2027 Kia Seltos X-Line US Version
By Lorenzo Bianchi April 2, 2026
X-Line trim adds unique bumpers, dark accents, and up to 8.1 inches ground clearance.
Turbo 1.6L engine with AWD and 190 hp available on X-Line.
Larger cabin, more cargo space, and up to 30 inches of combined screens.
A small SUV that feels like it grew up
The 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line doesn’t try to reinvent the Seltos. It just stretches it in every direction that matters.
This is the second-generation model, and the first thing that stands out is size. It’s longer, wider, and rides on a wheelbase that’s grown by 2.4 inches. That doesn’t sound dramatic on paper, but it shows up in how the car sits and how much room it offers inside.
The idea here is simple. Make a small SUV feel less like one.
Design leans toward a tougher look
The X-Line trim pushes the Seltos in a slightly different direction visually.
The front carries amber daytime running lights framing the fascia, a detail pulled from the larger Telluride. The overall design feels more upright than before, with sharper edges and cleaner lines.
Then there are the details specific to X-Line. Unique bumpers, piano black trim, and dark gunmetal accents give it a more rugged tone without going too far.
Wheel options also play a role. The X-Line gets larger 18-inch alloys on the 2.0L, while the turbo and hybrid versions can step up to black 19-inch wheels. Ground clearance increases to an available 8.1 inches, which adds to the stance more than anything else.
Proportions built around space and visibility
The Seltos still keeps a fairly upright greenhouse, and that’s intentional.
It helps with outward visibility and gives the cabin a more open feel. The added length and wheelbase translate into more legroom, especially in the rear, where there’s about an extra inch of space.
It’s not just passenger space either. Cargo capacity grows as well, with up to around 64.1 cubic feet behind the front seats and about 27.8 cubic feet behind the second row.
The numbers matter, but the real takeaway is how usable the space feels.
Interior feels closer to bigger Kia models
Step inside, and the influence from larger Kia SUVs is obvious.
The dashboard design follows the same direction seen in the Telluride and EV9, with clean horizontal lines and a more open center console. The X-Line trim keeps things simple with a monotone black interior, SynTex upholstery, and mesh-style headrests.
There are practical touches as well. The open console leaves room for storage, and the controls are placed where they’re easy to reach rather than hidden away.
It’s not trying to impress at first glance. It’s built to make sense over time.
Technology adds more than expected
The tech setup feels like it’s been pulled from a segment above.
A 12.3-inch touchscreen comes standard, with an available 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 5-inch climate display, bringing the total screen area close to 30 inches.
The ccNC system supports over-the-air updates, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. There’s also a generative AI assistant, activated with a simple voice command.
Streaming services like Netflix and YouTube are available too, though only when the vehicle is parked.
Powertrains give X-Line a bit more edge
The Seltos offers multiple engine choices, but the X-Line stands out here.
The turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder produces an estimated 190 horsepower and comes standard with Multi-Mode AWD. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
There’s also a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine available, along with a new hybrid powertrain that will arrive later. Details on the hybrid are still limited. [Unverified]
Built to cover more ground than before
The 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line doesn’t try to move into a new category.
It just stretches the limits of its current one. More space, more capability, and more tech than before. For a small SUV, it doesn’t feel particularly small anymore.