2026 Land Rover Defender vs 2027 Kia Seltos

As the rest of the lineup has trended toward luxury, the Land Rover Defender has stayed true to the brand’s roots of tough off-roaders ideal for the military and farmers alike. That’s mainly because Land Rover put off updates for decades, but a redesigned Defender that’s more passenger car than farm implement arrived for 2020, bringing the nameplate back to the U.S. Changes for 2026 include subtle styling changes, a larger touchscreen, and new color and accessory options.

Verdict: The Defender offers an unmatched combination of off-road capability and everyday civility.

Where the previous Kia Seltos was forgettable, the redesigned version makes a statement, and there is deep substance beneath its bold surface. From its roomy interior and cargo area to its advanced infotainment and safety tech, the Seltos sets new standards in its segment. Unfortunately, until the new Seltos Hybrid arrives, the powertrains are still lacking.

Verdict: The 2027 Kia Seltos is one of the best small SUVs on the market. However, buyers might want to wait for the Seltos Hybrid, which will offer the most appealing blend of power, fuel efficiency, features, and style.