Kia Seltos 2027: Bold Design Arrives in the US with Reveal Set for NY Auto Show 2026

New generation of the Kia Seltos 2027 arrives in the US with amber light signature and Opposites United design; reveal confirmed for the NY Auto Show 2026.

New generation of the Seltos 2027 arrives in the US

Kia is preparing the arrival of the second generation Seltos, now in the 2027 configuration, with its debut specifically for the North American market set for the 2026 New York International Auto Show. The global presentation happened in December 2025, but the version for North America will have a dedicated launch.

Market Traction and Launch Context

Kia America has been registering positive numbers, with a sales record in 2025: 852,155 units, representing the brand's best annual performance. In January and February 2026, results continued to rise, 13% and 4% respectively, fueling the bet on new additions to the lineup. Besides the Seltos, the brand has already started sales of the redesigned second-generation Telluride and brought the K4 Hatchback to retail, evidencing an aggressive pipeline for the region.

Design and Lighting Signature

The teaser for the Seltos in North America suggests a visible transformation. While the global Seltos uses white LED lighting, the NA version is expected to adopt an amber signature for the daytime running lights. Kia states that the new style, inspired by the Opposites United design philosophy, combines contrasts of nature and humanity in a versatile compact SUV.

Performance and Powertrain Options

In the current generation, the Seltos is available with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 hp, and there is also a 1.6-liter turbo option with 190 hp and standard AWD. It is not yet clear if the new generation will keep both options or introduce changes to align with a possible ICE and hybrid strategy, but the spirit of versatility is expected to remain.

Price and Purpose

The North American Seltos maintained a starting price around US$ 23,790 for the 2026 model year, reinforcing the model's focus on daily use and weekend adventures. Kia promises a more mysterious and practical design, with higher lines and proportions that emphasize the vehicle's presence in the segment.

Reveal Date and What Comes Next

This is not an April Fool's joke: the official presentation of the 2027 Seltos for the North American region is scheduled for April 1, 2026, at the New York International Auto Show. Kia highlights the bold look and the promise of significant novelties compared to the previous model.

Summary and Next Steps

• New generation of the Seltos 2027 for the North American market
• Amber lighting for the DRLs, in line with the new design language
• Possible powertrain options maintaining the focus on performance and efficiency
• Reveal scheduled for April 1, 2026, at the NY Auto Show

What do you expect to see in the Seltos 2027? Tell us in the comments what features, engine, or technology you consider essential for the new generation.