Tan Kia SUV driving along a winding mountain road surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage. (Representative image for illustration purposes only. Actual vehicle may vary based on trim and configuration.) Yes, the 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line is an exceptional all-around subcompact SUV, delivering standard all-wheel drive, about 8 inches of ground clearance, up to 190 horsepower, and a comfortable cabin with 28 cubic feet of rear cargo space. It balances efficient weekday highway travel with real multi-terrain capability for steep elevation shifts and unpaved access roads.

Fully redesigned for the 2027 model year, the Seltos adopts a boxier exterior profile inspired by the larger Telluride, giving it a commanding stance and expanding interior passenger volume. In Morristown, where daily drives blend suburban street travel with weekend recreation near Panther Creek State Park or Cherokee Lake, the Seltos X-Line offers practical versatility without taking up the footprint of a full-size crossover. Standard all-wheel drive and a dedicated multi-terrain drive mode selector give drivers added traction across wet asphalt, loose gravel, and winter road slush.

Inside, the cabin features a wide, driver-centric dash setup with dual 12.3-inch displays, intuitive physical climate switches, and supportive seating. Whether you are running quick errands across town or packing camping gear for a trip into the mountains, this crossover delivers the safety features, legroom, and cargo capacity needed for daily driving and spontaneous getaways alike. To see available trim options or plan a visit, you can review our Morristown showroom location or give our team a quick call to learn more.

Table of Contents

What Engine and Performance Features Drive the 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line in Mountain Driving?

The 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line offers two distinct engine configurations: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque on the X-Line S AWD, and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque on the X-Line SX AWD. Both X-Line trims feature standard torque-vectoring all-wheel drive and selectable multi-terrain modes for snow, mud, and sand.

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder pairs with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) to optimize fuel efficiency during daily stop-and-go driving. For drivers who frequently navigate steep highway inclines or mountain passes with a full load of gear, the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine delivers significant low-end torque starting at 1,600 RPM. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the turbocharged powertrain shifts decisively to prevent gear hunting on long uphill climbs while assisting with engine braking on downhill descents.

Beyond raw power, the 2027 Seltos features an upgraded chassis with compact MacPherson front struts and a multi-link rear suspension on all-wheel-drive models. With a 106-inch wheelbase and about 8 inches of ground clearance, the vehicle absorbs rough pavement patches while maintaining stable body control through winding mountain curves. Those exploring eco-friendly commuting options alongside gas-powered crossovers can also compare new Kia hybrid models or explore our complete inventory of new Kia Seltos crossovers for sale to find the right performance balance.

Engine & Performance

Powertrain specs by trim

Feature EX AWD EX FWD LX AWD LX FWD
Engine 2L 2L 2L 2L
Horsepower 147 hp 147 hp 147 hp 147 hp
Torque 132 lb-ft 132 lb-ft 132 lb-ft 132 lb-ft
Transmission Smart Stream IVT Smart Stream IVT Smart Stream IVT Smart Stream IVT
Drivetrain All-wheel drive Front-wheel drive All-wheel drive Front-wheel drive

Engine & Performance (continued)

Feature S AWD S FWD X-Line S AWD X-Line SX AWD
Engine 2L 2L 2L 1.6L
Horsepower 147 hp 147 hp 147 hp 190 hp
Torque 132 lb-ft 132 lb-ft 132 lb-ft 195 lb-ft
Transmission Smart Stream IVT Smart Stream IVT Smart Stream IVT automatic 8-speed
Drivetrain All-wheel drive Front-wheel drive All-wheel drive All-wheel drive

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How Does the 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line Interior and Cargo Space Measure Up for Comfort?

The 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line leads the subcompact crossover class in usable cabin volume, offering 39 inches of rear legroom and 28 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second row. Folding down the 60/40 split rear seats expands total rear storage space to 64 cubic feet for bicycles, luggage, or outdoor equipment.

A 2.4-inch increase in wheelbase over the prior generation directly benefits second-row passengers, allowing adults over six feet tall to sit comfortably with ample knee clearance and head space. The rear bench also features multi-stage recline adjustments, making long-distance highway travel far more relaxing. Up front, the clean dash layout positions key climate controls and audio toggles within easy reach, while soft-touch cabin materials replace hard plastics across primary touchpoints.

Our advisors notice that buyers exploring the Seltos X-Line on the showroom floor usually test the rear seat fold mechanism and tailgate height first to confirm how easily large coolers and recreational equipment fit into the cargo bay. Loading heavy items is straightforward thanks to a low liftover height, and an available hands-free smart power liftgate automatically opens when approaching with the key fob. For budget-conscious shoppers evaluating space and utility across different model years, browsing our selection of fuel-efficient pre-owned vehicles offers additional practical options.

Dimensions & Capacity

Capacity and dimensions by trim

Feature EX AWD EX FWD LX AWD LX FWD
Seating 5 5 5 5
Cargo 27.8 cu ft 27.8 cu ft 27.8 cu ft 27.8 cu ft
Curb weight 3,373 lbs 3,175 lbs 3,318 lbs 3,109 lbs
Payload 1,169 lbs 1,157 lbs 1,224 lbs 1,014 lbs

Dimensions & Capacity (continued)

Feature S AWD S FWD X-Line S AWD X-Line SX AWD
Seating 5 5 5 5
Cargo 27.8 cu ft 27.8 cu ft 27.8 cu ft 27.8 cu ft
Curb weight 3,373 lbs 3,175 lbs 3,583 lbs 3,549 lbs
Payload 1,169 lbs 1,157 lbs 959 lbs 1,125 lbs

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Does the 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line Require Premium Gasoline and How Efficient Is It?

No, the 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line does not require premium fuel; both the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine and the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine run on standard regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline. The X-Line SX AWD with the turbocharged engine achieves an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city / 30 mpg highway (26 mpg combined), while the 2.0-liter X-Line S AWD delivers an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city / 30 mpg highway (28 mpg combined).

Running on regular unleaded helps keep everyday fuel costs predictable for long-distance commuters. A 13.2-gallon fuel tank provides an estimated highway driving range of roughly 390 miles between fill-ups. Drivers can further optimize fuel economy by using the console-mounted drive mode selector to engage Eco mode during flat highway cruising, which smooths out throttle response and adjusts shift points to conserve fuel.

Keeping your engine operating at maximum efficiency requires regular maintenance, including routine oil changes, tire rotations, and air filter replacements. Proper maintenance protects direct-injection fuel components and ensures smooth power delivery across all seasons. When your crossover is due for periodic upkeep, you can easily schedule your service appointment online with our certified technician team.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy and range by trim

Feature EX AWD EX FWD LX AWD LX FWD
MPG 26 city / 30 hwy / 28 combined 28 city / 33 hwy / 30 combined 26 city / 30 hwy / 28 combined 28 city / 33 hwy / 30 combined

Fuel Economy (continued)

Feature S AWD S FWD X-Line S AWD X-Line SX AWD
MPG 26 city / 30 hwy / 28 combined 28 city / 33 hwy / 30 combined 26 city / 30 hwy / 28 combined 24 city / 30 hwy / 26 combined

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What Driver Assistance and Safety Technology Features Are Standard on the 2027 Seltos X-Line?

The 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line comes standard with the Kia Drive Wise suite of driver assistance technology, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning. Additional standard features include Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, and High Beam Assist.

These safety systems utilize front-facing radar and camera sensors to monitor driving conditions continuously. If a potential frontal collision is detected, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist provides visual and audible alerts, automatically applying the brakes if the driver does not react in time. When backing out of driveway spaces or crowded parking rows, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist scans cross-traffic and can step in with emergency braking to help prevent an impact.

For highway driving, available Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go maintains a preset distance from the vehicle ahead, brings the Seltos to a complete stop in traffic, and resumes speed automatically. Available Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control uses navigation map data to anticipate upcoming highway curves, proactively reducing vehicle speed for smooth cornering before returning to set cruising speeds. To maintain your vehicle's safety hardware over time with factory-approved components, you can order genuine Kia parts directly through our dealership.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety and driver-assistance features by trim

All trims in this lineup, including EX AWD, EX FWD, LX AWD, LX FWD, S AWD, S FWD, X-Line S AWD, and X-Line SX AWD, come standard with several essential safety features such as ABS, Isofix preparation, height-adjustable front seat head restraints (two per vehicle), and both driver and passenger front seat belts with pre-tensioners and height adjustment. Each trim also includes three rear seat head restraints (except the LX AWD and LX FWD, which do not list rear head restraints as height adjustable) and three-point rear seat belts at all positions, with standard seat belts for both rear driver and passenger seats.

Emergency call availability is standard on all trims except the LX AWD and LX FWD, where it is not listed. The accident data recorder and multiple anti-collision system functions are standard across all trims, including brake light activation, automatic emergency braking, braking at low front speed, driver monitoring, and emergency driver intervention systems. However, the anti-collision system's oncoming collision avoidance feature is available on all trims except LX AWD and LX FWD.

The anti-collision system is known as Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist on all trims except for the X-Line SX AWD, which comes with the Highway Driving Assist (HDA) system. This system activates at a minimum speed of 5 mph and operates effectively at high speeds above 78 mph and moderate speeds above 30 mph across every trim.

In summary, the majority of safety and driver assistance features are consistently standard across all trims with the exception of a few items like rear seat height-adjustable head restraints, emergency call functionality, and the specific anti-collision system manufacturer's name that vary primarily in the LX AWD, LX FWD, and X-Line SX AWD trims.

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What Is the Estimated Monthly Lease Payment and Value Outlook for a 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line?

Contact the dealership for current lease payment and due-at-signing information. The X-Line S AWD carries a base MSRP of $28,990, while the top-tier X-Line SX AWD starts at $32,790, plus a $1,495 destination charge.

For commuters driving into Knoxville for work or weekend trips, leasing or purchasing a Seltos offers strong long-term financial value backed by Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. Resale values in the subcompact crossover segment remain above industry averages, helping protect owner equity whether you choose to finance or lease.

Trim Drivetrain Engine Base MSRP Destination Charge
LX FWD Front-wheel drive 2.0L 4-Cylinder $24,990 $1,495
LX AWD All-wheel drive 2.0L 4-Cylinder $26,690 $1,495
S FWD Front-wheel drive 2.0L 4-Cylinder $26,390 $1,495
S AWD All-wheel drive 2.0L 4-Cylinder $28,090 $1,495
EX FWD Front-wheel drive 2.0L 4-Cylinder $28,390 $1,495
EX AWD All-wheel drive 2.0L 4-Cylinder $30,090 $1,495
X-Line S AWD All-wheel drive 2.0L 4-Cylinder $28,990 $1,495
X-Line SX AWD All-wheel drive 1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder $32,790 $1,495

When structuring your purchase plan, applying current vehicle trade equity can significantly lower your monthly obligation or down payment requirement. Our finance specialists work with multiple lending institutions to secure competitive rates for all credit profiles. You can get started today by choosing to get an instant cash offer for your trade or prequalify for financing online from the comfort of home.

Pricing

Pricing by trim

Feature EX AWD EX FWD LX AWD LX FWD
Base MSRP $30,090 $28,390 $26,690 $24,990
Destination charge $1,495 $1,495 $1,495 $1,495

Pricing (continued)

Feature S AWD S FWD X-Line S AWD X-Line SX AWD
Base MSRP $28,090 $26,390 $28,990 $32,790
Destination charge $1,495 $1,495 $1,495 $1,495

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Common Questions About the 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line

Q: What is the 0 to 60 mph acceleration time for the 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line?

The 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line SX AWD powered by the 190-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged engine accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 8.2 seconds. The 147-hp 2.0-liter engine on the X-Line S AWD delivers steady, predictable acceleration designed for smooth commuting and optimal fuel economy rather than quick track speeds.

Q: How do the selectable drive modes work in the 2027 Seltos X-Line?

Drivers select Normal, Eco, or Sport drive modes using a dial on the center console. Normal mode balances throttle response and transmission shift points for everyday driving, Eco mode optimizes engine mapping for fuel savings, and Sport mode sharpens steering feel while holding lower gear ratios longer for responsive climbing on hilly terrain.

Q: What visual design features distinguish the X-Line from other Seltos trims?

The X-Line trim features dark exterior styling accents, aggressive black front and rear bumper fascias, black gloss wheel arch cladding, integrated black roof rails, and unique 18-inch or 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels. These exterior details give the crossover a rugged appearance inspired by Kia's larger three-row Telluride.

Q: Does the 2027 Seltos X-Line come equipped with a spare tire?

Select 2027 Seltos models include a compact temporary spare tire located underneath the rear cargo floorboard. Stowing the spare tire below the main load floor leaves the upper cargo area clear for luggage while giving drivers peace of mind on long road trips.

Q: What infotainment displays are included on the 2027 Seltos X-Line?

The 2027 Seltos X-Line features a 12.3-inch touchscreen display paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in a single curved housing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with front wireless device charging and multiple USB-C ports in both seating rows.

To explore additional vehicle details or learn more about our commitment to serving East Tennessee drivers, feel free to learn more about our dealership team.

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Take the 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line for a Test Drive

Selecting the ideal subcompact crossover comes down to experiencing its ride quality, cabin visibility, and interior layout in person. The 2027 Kia Seltos X-Line combines modern interior comfort with all-weather traction and practical cargo room, making it equally capable on daily suburban commutes and mountain road weekend trips.

Our sales team at Rusty Wallace Kia Morristown is ready to answer your questions, review current pricing, and help you compare trim options side by side. Visit our showroom or get in touch with our team today to take the new Seltos X-Line out on the road. You can get directions to our Morristown showroom or call us directly at (423) 200-5335 to schedule your test drive.


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Vehicle specification data © JATO Dynamics Limited.