The Kia Seltos has been one of the brand's strongest sellers in Canada, and for good reason — it sits in the subcompact SUV segment that makes up the largest slice of the Canadian market. Now, Kia has launched a completely redesigned second-generation model. The 2027 Kia Seltos is not a refresh of the previous generation; it is a ground-up redesign with a larger body, new technology, expanded powertrain options, and a noticeably different interior. If you currently drive a 2026 Seltos or are shopping between the two model years, here is a clear look at what has changed.
For shoppers in Richmond Hill who are weighing a 2026 model against the incoming 2027, the differences are substantial enough to matter. The 2027 Seltos is expected to arrive at Canadian dealerships this summer in its 2.0 L and 1.6T powertrain variants, with a new hybrid model following by the end of the year. The 2026 remains a strong and well-equipped vehicle — but the two generations are built around different priorities.
At a Glance: 2026 vs. 2027 Kia Seltos
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Feature
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2026 Kia Seltos
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2027 Kia Seltos
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Body size
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Previous generation dimensions
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Larger — longer, taller, wider; 60 mm longer wheelbase
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Rear legroom
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—
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+25 mm vs. previous generation
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Cargo (behind 2nd row)
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—
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~786 L estimated
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Cargo (behind 1st row)
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—
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~1,817 L estimated
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Infotainment display
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8" base / 10.25" higher trims
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Standard 12.3" touchscreen; available 12.3" instrument + 5" climate display
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Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
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Available
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Standard across all trims
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Door handles
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Standard
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Flush door handles
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Panoramic sunroof
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Not available
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Available (select trims)
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Surround View Monitor
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Not available
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Available (3D)
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Engine options
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2.0 L naturally aspirated, 1.6 L turbo
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2.0 L naturally aspirated, 1.6 L turbo, new HEV
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1.6T output
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—
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190 hp
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Hybrid / e-AWD
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Not offered
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New HEV with available e-AWD (Kia-first on HEV SUV)
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ADAS — Forward Collision w/ Junction Turning
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Available
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Standard
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ADAS — Safe Exit Alert
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Not offered
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Standard
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ADAS — Front/Rear Parking Distance Warning
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Not offered
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Standard
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Availability
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Currently available
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2.0 L and 1.6T arriving summer 2026; HEV arriving end of year
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What Grew and What Got Added
The most visible difference between the two generations is size. The 2027 Seltos is larger in every meaningful dimension — longer, taller, wider, with a wheelbase that is 60 mm greater than the 2026 generation. In practical terms, that translates to 25 mm more rear legroom, more headroom, and more cargo space. Estimated cargo capacity behind the second row comes in at approximately 786 litres, and behind the first row at approximately 1,817 litres.
The 2027 model also picks up flush door handles — a design detail carried over from higher-end Kia models — and a standard dual 12.3-inch digital cockpit display. Available configurations add a 5-inch dedicated climate control display, bringing the total screen span to nearly 30 inches. The 2026's display system ranges from an 8-inch base screen up to a 10.25-inch unit on higher trims.
Technology content also expands on the 2027. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become standard across all trims (the 2026 offers this on select trims). A new 3D Surround View Monitor becomes available, along with a Blind-Spot View Monitor that sends a camera feed to the display when the turn signal is activated.
ADAS: More Standard on the 2027
The 2026 Seltos has a capable driver assistance suite. The 2027 builds on it with features that were previously either unavailable or available only on higher trims:
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning — standard on 2027, available on 2026
- Safe Exit Alert — new to the 2027, not offered on 2026
- Front and Rear Parking Distance Warning — standard on 2027, not offered on 2026
- Hands-On Detection — now standard
A New Powertrain Option
The 2026 Seltos offers two familiar engine choices: the 2.0 L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder paired with an IVT, and the 1.6 L turbocharged 4-cylinder (190 hp on the 2027). The 2027 adds a third option: a new 1.6 L 4-cylinder hybrid paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The HEV trim will also offer available e-AWD — the first time Kia has offered this setup on a hybrid SUV. Fuel economy figures for all three 2027 powertrains will be confirmed closer to each variant's on-sale date.
Which One Is Right for You?
The 2026 Seltos is a well-proven, right-sized subcompact SUV that continues to offer strong feature content and good driving manners. If you want to get into one now and take advantage of current pricing and inventory, it remains a sensible choice.
The 2027 Seltos is a more substantial vehicle in almost every way — larger, better equipped from the base trim up, and available with a new hybrid drivetrain that many Canadians will find appealing. The trade-off is availability: the 2.0 L and 1.6T variants are expected this summer, with the HEV following by year-end.
Talk to Plaza Kia in Richmond Hill
If you are trying to decide between the outgoing 2026 and the redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos, the team at Plaza Kia in Richmond Hill can give you a current read on inventory, timing, and which trim configuration lines up best with your needs. Book a test drive in the 2026 today, or ask about reservation options for the incoming 2027.
To learn more about the 2027 Kia Seltos, visit Kia.ca
