2027 Kia Seltos Hybrid First Drive Review: The Baby Telluride Has Attitude

• What's new: This is the second generation of Kia's extra-small Seltos SUV.
• Why it matters: A hybrid powertrain is being offered for the first time, giving the Seltos an advantage over rivals like the Chevy Trax and Honda HR-V.
• Edmunds says: Priced around $25,000 to start, the little Seltos has a big appeal.

It's the same story inside, where the mini-me theme continues. The large, horizontal touchscreen is a common theme of all new Kias. Boasting both wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility, it also offers a range of downloadable apps, such as Netflix. The screen works well and is supplemented by physical buttons for key features such as the climate control. The exact specification of the U.S. cars hasn’t been confirmed yet, but expect "big car" features such as a head-up display system, heated seats and a panoramic glass roof for top-trim models.

There is some evidence of cost-cutting, however. Some of the plastics, for example, are noticeably harder than those found in larger Kias, but the overall perception of quality is at least a match for the HR-V. 

More space inside for people and things

I’m 6 feet, 4 inches tall, and have no difficulty getting comfortable behind the wheel. Impressively, there’s also enough knee-, foot- and headroom to accommodate a brace of 6-footers in the rear too. The seatback reclines at the pull of a handle for extra comfort.

There's plenty of storage space for odds and ends dotted about the cabin, and it's impressive to see USB charging ports and dedicated air vents for rear passengers, at least on the higher-trim model I drove. The trunk is larger than the old Seltos' with space for a stroller and a (modest) weekly shop. The rear seat also splits 60/40 and folds flat to improve its versatility. 

Three different engines, including a hybrid

Three different engine options will be available in the U.S. The entry-level 2.0-liter inline-four will be the cheapest option but is expected to be both the slowest on the road and the slowest seller. Sadly, that wasn't available for me to drive in Korea. The mid-spec engine is actually the most powerful. The 1.6-liter turbo develops a healthy 190 horsepower, lending the Seltos a handy turn of pace. It feels bright, agile and peppy in the best small car tradition. 

I also drove the Seltos Hybrid. This is the first time a gas-electric combination has been offered on Kia's smallest SUV, reflecting burgeoning interest in the technology. Kia watchers will note that this is not the same as the hybrid system fitted to the larger Sportage. To cut costs, the turbo is gone, and although the horsepower output is healthy at 181 hp, the torque or pull is just 106 lb-ft. 

The hybrid also weighs more and feels much less lively in real-world conditions. Official fuel consumption figures are yet to be confirmed for the U.S., but the hybrid will almost certainly prove the most frugal variant. Whether this is enough to offset the tardier acceleration and higher purchase price, though, remains to be seen. I suspect most buyers will be better served by the turbocharged gas engine. Front- and all-wheel-drive versions of the Seltos will be available in both the gas and the hybrid models as Kia targets customers in the snowbelt.

Good to drive, with a caveat

The Seltos is an easy drive. The steering is lightweight and responsive, the gear changes are smooth and the hybrid system switches seamlessly between gas and electric power. The turbocharged gas version feels especially agile and is genuinely fun to drive on a twisty road. The ride quality is generally comfortable, although it can feel a little fidgety on the highway. 

Kia has a habit of tweaking the suspension tune of its U.S.-bound cars, so I'll reserve definitive judgment until I've driven it stateside. 

A big step forward

The new Seltos offers more style, technology, space and capability than its predecessor. With prices likely to range from $25,000 for the entry-level car to just over $30,000 for an all-wheel-drive hybrid version, it's also a fine value.

The Seltos will undoubtedly appeal to anyone looking for an extra-small SUV, but I also suspect it will seduce would-be not-so-extra-small SUV buyers seeking a more affordable option. I look forward to getting a full test of the U.S.-spec version very soon.