2020 Kia Soul

Kia Soul has got a sprightly 1.6-liter turbo-four engine that makes a good 201 horsepower. To make things even more livelier, the Soul comes with an array of interesting transmission options. This makes the Soul an absolute standout in segment full of compact crossovers. Kia Soul used to be one of a kind but after the arrival of the Toyota C-HR things are starting to change. Kia Soul competes Hyundai Kona, Buick Encore and Mazda CX-3.

2020 Kia Soul model comes with three trim options. The base trim is offered with a 1.6-liter engine (130-hp) and 6-speed manual transmission. Base trim comes with automatic headlights, rearview camera, 60/40-split folding rear seats, air conditioning, 5-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker sound system.

Plus trim adds a larger 2.0-liter engine (161 hp) mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. This trim adds more comfort and convenience features. It offers keyless entry, cruise control, a front center armrest and bin, and rear center armrest.

The top-spec Exclaim trim is offered with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine (201-hp) and a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. It also offers upgraded instrument cluster, leather seat upholstery and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

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Most buyers will be satisfied with the performance of the 2.0-liter engine. The Soul Plus trim with its 2.0 L engine and generous list of features will make your overall ownership experience a hassle free affair.

The Plus trim's standard engine has more guts than most competitors, and the Exclaim's turbo engine really can't be matched. Right off the line, there's a little hesitation, but power builds steadily to highway speeds. Sport mode sharpens response.-Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

Kia Soul's base trim is powered by 1.6-liter engine but the plus trim brings a 2.0-liter engine which generates 161 horsepower, good enough to take care of most of your driving requirements. The 2020 Soul is by all means affordable transportation but it wouldn't disappoint you as you potter around the town or roam the freeway at the weekend.

A traditional six-speed transmission takes care of gear shifting work. It is a refined unit and makes its presence hardly noticeable in the cabin. It isn't lightning fast but at the same time it doesn't hesitate while shifting gears. The Soul has various drive modes on offer and depending on the mode, the transmission holds gear for better acceleration or shifts in favor of better fuel efficiency.

The vehicles in this segment have three displacements on offer, from tiny 1.4 liter mills, 1.6 liter and the 2-liter ones. With a lot of products in this segment, if you have a special requirement you can easy chose one. Kia Soul in its base configuration is currently the most affordable car in this segment. Buick Encore is the most expensive, starting at a base price of 23,200 dollars.

Acceleration

Performance figures for 2020 cars are unavailable right now. Most of the cars don't receive major changes to their powertrain. As such, we have included the specs from 2018 Kia Soul. For comparison purposes, other cars also sport performance figures for their 2018 models.

The Kia Soul is offered with a manual transmission in the base trim, if you are on a budget and fancy a fun to drive car. For those who are looking for more performance in their crossover, then Kia Soul's Exclaim trim comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that puts class leading performance (0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds)

Compared to the competition, the Kia Soul doesn't feel too slow. Most of the competitors are slower to the 60 MPH mark, with the exception of Buick Encore. Kia Soul with its 2.0-liter engine is comfortably placed in the upper echelons of the segment.

Ride and Handling

Don't let that boxy look fool you into assuming the Kia Soul to be bland little vehicle. Like other subcompacts, Kia prioritizes comfort over sportiness, but that doesn't mean you can't drive it hard. Around the corners, this Kia can surprise you with its agility. And when we talk about maneuverability in tight spots, Soul's dimensions are perfectly suited to tight parking spots.

The steering has decent heft at all the speeds and it is accompanied by a good on-center feel. The ride quality is fine, with the suspension sprung neither too stiff nor too soft. With a ground clearance of 5.9 inches, don't expect the Kia Soul to do well on the detours through the B roads.

Braking

2020 Kia Soul gets disc brakes at all the wheels, the front discs are ventilated and the rear are solid. The Kia Soul is quite heavy for a subcompact crossover at 3163 pounds. The 2018 model performed well in the braking tests. This year too, the Kia Soul is expected to offer a similar performance.

The 2020 cars haven't been tested for panic braking, so there aren't any figures to talk about. The only significant fact to mention here would be that currently, the 2020 Kona offers drum brakes at the rear as standard. This is quite disappointing, although final judgment is reserved for after brake testing.

By using a larger 2.0-liter engine, Kia has sacrificed fuel economy for better drivability. If you want more fuel economy from the Kia Soul, then pick the smaller 1.6-liter engine but if you don't want to compromise on performance then get the turbocharged engine which is available with the top-spec Exclaim trim. Kia Soul does a 27 mpg combined in the mid-spec Plus trim.

The 2020 Crosstrek, with its wonderful boxer-4, is the least fuel efficient car in this comparison. Its average economy figure of 26 MPG is the lowest in the segment. The Mazda CX3 is the most efficient here, achieving a class leading 31 MPG combined, followed closely by the Toyota C-HR.

The interior may feel a little snug with five people, however. Cloth upholstery and manually adjustable front seats are standard. Leather-trimmed seats, full leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats are available.- Cars.USnews

Seating and Comfort

Kia Soul is a looker, with a white paint job it is hard to ignore the uncanny resemblance to a Stormtrooper vehicle. The front grille is there for the show and merely a part of the form but there are many bits and pieces that follow function, the boxy exterior has its share of curves that play their part to aid in achieving better aerodynamics. Even the windshield is curved to achieve a better drag coefficient and increase fuel efficiency.

A boxy car means lot of headroom. The doors open wide, it is fairly easy to get in and out. The driving position is also unique, it isn't as sporty as a sedan but due to the higher seating position you have a commanding view of the front. The front seats offer basic adjustments but with their good support you would be comfortable even after long journeys.

Infotainment System

The Infotainment unit on the Kia Soul is a 5-inch LCD Screen as standard. Other standard features include:

• Rearview Camera with Guidelines
• Bluetooth Streaming Audio
• USB Audio Interface
• Remote Entry

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available on all trims.

Interior Features

• Power Windows with Driver One-Touch Auto-Down
• Power Windows with Driver & Passenger One-Touch Auto-Up/Down and Anti-Pinch
• Power Door Locks with Two-Turn Entry System
• Remote Keyless Entry with Folding Key and Illuminated Ignition Ring
• Smart Key w/ Push-Button Start and Immobilizer
• Air Conditioning
• Automatic Temperature Control with Cluster Ionizer
• Glove Box with Illumination
• Front-Seat Center Console with Armrest
• Rear-Seat Folding Armrest with Cup Holder
• Dual Front Cup Holders
• Front & Rear Door Bottle Holders
• Day/Night Interior Rearview Mirror
• Interior Lighting with Delay
• LED Interior Lighting

Cargo volume

The biggest advantage of purchasing an SUV is the magnificent trunk space that comes along with it. Anyone who has ever used Kia Soul will attest to the fact that this car simply gobbles up your luggage. It would shame most sedans in the market, and hold the top spot in the segment.

The rear seats can fold traditionally with a 60:40 split for bulky luggage. Apart from that, you can also fold the seats upwards to use the under-seat area as well. As such you can fit taller cargo in the rear cabin and use the trunk for other luggage. Simple details like this add practicality points to the score.

If you fold the seats, then the Crosstrek inches ahead to steal the second spot. The American contenders, i.e., the Buick and the Chevy, have smallest trunks in the segment. Thankfully, they gain a lot more space with the rear seats folded.

Despite numerous styling upgrades over the years, the 2020 Kia Soul still shares a common shape with the first-generation car. -KelleyBlueBook

On the exterior front, the Kia Soul wheels in at 163 inches. The wheelbase is just above 101 inches, which when combined with the high roof and the boxy design, it translates to a generous space inside. At 3163 pounds, the Kia Soul is amongst the heavy weights in the segment.

The Subaru Crosstrek has the most length, width, and height, giving it a very commanding stance. It also has the highest ground clearance, and it was built to take the lesser known path. On the other side of the segment is the Kia Soul which is only 163 inches long, smaller than a few hatchbacks!

Safety Features

• Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags
• 3-Point Seat Belts for All Seating Positions
• Front Seat-Belt Pretensioners
• 4-Wheel Disc Brakes w/ Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD)
• Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
• Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Side-Impact Door Beams
• Front and Rear Crumple Zones

Kia Soul vs Toyota CHR

Toyota and Kia know how to play their cards well. Kia Soul and Toyota C-HR possess distinct exterior design, roomy interior and good EPA ratings. Kia Soul gets standard Apple Carplay and Android Auto on all trims. Kia offers a massive 10-year/100,000 warranty.

CHR offers active safety features standard on all the trims and Toyota's brand value will also guarantee a better resale value. Overall Toyota CHR would be a better choice if you are in for brand-new design.

Kia Soul vs Mazda CX 3

Mazda CX-3 is offered with 44.5 cubic feet of cargo room while the Kia Soul is available with 61.3 cubic feet of room that can easily accommodate a lot of shopping bags, music equipment or even help you move apartments.

When we compare price, performance, and cargo room of these two vehicles then it is easy to find that Kia Soul is a offers better value for your money.

Kia Soul is scores big on style and street presence. Even after a decade of its introduction, it has maintained steady sales for Kia and helped to fill the void between hatchbacks and crossover SUVs in the market. 2020 Kia Soul is an all-rounder, it offers great value with its exuberant list of standard features. If you are car-shopping on a limited budget then Kia Soul offers a roomy, well-built cabin at an affordable price. For someone who wants a car that can do respectable 0-60 mph runs then Kia has also got you covered with its 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter engine.