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.

Kia positions this redesign as a roomier, more tech-forward small crossover, and the expert review backs that up with praise for its spacious cabin, strong cargo space, and advanced infotainment. It also stands out for its bold styling and practical packaging, which make it feel more substantial than many small SUVs.

The main trade-offs are in the driving experience: the standard engine is sluggish, the ride can be soft and springy at times, and the lineup still leaves some buyers wanting more from the powertrain side. Even so, the Seltos looks like a strong fit if you want a compact SUV with a lot of space, a lot of tech, and a more distinctive personality than the average commuter crossover.

The market shows 38.3% of listings as good or great deals, which suggests there is still some room to shop carefully.

Is the 2027 Kia Seltos reliable?

The 2027 Kia Seltos is presented as a well-equipped new model with a generous warranty package and a strong emphasis on everyday usability. The expert review also points to a cabin and feature set that feel thoughtfully executed, which is a good sign for long-term ownership confidence.

On the dependability side, the performance notes describe the standard 2.0-liter powertrain as adequate for typical small-SUV use, even if it is not especially quick. Kia also includes a generous warranty and complimentary roadside assistance, which helps reduce early ownership risk. The cost-effectiveness notes add that the free three-year Kia Connect Ultimate plan is a meaningful value.

For used buyers, the biggest long-term risk is that the standard powertrain may leave you wanting more if you regularly drive in traffic, on hills, or on fast highways.

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 97.3% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you are considering a higher-mileage example or a trim with more equipment. Focus on how the cabin electronics, driver-assistance features, and suspension feel in real-world use, since those are the areas where this model’s appeal is most concentrated.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base LX trim level lacks blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the S trim adds a safer feature set and a safe-exit warning system.
• Powertrain: The 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, and the standard CVT can feel slow when merging, passing, or climbing hills. The turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder delivers 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, pairs with an eight-speed automatic, and is the stronger choice if you want more urgency.
• 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 that package also adds a camera-based blind-spot monitor, surround-view camera system, additional side parking sensors, and rear automatic braking.
• Infotainment: The cabin centers on a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The panoramic display also includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 5-inch climate control display, though the driver display and climate panel are not standard on every trim.
• Fuel efficiency: The X-Line SX returns 26 mpg in combined city and highway driving, and the test route average was 26.5 mpg.

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:

• Base trim: The LX is the least equipped choice because it lacks blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, so it is the trim most likely to feel stripped down in daily use.
• Sweet-spot trim: The S is the best value pick because it adds the safer feature set that the base trim misses, including safe-exit warning.
• Premium/top trim: The X-Line SX is the most appealing if you want the strongest engine, the richest tech presentation, and available Prestige Package upgrades such as the premium audio system, ventilated front seats, camera-based visibility aids, and Highway Driving Assist.
• Off-road trim: The X-Line SX is not the best choice if you want a simple daily driver, since its higher price and added hardware make it more of a premium pick than a practical bargain.

The safety-package note is simple: if you want blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, do not stop at the LX.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you are patient and compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 38.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 447 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 97.3% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2027 Kia Seltos safe?

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

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

The standard safety suite is broad and includes 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. Kia’s Highway Driving Assist is available with the Prestige Package on the X-Line SX, and that package also adds a camera-based blind-spot monitor, surround-view camera system, additional side parking sensors, and rear automatic braking.

The main safety gap is on the base LX trim, which does not get blind-spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alert. If safety equipment matters to you, the S trim is the better starting point.

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:

• 38.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 97.3% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• The redesigned model adds a hybrid powertrain, a roomier cabin, and a much more advanced infotainment setup.

The bottom line: If you want the newest Seltos with the biggest jump in space, tech, and overall presence, the 2027 is the one to target. If you are more price-sensitive, a nearby model year may still make sense, especially if you are willing to trade away some of the redesign’s added room and technology.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.