Small SUVs are easy to park, comfortable in traffic, and practical for errands or a weekend away. The challenge is finding one that still feels roomy, well equipped, and capable when the weather changes.
The redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos answers that challenge with generous passenger space, flexible cargo capacity, a large standard touchscreen, available all-wheel drive, two gasoline engines, and an upcoming hybrid. The Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Corolla Cross have clear strengths, but the Seltos brings more everyday priorities together.
Toyota had not published U.S. specifications for a 2027 Corolla Cross, so this comparison uses the latest confirmed 2026 model.
Quick Comparison
| 2027 Kia Seltos | $24,990 | FWD or available AWD | Space, technology, powertrain choice, and warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Subaru Crosstrek | $26,995 | Standard AWD | Ground clearance and outdoor capability |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | $24,635 gas / $28,995 hybrid | Gas FWD or AWD; hybrid AWD | Efficiency and available hybrid power |
Prices exclude destination charges, taxes, registration, options, and dealer fees. The base Seltos is FWD; the Crosstrek includes AWD.
More Space Without Moving Up to a Larger SUV
The 2027 Seltos remains easy to maneuver for errands around Queensbury or parking in Saratoga Springs, yet its interior makes efficient use of the vehicle’s compact dimensions. The cabin provides 103.5 cubic feet of passenger space and approximately 39 inches of second-row legroom, while cargo capacity expands from 27.8 cubic feet with the rear seats in use to 64.2 cubic feet when they are folded.
The second row can accommodate adults, while the cargo area has room for luggage, strollers, or weekend gear. Early road tests have highlighted the Seltos for its roomy interior and comfortable ride.
Technology That Feels Above the Price Point
Every 2027 Seltos includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available equipment includes:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Ventilated front seats
- Driver-seat memory
- Wireless phone charging
- Surround View Monitor
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
Two Gas Engines, Available AWD, and a Hybrid on the Way
The base powertrain combines a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder with Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission, with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive offered depending on the trim.
The X-Line SX uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 190 horsepower, an eight-speed automatic, and standard AWD. It also adds Snow, Mud, and Sand terrain modes and offers up to 8.1 inches of ground clearance.
Kia has also announced a 2027 Seltos Hybrid with a 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain and available electronic AWD, expected in late 2026. Final U.S. pricing and fuel-economy ratings were not available at the time of writing.
2027 Kia Seltos vs. 2027 Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek is a strong choice for drivers who put all-weather and outdoor capability first. Every 2027 model includes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, at least 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and a 180-horsepower 2.5-liter engine. Those features give it an advantage on rough roads and light trails.
Cabin versatility is one of the Seltos’ clearest advantages. With the second row in use, it offers 27.8 cubic feet for luggage and everyday gear, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet when the seats are lowered. The Crosstrek provides 19.9 cubic feet in its standard cargo configuration and just over 50 cubic feet at maximum capacity.
The Seltos also includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen as standard, while the base Crosstrek uses a dual 7-inch multimedia system. Subaru’s larger 11.6-inch system is available on higher trims.
The Crosstrek has more standard power, while Kia answers with an available 190-horsepower turbo engine, more maximum cargo space, and more drivetrain choice.
The Crosstrek remains the better fit for frequent trail use and shoppers who want AWD on every trim. For passenger space, cargo flexibility, standard technology, and powertrain variety, the Seltos offers the more complete everyday package.
2027 Kia Seltos vs. Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross is built around simplicity and efficiency. Its gasoline engine produces 169 horsepower and is available with FWD or AWD. The Corolla Cross Hybrid combines 196 horsepower, standard electronic AWD, and a manufacturer-estimated 42 MPG combined.
The Seltos is more compelling when cabin technology and comfort features matter just as much. Its standard 12.3-inch touchscreen is larger than the standard 8-inch display in lower Corolla Cross trims. Toyota offers a 10.5-inch screen on higher trims or through an available package. Kia also offers ventilated front seats, driver memory, a surround-view camera, and a blind-spot camera view.
The available 190-horsepower turbo engine gives the Seltos a stronger gasoline option than Toyota’s 169-horsepower engine. Industry testing describes the gas Corolla Cross as practical and efficient but less responsive under acceleration, while the hybrid improves performance and fuel economy.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid is the stronger choice when maximum fuel economy is the deciding factor. The Seltos makes the stronger overall case for standard screen size, available comfort technology, turbocharged gasoline power, cargo flexibility, and longer powertrain coverage.
Where Each Small SUV Stands Out
| 2027 Kia Seltos | Everyday space, technology, drivetrain choice, and long-term value | Less ground clearance than the Crosstrek; final hybrid MPG is not yet available |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Subaru Crosstrek | Standard AWD, ground clearance, and light-trail capability | Less maximum cargo space and a more basic standard multimedia system |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | Fuel economy and efficient AWD driving | Higher starting price and fewer available premium cabin features |
A Small SUV That Brings More Together
The Crosstrek appeals to drivers who prioritize ground clearance, while the Corolla Cross Hybrid stands out for fuel economy. The 2027 Kia Seltos brings more everyday priorities together with a spacious cabin, flexible cargo room, a large standard touchscreen, available AWD, an optional turbocharged engine, and an upcoming hybrid.
Add premium features and Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and the Seltos becomes a well-rounded choice for comfort, capability, technology, and value.
Visit Garvey Kia in Queensbury to explore the 2027 Kia Seltos in person, compare trims and drivetrain options, review current offers, value your trade, and schedule a test drive today.
Categories:
New Inventory