Your Soul Mate!
By Charles Donaldson
The world of vehicles has been changing as the demands for sedans are decreasing, and the desire for SUV’s and Crossovers are on the rise. One vehicle filling this fairly-new demand is the newly redesigned 2020 Kia Soul – a subcompact SUV. The Soul has a comfortable interior boasting generous passenger and cargo space, including a long list of available features. It’s easy to drive and has good performance and handling.
Pricing and Trims
The 2020 Kia Soul is available in five trim levels: LX ($18,535), S ($21,335), GT-Line ($21,335), X-Line ($22,535), and EX Designer Collection ($23,735).
What’s New for 2020?
According to Kia, the 2020 Soul includes a forward design, modern tech, and a more diverse model lineup. The iconic Soul’s shape and profile has evolved slightly and sits upon an all-new platform. Technology advancements begin with the available 10.25-inch wide display, heads-up display, and a new cockpit designed to improve the musical experience. New model trims like the GT-Line and X-Line showcase the performance aspirations of the Soul.
Interior Highpoints
The Kia Soul is known for its boxy dimensions that deliver a surprising amount of passenger and cargo room. The 2020 version grows slightly longer (2.2-inches) than its previous version and Kia’s smart-design packaging allows for increased accessibility. The wheelbase has also been amplified by 1.2-inch helping in part to improve the driving comfort. The biggest boost is in the Soul’s cargo capacity which has swelled to 23.8 cu.-ft.; a 5 cubic-foot increase!
The 2020 Soul is equipped with a next-gen infotainment system and Kia’s drive-wise technologies including an available 10.25-inch HD color touchscreen with split screen function and rearview monitor with parking guidance. Android Auto and Apple Car Play, available 8-inch heads-up display, Bluetooth® multi-connect, and an available 640-watt Harman Kardon audio system.
Exterior Highlights
The exterior of the 2020 Soul is even cleaner than before with better “SOUL” graphics garnished in the C-pillars. High-tech front headlights and slim-designed daytime running lights and turn signal indicators sit in between a larger front grille with a unique two-toned treatment. Three-dimensional wraparound boomerang- shaped taillights and C-pillars designed to resemble airplane wings finish up the rear design.
Performance Specs
Power comes from a 2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with 147 HP matted to a 6-speed manual transmission or Intelligent Variable transmission. An optional 1.6-liter twin scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder is packaged with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission and generates 201 horses.
Cool Features:
- Available 10.25-inch HD color touchscreen
- Available 8-inch Head-Up Display
Safety & Integrity
The 2020 Kia Soul is packed with what Kia calls the “Kia Drive Wise” features. These include Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Changing Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross Collision Warning, Smart Cruise Control, High Beam Assist, and more.
In Summary – If you are in the market for a subcompact vehicle that possesses ample people and cargo space, is fun to drive, has an iconic shape, great price and gets excellent gas mileage, then you might want to get behind the wheel of the all-new Kia Soul!
Specifications.
2020 Kia Soul X-Line
Base price: $21,620 as driven: $22,615 (including destination & optional features)
Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 147 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Torque: 132 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm
Transmission: Intelligent Variable Transmission (i-VT)
Drive: Front Wheel Drive
Seating: 5-passenger
Cargo space: 24.2/62.1 cubic feet (rear seats up/down)
Curb weight: 2,844 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 14.3 gallons
Fuel Economy: 27 MPG City, 33 MPG Highway
Wheelbase: 102.4 inches
Warranty: 10 years/100,000-miles
Also Consider: Buick Encore, Chevrolet Trax, Fiat 500X, Ford
EcoSport, Honda HR-V, Mini Cooper, Jeep
Renegade, Hyundai Kona, Subaru Crosstrek