Our Verdict
What's New
- The boxy shape rides on a new platform and has a sleeker, sportier look with slim headlights, “airplane wing” c-pillars, and a connecting rear lightbar
- 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine pairs with a new CVT for improved efficiency
- New GT-Line and X-Line offer sporty and rugged trim options for those looking for even more personality
Pros & Cons
- Friendly persona and fun features encourage a new driving mindset
- More space than many larger SUVs
- Affordable base price, tons of options and trims
- Relaxed performance unless turbo
- Polarizing styling
- Adding options can nearly double the price
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.
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.
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 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 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.
Warranty
5 Years/60,000 Miles
10 Years/100,000 Miles
5 Years/100,000 Miles
5 Years/60,000 Miles