Is the 2027 Kia Seltos Worth Buying?
Posted at Mon, Jul 6, 2026 7:27 PM
Kia Sportage vs Kia Seltos: Quick Answer
Quick Answer: The 2027 Kia Seltos starts at $24,990 before destination, taxes and fees. The standard 2.0L engine makes 147 hp and the X-Line SX adds a turbocharged 1.6L with 190 hp. The Seltos is rated up to 30 MPG combined and offers 27.8 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the rear seat and 64.2 cu. ft. with the seats folded. Kia has announced a Seltos hybrid for late 2026, but pricing and mileage have not been released. Test drive a Seltos at Oakes Kia, 2900 Burlington St, North Kansas City, MO.
The 2027 Kia Sportage is the bigger, more powerful pick: it starts at $28,990, has 187 hp, up to 74.1 cu. ft. of cargo space and tows up to 2,500 lbs, and it offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. The 2027 Kia Seltos is the more affordable, easier-to-park pick: it starts at $24,990, gets up to 30 MPG combined and has a 190-hp turbo option. Both seat five. Shop both at Oakes Kia in North Kansas City, MO.
Oakes Kia serves North Kansas City and the Kansas City metro with both of Kia's popular small SUVs. The 2027 Kia Sportage and 2027 Kia Seltos look alike from across the lot, but they are sized, priced and powered differently. Here is how they compare.
2027 Kia Sportage vs. 2027 Kia Seltos: At a Glance
| Feature | 2027 Kia Sportage | 2027 Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | From $28,990 | From $24,990 |
| Standard Engine | 2.5L 4-cylinder, 187 hp, 178 lb-ft | 2.0L 4-cylinder, 147 hp, 132 lb-ft |
| Turbo Option | Hybrid and plug-in hybrid available | 1.6L turbo, 190 hp, 195 lb-ft (X-Line SX) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | IVT (8-speed automatic with turbo) |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | FWD standard; AWD on X-Line trims |
| Fuel Economy (gas, FWD) | 25/33/28 MPG city/hwy/combined | 28/33/30 MPG city/hwy/combined |
| Hybrid | Sportage Hybrid from $30,590, up to 41 MPG combined | Seltos Hybrid expected late 2026, details not yet announced |
| Cargo Space | 39.6 cu. ft. behind rear seat; 74.1 cu. ft. max | 27.8 cu. ft. behind rear seat; 64.2 cu. ft. max |
| Seating | 5 passengers | 5 passengers |
| Towing | Up to 2,500 lbs with trailer brakes | See Kia.com for towing details |
| Length | 184.4 in. | 174.4 in. |
| Screens | 12.3-in. touchscreen and 12.3-in. gauge cluster | 12.3-in. touchscreen |
| Trims | LX, EX, SX, X-Line, SX Prestige, X-Pro Prestige | LX, S, EX, X-Line S, X-Line SX |
Specs and pricing are from Kia USA for the 2027 model year and exclude destination, handling, taxes and fees. Mileage is EPA-estimated and varies by trim and drivetrain. Contact Oakes Kia to confirm current pricing and availability.
About the 2027 Kia Sportage
The 2027 Kia Sportage is a compact SUV with real room to spread out. It starts at $28,990 and comes in six trims: LX, EX, SX, X-Line, SX Prestige and X-Pro Prestige. Every gas model uses a 2.5L four-cylinder with 187 hp, 178 lb-ft of torque and an 8-speed automatic, with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depending on trim.
Cargo space is a strength, with 39.6 cu. ft. behind the rear seat and 74.1 cu. ft. with the seats folded. The Sportage can tow up to 2,500 lbs with trailer brakes. If fuel economy matters most, the Sportage Hybrid starts at $30,590 and is rated up to 41 MPG combined, and a plug-in hybrid starts at $40,590. Up to 22 driver-assistance features are available, and the 2026 Sportage earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a NHTSA 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score.
About the 2027 Kia Seltos
The 2027 Kia Seltos is Kia's smaller, more affordable SUV, starting at $24,990. It comes in five trims: LX, S, EX, X-Line S and X-Line SX. LX, S and EX use a 2.0L four-cylinder with 147 hp and are rated 28/33/30 MPG city/highway/combined. The X-Line SX adds a 1.6L turbo with 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.
Inside, the Seltos has 27.8 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the rear seat and 64.2 cu. ft. with the seat folded, and it seats five. A 12.3-in. touchscreen is included on the LX, and an available digital cockpit adds nearly 30 inches of combined screens. The LX includes 13 collision-avoidance and safety-assist features. Read more on our 2026 Kia Seltos page.
Which Kia SUV Should You Choose?
Choose the Sportage if:
- You need more cargo and passenger room
- You want a hybrid or plug-in hybrid available today
- You tow a small trailer or carry gear often
- You want the most standard power and available tech
Choose the Seltos if:
- You want the lowest starting price
- You mostly drive in the city and want easy parking
- You want better gas mileage without a hybrid
- You want a turbo option in a smaller SUV
Kia Sportage vs Kia Seltos FAQs
Is the Kia Sportage or Kia Seltos bigger?
The Sportage is bigger. The 2027 Sportage is 184.4 inches long with up to 74.1 cu. ft. of cargo space, while the 2027 Seltos is 174.4 inches long with up to 64.2 cu. ft.
How much does the 2027 Kia Sportage cost compared to the Seltos?
The 2027 Kia Sportage starts at $28,990 and the 2027 Kia Seltos starts at $24,990, a difference of $4,000. Prices exclude destination, handling, taxes and fees.
Which gets better gas mileage, the Sportage or the Seltos?
Among gas models, the Seltos LX, S and EX are rated 28/33/30 MPG, while the Sportage FWD trims are rated 25/33/28 MPG. The Sportage Hybrid is rated up to 41 MPG combined.
Which has more horsepower, the Sportage or the Seltos?
The Sportage has 187 hp from a 2.5L engine on every gas trim. The Seltos has 147 hp from its 2.0L engine, and 190 hp from the 1.6L turbo on the X-Line SX.
Does the Kia Sportage or Seltos have a hybrid?
The Sportage does. The Sportage Hybrid starts at $30,590 and the Sportage Plug-in Hybrid starts at $40,590. Kia has announced a Seltos hybrid, expected late 2026, but pricing and mileage have not been released yet.
Do the Sportage and Seltos come with all-wheel drive?
Yes. AWD is available on the Sportage and is standard on the X-Line and X-Pro Prestige trims. On the Seltos, AWD is available on the X-Line S and X-Line SX trims.
Can the Kia Sportage tow?
Yes. The 2027 Sportage can tow up to 2,500 lbs with trailer brakes, with the proper equipment.
Where can I test drive a Sportage or Seltos near Kansas City?
Oakes Kia is at 2900 Burlington St in North Kansas City, MO. Browse Sportage inventory or Seltos inventory, or call sales at (816) 300-7875 to schedule a test drive.
Test Drive the Sportage or Seltos at Oakes Kia
Both SUVs are backed by Kia's strong warranty and the transparency, value and relationships you expect from Oakes. Oakes Kia is at 2900 Burlington St, North Kansas City, MO 64116. Browse inventory online or call sales at (816) 300-7875.
2027 Kia Seltos FAQs
How much does the 2027 Kia Seltos cost?
The 2027 Kia Seltos starts at $24,990, not including destination, taxes and fees. Pricing rises with trim level and options.
What engine does the 2027 Kia Seltos have?
The standard Seltos engine is a 2.0L four-cylinder with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. The X-Line SX uses a turbocharged 1.6L with 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.
What is the Kia Seltos's gas mileage?
The Seltos is rated up to 30 MPG combined.
How much cargo space does the Kia Seltos have?
The Seltos has 27.8 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the rear seat and 64.2 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded.
Is there a Kia Seltos hybrid?
Kia has announced a Seltos hybrid, expected late 2026, but pricing and mileage have not been released yet. Ask our sales team to be notified when it arrives.
Should I buy a Kia Seltos or a Kia Sportage?
The Seltos is the lower-priced, more compact choice, starting at $24,990. The Sportage starts at $28,990 and offers more cargo space (39.6 cu. ft. behind the rear seat) and a hybrid available today.
Where can I test drive a Kia Seltos near North Kansas City?
Oakes Kia is at 2900 Burlington St, North Kansas City, MO 64116, serving Kansas City, Liberty, Gladstone, Riverside and the Northland. Call sales at (816) 300-7875.