Kia Covers All Powertrain Bases: New Seltos, EV3 Debut at New York Auto Show

Whether you’re looking for a conventional hot hatch, a hybrid or a fully electric car, Kia brought a little something for everyone at the 2026 New York Auto Show. On Wednesday, we saw the debut of the new 2027 Kia Seltos and Seltos HEV, as well as the North American debut of the all-electric 2027 Kia EV3 compact electric SUV, all expected to arrive later this year. The arrival of these smaller and, hopefully, cheaper SUVs is a welcome sight at a time when many automakers are canceling their more affordable models and smaller EVs.

The EV3 goes on sale in 2023 before going on sale in Europe and South Korea in 2024. This year, US drivers finally got their chance in the driver’s seat of a subcompact electric SUV. The EV3 joins the automaker’s North American EV lineup under the Kia EV6 — one of my favorite EVs on the road today — and will be powered by a 400-volt E-GMP version of Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated electric vehicles. From bumper-to-bumper, the EV3 is about 15 inches shorter than the EV6, but its streamlined silhouette means the subcompact’s cargo and passenger capacity are comparable (only 4% less.)

The EV3 will come with a 201 hp, front drive configuration with a single motor on the front axle or a dual-motor all-wheel-drive that makes 261 hp. That choice will determine whether the EV comes with a standard 58.3 kilowatt-hour battery or an 81.4 kWh long-range pack. Drivers can expect between 220 and 320 miles of limited electric range from the angular EV, depending on the trim and configuration chosen. The EV’s native North American charging port allows for 10% to 80% DC fast charging in about 30 minutes in conjunction with Tesla’s Supercharger network with seamless plug and charge charging.

In its most powerful configuration, the EV3 GT increases output to 288 hp and adds Virtual Gear Shift and Active Sound Design — features that allow the EV to mimic the sound and shift pattern of a combustion engine with paddle-style shifts — which spice up performance and add fun to the drive.

The EV3 is expected to arrive in the US in “late 2026” loaded with the automaker’s suite of infotainment and driver assistance technologies. Pricing hasn’t been announced, but I expect it to start in the $35,000 ballpark.

Turbocharged, electrified: 2027 Kia Seltos and Seltos HEV

Meanwhile, Kia’s fire-powered Seltos is older and brighter. Slightly wider, a touch more practical where it counts, cargo space now expands to 64.1 cubic feet behind the first row and 27.8 behind the second — nearly 1.3 more cubes than the current generation in both respects. The 2.4 inch bump in the wheelbase translates directly to better legroom, especially in the back, where passengers get an extra inch. Head, hip and shoulder room also improves modestly. Even the SUV’s ground clearance increases, now reaching 8.1 inches compared to last year’s 7.3-inch max.

There are no surprises under the hood. The standard 2.0-liter, 147-hp naturally aspirated four-cylinder is mated to the brand’s continuously variable transmission, while the optional 1.6-liter turbocharged engine is tipped to make around 190 pounds. The base engine sticks to FWD but can be optioned with AWD. That turbo setup comes standard with AWD and an 8-speed automatic transmission, which provides a more efficient drive when you want it.

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For the first time, the Seltos HEV will be offered a new hybrid powertrain option built on a 1.6-liter four-cylinder paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard for excellent cruising performance, but available with e-AWD — Kia’s first system to use in a hybrid SUV — adds much-needed traction and extra punch when conditions call for it.

Inside, all 2027 Seltos models also increase their infotainment technology, both physically and functionally. A standard 12.3-inch touchscreen anchors the dash, with dual 12.3-inch displays and a dedicated 5-inch climate panel — similar to the setup found in the flagship Kia EV9 and Telluride and a big step up from the current 10.25-inch nav system. A new infotainment suite brings the ability to update to the air, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on all.

You’ll also be able to interact with Seltos with your voice through Kia’s creative AI assistant, which responds to prompts with the hot name “Hey, Kia…”. Additionally, Kia Connect Telematics extends control to your phone — enabling door locking, unlocking, climate control, remote start, all handled without touching the key. All that said, it sounds like a very nice tech suite for an entry-level model.

The powerful variant of the Selto is slated to go on sale in the second quarter of 2026 and is likely to stick around the current $25,000-ish starting price. The Seltos HEV will join the program in the fourth quarter of 2026. More information on the Seltos HEV will be available later this year, with official fuel economy figures and more accurate pricing for all three powertrains expected closer to their on-sale dates.