2027 Kia Seltos in the Tri-Cities: buyers guide, and when to step up to Sportage
Last updated Oct 19, 2026
Specs note: Figures vary by year, trim, and options. Confirm the window sticker and kia.com for the year / VIN on the lot. Official EPA for some 2027 powertrains may still be posting; I won’t invent mpg.
Quick answer
The 2027 Seltos is for drivers who want a right-sized compact that’s easy to park in Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland, handles school runs, and covers light AWD needs, without going up to a midsize Sportage. Step up to the Sportage when you need more cargo height, a Hybrid or PHEV, or a bigger cabin. Check the model year and trim on the sticker, then book a drive in Pasco.
Who it fits
It fits one or two adults who want easy parking at Columbia Center, downtown Richland, or school, and I-182, US-395, or Hwy 240 commuters who don’t need three rows. Weighing a Crosstrek, CX-30, or Corolla Cross? It brings Kia’s warranty and an available turbo, plus available Multi-Mode AWD and a bit more clearance for Basin frost. Open to a Hybrid later? Kia Media says the HEV comes later in the year, and the gas Seltos is here now.
Not the first pick if: you often haul big Costco loads with the seats up, you want a Hybrid or PHEV on the lot today, or you already know you need Sportage or Sorento space.
Hey, I’m Rick G. at Overturf KIA in Pasco. I help people from Yakima to Spokane to Pendleton find the right Kia without the runaround. The all-new 2027 Seltos is bigger and more grown-up than the last one, with Telluride-inspired styling, more passenger room, and a clearer place in the lineup. Here’s when the Seltos is enough, when the Sportage wins, and how to decide on a real drive.
What the 2027 Seltos brings (confirm on sticker)
Per Kia Media (July 2026 press), the gas Seltos is on sale now, and the HEV is planned for later in the year. Official fuel economy numbers were still pending close to the on-sale dates, so check the EPA figure on the window sticker for the one you drive.
Powertrain choices
| Path | What Kia announced | Notes for Tri-Cities |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L + IVT | LX / S / X-Line S / EX lanes | Everyday FWD or available Multi-Mode AWD. Confirm trim |
| 1.6T (190 hp) + 8AT | X-Line SX; Multi-Mode AWD | Turbo daily punch when you want it |
| HEV (new) | Coming later; available e-AWD called out | Don’t promise HEV until it’s on the lot as-equipped |
Size and packaging (Kia Media): it’s longer and wider than the last generation, and Kia cites best-in-class passenger volume and strong cargo behind the first row for its class. Check the numbers on the sticker and kia.com for the trim you sit in. Ground clearance goes up to 8.1 in on certain setups. Dual 12.3-inch displays are standard, with a bigger combined screen package available.
I won’t treat a brochure as gospel. Sit in it, open the hatch, and look for the AWD badge.
Seltos or Sportage?
The Seltos is the compact daily. It’s easier to park, takes up less space, and keeps you in the entry-level price range.
The Sportage is the step up when you want more of a midsize feel, gas, Hybrid, and PHEV choices, and more cargo room than a compact. See my Sportage gas vs Hybrid vs PHEV guide, and Sportage vs RAV4 if a Toyota is on your mind.
Here’s how I handle it: if you’re still unsure after five minutes in a Seltos, we walk over to a Sportage on the same visit. Same store, no pressure.
Around the Tri-Cities and beyond
Around Pasco, it’s easy in and out for errands, and it makes a great first Kia SUV if the Telluride or Sportage feels too big.
For Yakima, Spokane, and Pendleton days, how it feels on the highway matters more than how it looks in photos. Drive a real stretch, not just a loop around the lot.
In Columbia Basin winters, AWD helps, but tires decide. Summer tires on AWD still slide, so we’ll talk tires on the lot.
For Hwy 240 and Hanford commuters, especially tall ones, check the seat travel, lumbar, and visibility like you’ve just finished a shift. Compact doesn’t have to mean cramped with the longer wheelbase, but check it from the seat.
Cross-shop = proof, not trash talk
Also looking at a Subaru Crosstrek, Mazda CX-30, or Toyota Corolla Cross? Compare them on paper, then drive the Seltos here. Each has its fans. The Seltos answers with roomy-for-its-class claims, an available turbo, Kia’s warranty, and a Hybrid on the way. I just want you to leave Pasco knowing how it felt.
What to compare on a Pasco Seltos drive
Put an adult in back. Load the hatch with a Costco run or stroller. Merge onto US-395 or I-182 in the turbo and the 2.0 if both are here. Try AWD on a damp lot. Connect wireless CarPlay or Android Auto. On the fence? Park it next to a Sportage.
Browse overturfkia.com first, as-equipped only. There are no inventory grids or phantom VINs on this site.
Seltos Hybrid (announced): Kia announced a Seltos Hybrid with the 2027 Seltos at the New York auto show on Apr 1, 2026: a 1.6L hybrid with a 6-speed dual-clutch and available e-AWD, expected to arrive in late Q4 2026 (Kia Media, checked Oct 2, 2026). Kia has not published Hybrid pricing or EPA figures yet, so I won’t quote any.
Checked Oct 2, 2026: EPA figures against fueleconomy.gov; Kia specs and prices against Kia Media and kia.com. Always confirm the window sticker for the VIN you drive.
FAQs
Is the 2027 Seltos just a shrunk Sportage?
No, it’s a different size class. The Seltos is the compact daily, and the Sportage is the midsize step up with more Hybrid and PHEV choices. If you’re not sure, try both Kias on one visit.
Should I wait for Seltos Hybrid?
Only if a Hybrid is a must and you’re willing to wait for one to actually be on the lot. Per Kia Media, the gas Seltos is on sale now. I won’t promise arrival dates.
Do I need AWD in Pasco?
Plenty of FWD drivers do fine with good tires. If you head out of town, drive farm roads, or hate frosty mornings, AWD is worth trying on a damp lot. Tires still matter more than badges.
Can you text me a payment?
Not a firm one before you see the car. Book a drive, bring your trade, and we’ll write today’s incentives on the lot.
Offer: book a drive, bring your trade
- Drive a 2027 Seltos that’s here, as-equipped.
- Bring your trade so the number is real.
- Fresh write-up on the lot: MSRP plus today’s published incentives.