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

Whether you’re looking for a traditional combustion car, a hybrid or a full-electric vehicle, Kia has brought a little something for everyone to the 2026 New York Auto Show. On Wednesday, we saw the debut of the all-new 2027 Kia Seltos and Seltos HEV variant, 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 small and, hopefully, inexpensive SUVs is a welcome sight at a time when many automakers are canceling their most affordable models and small EVs.

The EV3 originally debuted in 2023 before going on sale first in Europe and South Korea in 2024. This year, drivers in the US finally get their turn in the driver’s seat of the subcompact electric SUV. The EV3 slots into the automaker’s North American EV lineup below the Kia EV6 — one of my favorite EVs on the road today — and will be powered by a 400-volt version of Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated E-GMP electric vehicle architecture. From bumper-to-bumper, the EV3 is about 15 inches shorter than the EV6, but its more upright silhouette means the subcompact’s cargo and passenger volume is comparable (only 4% less.)

The EV3 will come in a 201-horsepower, front-drive configuration with a single motor on the forward axle or with dual-motor all-wheel-drive making 261 hp. That choice will dictate whether the EV rolls out with the standard 58.3 kilowatt-hour battery or a long-range 81.4 kWh pack. Drivers can expect between 220 and 320 miles of estimated electric range from the angular EV, depending on the trim and configuration selected. The EV’s native North American Charging System charging port enables 10% to 80% DC fast charging in around 30 minutes with compatibility with Tesla’s Supercharger network with seamless plug-and-charge payment.

In its most potent configuration, the EV3 GT boosts output to 288 hp and adds the automaker’s Virtual Gear Shift and Active Sound Design — features that allow the EV to simulate the sound and shift pattern of a combustion vehicle with paddle-style shifters — spicing up performance and adding a bit of fun to the drive.

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

Turbocharged, Electrified: 2027 Kia Seltos and Seltos HEV

Meanwhile, Kia’s combustion-powered Seltos has grown up and glowed up. Slightly longer, a touch wider and more usable where it counts, cargo space now stretches to an estimated 64.1 cubic feet behind the first row and 27.8 behind the second — about 1.3 cubes more than the current generation in both respects. A 2.4-inch bump in wheelbase translates directly to better legroom, especially in the rear, where passengers pick up an extra inch. Head, hip and shoulder room also modestly improve. Even the SUV’s ground clearance ticks up, now reaching as high as 8.1 inches versus 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 returns, paired with the brand’s continuously variable transmission, while the optional 1.6-liter turbocharged engine leans into performance with an estimated 190 ponies. The base engine sticks with FWD but can be optioned with AWD. That turbo setup comes standard with AWD and an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering a more engaged drive when you want it.

For the first time ever, the Seltos HEV will be offered with a new hybrid powertrain option built around a 1.6-liter four-cylinder paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard for the best cruising efficiency, but available e-AWD — Kia’s first application of the system on a hybrid SUV — adds on-demand traction and a bit more punch when conditions call for it.

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

You’ll also be able to interact with the Seltos with your voice via Kia’s generative AI assistant, which responds to the “Hey, Kia…” hotword prompt. Additionally, Kia Connect telematics extends control to your phone — enabling door lock, unlock, climate pre-conditioning, even remote start, all handled without touching the key. All said, it sounds like a very sweet tech suite for an entry-level model.

Combustion-powered variants of the Seltos are targeted to go on sale in the second quarter of 2026 and will likely stick reasonably close to the current $25,000-ish starting price. The Seltos HEV will join the lineup in the fourth quarter of 2026. More information on the Seltos HEV will become available later this year, with official fuel economy figures and more accurate pricing for all three powertrains expected closer to their respective on-sale dates.