=20260905&post_id=58630)
![Kia, Kia confirms PV7 debut and previews larger EV van [Video]](https://cdn.topcarnews.net/thumb/id/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbGVjdHJlay5jby93cC1j-b250ZW50L3VwbG9hZHMvc2l0ZXMvMy8y-MDI2LzA4L0tpYS1QVjctcHJldmlldy1y-ZWFyLmpwZWc/eb8b686321c705075f581b6627641335.jpeg?t=20260905&post_id=58630)
