New & Used 2027 Kia Seltos for Sale nearMalibu, CA

Is the 2027 Kia Seltos a good car?

The 2027 Kia Seltos earns an 8.17/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel, Form and function, and Technology.

It backs up that score with a redesigned small-SUV package that emphasizes style, a roomy interior, and a cargo area that feels more practical than the vehicle’s footprint suggests. The tech story is especially strong, with advanced infotainment and safety features helping it feel more modern than many rivals.

The trade-offs are real, though: the standard engine is sluggish, the ride can feel soft and springy at times, and it lacks standard blind-spot warning. Even so, if you want a small SUV that prioritizes space, features, and visual appeal, the Seltos makes a strong case for itself.

Good and great deals account for 34.2% of listings, which suggests there is at least some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2027 Kia Seltos reliable?

The 2027 Kia Seltos is presented as a new model with a strong emphasis on substance behind its redesign, and the expert evaluation points to a well-built, practical small SUV rather than a fragile one. The overview highlights a roomy cabin, useful cargo space, and a modern feature set, while the expert summary says the redesign brings deep substance beneath the bold styling.

From a dependability standpoint, the performance write-up describes the standard 2.0-liter powertrain as adequate for typical small-SUV use, even if it is not especially quick. The cost-effectiveness section also notes Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, five-year/60,000-mile standard warranty, and five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance coverage, which helps reduce ownership anxiety.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that the base powertrain’s modest output and the softer ride tuning may be less satisfying over time if you regularly drive in demanding conditions.

What should I look for when buying a used 2027 Kia Seltos?

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 97.8% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a vehicle history report and verify that the specific car you’re considering has a clean title and no hidden damage. A pre-purchase inspection is worth prioritizing, especially if you’re looking at a higher-mileage example or one with optional equipment. Focus on overall condition, feature operation, and whether the trim level matches the equipment you want.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base LX trim level lacks blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the S trim is the recommended upgrade because it adds a safe-exit warning system. The X-Line SX test vehicle also showed how much the upper trims can add through the Prestige Package, including more advanced visibility aids and premium cabin features.
• Powertrain: Most trims use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a CVT, and the standard setup is described as slow when merging, passing, or climbing hills. The X-Line SX uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic and torque-vectoring AWD, which delivers much stronger output.
• Safety package: Forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking with intersection turning assist, front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control are standard. Highway Driving Assist is available with the Prestige Package on the X-Line SX, and the package also adds a camera-based blind-spot monitor, surround-view camera system, additional side parking sensors, and rear automatic braking.
• Infotainment: The standard infotainment touchscreen is 12.3 inches, and the system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect connected services. The panoramic display setup can also include a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 5-inch climate control panel, though those are not standard.
• Fuel efficiency: The X-Line SX is rated at 26 mpg combined, and it averaged 26.5 mpg on the test route.

Which 2027 Kia Seltos trim should I buy?

The 2027 Kia Seltos is offered in 5 trim levels: LX, S, EX, X-Line S, and X-Line SX.

Here's the short version:

• LX: This is the entry point, but it misses blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, so it is the least compelling choice if safety tech matters to you.
• S: This is the best-value trim because it adds the safe-exit warning system and fixes one of the base model’s biggest omissions without pushing you too far up the price ladder.
• EX: This trim is a sensible step up if you want more equipment while staying with the standard 2.0-liter powertrain and everyday-friendly setup.
• X-Line S: Choose this if you want standard AWD and a more rugged-looking version of the Seltos without jumping all the way to the top model.
• X-Line SX: This is the most powerful and most feature-rich version, with the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, stronger performance, and access to the Prestige Package’s premium tech and safety upgrades.

The safety content specifically recommends upgrading to the S trim because the base LX lacks blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2027 Kia Seltos?

This looks like a moderate, selective-buyer market: there is enough inventory to shop around, but the best examples still deserve careful comparison.

• Deal availability: 34.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 491 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 97.8% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2027 Kia Seltos safe?

The 2027 Kia Seltos has not yet been rated by either IIHS or NHTSA.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The standard safety suite is broad: forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking with intersection turning assist, front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control all come standard. The hands-on-detection steering wheel is designed to reduce warnings while using lane-centering assist, and that helps the system feel less intrusive.

There are two important caveats. The base LX trim does not get blind-spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alert, and Highway Driving Assist is reserved for the Prestige Package on the X-Line SX. That makes the S trim the smarter starting point if safety equipment is a priority.

Should I buy a 2027 Kia Seltos or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2027 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2027 if:

• 34.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 97.8% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• The redesigned model brings a roomier cabin, stronger styling, and more advanced infotainment and safety tech than before.

The bottom line: If you want the most modern Seltos, the 2027 is the one to target because it delivers the redesign, the strongest feature set, and a more polished overall presentation. If you are especially price-sensitive, it is still worth shopping carefully within the year because the base engine is not a highlight and the best value may come from a well-equipped lower trim rather than the top model.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.