2027 Kia Seltos Is Pricier-Should You Get a 2026 Model Instead?
A Bit More Expensive for 2027
The 2027 Kia Seltos is coming soon, and it looks nothing like its predecessor. As Kia's smallest and most affordable SUV in the US, the Seltos punches above its weight. If you're hunting for something practical under $25,000 and want to avoid the used-car maze, this is probably already on your radar.
There's a catch, though. The new Seltos costs more, and while the price bumps aren't huge – from $900 to $1,900 – it's enough to make you pause and ask: do you go for the latest version, or snap up a discounted 2026 before they're gone? Most importantly, some 2026 Seltos models are still sitting on dealer lots, and discounts are getting more aggressive by the week.
Trim | 2026 MSRP | 2027 MSRP | Difference |
Seltos LX FWD | $23,790 | $24,990 | +$1,200 |
Seltos S FWD | $25,490 | $26,390 | +$900 |
Seltos EX FWD | $26,490 | $28,390 | +$1,900 |
Seltos LX AWD | $24,990 | $26,690 | +$1,700 |
Seltos S AWD | $26,990 | $28,090 | +$1,100 |
Seltos EX AWD | $28,690 | $30,090 | +$1,400 |
Seltos SX AWD | $31,490 | – | – |
Seltos X-Line S AWD | – | $28,990 | – |
Seltos X-Line SX AWD | – | $32,790 | – |
The 2026 Deals Are Hard to Ignore
Nationwide listings on Cars.com show just how deep the discounts on 2026 Seltos models really go. If you're eyeing the entry-level LX with front-wheel drive, prices start around $22,630, with average discounts between $2,000 and $4,000 depending on where you shop. Move up to the LX AWD, and you're looking at a starting price near $23,760, with discounts averaging about $3,000.
It gets even more interesting as you climb the lineup. Some 2026 Seltos S trims are listed as low as $22,105 – almost entry-level money, but with more features. Discounts around $4,000 aren't rare, and S AWD models often show $3,000 to $4,000 off as well.
EX trims follow the same pattern. Front-wheel-drive versions start at about $24,353, while EX AWD models begin around $26,166 – again, with thousands knocked off the sticker. Even the top-spec SX is still out there with hefty discounts.
In short, the outgoing Seltos has hit that sweet spot: dealers are eager to clear inventory, and buyers willing to skip the latest model can pocket serious savings.
What You Give Up by Sticking With a 2026
But the 2027 Seltos isn't just a price hike with new sheet metal. The redesign brings a fresher look inside and out, updated tech, a new cabin layout, and more features depending on trim. Kia has sharpened the styling to match the newer Kias, so the Seltos now feels less like the odd one out and more like a scaled-down version of the Telluride. You also get usability upgrades, technical improvements, and a more refined overall feel. There's also a hybrid version, though how Kia will price the electrified versions remains to be seen.
If your goal is to keep things under $25,000, the discounted 2026 Seltos is tough to ignore – especially when higher trims are selling for what entry-level 2027s will cost. You'll miss out on the redesign and latest tech, but you'll also skip the higher price tag.
If you want the latest look, updated cabin tech, and a longer runway before your car feels dated, the 2027 is the way to go. For everyone else, the 2026 Seltos could quietly be the smarter buy – at least while dealer inventory lasts.
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This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 9:15 AM.