Subcompact SUV adopts more upscale surfacing,
modern lighting, and likely new powertrains ahead of its full debut.

Kia isn’t slowing down after the successful debut of its all-new 2027 Telluride. Hot off the heels of that flagship SUV reveal, the company has begun releasing the first images of the next-generation Kia Seltos—its smallest utility vehicle for American shoppers. The early photos don’t show everything, but they do confirm that the design themes established on Kia’s largest SUV are now filtering down to its smallest.

What We Know So Far

• First official images reveal fresh exterior styling inspired by the 2027 Telluride

• New vertical lighting signatures front and rear

• Flush-mounted door handles added for the first time

• X-Line and GT-Line trims confirmed

• Full reveal scheduled for December 10

A More Upscale Second Generation

The current Seltos arrived in 2020 and quickly earned a following as one of the most affordable ways to get all-wheel drive in a subcompact crossover. For 2027, Kia appears ready to elevate the model far beyond its budget-friendly roots. The teaser photos hint at a sharper, more sculpted body with edgier proportions and a greater emphasis on visual width.

Like the redesigned Telluride, the 2027 Seltos adopts upright vertical lighting elements in the nose and tail, creating a signature look that stands out in a segment crowded with soft, rounded shapes. The daytime running lights form a bold outline, giving the SUV a more assertive face than before.

New Details: Floating Roof and Flush Handles

One of the clearer design flourishes is the more dramatic floating roof effect. Kia has visually separated the D-pillar with a blackout panel, leaving a bright spear of metallic trim to arc above the windows. It’s a simple but premium-looking touch, especially compared with the outgoing model’s straightforward roofline.

Also visible are the flush-mounted door handles—a detail borrowed directly from Kia’s EV lineup as well as the new Telluride. Beyond improving aerodynamics, the handles contribute to a cleaner profile and add a sense of modernity that many competitors lack.

Prototype sightings have suggested the SUV may grow slightly in size, though Kia hasn’t published any dimensions yet. What does seem certain is that the Seltos will maintain the strong value equation that made it a popular pick among first-time SUV buyers.

Powertrains: Hybrid Likely on the Way

Although Kia hasn’t released mechanical specifications, the brand’s recent product direction makes one change especially plausible: the introduction of a hybrid powertrain. The company has been expanding electrified options across its lineup, and adding a hybrid to the Seltos would give shoppers better fuel economy and a more competitive alternative to rivals such as the Corolla Cross Hybrid.

Entry-level models, however, are expected to stick with simpler non-hybrid four-cylinder engines to keep the price advantage intact. Confirmed for now are the continuation of the adventurous X-Line package and the sport-leaning GT-Line, both of which should return with unique design cues and equipment.

More to Come at the Official Reveal

Kia’s early images offer just enough to whet the appetite, but key pieces—interior design, technology updates, safety features, and full powertrain specs—remain under wraps. With the global reveal set for December 10, we won’t have to wait long to see how the 2027 Seltos rounds out the brand’s increasingly mature SUV lineup.

Expect the smallest Kia SUV to punch above its weight once again—this time with a more sophisticated look inspired by its biggest sibling.

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