Whether or not you are on the lookout for a standard combustion automobile, a hybrid or a full-electric car, Kia has introduced just a little 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 affordable models 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 under the Kia EV6 — considered one of my favorite EVs on the street immediately — and might be powered by a 400-volt model of Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated E-GMP electric vehicle architecture. 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 selection 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 anticipate 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 network with seamless plug-and-charge cost.
All-Electrical 2027 Kia EV3 Coming to America Later This 12 months
In its most potent configuration, the EV3 GT boosts output to 288 hp and provides the automaker’s Digital Gear Shift and Lively Sound Design — options that enable the EV to simulate the sound and shift sample of a combustion car with paddle-style shifters — spicing up efficiency and including a little bit of enjoyable to the drive.
The EV3 is anticipated 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 anticipate it’s going to 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 instantly to higher legroom, particularly within the rear, the place passengers decide 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 below 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-compulsory 1.6-liter turbocharged engine leans into efficiency with an estimated 190 ponies. The bottom engine sticks with FWD however may be optioned with AWD. That turbo setup comes customary with AWD and an 8-speed computerized transmission, providing a extra engaged drive while you need it.
The brand new Seltos is larger, smarter and — due to the addition of a hybrid variant — extra environment friendly.
For the primary time ever, the Seltos HEV might be provided 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 customary for the most effective cruising effectivity, however out there e-AWD — Kia’s first utility 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 out there twin 12.3-inch shows and a 5-inch devoted local weather panel — much 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 customary throughout the board.
You will additionally be capable to work together with the Seltos along with your voice by way of Kia’s generative AI assistant, which responds to the “Hey, Kia…” hotword immediate. Moreover, Kia Join telematics extends management to your telephone — enabling door lock, unlock, local weather pre-conditioning, even distant begin, all dealt with with out touching the important thing. All stated, it feels like a really candy tech suite for an entry-level mannequin.
Bigger, Extra Spacious 2027 Kia Seltos Debuts With New Hybrid Variant
Combustion-powered variants of the Seltos are focused to go on sale within the second quarter of 2026 and can possible stick fairly near the present $25,000-ish beginning worth. The Seltos HEV will be a part of the lineup within the fourth quarter of 2026. Extra data on the Seltos HEV will grow to be out there 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.
