2027 Kia Seltos vs. 2026 Model in St. Petersburg, FL

Finding the right compact SUV in St. Petersburg, FL involves looking closely at style updates, powertrain configurations, and how new technology impacts the overall value. The team at Crown Kia St. Pete near Pinellas Park, FL has reviewed the details of the 2027 Kia Seltos Redesign alongside the highly dependable 2026 Kia Seltos to help you understand the latest pricing shifts, the highly anticipated hybrid efficiency, and what is entirely new for your daily driving needs. Keep reading to learn more.

New Inventory Test Drive Special Offers

2027 Kia Seltos SX

Engine: 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
Horsepower: 190 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 195 lb.-ft. @ 1,700-4,500 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive

2026 Kia Seltos LX

Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine
Horsepower: 147 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Torque: 132 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm
Transmission: Intelligent Variable Transmission
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive

What’s New With the 2027 Kia Seltos Near Pinellas Park, FL?

If you’re shopping for a new Kia Seltos in St. Petersburg, FL, you’ll notice that both the 2026 and 2027 models offer something a little different for every budget and style. The 2026 Kia Seltos comes in four familiar trims—LX, S, EX, and SX—making it a wallet-friendly choice for many crossover shoppers. The 2027 Kia Seltos adds even more variety with a new fifth trim, the X-Line, so you can now pick from LX, S, EX, X-Line, and SX. With the new design and added features, the 2027 Seltos does come with a slightly higher price tag[SS1.1], depending on the trim you choose at our Kia dealership near Pinellas Park, FL.

Both model years for the Kia Seltos share the same solid core, but the 2027 Seltos brings a fresh twist to the subcompact crossover scene in St. Petersburg, FL. The 2026 model sticks with reliable gas engines—making it a practical, affordable choice for daily Florida drives. The 2027 Kia Seltos, though, rolls out a new hybrid option for even better fuel economy. Not sure which one fits your needs? The team at Crown Kia St. Pete is here to help you compare pricing and features so you find the perfect match.

How Do Hybrid MPG and Engine Specs Compare?

When it comes to performance, both the 2026 and 2027 Kia Seltos are built to handle Florida roads with ease. The 2026 Kia Seltos runs on a 2.0-liter engine (147 horsepower) or an available 190-horsepower turbo, paired with an efficient automatic transmission. For 2027, you get similar power but a smoother 8-speed automatic—and the big news is the available 1.6-liter hybrid engine with all-wheel drive, delivering strong fuel economy for those St. Petersburg, FL commutes. Expect the hybrid to beat the 2026 model’s 34 highway MPG, saving you money at the pump.

What Are the New Exterior Redesign Elements?

The first thing you’ll notice is how the 2027 Kia Seltos looks on the streets of St. Petersburg, FL. The 2026 Kia Seltos shows its athletic style, with a bold black grille, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a classic shark fin antenna. For 2027, the redesign brings Kia Telluride-inspired touches—like flush door handles and eye-catching amber running lights. You’ll get slightly smaller standard wheels (16-inch), but upper-level trims offer bigger options if you want more presence. Both models at our Kia dealership near Tampa, FL have 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making them perfect for city driving and weekend adventures around Florida.

Which Interior Space Accommodates St. Pete Families Better?

Inside, both Kia Seltos generations are designed for comfort and versatility—ideal for St. Petersburg, FL families on the go. The 2026 Kia Seltos features woven cloth seats and a flexible dual-level cargo floor for easy storage. The 2027 Kia Seltos steps it up with class-leading cargo space (especially when the rear seats are folded flat) and an improved cargo management system. Both model years offer premium upgrades like heated and ventilated front seats, but 2027 adds a handy memory function for the power driver’s seat, making it even easier to settle in for the drive from our Kia dealership near Pinellas Park, FL.

What Safety Technology Monitors St. Petersburg Traffic?

Safety is a priority no matter which Kia Seltos you choose at our Kia dealership in St. Petersburg, FL. Both the 2026 and 2027 models come packed with driver-assistance tech to help you stay safe on busy St. Petersburg roads. These systems keep an eye on your surroundings and help prevent accidents—giving you peace of mind whether you’re heading down I-275 or running errands downtown.

The 2026 Kia Seltos includes standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist alongside lane keeping and lane following assist systems.
The 2027 Kia Seltos carries these same essential safety systems as standard equipment to keep you perfectly centered in your lane.
Front and rear parking sensors come standard on the redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos to make parking in tight spaces completely stress-free.
Drivers can choose the available 360-degree Surround View Monitor on the 2027 Kia Seltos to achieve full spatial awareness.
Both generations offer available Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go functions to reduce highway driving fatigue.

Find Peace of Mind on the Road

Want to see these advanced safety features for yourself? Visit Crown Kia St. Pete for a test drive and explore what the 2026 and 2027 Kia Seltos have to offer.

Test Drive

representative showing a new car to customer

Which Kia Seltos Interior Offers Better Tech Near Pinellas Park, FL?

Tech lovers will appreciate the upgrades inside the new Kia Seltos. The 2026 model comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch display cluster, with available dual 10.25-inch screens on premium trims. The 2027 Kia Seltos interior tech makes a big leap by including a 12.3-inch touchscreen as standard on every trim, all powered by the latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit system. It’s an upgrade that keeps your maps and software up to date when you buy or lease a new Kia Seltos.

Entertainment and vehicle access solutions remain equally advanced across both vehicles at our Kia dealership in St. Petersburg, FL, though the execution varies greatly.

Standard wireless Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^™ integration allow you to mirror smartphone apps without cord clutter on both SUVs.
The 2027 Kia Seltos integrates an advanced AI-powered voice assistant utilizing ChatGPT technology for natural cabin controls.
An available panoramic digital cockpit on the 2027 Kia Seltos groups dual 12.3-inch screens with a dedicated 5-inch climate display.
Both generations offer an available 8-speaker premium audio system, featuring Bose^® on the 2026 Kia Seltos and Harman Kardon^® on the 2027 Kia Seltos.
Digital Key features allow you to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle using a compatible smartphone interface.

Test Drive a Kia Seltos in St. Petersburg, FL

Should you choose the 2026 Kia Seltos or go for the redesigned 2027 model? It all depends on your style and what you want from your next crossover. The 2026 Seltos is a tried-and-true choice for St. Petersburg, FL drivers who value reliability, efficiency, and a great price. The 2027 Kia Seltos, on the other hand, brings modern updates like a bold new look, a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, and an optional hybrid powertrain for top-notch fuel savings. No matter which you pick, both Kia models are ready for city commutes, beach getaways, and everything in between.

Check out our latest Kia Seltos inventory online or visit Crown Kia St. Pete—just a quick trip from Pinellas Park, FL—to see the 2026 and 2027 models side by side. Our knowledgeable staff will help you compare trims, features, and pricing with new vehicle specials applied to find the best fit for your needs and budget. Call, click, or stop by today to schedule your test drive and experience these Kia crossovers in person!