Compact, Capable, and Completely Unexpected: The 2027 Kia Seltos Leaves "Entry-Level" Behind

The compact SUV market has changed dramatically over the last decade, and the 2027 Kia Seltos is leading that transformation. Once considered the starting point for drivers entering the SUV world, compact crossovers are now expected to deliver premium comfort, advanced technology, confident performance, and standout styling. The redesigned Seltos embraces every one of those expectations, proving that choosing Kia's smallest SUV no longer means settling for less.

Available now at Kia dealerships, the 2027 Seltos brings a fresh design, upgraded features, and exciting powertrain choices that make it one of the most compelling vehicles in its segment. Whether shoppers are purchasing their first SUV or downsizing from a larger model, the latest Seltos offers a refined driving experience that feels anything but entry level here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis. 

Redefining the Compact SUV Experience

The 2027 Seltos represents the next evolution of Kia's award-winning SUV lineup. While its bold styling draws inspiration from larger Kia models like the Telluride, the Seltos establishes a personality all its own. Rugged proportions, confident body lines, and increased ground clearance create an athletic appearance that's equally at home in city traffic or on weekend adventures.

As the lineup continues to evolve, the Seltos steps confidently into a role once filled by the beloved Kia Soul, offering drivers a practical crossover with added versatility, available all-wheel drive, and a more adventurous spirit.

Today's compact SUV shoppers expect far more than basic transportation, and Kia has answered that demand by delivering premium features, impressive technology, and everyday practicality in one stylish package.

Premium Features Without the Premium Compromises

One of the most exciting aspects of the 2027 Seltos is how generously equipped it can be. Upper trims offer amenities once reserved almost exclusively for larger luxury SUVs, creating a driving experience that feels upscale from the moment the doors open.

Available features include heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon® premium audio system, a Surround View Monitor, a memory driver's seat, a hands-free power liftgate, and standard all-wheel drive on select trims.

This thoughtful combination of comfort, convenience, and technology allows drivers to enjoy many of Kia's most desirable features without feeling the need to move into a larger vehicle. The result is a compact SUV that delivers exceptional value while maintaining the premium refinement shoppers increasingly expect.

Turbocharged Confidence Comes Standard on X-Line SX

Drivers looking for a little extra excitement will appreciate the available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine found in the X-Line SX trim. Producing 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, this responsive powertrain pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive to deliver smooth acceleration and confident performance in a wide variety of driving conditions.

Whether merging onto the interstate, navigating busy city streets, or exploring scenic back roads, the turbocharged Seltos offers responsive power that makes every trip more enjoyable. It strikes an excellent balance between spirited performance and everyday efficiency, making it an appealing option for drivers who enjoy an engaging drive without sacrificing practicality.

A Hybrid Future Expands the Lineup

The excitement surrounding the 2027 Seltos extends beyond its turbocharged performance. Kia has also announced an upcoming hybrid model that will expand the SUV's appeal even further.

The new Seltos Hybrid will pair a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor and an innovative rear eAxle all-wheel-drive system, giving shoppers another compelling option within the lineup. While official performance figures will be released closer to launch, the hybrid is expected to deliver an impressive combination of efficiency, capability, and everyday usability.

Offering both a lively turbocharged model and an efficient hybrid gives shoppers the flexibility to choose the driving experience that best matches their lifestyle. Whether performance or fuel economy takes priority, the 2027 Seltos lineup is designed to provide a solution without compromise.

Ready to Stand Out in a Competitive Segment

Compact SUVs remain one of the fastest-growing segments in the automotive industry, and the 2027 Kia Seltos arrives ready to compete with confidence. Its combination of advanced technology, spacious interior, available turbocharged performance, and future hybrid option positions it as an outstanding choice for shoppers comparing today's most popular compact crossovers.

Rather than simply checking the expected boxes, the Seltos raises the standard by delivering premium appointments, impressive versatility, and modern styling in a package that feels far more sophisticated than many shoppers might expect from a compact SUV. It is a clear example of how Kia continues to elevate every vehicle in its lineup while giving drivers more value, more capability, and more reasons to get excited about every journey.

One look at the 2027 Kia Seltos and its family resemblance is unmistakable. Borrowing styling inspiration from the award-winning Telluride, the redesigned Seltos features a more confident front fascia, bold lighting signatures, and sculpted body lines that give it an upscale, adventurous appearance.

The refreshed design also includes a slightly longer wheelbase and increased overall length, creating a more planted stance while enhancing passenger comfort inside. Available X-Line models build on that rugged personality with distinctive exterior accents, unique wheels, and styling elements that encourage drivers to venture beyond the daily commute.

The result is a compact SUV that looks every bit as capable as it feels, offering a modern design that stands out whether it's parked downtown or headed toward the next weekend destination.

A Cabin Designed Around Comfort and Connectivity

Step inside the 2027 Seltos and it quickly becomes clear that Kia approached every inch of the interior with the driver in mind. Spacious seating, premium materials, and intuitive technology combine to create an environment that feels welcoming on both short errands and extended road trips.

A standard 12.3-inch touchscreen serves as the centerpiece of the cabin, providing crisp graphics and seamless wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. Available features such as heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon® premium audio system, a Surround View Monitor, a power liftgate, and a memory driver's seat elevate the experience even further.

The cabin also offers impressive passenger and cargo space for a compact SUV, making the Seltos equally comfortable carrying friends, family, groceries, sports equipment, or luggage for a weekend getaway. Every detail reflects Kia's commitment to delivering premium comfort in a practical everyday package.

Technology That Inspires Confidence

Beyond comfort and convenience, the 2027 Seltos is designed to help drivers feel confident wherever the road leads. Its advanced infotainment system keeps important information close at hand, while available driver assistance technologies help support greater awareness during everyday driving.

Whether navigating busy city streets, cruising on the interstate, or exploring unfamiliar destinations, the Seltos combines intelligent technology with thoughtful engineering to make every journey more enjoyable. Kia continues to refine its vehicles with lessons learned across the lineup, giving drivers confidence that every new generation benefits from years of innovation and real-world development.

Changing Expectations for Compact SUVs

The arrival of the 2027 Seltos reflects a much larger shift in today's automotive market. Drivers no longer expect an entry-level SUV to be basic transportation. Instead, they want sophisticated styling, premium amenities, advanced safety, and engaging performance, regardless of vehicle size.

Kia has embraced that evolution by giving the Seltos many of the same qualities shoppers admire in larger SUVs throughout the lineup. Rather than asking buyers to compromise because they're choosing a compact model, the Seltos delivers an ownership experience that feels polished, refined, and thoughtfully equipped from the very beginning.

That philosophy has helped Kia build lasting relationships with drivers who often return to the brand when it's time for their next vehicle. By offering premium craftsmanship and modern technology across every segment, Kia continues to redefine what customers should expect from a compact SUV.

Built for Everyday Adventures

One of the greatest strengths of the 2027 Kia Seltos is its remarkable versatility. It feels equally at home navigating morning commutes, tackling weekend road trips, or loading up for outdoor adventures. Its elevated driving position provides excellent visibility, while available all-wheel drive offers added confidence when weather or road conditions become less predictable.

Drivers looking for a vehicle that adapts to an active lifestyle will appreciate how effortlessly the Seltos balances efficiency, capability, and everyday practicality. Whether it's a quick trip across town or a spontaneous weekend escape, the Seltos is ready for wherever life leads next.

Experience the 2027 Kia Seltos Today

The 2027 Kia Seltos demonstrates just how far compact SUVs have come. With its bold styling, available turbocharged performance, premium interior, innovative technology, and upcoming hybrid option, it delivers an ownership experience that exceeds expectations at every turn.

Visit Jim Butler Kia today to explore the redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos in person. Compare available trims, discover its impressive list of premium features, and take a personalized test drive to experience firsthand why this remarkable SUV is redefining what drivers should expect from a compact crossover. Test drive it before you decide. 

Once you're behind the wheel, it's easy to see why the Seltos keeps outpacing the competition in its class! 

The Size Spectrum: Kia’s 2026 Vehicles Lined Up from Lean to Legendary

The story of Kia is one of persistence, innovation and steady growth. Founded in 1944 in Seoul, South Korea, the company began as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts before moving into licensed vehicle production. Over time, Kia refined its engineering capabilities and developed a reputation for delivering dependable transportation.

The launch of Kia Motors America in 1992 marked a defining step into the United States market. Following financial restructuring in the late 1990s, Kia joined forces with Hyundai Motor Company, a partnership that fueled product development, advanced research and bold new design language.

Today, we stand confidently as a global automotive leader here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis. The brand offers a broad lineup that spans compact cars, versatile SUVs and cutting edge electric vehicles. From value focused commuters to premium three row models, the 2026 Kia range demonstrates just how far the brand has come. Ranked by size, each vehicle plays a unique role in meeting the needs of modern drivers.

A Recognizable Icon: The Kia Soul

Although recently retired from production, the Kia Soul remains a celebrated part of the lineup. Known for its distinctive silhouette and youthful personality, the Soul became one of the most recognizable subcompacts on American roads.

Equipped with a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine and an intelligent variable transmission, the Soul delivers smooth, efficient performance for everyday driving. Its compact dimensions make urban navigation simple, while the surprisingly roomy interior provides generous rear legroom and flexible cargo space. For drivers seeking character and practicality in a small footprint, the Soul leaves a lasting impression.

Compact Versatility: The Kia Seltos

Stepping up in size, the Kia Seltos brings crossover confidence to the subcompact segment. With a choice of powertrains, including an available turbocharged engine paired with all wheel drive, the Seltos delivers energetic performance along with reassuring traction.

Its elevated ride height and bold styling give it a strong presence on the road. Inside, passengers enjoy ample legroom and a thoughtfully designed cabin filled with intuitive technology. From daily commuting to weekend road trips, the Seltos provides flexibility that fits a wide range of lifestyles.

Smart Electrification: The Kia Niro

The Kia Niro highlights Kia’s commitment to efficiency and forward thinking design. Available as a hybrid or fully electric vehicle, the Niro allows drivers to select the powertrain that best aligns with their driving habits.

The hybrid model pairs a gasoline engine with an electric motor to deliver impressive fuel savings, while the electric version offers quiet operation and responsive acceleration. Both configurations provide comfortable seating for five and generous cargo capacity. With refreshed styling and advanced connectivity features, the Niro blends eco-friendly performance with everyday usability.

A Segment Leader: The Kia Sportage

Growing families often turn to the Kia Sportage, a compact SUV that balances style, space and powertrain variety. Available with a traditional gasoline engine, a hybrid system or a plug in hybrid setup, the Sportage offers options for nearly every preference.

The cabin features a clean, modern layout with expansive digital displays and quality materials. Cargo space supports active schedules, while available all wheel drive enhances capability. The plug-in hybrid variant adds electric only driving for shorter trips, making the Sportage an adaptable choice for evolving needs.

Electrified Performance: The Kia EV6

The sleek Kia EV6 represents Kia’s bold vision for the electric future. Built on an advanced electric platform, the EV6 offers multiple motor configurations and both rear wheel and all wheel drive options.

Drivers can expect strong acceleration thanks to instant electric torque, along with a competitive driving range that supports both city commutes and longer journeys. The futuristic exterior design pairs with a high tech interior featuring dual digital displays and premium finishes. The EV6 proves that sustainability and excitement can go hand in hand.

Three Row Flexibility: The Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento enters the midsize category with available three row seating for six or seven passengers. This SUV offers a range of engines, including naturally aspirated, turbocharged and hybrid options, allowing customers to tailor performance to their needs.

Its spacious interior accommodates families comfortably, while flexible seating configurations make it easy to balance passengers and cargo. Available adventure inspired trims add elevated ground clearance and distinctive styling details. Whether handling daily errands or weekend getaways, the Sorento adapts with confidence.

Premium Electric Space: The Kia EV9

The three row Kia EV9 demonstrates how far Kia’s electric technology has progressed. Designed as a spacious midsize SUV, the EV9 offers seating for up to seven and substantial cargo room.

Available in rear wheel drive and dual motor all wheel drive versions, the EV9 delivers impressive horsepower and torque. Its interior features upscale materials, advanced driver assistance systems and expansive digital displays. For families seeking zero tailpipe emissions without sacrificing space or comfort, the EV9 delivers a refined and capable solution.

Commanding Presence: The Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride continues to anchor the lineup as a spacious and confident SUV. With seating for up to eight passengers and strong towing capability, the Telluride is built for active households.

Powered by a turbocharged engine and paired with a smooth shifting automatic transmission, it delivers robust performance. Available all wheel drive enhances traction, and upcoming hybrid variants expand efficiency options. The Telluride’s refined cabin materials and advanced technology create an inviting environment for long drives and everyday errands alike.

Maximum Room: The Kia Carnival

At the top of the size chart sits the Kia Carnival, Kia’s largest vehicle in North America. This multi purpose vehicle blends minivan functionality with bold, SUV inspired styling.

With seating for up to eight passengers and expansive cargo capacity, the Carnival excels at transporting families and gear. Available with a powerful V6 or an efficient hybrid powertrain, it offers smooth acceleration and composed ride comfort. Sliding doors provide convenient access, while flexible seating layouts accommodate a variety of travel scenarios.

A Lineup That Reflects Growth and Innovation

From the compact Soul to the expansive Carnival, Kia’s 2026 lineup illustrates a remarkable journey. The brand has evolved from a value focused newcomer into a respected global automaker offering advanced technology, electrified options and refined design.

Each model serves a distinct purpose, ensuring that drivers can find the right combination of size, performance and efficiency. As a Kia dealership, it is inspiring to present a portfolio that embodies innovation and versatility at every level. No matter the destination, there is a Kia designed to make the journey rewarding.

2024 Kia Telluride & EV9 Shine Bright on Car and Driver's 10Best Trucks List

It took nearly a hundred years for the internal combustion engine to change into the very spacious minivans of the 1980s! Passengers were happy here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis with the sense that they could now officially sprawl out and bring just a few monumental comforts of home such as books and study projects along. In barely ten years, EVS have become excellent at offering a space that is not just a means of accomplishing A to B. The EV9 is a 3-row SUV that is underpinned by the E-GMP platform, which is shared by the close sibling in the form of the Hyundai Ioniq 6. 

This meant that our hard-working engineers didn’t have to package the EV9 around the pressing need to make room for a combustion engine up front. It also allowed for the wheels to be pushed much further out, and the EV9’s characteristically out-front styling language has fantastically shown just how amazing and eye-catching the EVs of the future will be. An onboard 800-volt electrical architecture is the foundation for the modern miracle of ultra-fast DC charging, with the 99.8-kWh being the larger of the two battery pack choices.

The EV9 offers the option of all-wheel or rear-wheel drive, which we must admit that the “coming of the minivan” couldn’t even offer until its long-awaited second generation. The Car and Driver review staff were impressed with the 12.3-inch touchscreen’s easy-to-read and simple-to-operate demeanor, and space is incredibly generous for those counting the mile markers in the second row. The base-level rear-wheel drive EV9 Light cranks out 215 horsepower, with the all-wheel drive powertrain boasting the larger battery as standard. 

This setup allows for 370 horsepower, and up to 516 lb-ft of torque. Driving at a consistent 75-mph speed is quite telling when it comes to how range holds up, and the GT-line trim nailed down a satisfying 240 miles during this crew’s rigorous test. A 350kW DC fast-charger is where “something to write home about” truly originates regarding the future of efficiency. This allows for a battery to go from 10 to 90 percent in just 37 minutes, which equates to a much-needed lunch or extended stretch break.

The GT-Line crushes the 60-mph benchmark in just 4.5 seconds, with the EV9’s very compliant suspension rallying for the win over the 10Best testing loop’s most challenging intervals. Drivers concerned with the everyday task of shuttling to and from will most definitely find exhilaration in the EV9’s pioneering spirit. Thrilled to state that “The EV9’s moment is now”, the Car and Driver team agreed that this is an appealing choice for families ready to transition to electric, without having to compromise on a single crucial element. 

The 2024 Kia Telluride also made an appearance on the 10Best collection of well-performing royalty and was praised for being “gracefully and smartly designed.” Its naturally aspirated V6 and 8-speed automatic are so great together that you hardly notice them going about their day during a perfect pairing. Multiple Car and Driver writers and editors have chosen the Telluride to be the primary resident in their garage, which is as luxurious inside as many premium-priced competitors. Dutifully checking all the necessary boxes and alleviating any need for lofty claims or gimmicks, the Telluride stands apart this holiday season as a shining holiday star in a sea of unintentionally mundane!

Kia Sportage Embodies “Movement That Inspires”, Tops Autotrader’s “Best Cars of 2023” List

 

The 2023 Kia Sportage commands a large amount of consumer attention and test drive requests here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, and each new day seems to bring about new sources of achievement! This model was recently named among Autotrader’s “Best New Cars of 2023” list, confirming to eager drivers nationwide just how appealing its fifth-generation release is. It was honored alongside 10 other top vehicles and is now available with an internal combustion engine, hybrid electric vehicle, and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

The redesigned Sportage continues to fully impress lovers of exploration and high-tech features alike, with its versatility and wide appeal. This Best New Cars of 2023 list consists of 11 vehicles selected by a team of experienced editors who have tested and scored new models using a wide range of criteria. With a high level of consideration given to vehicles that display the industry’s best value, only models available for purchase over the next nine months were considered. Base models of vehicles needed to start below $110,000 to be in the running.

What began as a capable and attractive option in the compact SUV category has now been reworked as a very stylish, tech-rich, and leading addition to the competitive and demanding segment. The “Movement that inspires” global brand transformation has very carefully taken into consideration what a savvy and conscious customer need for their ideal vehicle, and this resulted in the rugged X-Pro trim level as well as Sportage HEV and Sportage PHEV powertrains. Another incredibly glowing review from the Edmunds.com auto review team praised the Sportage for its “comfortable ride quality, spacious seating, and massive rear cargo area.”

Also praised highly by the Edmunds crew for its class-leading packing at a competitive price, they also chose to rank the Sportage as their Top-Rated SUV for three years in a row. Eyeballing the competition in the form of the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4, the Sportage has fared amazingly well at the task of remaining more than relevant in the shuffle of current offerings. With incredibly accurate steering and smooth and responsive brakes, the Sportage has you fully covered in the comfort category.

The look and design of the interior are leveled up nicely and don’t leave behind the premise of everyday functionality. Another fantastic and useful addition to the Prestige trim is the excellent surround-view camera system. The touchscreen inputs lockout when you’re on the move, and the Sportage is available with top-notch driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view monitor, and parking assist. The adaptive cruise control is excellent at maintaining sensible gaps without the constant need to tap on the brakes.

With 39.6 feet of cargo space behind the second row and 74.1 cubic feet folded down, the Sportage ranks as one of the most spacious vehicles in its class. The rear seats have very useful anchors that are simple to find in a pinch, and the center console also features a bin that houses USB ports and a wireless pad, with cupholders that retract smartly into the walls for more space when needed. For the long-awaited weekend escape at hand, the Sportage can tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is enough for a small trailer or boat.

Kia Sportage Struts Segment-Leading Clout as “Utility Vehicle of the Year” in 2023 AutoGuide Awards

We are never short of enthusiasm for the Kia lineup here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, especially now as some models are getting the first increments of awards and accolades for the year. The 2023 Kia Sportage has now been named the Utility Vehicle of the Year in the 2023 AutoGuide awards, where editors give digital homage to the best vehicles on the market. Already enjoying its existence as a Kia icon, the Sportage was elevated to prime recognition after its overhaul last year.

Beginning in 2013, the AutoGuide Awards celebrate the best new or recently updated vehicles of the year. 2014 saw the addition of truck and SUV categories, and Family Vehicle as well as Green Vehicle of the year were added to the roster in 2021. This year, as interest and segment representation grew, there were refined categories for Truck, Utility Vehicle, and Electric Vehicle of the year. AutoGuide managing editor Mike Schlee commented on how the team is impressed every time they drive the Sportage, and was enthusiastic about its gas, hybrid, and plug-in options that provide appeal to every demographic.

The Sportage has always stood out with its comfortable ride quality, spacious seating, and more-than-ample rear cargo area. The X-Pro Trim offers more off-road capability, and so many here at Jim Butler Kia have loved the Sportage’s tech-rich package that comes at a very reasonable price. In direct competition with the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4, the Sportage is an eager contender that doesn’t get lost in the shuffle, with its striking looks and class-leading warranty. 

The off-road-focused qualities of the X-Pro trim are helpful for tackling the trail with all-terrain tires, all-wheel drive, and a locking center differential as standard. Another sweet addition to this setup is the Prestige Package, which adds LED headlights and taillights, ventilated front seats, a power front passenger seat, and a larger array of safety technology. At highway speeds, the Sportage cruised with minimal road and wind noise for the Motor Trend team. They also noted that it felt ideally light and perfectly precise during cornering. 

The Sportage also has snagged the honors of Top Safety Pick from IIHS and flexes its protective nature with lane-keeping assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, driver attention alerts, rear backup sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, and hands-free adaptive cruise control on every model. X-Pro Prestige models also sport the 360-degree camera view mode, parking collision avoidance, and front and rear parking sensors. Delivery and great execution of its formula allow the Sportage to never fall short of Kia standards, and the Car and Driver testing crew was thrilled with its EPA combined estimate of 43 mpg with front-wheel drive.

Always a grade above what you need for the accessible daily drive, the Sportage’s ultimate tire set comes in the form of BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. Each Sportage model equipped with all-wheel drive also fares well for bouldering and fording with 8.3 inches of ground clearance. Fiercely  growing larger, more capable, and powerful, we have nothing but the highest of recommendations and praise for this valuable member of our lineup and “movement that inspires.”