A Bigger Step Forward Than Expected
Kia has taken the wraps off its second-generation Seltos, and after an international first drive in South Korea, it’s clear this isn’t just a mild refresh. The new Seltos borrows styling cues from Kia’s larger Telluride and EV9 models, grows in every key dimension, and, notably for Australia, will arrive as a hybrid-only proposition. It’s a genuinely different pitch to the outgoing model, one that positions the Seltos as a smarter, more grown-up small SUV rather than just a budget-friendly city runabout.
Design That Punches Above Its Class
The most immediate change is how much more substantial the new Seltos looks. It’s grown 45mm longer with a 60mm longer wheelbase, and the design language leans heavily on Kia’s current flagship models, giving it flush door handles, a boxier and more upright stance, and an overall presence that feels closer to something a class or two above where the Seltos actually sits. It’s a deliberate move by Kia to shed the “budget SUV” image and make the Seltos look genuinely desirable sitting next to pricier stablemates in the driveway.
Hybrid Power, Australia-Only Style
Perhaps the biggest talking point locally is that Australia will only get the hybrid version of the new Seltos, with no petrol-only variant on offer here. Kia’s local decision appears to be driven by tightening emissions penalties and the runaway success of hybrid rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Corolla, both of which have shown Australian buyers are firmly on board with electrified small and medium SUVs. It’s a bold call that simplifies the local lineup, but it also means buyers wanting a straightforward, lower-cost petrol Seltos will need to look elsewhere in the segment.
How It Drives
Kia hasn’t released official fuel economy figures for the Australian-spec hybrid yet, but the Korean test drive gave a useful preview, with fuel consumption ranging between 4.8L/100km and 6.1L/100km across the test route. It’s worth noting South Korea’s roads tend to be flatter, straighter and slower than typical Australian conditions, so real-world local figures will likely differ once testing shifts here. The driving position is comfortable, visibility is good thanks to generously sized windows, and the second row offers noticeably more legroom than before, an extra 20mm, thanks to the stretched wheelbase.
Interior and Everyday Practicality
Step inside and the cabin will feel instantly familiar to anyone who’s sat in a recent Kia EV3 or EV5, sharing a similar design language and layout. Physical buttons remain for key functions alongside menu shortcuts on the multimedia system, striking a sensible balance between modern tech and everyday usability. Boot space comes in at a healthy 536 litres, though Australian-spec models will retain a space-saver spare wheel under the boot floor, which means local cars miss out on vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, a sensible trade-off given how useful a spare wheel is on Australian roads.
Local Tuning Still to Come
It’s important to remember this first drive was on Korean-market suspension tuning, built around smoother, flatter local roads. Kia Australia’s Chief Engineer for Ride and Handling, Graeme Gambold, is already working on a local suspension tune specifically for Australian conditions, and Kia has a strong track record of noticeably sharpening ride and handling for local buyers compared to the home-market setup. Early impressions from the Korean drive are promising, but a clearer verdict on ride quality will have to wait until Australian-spec test cars are available later in the year.
What This Means Ahead of Launch
The new Seltos isn’t due in Australian showrooms until around October 2026, but based on this early international preview, Kia looks to have delivered exactly what the segment needed, more space, sharper styling, genuine hybrid efficiency, and a cabin that punches above its price point. Combined with its frugal hybrid-only powertrain, the 2027 Seltos looks set to be a genuinely strong contender in an increasingly crowded small SUV market, assuming local pricing lands in a competitive spot.
Quick Facts: 2027 Kia Seltos (Australia)
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Powertrain (Australia) | Hybrid only, no petrol-only variant |
| Length increase | +45mm |
| Wheelbase increase | +60mm |
| Rear legroom increase | +20mm |
| Boot space | 536 litres |
| Spare wheel | Space-saver (retained for Australia) |
| V2L capability | Not available (due to spare wheel) |
| Test fuel economy (Korea) | 4.8–6.1L/100km |
| Expected Australian launch | ~October 2026 |
FAQs
1. Will the 2027 Kia Seltos be available with a petrol engine in Australia?
No, Kia has confirmed Australia will only receive the hybrid version, skipping the petrol-only variants offered in other markets, largely due to local emissions regulations and strong hybrid demand.
2. How much bigger is the new Seltos compared to the outgoing model?
It’s grown by 45mm in length with a 60mm longer wheelbase, translating to about 20mm more rear legroom and a roomier cabin overall.
3. What’s the trade-off with the spare wheel in Australian models?
Because Australian-spec Seltos models keep a space-saver spare wheel under the boot floor, they miss out on vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, something Kia clearly views as a sensible compromise for local driving conditions.
4. Has the ride and handling been tuned for Australian roads yet?
Not fully. The first drive was conducted on Korean-market suspension tuning suited to flatter, smoother local roads. Kia Australia’s ride and handling team is developing a local tune specifically for Australian conditions ahead of launch.
5. When will the 2027 Kia Seltos go on sale in Australia?
Kia is targeting a launch around October 2026, with full local pricing and specifications expected to be confirmed closer to that date.
