Whether or not you are in search of a standard combustion automotive, a hybrid or a full-electric automobile, Kia has introduced slightly one thing for everybody to the 2026 New York Auto Present. On Wednesday, we noticed the debut of the all-new 2027 Kia Seltos and Seltos HEV variant, in addition to the North American debut of the all-electric 2027 Kia EV3 compact electrical SUV, all anticipated to reach later this 12 months. The arrival of those small and, hopefully, cheap SUVs is a welcome sight at a time when many automakers are canceling their most reasonably priced fashions and small EVs.
The EV3 initially debuted in 2023 earlier than occurring sale first in Europe and South Korea in 2024. This 12 months, drivers within the US lastly get their flip within the driver’s seat of the subcompact electrical SUV. The EV3 slots into the automaker’s North American EV lineup beneath the Kia EV6 — considered one of my favourite EVs on the street in the present day — and can be powered by a 400-volt model of Hyundai Motor Group’s devoted E-GMP electrical automobile structure. From bumper-to-bumper, the EV3 is about 15 inches shorter than the EV6, however its extra upright silhouette means the subcompact’s cargo and passenger quantity is comparable (solely 4% much less.)
The EV3 will are available a 201-horsepower, front-drive configuration with a single motor on the ahead axle or with dual-motor all-wheel-drive making 261 hp. That alternative will dictate whether or not the EV rolls out with the usual 58.3 kilowatt-hour battery or a long-range 81.4 kWh pack. Drivers can count on between 220 and 320 miles of estimated electrical vary from the angular EV, relying on the trim and configuration chosen. The EV’s native North American Charging System charging port permits 10% to 80% DC quick charging in round half-hour with compatibility with Tesla’s Supercharger community with seamless plug-and-charge cost.
All-Electrical 2027 Kia EV3 Coming to America Later This Yr
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In its most potent configuration, the EV3 GT boosts output to 288 hp and provides the automaker’s Digital Gear Shift and Energetic Sound Design — options that permit the EV to simulate the sound and shift sample of a combustion automobile with paddle-style shifters — spicing up efficiency and including a little bit of enjoyable to the drive.
The EV3 is predicted to reach within the US in “late 2026” loaded up with the automaker’s suite of infotainment and driver help tech. Pricing hasn’t been introduced, however I count on it should begin within the $35,000 ballpark.
Turbocharged, Electrified: 2027 Kia Seltos and Seltos HEV
In the meantime, Kia’s combustion-powered Seltos has grown up and glowed up. Barely longer, a contact wider and extra usable the place it counts, cargo house now stretches to an estimated 64.1 cubic toes behind the primary row and 27.8 behind the second — about 1.3 cubes greater than the present technology in each respects. A 2.4-inch bump in wheelbase interprets straight to raised legroom, particularly within the rear, the place passengers choose up an additional inch. Head, hip and shoulder room additionally modestly enhance. Even the SUV’s floor clearance ticks up, now reaching as excessive as 8.1 inches versus final 12 months’s 7.3-inch max.
There are not any surprises beneath the hood. The usual 2.0-liter, 147-hp naturally aspirated four-cylinder returns, paired with the model’s constantly variable transmission, whereas the non-obligatory 1.6-liter turbocharged engine leans into efficiency with an estimated 190 ponies. The bottom engine sticks with FWD however could be optioned with AWD. That turbo setup comes commonplace with AWD and an 8-speed computerized transmission, providing a extra engaged drive while you need it.
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The brand new Seltos is greater, smarter and — because of the addition of a hybrid variant — extra environment friendly.
For the primary time ever, the Seltos HEV can be supplied with a brand new hybrid powertrain possibility constructed round a 1.6-liter four-cylinder paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. Entrance-wheel drive is commonplace for the perfect cruising effectivity, however accessible e-AWD — Kia’s first software of the system on a hybrid SUV — provides on-demand traction and a bit extra punch when circumstances name for it.
Inside, all variants of the 2027 Seltos additionally develop their infotainment expertise, each bodily and functionally. A regular 12.3-inch touchscreen anchors the sprint, with accessible twin 12.3-inch shows and a 5-inch devoted local weather panel — just like the setup discovered on the flagship Kia EV9 and Telluride and a giant step up from the present 10.25-inch nav system. The brand new infotainment suite brings over-the-air replace functionality, whereas wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come commonplace throughout the board.
You will additionally be capable of work together with the Seltos along with your voice through Kia’s generative AI assistant, which responds to the “Hey, Kia…” hotword immediate. Moreover, Kia Join telematics extends management to your cellphone — enabling door lock, unlock, local weather pre-conditioning, even distant begin, all dealt with with out touching the important thing. All stated, it appears like a really candy tech suite for an entry-level mannequin.
Bigger, Extra Spacious 2027 Kia Seltos Debuts With New Hybrid Variant
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Combustion-powered variants of the Seltos are focused to go on sale within the second quarter of 2026 and can probably stick moderately near the present $25,000-ish beginning value. The Seltos HEV will be a part of the lineup within the fourth quarter of 2026. Extra data on the Seltos HEV will turn into accessible later this 12 months, with official gasoline economic system figures and extra correct pricing for all three powertrains anticipated nearer to their respective on-sale dates.
