New & Used 2027 Kia Seltos for Sale nearWaterloo, IA

Is the 2027 Kia Seltos a good car?

The 2027 Kia Seltos earns an 8.2/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel, Form and function, and Technology.

The redesigned Seltos brings a roomy interior and cargo area, plus advanced infotainment and safety technology, so it feels more substantial than its predecessor. That makes it especially appealing if you value style, space, and tech in a small SUV.

The trade-offs are clear: the standard engine is sluggish, and the ride can feel soft and springy at times. It also lacks standard blind-spot warning.

Even so, the Seltos looks like a strong fit for buyers who want a compact SUV with a bigger-feeling cabin and a more upscale presentation than many rivals. Good and great deals account for 36.7% of listings, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2027 Kia Seltos reliable?

The 2027 Kia Seltos is presented as a brand-new redesign with a generous warranty package, which helps support confidence for used buyers. The overview also emphasizes a more substantial cabin, updated technology, and a stronger overall sense of refinement than the previous version.

The expert summary says the redesigned Seltos has “deep substance beneath its bold surface,” but also notes that the powertrains are still lacking until the hybrid arrives. The cost-effectiveness section adds Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, and five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance coverage.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that the current gas powertrains may feel underwhelming if you plan to keep the vehicle for many years and want stronger everyday performance.

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 95.8% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a vehicle history report and verify that the specific car you’re considering has no hidden damage or repair history. Prioritize a thorough inspection of the cabin electronics, driver-assistance features, and suspension behavior, since the Seltos’ appeal depends heavily on its tech and ride quality. It’s also worth checking whether the trim level includes the safety equipment you want, because some features are not standard on the base model.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The LX, S, EX, X-Line S, and X-Line SX trims differ meaningfully in equipment and drivetrain. The base LX is the most stripped-down version, and it lacks blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The S trim is the better starting point if you want a more complete safety setup, while the X-Line SX adds the most upscale equipment and the turbocharged engine.
• Powertrain: Most trims use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a CVT, and that setup is described as slow when merging, passing, or climbing hills. The X-Line SX uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, an eight-speed automatic, and torque-vectoring AWD.
• 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. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are not available on the base LX, and the S trim is recommended if you want a safer starting point.
• Infotainment: The standard infotainment touchscreen is 12.3 inches. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, along with Kia Connect connected services. The panoramic display setup adds a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 5-inch climate control panel on the test vehicle’s higher-spec configuration.
• Fuel efficiency: The X-Line SX is rated at 26 mpg in combined city and highway driving, 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’s the least appealing choice if you care about safety and convenience because it lacks blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It makes sense only if you’re focused on the lowest possible price and are willing to give up equipment.
• S: This is the best-value trim because it adds the safety equipment the LX misses, including safe-exit warning, while keeping the Seltos’ core strengths intact. If you want the smartest balance of price and features, this is the one to target.
• EX: This trim builds on the lower models with more comfort and convenience, and it’s a good fit if you want a more polished daily driver without jumping to the pricier X-Line models.
• X-Line S: This trim is for buyers who want the more rugged-looking X-Line treatment and standard AWD. It’s a stronger pick if you want the added traction and appearance upgrade without going all the way to the top trim.
• X-Line SX: This is the most powerful and most feature-rich version, with the turbocharged engine, eight-speed automatic, and torque-vectoring AWD. It’s the right choice if you want the most upscale and most satisfying Seltos, but it’s also the most expensive.

For safety, the base LX misses blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, so the S trim is the recommended starting point.

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 carefully without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 36.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 662 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 95.8% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2027 Kia Seltos safe?

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

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

The Seltos comes standard with 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 shortcoming is that the base LX does not get blind-spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alert. That’s why the S trim is the better starting point if safety equipment matters to you.

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:

• 36.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 95.8% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• The redesigned 2027 model brings a roomier cabin, stronger tech, and a more substantial feel than the previous version.

The bottom line: If you want the most modern Seltos, the 2027 is the one to buy because it delivers the redesign, the improved cabin, and the latest infotainment and safety tech. If you’re more price-sensitive, a nearby model year may still make sense, but you’ll be giving up some of the 2027’s fresh design and upgraded substance.

How does the 2027 Kia Seltos compare to the 2027 Honda HR-V?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.