2027 Kia Seltos Tested: Big Value, Little SpeedWilliam Walker - MotorTrendCute stylingComfortable rideAffordable pricingSmall cargo areaGutless engineAwkward climate control positioningAs we approached the 2027 Kia Seltos, freshly delivered to our office, its flush-mounted door handles popped out to greet us. We didn't have to pull the key fob from our pocket or touch a keyless-entry sensor; the Seltos was already making a strong first impression. Later that afternoon, when two colleagues and I took it to lunch, we were equally impressed by its interior space, cabin design, and technology—all packed into a tidy $33,000 package.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt was clear to us that Kia has applied many of the lessons learned from the original Seltos to its new, second-generation model, one of them being that it's now a genuinely attractive subcompact SUV. Its boxy yet modern styling, amber daytime running lights, and two-tone wheels give it the look of a downsized Telluride. The design comes across as both approachable and upscale, and during our two weeks with it, nearly every family member, friend, or co-worker who climbed aboard had something positive to say about it.william walker - MotorTrendUnderstanding Its BaseAutomakers are always eager to attract new customers, especially younger buyers who could remain loyal to the brand for years. The Seltos is aimed primarily at people just starting out, although empty nesters downsizing into something smaller may find it appealing, as well. Regardless of who's shopping for it, Kia seems to have figured out how to deliver what most buyers want these days from a small SUV.Step inside, and the cabin feels genuinely welcoming. Our Frost Blue tester paired nicely with Saturn Black and Gray Woven perforated leatherette, combining light- and dark-gray plastics with subtle light-blue accents. It's a refreshing departure from the all-black interiors many automakers still offer at this price point. It also feels premium to the touch. Take the leather-wrapped steering wheel, for example, with its stitching and controls that match the look and tactility of the buttons on the center console.william walker - MotorTrendAdding to the overall experience is the expansive glass panel that houses the digital gauge cluster, haptic climate controls, and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. There is one downside here, though, as the steering wheel completely blocks the climate controls from the driver's line of sight, forcing you to lean over to see what you're pressing. Thankfully, Kia includes redundant controls within the touchscreen interface, so adjusting the cabin temperature can be done there instead.AdvertisementAdvertisementRear-seat passengers shouldn't have much to complain about. Adults 6 feet tall or shorter should find plenty of legroom and headroom, and the rear seat backs recline far enough to provide a more relaxed seating position. Back-seat occupants also get dedicated air vents and two USB ports.The one area where the Seltos feels tight is in the cargo space department. There's room for one large checked bag or two medium-size moving boxes from Home Depot, but fitting much more requires a game of Tetris without folding down the rear seats. That may be sufficient for everyday errands, but it could become a limitation on longer road trips, when every bit of cargo capacity matters.william walker - MotorTrendBe PatientAs far as motivation goes, the Seltos has never been an SUV that'll wow anyone off the line, and the 2027 Seltos won't, either. Rated at 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, the base, naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine feels particularly underwhelming as a motivator. The good news is that its continuously variable transmission manages the engine's limited output without sounding overly strained.Patience is essential when driving a Seltos equipped with the base engine, and our test numbers confirm as much: It needed a glacial 11.0 seconds to reach 60 mph. Even on city streets with speed limits above 50 mph, acceleration is leisurely at best. Most buyers will probably find the overall performance adequate, but we'd prefer a bit more punch.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor buyers who want more power, Kia offers an available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, which should cut the 0–60-mph time to a far more respectable 8.0 seconds. Of course, you'll pay a premium to get it, and the EPA ratings aren't as good. A Seltos Hybrid should also arrive on our shores soon and could be the best powertrain of the three, so stay tuned.Look past the lack of power, and the Seltos delivers a smooth, easygoing ride. Bumps and ruts do little to disturb the cabin, and road and tire noise are kept well under control. The Seltos is tuned for comfort as opposed to sportiness, and among its subcompact SUV competitors, it's a cut above its class as a result, with a ride that's composed, relaxed, and impressively refined.william walker - MotorTrendA New Class Leader?Competition in the subcompact SUV segment is stronger than ever, and the growing number of choices can make it difficult to pick the right model. The 2027 Seltos, however, is a vehicle that seems to understand its audience and speak directly to it. Speaking of that audience, there's also the matter of price. At just over $33,000 for our generously equipped, all-wheel-drive test model, it's a number we wouldn't call entry level, but it's not too far from it. The least expensive, front-drive Seltos can be had for less than $27,000 to start, which is even more affordable, and you still get decent features.In a market where the average transaction price has climbed to roughly $50,000, the Seltos should attract buyers, first-time and otherwise, looking for its combination of attractive style inside and out, comfortable, easygoing personality, and advanced technology—as long as they're fine with taking their time to get around.Photo credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: william walker - MotorTrend
