The 2027 Kia Seltos has been completely redesigned, and the X-Line SX AWD sits near the top of the gasoline lineup. I recently had an early look at this trim during the Drive Revolution media event in Vancouver, Washington, and the biggest changes are easy to spot: the Seltos is larger, more refined and loaded with more technology, while still keeping the small-SUV footprint that makes it easy to live with.
Under the hood, the X-Line SX gets the stronger of the two available gasoline engines: a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard on this trim. That gives the X-Line SX noticeably more performance than the 147-horsepower 2.0-liter used in lower versions of the Seltos.
If the 2027 Kia Seltos is on your shopping list, compare current dealer pricing and local offers at Quotes.EverymanDriver.com before deciding which trim to buy. The lineup spans a pretty wide price range, so the actual deal in your area could determine whether the turbocharged X-Line SX is worth the upgrade.
Fuel economy for the X-Line SX is rated at roughly 24 mpg city, 30 highway and 26 combined. That is a little lower than the less powerful Seltos models, but you are trading some efficiency for a stronger engine and more responsive performance. The standard AWD system also includes terrain settings for Snow, Mud and Sand, which should appeal to buyers who regularly deal with poor weather or unpaved roads.
Inside, the redesigned Seltos feels considerably more upscale than before. A 12.3-inch center touchscreen is standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The X-Line SX also brings heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof and a more premium cabin treatment. An available Prestige Package can add features such as ventilated front seats, premium audio, a surround-view camera, driver-seat memory and additional driver-assistance technology.
Passenger space is one of the benefits of the redesign. The larger body creates more usable room in the second row, making the Seltos a realistic option for couples, small families or buyers who regularly carry friends. It remains easier to park and maneuver than many larger compact SUVs, which is still one of the Seltos’ biggest advantages.
Cargo room is also competitive for its size. The 2027 Seltos offers about 27.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. That gives you enough room for groceries, luggage, sports equipment or weekend gear without immediately forcing you into a larger and more expensive SUV.
The biggest buying question is whether the X-Line SX is worth the price premium. The Seltos lineup starts around $24,990, while the X-Line SX starts at approximately $32,790 before destination. That is a substantial jump, but most of the extra money goes toward the turbocharged engine, standard AWD and additional comfort and technology features. If performance is not a major priority, one of the lower trims may offer better value.
If you are cross-shopping the Seltos, I would also look at the Subaru Crosstrek, Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross. The Kia’s strongest argument is the combination of a compact footprint, usable cargo space, available turbo power and a lot of equipment for the money. Once the price climbs into the low-$30,000 range, though, it also becomes worth comparing entry-level versions of larger compact SUVs.
Watch the 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line SX AWD video on Everyman Driver:
The bottom line is that the 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line SX AWD makes the most sense for buyers who want a small SUV but do not want to settle for the slower base powertrain. The turbo engine, standard AWD and added technology make it a much more complete package, but buyers focused primarily on affordability may be better served by a lower trim. Before you buy, compare current dealer pricing and local offers at Quotes.EverymanDriver.com to see which Seltos configuration gives you the best value in your area.
