- 3rd generation of funky, practical, high-value hatch
- Choice of two gasoline engines, including turbocharged model
- All-electric Kia Soul available in limited markets
- Active safety features, 10.25-inch touchscreen
- Pricing not announced, but current model starts around $16,500
- We’ve now driven this car; check out our expert review of the 2020 Kia Soul
The 2020 Kia Soul was unveiled marking an all-new version of the automaker’s funky and versatile 5-door hatch. Now in its third generation, the new Kia Soul retains its distinctive, boxy design, but adds even more utility thanks to increased interior room and, for those who want it, a tougher appearance in the new X-Line.
The all-new Kia Soul also matures in its feature content. Far from just a fun yet practical fashion statement, the 2020 Soul gains impressive new technology such as active safety features like forward collision-avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, smart cruise control and driver attention warning. Other tech highlights include an available 10.25-inch touchscreen, 8-inch heads-up display, and 640-watt Harman/Kardon audio system with light-pulsating speakers.
As before, the new Kia Soul will be available with a choice of two 4-cylinder gasoline engines or an all-electric model. The base engine is a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder that makes 147 horsepower and can be connected to a 6-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission. A 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder is optional, making 201 horsepower. It is mated to 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with sequential paddle shifters.
2020 Kia Soul X-line
On the outside, the Soul retains its rectangular body shape that has been turning heads since the original model debuted in 2009. While it’s not necessarily a crossover in the traditional sense of it being a soft-roader with available all-wheel drive (the Kia Soul remains front-drive only), this all-new variant can be had with a more rugged look.
The 2020 Kia Soul X-Line adds SUV-inspired elements like roof rails and extra body cladding. The Soul X-Line joins a trim line of LX, EX, S, and GT models.
2020 Kia Soul EV
Also as with the current model, an all-electric Soul will also be offered for drivers who want a greener, gasoline-free experience. As with before, however, the 2020 Kia Soul EV will only be available in select parts of the country, and in limited availability. Its electrified powertrain now makes 201 horsepower and a stout 291 lb-ft of torque. While the EV’s official range is yet to be announced, Kia officials say 2020 Soul EV range will be twice that of the current model, which now sits at 111 miles. By that math, we’re looking at somewhere in the 220-mile range.
It’s Official! The 2020 Kia Soul EV is one of the 10 best electric cars when it comes to driving range
2020 Kia Soul Pricing
Pricing is still to be announced, but we expect the 2020 Kia Soul to retain the high-value appeal of the current model, which starts just under $16,500.
2020 Kia Soul Release Date
The 2020 Kia Soul is scheduled to go on sale in the first half of 2019. Can’t wait until then? Dealers are probably going to be dealing on the outgoing 2019 Soul.
Conclusion
This all-new, third-generation Kia Soul looks to make this model’s winning formula even more appealing for buyers who want distinctive styling, surprising practicality, and the latest technology at a reasonable price.
2020 Kia Soul at the 2018 LA Auto Show
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