The 2027 Kia Seltos arrives as a fully redesigned compact SUV that borrows bold, boxy styling from the flagship Telluride while delivering practical, budget-friendly ownership for families, young professionals, and weekend adventurers. This guide covers every trim from the entry-level LX through the performance-oriented X-Line SX, with exact specs, pricing, packages, and real-world context to help you find the right fit at Matthews Kia of Cartersville.
Table of Contents
- Sleek Style That Turns Heads
- Power and Performance Tailored for Northwest Georgia’s Rolling Hills and Weekend Getaways
- Comfortable Cabin Space Designed for Families and Professionals
- Smart Tech to Stay Connected Between Cartersville and the Region
- Safety Systems Built for Family Drives Along Rural Roads and City Streets
- Breaking Down 2027 Kia Seltos Pricing: EX, LX, S, SX, X-Line, X-Line S, and X-Line SX Trims
- Warranty, Maintenance, and Service Support for Long-Term Ownership
- Awards and Expert Recognition Highlighting the 2027 Kia Seltos’ Value and Performance
- Frequently Asked Questions About the 2027 Kia Seltos
- Find Your 2027 Kia Seltos at Matthews Kia of Cartersville
Why Rome, GA Drivers Are Choosing the 2027 Kia Seltos for Urban and Outdoor Adventures
The northwest Georgia lifestyle asks a lot from a daily driver. One morning you need to squeeze into a parking spot on Rome’s Broad Street before the farmers market closes. That afternoon, you’re loading fishing gear for a run up to Carters Lake. By the weekend, the whole family is piling in for a drive through the rolling Appalachian foothills. The 2027 Kia Seltos is built for exactly that kind of varied, active week.
Kia redesigned the Seltos from the ground up for 2027, and the results are significant. Car and Driver notes that the second-generation Seltos is poised to reset expectations thanks to a wave of new features, a new available hybrid powertrain, and a design inspired by its larger sibling, the Telluride. Autoblog adds that the latest Seltos is a big step forward, turning a competent subcompact into a genuinely appealing one with class-leading screen real estate and an expansive range of powertrains. Edmunds observes that Kia is giving the new Seltos a larger mission than simply replacing the current model, adding more passenger room, more technology, and a hybrid option that turns a practical value choice into a more complete one.
Seven trim levels cover a wide range of budgets and priorities. The LX, S, and EX form the front-wheel-drive core of the lineup, while the X-Line, X-Line S, and X-Line SX bring all-wheel drive and rugged adventure styling. The turbocharged SX and X-Line SX step up to a 1.6L turbocharged engine producing 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission — a meaningful jump over the naturally aspirated trims.
| Feature | EX | LX | S | SX | X-Line | X-Line S | X-Line SX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L | 2.0L | 2.0L | 1.6L | — | 2.0L | 1.6L |
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 147 hp | 147 hp | 190 hp | — | 147 hp | 190 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | — | 132 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft |
| Transmission | IVT | IVT | IVT | 8-speed automatic | — | IVT | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive | — | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
If the Seltos feels like the right size but you want to explore the full Kia family, Matthews Kia of Cartersville also has the new Kia Sportage and the 2026 Sportage for buyers who need a step up in space, as well as the full-size Telluride for three-row families. Sedan shoppers can check out the Kia K5 or the K4, while those curious about electrification will find the EV6 and the 2026 EV9 in our inventory. For efficiency-focused buyers, the Kia Niro, the Sportage Hybrid, and the Sorento Hybrid are all worth a look. Families needing maximum passenger space should explore the 2026 Carnival, and urban commuters who love personality in a smaller footprint often gravitate toward the Kia Soul. Every new Seltos also comes backed by Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile limited warranty, and Matthews Kia of Cartersville adds its own Warranty Forever program on top of that — which is hard to beat for long-term peace of mind. You can browse our current Seltos inventory right now, or check out Kia’s certified pre-owned program if a pre-owned option fits your budget better.
Sleek Style That Turns Heads
Kia’s designers made a deliberate choice with the 2027 Seltos: borrow the visual confidence of the Telluride and scale it down to a compact footprint. The result is a vehicle that looks considerably more substantial than its segment peers like the Chevrolet Trax or Honda HR-V. Sharp character lines, a wide grille treatment, and flush-mounted pop-out door handles give the Seltos a purposeful, chiseled stance that reads as premium without the premium price tag.
The X-Line variants push the rugged aesthetic further with unique front and rear bumpers featuring skid plate-inspired trim, gloss black fender flares, dark gunmetal door and bumper accents, and high-utility roof rails ready for cross bars or a sport attachment. The standard X-Line S rolls on 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels with a triangular design, while the X-Line SX steps up to 19-inch alloy wheels with a gloss black finish and P235/45HR19 performance tires. The LX starts with 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels and P205/65R16 all-season tires — a sensible, cost-effective setup for everyday driving.
Lighting is full LED across every trim, with star-map signature daytime running lights giving the Seltos a distinctive face you can recognize from a distance. Heated, power-adjustable side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals are standard on the EX and above. Deep tinted privacy glass is standard on the S and all X-Line trims, keeping rear passengers comfortable on bright Georgia afternoons.
Color choices add another layer of personalization. Two-tone paint options — including Pluton Blue with a Fusion Black roof, Clear White with a black roof, Snow White Pearl with a black roof, Frost Blue with a black roof, and Terrain Brown with a black roof — let buyers put a personal stamp on their Seltos. The X-Line S also offers an exclusive Magma Red Matte finish for $545, a head-turning option that’s genuinely uncommon in this price class. If you’d prefer a pre-owned Seltos, our used vehicle inventory is regularly updated with off-lease and trade-in examples worth exploring.
Power and Performance Tailored for Northwest Georgia’s Rolling Hills and Weekend Getaways
Driving the foothills around Rome means you’re rarely on perfectly flat ground. The Seltos handles that terrain without drama, and the powertrain lineup gives you real choices depending on how much performance you want.
Most trims — the LX, S, EX, and X-Line S — use a 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque paired with Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). This combination is tuned for smooth, predictable power delivery on mixed urban and rural roads. The IVT avoids the stepped gear changes of a traditional automatic, which means less hunting on moderate grades and a more relaxed highway cruise. Drive Mode Select on the EX adds Normal, Sport, and Snow modes, letting you tailor throttle response to conditions.
The SX and X-Line SX take a different approach, swapping in a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque routed through an 8-speed automatic transmission. That’s a 43-horsepower jump and 63 additional lb-ft of torque over the base engine — enough to feel genuinely quick when merging onto a highway or passing on a two-lane road.
The X-Line, X-Line S, and X-Line SX all add torque-vectoring all-wheel drive with center lock and multi-terrain modes covering Snow, Mud, and Sand. The X-Line models also include 8.1 inches of ground clearance, hill descent control, and hill hold control — practical features for anyone running gravel back roads near Rydal or exploring unpaved access roads around Carters Lake. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic parking brake are standard on the S and above, adding confident stopping power regardless of the terrain.
| Feature | EX | LX | S | SX | X-Line | X-Line S | X-Line SX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 | — | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo | 27.8 cu ft | 27.8 cu ft | 27.8 cu ft | — | 27.8 cu ft | 27.8 cu ft | 27.8 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 3,175 lbs | 3,109-3,131 lbs | 3,175–3,406 lbs | — | 3,373-3,583 lbs | 3,318 / 3,583 lbs | 3,549–3,715 lbs |
The consistent about 28 cu ft of cargo space across all trims means you don’t give anything up in the back regardless of which powertrain you choose. That’s enough room for a full week of groceries, a couple of duffel bags, or the gear for a day at the lake. Ready to see what’s currently available? Browse our new Seltos inventory to check current stock and configurations.
Comfortable Cabin Space Designed for Families and Professionals
Step inside any 2027 Seltos and the first thing you notice is how much screen real estate Kia has packed into the dashboard. The EX and all X-Line trims feature a sweeping dual 12.3-inch panoramic display setup — a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen sitting flush alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. At this price point, that’s genuinely impressive. The LX uses a 12.3-inch ccNC-Lite display paired with a 12.3-inch digital cluster, so even the entry trim avoids a small, outdated screen.
Seating materials step up meaningfully as you move through the lineup. The LX uses Saturn Black and Gray woven cloth, which is durable and easy to clean — practical for families with kids. The S moves to cloth seat trim with a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel. The EX, X-Line, X-Line S, and X-Line SX all use SynTex synthetic leather, which looks and feels more premium than standard cloth and is easier to wipe down after a muddy weekend. The X-Line S features SynTex with exclusive black seat patterns that reinforce the adventure-trim identity.
Driver seat adjustability also climbs with the trim. The LX offers a 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat. The S steps up to a 12-way power-adjustable unit with 4-way power lumbar support — a significant comfort upgrade for daily commuters. The EX provides an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with 4-way power lumbar. The SX and X-Line SX match the S with 12-way power adjustment and lumbar control.
Heated front seats are standard on the EX, X-Line, and X-Line SX, with 3-step temperature control on the SX and X-Line S trims. The EX includes dual-zone automatic climate control with a 5-inch digital climate display — a feature that’s particularly welcome when you have a passenger who runs warmer or cooler than you do. The SX and X-Line SX also include dual-zone automatic climate as standard. The S and X-Line S base configurations use manual air conditioning, though the X-Line S Premium Package ($2,000) upgrades that to dual-zone automatic along with a smart power liftgate, heated steering wheel, LED reading lights, and rear air vents.
All trims seat five passengers, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seats on every trim give you flexible cargo configurations when you need to haul longer items. Rear seat center armrests with dual cup holders appear on the X-Line S and X-Line SX, a small touch that makes longer drives noticeably more comfortable for back-seat passengers.
Smart Tech to Stay Connected Between Cartersville and the Region
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every single 2027 Seltos trim — no cables required, no setup frustration. That matters for a daily commuter who just wants to drop their phone in the center console and have their navigation and music ready to go immediately. A wireless charging pad on the EX, SX, and X-Line SX means you’re not hunting for a cable at all.
The EX adds Kia Connect telematics with over-the-air update capability, which means the car’s software can be updated without a dealer visit — a practical feature for busy families. A ChatGPT-powered generative AI voice assistant responds to the “Hey Kia” wake word on the EX, handling navigation requests, climate adjustments, and general questions conversationally rather than with rigid command syntax. Four USB-C ports (front and rear) are standard on the EX, keeping everyone’s devices charged on longer drives.
The SX trim adds built-in GPS navigation, Kia Digital Key 2.0, and an 8-speaker premium audio system. The optional SX Sunroof Package ($800) on the SX brings a power tilt-and-slide sunroof with sunshade, ventilated front seats, and Kia Digital Key — a meaningful comfort upgrade for the price. The X-Line SX’s optional Prestige Package ($2,500) goes further, adding a Harman Kardon premium 8-speaker audio system, a driver’s relaxation seat with power adjustment, memory settings for the driver’s seat and outside mirrors, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Highway Driving Assist, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, side parking distance warning, and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse.
The X-Line S also offers the optional Frameless EC Mirror with HomeLink ($375), which auto-dims to reduce glare from trailing headlights at night and integrates garage door control — a convenient daily-use upgrade that’s easy to overlook but hard to give up once you have it.
| Feature | EX | LX | S | SX | X-Line | X-Line S | X-Line SX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPG | 28 city / 33 hwy / 30 combined | 28 city / 33 hwy / 30 combined | 28 city / 33 hwy / 30 combined | — | — | 28 city / 33 hwy / 30 combined | 24 city / 30 hwy / 26 combined |
The fuel economy numbers reinforce the tech-value story. The 28 city / 33 hwy / 30 combined figures on the EX, LX, S, and X-Line S make a compelling case for daily commuters who want to minimize fuel stops. The X-Line SX trades a few MPG for the turbocharged performance and all-wheel drive, landing at 24 city / 30 hwy / 26 combined — still a respectable number for an AWD turbocharged compact SUV.
Safety Systems Built for Family Drives Along Rural Roads and City Streets
Every 2027 Seltos trim ships with a comprehensive set of active safety technology that would have been considered premium-only just a few years ago. The foundation is an 8-airbag system covering dual-stage front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags — a structural safety net that protects all five seating positions in a side-impact event.
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning is standard across all trims. This system monitors the road ahead for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, and it specifically watches for vehicles turning across your path at intersections — a real-world scenario that catches many drivers off guard on busy commercial corridors. The system applies automatic emergency braking when it detects an imminent collision.
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist goes beyond a simple warning light — it actively applies corrective steering or braking if you attempt a lane change with a vehicle in your blind spot. Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist works the same way in reverse, applying the brakes if cross traffic is detected while you’re backing out of a parking space. Both are standard on the LX, EX, S, X-Line, X-Line S, and X-Line SX.
Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go maintains a set following distance from the car ahead and can bring the Seltos to a complete stop in traffic, then resume when the car ahead moves — standard on the LX and above. Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist work together to keep the car centered in its lane, applying gentle steering inputs when the system detects unintentional drift.
Additional standard features across most trims include Driver Attention Warning (monitors driving patterns for signs of fatigue), High-Beam Assist (automatically toggles between high and low beams), Safe Exit Warning (alerts occupants if approaching traffic is detected when opening a door), Intelligent Speed-Limit Assist, and Hill-Start Assist Control. Front and rear parking sensors and a rearview monitor with dynamic guidelines are standard on the EX. The X-Line SX Prestige Package adds a 360-degree Surround View Monitor and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse for buyers who want the most comprehensive parking safety package available.
Breaking Down 2027 Kia Seltos Pricing: EX, LX, S, SX, X-Line, X-Line S, and X-Line SX Trims
Seven trims spread across a $7,800 price range give buyers genuine flexibility. The LX at $24,990 is the entry point and delivers more standard technology than you might expect at that number — dual 12.3-inch screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Smart Cruise Control, and a full suite of active safety features. It’s a strong choice for a first-time SUV buyer or anyone prioritizing monthly budget over premium features.
The S at $26,390 adds 18-inch machined finish alloy wheels, automatic pop-out door handles, gloss black exterior trim, a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a wireless phone charger. At $1,400 over the LX, those upgrades represent solid value for a daily driver. The EX at $28,390 brings the most complete standard equipment in the front-wheel-drive lineup, adding SynTex synthetic leather seating, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a smart power liftgate, rear AC vents, the AI voice assistant, and a full complement of active safety features. The optional EX Panoramic Sunroof Package ($1,500) adds a panoramic sunroof, black roof rack rails, a heated steering wheel, and LED reading lights.
The X-Line and X-Line S both start at $28,990 and add all-wheel drive, the adventure-ready exterior styling package, and 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The X-Line S also offers the optional X-Line S Premium Package ($2,000) for buyers who want dual-zone climate, a power liftgate, heated steering wheel, and panoramic sunroof added to the X-Line formula.
Both the SX and X-Line SX are priced at $32,790 and share the turbocharged 1.6L engine and 8-speed automatic. The SX is front-wheel drive with a premium interior and navigation; the X-Line SX pairs that powertrain with all-wheel drive, the X-Line exterior package, and a panoramic sunroof as standard. All trims carry a destination charge of $1,495.
| Feature | EX | LX | S | SX | X-Line | X-Line S | X-Line SX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $28,390 | $24,990 | $26,390 | $32,790 | $28,990 | $28,990 | $32,790 |
All trims share: Destination charge: $1,495
The two-tone paint options — Pluton Blue/Black Roof and Clear White/Black Roof at $395 each on the S, X-Line, and SX — are among the more affordable personalization choices in the segment. The X-Line S exclusive Magma Red Matte ($545) and Terrain Brown/Black Roof ($545) give that trim a distinct look that’s hard to replicate on any other model in this class.
Warranty, Maintenance, and Service Support for Long-Term Ownership
Kia’s standard warranty coverage is one of the strongest in the industry. Every new 2027 Seltos comes with Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty along with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic coverage plan. That powertrain protection covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain components — the parts that matter most for long-term ownership confidence. Roadside assistance is included for 5 years with no mileage limit.
Matthews Kia of Cartersville adds its own Lifetime Powertrain Warranty on top of Kia’s factory coverage, which means your powertrain protection extends beyond the factory terms as long as you maintain your vehicle with us. That kind of commitment is something you won’t find at every dealership, and it’s one of the reasons customers keep coming back. Daryl Turner noted in a recent Google review that Matthews Kia of Cartersville delivers “excellent customer service friendly from sales to service,” and Mary McGlone described the service experience as “very efficient.” Those aren’t just nice words — they reflect a service department that understands your time matters.
Keeping up with scheduled maintenance is straightforward. Oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and multi-point checks are all handled at our Cartersville location at 595 E Main St. You can book your next service appointment online in just a few minutes without having to call or wait on hold. Whether you just bought your Seltos or you’ve had it for three years, staying current on maintenance is the best way to keep that powertrain warranty intact and your car running at its best for the long haul.
Awards and Expert Recognition Highlighting the 2027 Kia Seltos’ Value and Performance
The 2027 Seltos debuted at the 2026 New York Auto Show to strong industry recognition, earning Best in Show honors from Cars.com — a notable achievement for a subcompact SUV competing against a crowded field of new debuts. That kind of recognition reflects how meaningfully Kia elevated the Seltos with this redesign.
The press response has been consistently positive across major automotive publications. Car and Driver highlighted the Seltos as poised to reset expectations in its segment. Autoblog called it a big step forward with class-leading screen real estate and a genuinely appealing overall package. Edmunds framed the redesign as Kia giving the Seltos a larger mission, turning a value option into a more complete choice with expanded passenger room, more technology, and a new hybrid powertrain.
That kind of third-party validation matters when you’re making a purchase decision. It means the Seltos isn’t just well-priced — it’s genuinely competitive against the Hyundai Kona, Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30, and Subaru Crosstrek on feature content and driving character, not just sticker price.
If you’re trading in your current vehicle to help fund a new Seltos, now is a good time to find out what it’s worth. You can get an estimate on your current vehicle’s trade-in value online before you even come in, which makes the buying conversation a lot simpler when you arrive at the dealership.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2027 Kia Seltos
What is the starting price of the 2027 Kia Seltos?
The 2027 Kia Seltos starts at $24,990 for the LX trim. A destination charge of $1,495 applies to all trims. The top-tier SX and X-Line SX are both priced at $32,790 before options.
What is the fuel economy on the 2027 Kia Seltos?
The LX, S, EX, and X-Line S all return 28 city / 33 hwy / 30 combined MPG. The turbocharged X-Line SX with all-wheel drive is rated at 24 city / 30 hwy / 26 combined MPG. MPG figures for the X-Line and SX are not published in the current catalog data — contact the dealer for confirmation.
Which trims have all-wheel drive?
The X-Line, X-Line S, and X-Line SX all come standard with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive and center lock. The LX, S, EX, and SX are front-wheel drive.
How much cargo space does the 2027 Seltos have?
Every trim — LX through X-Line SX — provides about 28 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seats. All trims also include 60/40 split-folding rear seats to expand the load floor when needed.
What is the difference between the SX and the X-Line SX?
Both share the 1.6L turbocharged engine with 190 hp, 195 lb-ft of torque, and an 8-speed automatic transmission, and both start at $32,790. The SX is front-wheel drive with a premium interior and navigation. The X-Line SX adds torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, the X-Line rugged exterior styling package, 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and a smart power liftgate as standard equipment.
Does the 2027 Seltos come with wireless Apple CarPlay?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard on every trim level, including the entry-level LX.
Find Your 2027 Kia Seltos at Matthews Kia of Cartersville
The 2027 Kia Seltos covers a lot of ground — literally and figuratively. Whether you want the budget-conscious LX that still packs dual 12.3-inch screens and a full active safety suite, the adventure-ready X-Line S with all-wheel drive and rugged styling, or the turbocharged X-Line SX with its Harman Kardon audio and ventilated seats, there’s a trim built for your specific life.
For families who spend weekends loading up for a lake day, young professionals commuting through rolling northwest Georgia terrain, or buyers who simply want a stylish, well-equipped compact SUV that doesn’t ask them to compromise, the Seltos makes a compelling case at every price point. Kia backs it all with a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and Matthews Kia of Cartersville adds its own Lifetime Powertrain Warranty on top — coverage that’s genuinely hard to find anywhere else.
We treat every customer like family here, and we’d love to help you find the right Seltos for your household. Stop by our showroom at 595 E Main St, Cartersville, GA 30121, or give our team (770) 386-8400 to ask about current inventory, schedule a test drive, or get answers to any questions you have. We’re here to make the process easy, straightforward, and worth your time.
© 2026 Matthews Kia of Cartersville. All rights reserved.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.