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The all-new 2020 Kia Soul retains its iconic boxy shape, but gains a new platform, newly sculpted lines and headlights and taillights, and new interior technologies. The styling is familiar yet modern and can be further individualized with unique trim levels that span from sporty to rugged and outdoorsy.
What's New for 2020
The Kia Soul is all-new for 2020. Now in its third generation, the small crossover is only slightly longer and retains its formula of funky practicality. The trim naming structure is completely different, and there are even new trims to entice the urban adventurer to explore or the driving enthusiast to hit the imaginary apex through an intersection.
Choosing your Kia Soul
The five-passenger Soul retains its four-cylinder engine and front-wheel-drive layout that's efficient on the road and in regard to interior space. Increased use of advanced high strength steel and optimized crash structure have Kia expecting top safety testing marks.
The updated chassis also allows for better fine-tuning of the ride quality with the Soul targeting a new level of refinement. A new GT-Line Turbo gains sport tuned suspension, larger brakes, and a more powerful engine.
Most of the lineup is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that's rated at 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. The Soul routes power solely to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission and earns an EPA-estimated 27 miles per gallon city, 33 mpg highway, and 30 combined. The six-speed manual transmission, which is standard on the base model, is slightly less efficient at 25/31/27 mpg (city/highway/combined).
The top-tier GT-Line Turbo trim includes a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that's mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The engine’s power curves peak at 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, while fuel economy checks in at 27/32/29 mpg.
There are six trim levels for the Soul:
LX
The Soul LX trim is priced from $18,485 (all prices include the $995 destination fee). Steel wheels with plastic covers and mold-in-color black plastic door mirrors are about the only exterior visual hints of its lowly position. Otherwise, the LX trim’s body colored bumpers, automatic headlights, variable intermittent speed windshield wipers, cloth interior, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, and split-folding rear seat are notable features at this price point. A 7-inch touchscreen connects with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth while pumping sound through six speakers.
The $1,500 Automatic Transmission Package swaps out the six-speed manual transmission with the automatic gearbox and adds cruise control, body colored door mirrors, remote keyless entry, and a front center console.
S
The S costs $21,285 and includes a full host of active safety equipment as standard, such as automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The S also includes the equipment and features of the Automatic Transmission Package, 16-inch alloy wheels, and premium cloth seat trim as standard. There are no factory options besides the wide array of exterior colors.
X-Line
The X-Line carries a rugged theme for a starting price of $22,485. It receives unique black body cladding, 18-inch wheels, front fog lights, roof rails, silver mirror caps, and offers a black painted roof for $345. The interior sees a few upgrades as well like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
EX
The EX is priced from $23,685 and receives upgraded features throughout. The exterior gains a unique grille, projector beam headlights with LED markers, 17-inch wheels, and heated mirrors. Proximity entry opens access to the interior which sees an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with HD Radio, SiriusXM, and navigation, wireless charging, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
An optional $1,500 EX Designer Collection package adds a two tone exterior color scheme, LED headlights, fog lights, turn signals, and taillights, unique 18-inch wheels, and leatherette and cloth seat trim.
GT-Line
The GT-Line is still equipped with the 2.0-liter engine and is priced at $21,285. The list of standard features is similar to that of the S, but the GT-Line also wears sportier front and rear bumpers, 18-inch alloys wheels, and red accents along the side sills. A flat-bottom steering wheel and GT-Line badging further the sporting message inside.
The GT-Line Sunroof Package costs $1,900 and adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, proximity entry, push-button start, a dual level cargo board and cargo cover, a sunroof, and a wireless charger.
GT-Line Turbo
The GT-Line Turbo checks in at $28,485 with the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. It also includes the features from the EX and GT-Line trims and adds heated gloss black mirrors with integrated turn signals and centrally located oval chrome exhaust outlets. The cockpit receives a high-definition gauge cluster, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, a 680-watt premium audio system with integrated speaker lights, a head-up display, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control.
Among the six trims in the 2020 Kia Soul lineup, the S strikes us as having the best balance between styling, features, and cost. Equipped with a near-full suite of active safety tech, the Soul S also enjoys a level of connectivity to make any drive a bit more enjoyable.
