By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Kia Media
All new and funkier than ever, the 2020 Soul is a completely new yet familiar version of Kia’s beloved urban runabout.
Design Beyond the Box
Taking everything that helped popularize the quirky, unconventionally styled subcompact, Kia Motors poured more of its soul into nearly every inch of the vehicle, resulting in a third generation that continues to transcend unmatched style, peppy performance, thrilling technology, and urban practicality.
Proving the point that there is a Soul for everyone, the normally aspirated and optionally turbocharged Soul is available in five trim levels LX, S, XLine, GTLine, and EX plus the all new Soul EV.
While the Soul stays true to its design heritage with its boxy silhouette and confident stanceits newly sculpted lines, cutting-edge details, and technical lighting elements present the most futuristic, youthful and innovative Soul yet.
New exterior design highlights include:
Hightech front headlight configuration with connecting trim piece accentuates width.
Slim design daytime running lights and turn signal indicators.
Larger front grille with unique two tone treatment.
Front fender detail lines add volume to clean and smooth surfaces.
Roof rack mounting points.
Threedimensional wraparound boomerang shaped taillights.
Cpillars designed to resemble airplane wings.
Signature vertical rear window and “Island” stay true to Soul design heritage.
Distinctive Cpillar garnish features new “Soul” graphic.
Interior
Music has been an overarching theme for Soul since its inception, and it’s no different this time around. For the third generation, designers & engineers turned up the volume on the interior design. Drawing inspiration from the emotional visualization of sound, the Soul’s interior space is adorned with shapes and textures that reflect acoustic inspired elements to create a full sensory experience.
Interior design highlights include:
Available sound mood lighting emits soft light from the center door panels and a unique 3D pattern surface on the upper panels, with the ability to synchronize to the beat of the music playing through the Soul’s audio system.
Sound mood lighting features a rainbow of customizable colors.
Available wireless charging.
Available dual auto climate control.
Soul’s signature tweeter speakers.
Despite its compact footprint, the Soul’s boxy dimensions continue to offer up a surprising amount of cargo and passenger space. Slightly longer than before, the 2020 Soul also features more smartly designed packaging in an effort to make accessibility even easier.
Performance
Soul enhances its funtodrive personality and versatility with different drivetrain combinations. From the all new 2019 Forte, Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission is now available on the 2020 Soul for those who require efficiency with their zip. Designed and built inhouse, the IVT is Kia’s unique version of a continuously variable transmission that provides an engaging driving experience.
Powertrains.
2.0 liter Nu four cylinder engine + 6speed manual transmission or Intelligent Variable Transmission.
147 horsepower, 132 lb.ft. of torque.
EPA rated fuel economy: 25/31/27 mpg city/highway/combined (6speed manual) 27/33/30 mpg10 (IVT).
For those who desire more zip, a turbocharged option is also available:
1.6 liter twinscroll turbocharged I4 GDI engine + 7speed dualclutch transmission.
201 horsepower, 195 lb. ft of torque.
EPA rated fuel economy: 27/32/29 mpg.
Summary
The Soul has been a massive success since its introduction to the U.S. market, establishing itself as an automotive icon with its funloving character and eccentric style. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $21,490.00, for the 2020 KIA Soul X-Line, the one I drove included: Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Collison Warning, Lane Change Assist, X-Line Exterior Body Cladding, Front Fog Lights, 18 Inch Alloy Wheels, Roof Trim, Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift Knob all included at no charge.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
