Upgrading from a Kia Soul to a 2027 Kia Seltos is worth it for drivers in New Port Richey who want available all-wheel drive, superior highway refinement, and expanded cargo flexibility without sacrificing fuel economy or manageable city dimensions. The 2027 Kia Seltos builds on the hatchback practicality of the Soul by adding an extra about 2 cubic feet of rear cargo space, an available 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 190 horsepower, and standard or available all-wheel drive across every trim level.

For years, the Kia Soul has served drivers across New Port Richey as a reliable, easy-to-park daily driver with distinctive styling. However, when daily driving demands better traction on wet coastal roads or a quieter cabin during high-speed travel on US-19, moving into a subcompact crossover SUV becomes a logical next step. The 2027 Kia Seltos bridges the gap between urban agility and true crossover capability, giving current hatchback owners a natural upgrade path.

Moving up to the Seltos brings a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission ( Smart Stream IVT). For drivers seeking a peppier acceleration curve, upper trim options feature the turbocharged 1.6-liter unit mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing strong passing power on highway merges. Long-term peace of mind remains intact during this trade-in process, as Kia protects the 2027 Seltos with the same 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty that Soul drivers have come to depend on.

If you are evaluating your current vehicle’s trade value or planning a test drive, give our team a quick call or stop by our New Port Richey showroom location to compare both models in person.

What Are the Size, Exterior Dimensions, and Cargo Space Differences Between the Soul and Seltos?

The 2027 Kia Seltos is approximately seven inches longer and nearly an inch wider than the Kia Soul, translating directly into a larger maximum cargo footprint of about 63 cubic feet and increased cabin shoulder room. Behind the upright second row, the Seltos provides about 27 cu ft of luggage volume compared to the Soul’s about 24 cubic feet, allowing families to load larger strollers, cooler boxes, or golf bags without folding down passenger seats.

The physical footprint of the 2027 Kia Seltos measures roughly 172.2 inches in total length with a 103.5-inch wheelbase. By contrast, the Soul comes in at about 165.2 inches long on a 102.4-inch wheelbase. That extended platform allows the Seltos to offer 38.0 inches of legroom for rear-seat passengers alongside wider shoulder clearance, making it easier for dual-income households to accommodate teenagers or adult guests in the back row.

Weight specifications vary across the lineup depending on the chosen drivetrain. Front-wheel-drive configurations like the LX FWD, S FWD, and EX FWD feature a light curb weight of 2,937 lbs with payload capacities ranging between 1,032 lbs and 1,275 lbs. Opting for all-wheel drive brings the curb weight to 3,109 lbs on models like the LX AWD, S AWD, and EX AWD, while the top-tier SX AWD comes in at 3,248 lbs with a 1,008 lbs payload capacity.

• Cargo Behind Row 2: about 27 cu ft in the Seltos versus about 24 cu ft in the Soul
• Maximum Cargo: Up to about 63 cu ft with rear seats folded flat
• Overall Length: 172.2 inches for a planted feel during suburban trips around Trinity
• Ground Clearance: Up to 7.3 inches for confidence over speed bumps and standing water

When local families compare both vehicles on our showroom floor, they usually notice that while the Soul offers a generous upright seating angle, the Seltos delivers a noticeably wider cabin layout that feels much closer to a midsize SUV. You can explore our selection of new Kia inventory to review exterior trim finishes and tailgate openings side-by-side.

How Does the Price of a 2027 Kia Seltos Compare to a Kia Soul?

The 2027 Kia Seltos starts at a base MSRP of $23,7907         LX FWD, representing a modest price step above the base Kia Soul that reflects its larger vehicle platform, added interior space, and elevated ground clearance.

Choosing the right Seltos configuration depends on your budget priorities and feature preferences. The LX AWD carries an MSRP of $24,990, giving buyers access to all-weather surface control for just 1,200overthebasefront-wheel-drivevariant.Mid-gradetrimsincludetheSFWDat25,490 and the S AWD at 26,990,addinglargerwheels,roofrails,andenhanceddriver-assistamenities.

For buyers seeking leatherette upholstery and advanced climate controls, the EX FWD starts at $26,490, while the EX AWD comes in at $28,690.The line-topping SX AWD is listed at $31,490, incorporating the punchy 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, a premium Bose sound system, and full panoramic display technology.

Value-conscious shoppers who prefer trading in a current hatchback can review our pre-owned vehicle lineup or speak with our sales advisors to structure competitive trade allowances. As the #1 Volume Kia dealer in Tampa, our higher sales volume allows us to offer clear pricing information for a variety of households.

Does the 2027 Kia Seltos Offer Better Driver Visibility and Highway Quietness Than the Soul?

The 2027 Kia Seltos delivers a higher command seating position and elevated eye-line compared to the Kia Soul, providing superior forward visibility over traffic and reduced wind noise during high-speed highway travel. Additional acoustic cabin insulation and refined aerodynamic door seals help lower interior sound levels, making long drives along the Suncoast Parkway significantly quieter.

Because the Kia Soul utilizes a tall, boxy rear pillar design, rear quarter visibility can sometimes feel restricted when changing lanes in heavy traffic. The Seltos features a longer rear glass side window and a wider backup camera display with dynamic parking lines, giving drivers greater confidence when backing out of tight parking stalls.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Seltos matches its quieter ride with economical consumption figures. Front-wheel-drive models powered by the 2.0-liter engine achieve EPA estimates of 28 mpg city / 34 mpg highway ( 31 mpg combined). Equipping all-wheel drive alters fuel economy slightly to 27 city / 31 hwy mpg ( 28 mpg combined), maintaining high value for commuters commuting to Tampa every day. The performance-minded SX AWD trim with its turbocharged engine returns 25 mpg combined.

• Elevated Command View: Higher seating position improves forward road vision
• Highway Acoustic Package: Sound-dampening insulation reduces road roar at 65 mph
• Base FWD Efficiency: EPA-rated 31 mpg combined for efficient commuting
• AWD Fuel Economy: 27 city / 31 hwy mpg for all-weather confidence without heavy fuel penalties

Drivers who want to establish clear monthly budget targets before visiting the dealership can complete an online credit pre-qualification in just a few minutes.

What Interior Tech Features Does the 2027 Kia Seltos Offer Over the Kia Soul?

The 2027 Kia Seltos offers an available dual 10.25-inch panoramic display screen unit that seamlessly bridges the digital instrument cluster with the central infotainment system, presenting a far more modern dashboard architecture than the standard Soul cabin. Passengers also gain access to available Digital Key 2 Touch functionality, an available Bose premium audio system, and standard wireless smartphone integration on base display screens.

While the Kia Soul includes an intuitive touchscreen interface, the Seltos elevates daily convenience through expanded Kia Connect telematics. Drivers can remotely start the vehicle, adjust cabin temperature settings, or locate their parked SUV directly from a compatible smartphone app.

Multi-device connectivity is integrated throughout the cabin layout:

• Dual 10.25-Inch Screens: High-resolution panoramic displays for navigation and driver metrics
• Smartphone Integration: Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Wireless Charging: Available inductive phone charging pad positioned in the front console
• USB-C Ports: Fast-charging ports provided for both front and rear outboard passengers
• Digital Key Technology: Lock, unlock, and start the Seltos using a compatible smartphone

These cabin updates ensure that Gen X drivers and tech-conscious Millennials enjoy simple, straightforward technology without dealing with overly complex menu structures during their daily commute.

What Safety Features Are Included in Kia Drive Wise on the Seltos?

The Kia Drive Wise suite on the 2027 Kia Seltos includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, lane assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, blind spot detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance, and Safe Exit Warning as standard or available safety systems. These driver-assist systems work together using front radar sensors and cameras to help support driver awareness.

In independent safety evaluations, the 2027 Kia Seltos earned a 5-star overall crash-test safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), receiving top 5-star marks in frontal driver barrier testing, side barrier impact tests, and side pole protection. This crash-test recognition provides tangible peace of mind for families transporting children to local school drop-offs or weekend sports activities.

Key Kia Drive Wise active safety technologies include:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: Detects cars or pedestrians ahead and applies automatic emergency braking if an impact risk is detected.
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning: Monitors blind spots and alerts the driver with visual and audible cues before changing lanes.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance: Scans for approaching vehicles when backing out of driveways and applies brakes if necessary.
• Lane Keeping Assist: Provides gentle steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered within marked highway lanes.
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go: Maintains a set distance from the car ahead during stop-and-go highway traffic jams.

These advanced driver-assist systems function smoothly without triggering jarring or false alerts, giving drivers proactive safety protection on every trip.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety and driver-assistance features by trim

All trims, including EX AWD, EX FWD, LX, LX AWD, S AWD, S FWD, and SX AWD, come standard with ABS, Isofix preparation, and height-adjustable head restraints for the front seats, which are equipped with two head restraints per trim. Each trim features three head restraints for the rear seats; however, height-adjustable rear head restraints are standard on EX AWD, EX FWD, S AWD, S FWD, and SX AWD but are added on LX and LX AWD. Seat belts at all positions come standard with pre-tensioners and height adjustment for the front driver and passenger seats, as well as three-point 3-center rear seat belts.

Emergency call functionality is available as standard on all trims except for LX and LX AWD, where it is added on. An accident data recorder is standard across all trims. The anti-collision system, which activates brake lights and includes automatic emergency braking that operates at low speeds and in pedestrian and cyclist avoidance modes, is standard throughout. All trims feature a driver monitor as part of the anti-collision system.

The anti-collision system’s manufacturer’s name is Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist for EX AWD, EX FWD, LX, LX AWD, S AWD, and S FWD. SX AWD upgrades to Highway Driving Assist (HDA) while maintaining the same activation speeds, starting at 5 mph and operating below 30 mph, above 30 mph, and above 78 mph consistently across all trims.

Common Questions From Soul Owners Upgrading to the 2027 Kia Seltos

Is the 2027 Kia Seltos bigger than the Kia Soul?

Many Soul owners are surprised to learn that the 2027 Kia Seltos offers significantly more interior space and a higher seating position, enhancing comfort and visibility. This larger platform increases maximum cargo volume to about 63 cubic feet and provides about 27 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats.

Does the 2027 Kia Seltos come with all-wheel drive?

Yes, all-wheel drive is available across the entire 2027 Kia Seltos lineup and comes standard on the SX AWD trim level. Front-wheel drive remains standard on LX FWD, S FWD, and EX FWD trims.

What engine options are available in the 2027 Kia Seltos?

The Seltos comes standard with a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a Smart Stream IVT. Upgrading to the SX AWD trim provides a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

What warranty coverage comes with a new 2027 Kia Seltos?

Every new 2027 Kia Seltos includes Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, a 5-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty, and a 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan.

How does the gas mileage on a Seltos compare to the Soul?

The 2.0-liter front-wheel-drive Seltos achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city / 34 mpg highway ( 31 mpg combined), which closely matches the fuel economy of the Kia Soul while offering a larger cabin and higher ground clearance.

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