Fully redesigned for the 2020 model year, the boxy Soul is one of Kia’s signatures. With a distinct design, tons of personality, affordable trims with a variety of options and peppy power choices, it continues to be one of the company’s best-sellers. Kia also introduced a significantly improved Soul EV, which won’t launch in the U.S. until the 2021 year as its popularity overseas has the Korean automaker struggling to meet demand.

The first-generation Soul debuted for the 2010 model year when Toyota’s now disbanded Scion brand was selling the xB toaster-shaped SUV as fast it could build them. Kia cashed in on the emerging trend among young people seeking an “anti-car” that abandoned sleek and sporty themes, a movement that also included Honda’s sorely missed Element. 

The 2020 Kia features a revised grille with an angrier look as well as a more aggressive stance. Both design changes give it a surlier personality compared with the model it replaced (new GT-Line pictured here). Kia

A decade later, the Kia Soul is the lone surviving toaster-on-wheels and has been heavily reskinned for 2020. But some may be turned off by its new meaner LED headlights, a growly grille and more aggressive stance that replaced the welcoming rounded, huggable persona of yesteryear. The overall shape remains intact, it just seems less friendly. 

Despite its surlier personality, the Soul’s big secret has always been interior space. Inside, there’s plenty of room for kids and a ton of gear in the back. The Soul’s improved packaging increased cargo space to 24.2 cubic-feet of space, which expands to 62 cubic-feat with the back seats folded.

The 2020 Kia Soul sports meaner LED headlights, which may turn off buyers fond of the model’s previous more huggable persona. Kia

Out on the road, the Soul is not a speed machine, nor was it designed to be one. Its new platform does provide better driving dynamics and comfort, however. A 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is available with a six-speed manual transmission or Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT-Kia speak for constantly variable transmission or CVT), and a 201-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four pairs with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The base engine moves it right down the road, though hitting high speeds takes a bit of a run-up. The turbocharged engine is better for escaping velocity.

The new mid-grade trims, the GT-Line and X-Line, offer buyers more customization. The GT-Line adds a slightly more youthful touch with 18-inch alloy wheels and high-gloss black exterior trim. The X-Line aims at the adventure SUV market with thick black lower trim design that continues through the wheel openings. The front and rear seats comfortably fit four adults.

The Kia Soul’s toaster-shaped design frees up a lot of interior space, and the updated 2020 model now offers 62 cubic feet of stowage space with the seats folded. Kia

The Soul’s cabin is a party, especially at night. There are LED accent lights throughout the interior and lights that surround the speakers can pulse to the music or change color randomly. Yes, they come with an off switch. The stereo is also fitting, with window-rattling bass as stock and upgrades for more boom. 

The 2020 Soul comes with Kia’s optional Drive Wise suite of advanced driver-assistance technology that includes adaptive cruise, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning and auto emergency braking. 

The Kia Soul offers two powertrain options: a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with either a six-speed manual or CVT, and a 201-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four matched with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Kia

The bottom line isn’t that it gets low-30s per gallon or comes with a surprising amount safety technology (depending on trim). The real soul of the Soul is the fun factor and the resulting inner smile. So turn up the tunes, click on the LEDs and bounce a bit. The hamsters knew the score.