Kia Covers All Powertrain Bases: New Seltos, EV3 Debut at New York Auto Show
Kia unveiled the 2027 Seltos and Seltos HEV models, alongside the North American debut of the all-electric EV3 compact SUV at the 2026 New York Auto Show, with the EV3 offering 220–320 miles of range and Tesla Supercharger compatibility. The Seltos received upgrades including increased cargo space, wheelbase expansion, and improved ground clearance, while retaining a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and optional AWD." "article": "Kia introduced two new models at the 2026 New York Auto Show: the 2027 Seltos and its hybrid variant, alongside the North American debut of the all-electric EV3 compact SUV, both set to arrive in late 2026. The EV3, previously launched in Europe and South Korea, features a 400-volt E-GMP architecture, a 201-horsepower front-drive option, or a dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration producing 261 hp. Range varies from 220 to 320 miles depending on battery size (58.3 or 81.4 kWh), with DC fast charging from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes, including compatibility with Tesla’s Supercharger network. The EV3 GT model boosts output to 288 hp and includes Virtual Gear Shift and Active Sound Design, simulating combustion engine sounds and shift patterns. Pricing is expected to start around $35,000, though exact figures remain unannounced. The 2027 Seltos, now slightly longer and wider, offers improved cargo space (64.1 cubic feet behind the first row) and a 2.4-inch wheelbase increase, enhancing rear legroom by an inch. Ground clearance rises to 8.1 inches, up from 7.3 inches. Under the hood, the base model retains a 2.0-liter, 147-hp naturally aspirated engine with a continuously variable transmission, while the optional 1.6-liter turbocharged engine delivers 190 hp, paired with an 8-speed automatic and standard AWD. Both powertrain options—combustion, hybrid, and electric—highlight Kia’s strategy to cater to diverse market demands amid industry trends favoring affordable, compact SUVs. The automaker’s focus on technology, including driver assistance and infotainment, aligns with the expected late-2026 US launch for all three models.
Kia introduced two new models at the 2026 New York Auto Show: the 2027 Seltos and its hybrid variant, alongside the North American debut of the all-electric EV3 compact SUV, both set to arrive in late 2026. The EV3, previously launched in Europe and South Korea, features a 400-volt E-GMP architecture, a 201-horsepower front-drive option, or a dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration producing 261 hp. Range varies from 220 to 320 miles depending on battery size (58.3 or 81.4 kWh), with DC fast charging from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes, including compatibility with Tesla’s Supercharger network. The EV3 GT model boosts output to 288 hp and includes Virtual Gear Shift and Active Sound Design, simulating combustion engine sounds and shift patterns. Pricing is expected to start around $35,000, though exact figures remain unannounced. The 2027 Seltos, now slightly longer and wider, offers improved cargo space (64.1 cubic feet behind the first row) and a 2.4-inch wheelbase increase, enhancing rear legroom by an inch. Ground clearance rises to 8.1 inches, up from 7.3 inches. Under the hood, the base model retains a 2.0-liter, 147-hp naturally aspirated engine with a continuously variable transmission, while the optional 1.6-liter turbocharged engine delivers 190 hp, paired with an 8-speed automatic and standard AWD. Both powertrain options—combustion, hybrid, and electric—highlight Kia’s strategy to cater to diverse market demands amid industry trends favoring affordable, compact SUVs. The automaker’s focus on technology, including driver assistance and infotainment, aligns with the expected late-2026 US launch for all three models.
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