Kia gets all animalistic when it talks about its Soul, and not just about the “Hamstars” of its advertising campaign.
At the recent media drive in San Diego, the design inspiration for the Soul was described as a “boar with a backpack.” Its front end is a “tiger nose.” When Kia talks about its broad sales appeal, it is a “chameleon,” shifting shades easily for young or old buyers. And it is a “lion” in the landscape because it has devoured the previous boxy competition, such as the Scion xB, Nissan Cube and Honda Element, all of which were aimed at young and restless buyers.
The 2020 Soul is a complete re-engineering on a new body architecture with slightly edgier styling but still clearly a Soul. Older buyers like the Soul because it is roomy and inexpensive. Young buyers like it because it’s roomy, inexpensive and it has nonconformist styling.
Now in its third generation, the Soul crossover SUV has been somewhat simplified and reorganized into two main lines: X-Line, which is a rugged off-roadable appearance with no actual off-roading hardware, and the GT-Line, with a sport-tuned suspension, more advanced cabin technologies and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine.
The X-Line is the dutiful model with fewer electronic enhancements, but there is no shortage of desirable standard features, such as a rearview camera, six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, fabric upholstery, six-way manually adjusted driver’s seat, soft-touch dashboard and upper door trim and six air bags.
The GT layers on such extras as a 10.25-inch display screen, smart cruise control and forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, 10-way power driver’s seat, smart key locking and push-button ignition and two additional charging USB ports.
Both models have the same suspension and ride height. And the fairly long 102.4-inch wheelbase (up by 1.2 inches from last year) provides smooth cruising with much control in cornering.
Pricing
There are seven trim levels — LX, S, X-Line, GT-Line, EX and GT-Line Turbo — two four-cylinder engine choices with three transmission matchups, all in front-wheel drive. And the electric Soul will debut later this year, showcasing an expected range of more than 200 miles, Kia says.
Starting prices range from $18,485 for the base Soul LX to $28,485 for the GT-line Turbo; pricing includes the $995 freight charge from South Korea. The GT tester was $28,615 with one option for carpeted floor mats, $130.
The non-turbo trim levels are powered by a 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a six-speed manual transmission or continuously variable automatic. Manual-transmission models have fuel economy ratings of 25 mpg city, 31 highway and 27 mpg combined on 87 octane fuel; the CVT has ratings of 27/33/30 mpg.
The turbocharged, 201-hp direct-injection 1.6-liter four-cylinder is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Its mileage ratings are 27/32/29 mpg.
Drivability
As gasoline prices go up, small cars look more attractive. And while this one might have polarizing styling, it has excellent drivability — and it’s sportier than you might expect from a boxy little car. Steering weight, braking response and roll-on of throttle are balanced and responsive. Braking is confident from four-wheel disc brakes; 11-inch vented rotors front, 10.2-inches solid rear.
While the turbocharged engine has its obvious power charms, performance from the 2.0 is more than adequate and the Sport mode puts just enough spark to jolt the acceleration and give some urgency to the CVT. Kia tried to help the transmission’s uptake by adding shift points. And it works well.
The driver area is smartly laid out for intuitive use of controls with sightlines open over the fenders and out the back. Larger front door openings help entry and exit, with Geoffrey Giraffe headroom of 39.4 inches with the moonroof. Cabin soundproofing is thorough, for a small car.
There is a good thunk of quality when closing the doors and cabin plastics and materials have appeal and all appear to be assembled with precision.
Standard safety technologies are extensive on all but the base model and include forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist and lane-change assist, blind-spot collision warning and rear cross-collision warning.
Back seat legroom is long at 38.8 inches and the seatback angle is comfortable, making this subcompact a good choice for a ride-hailing entrepreneur.
The cargo space is deeper and wider with a dual-level floor. Capacity grew by 5 cubic feet to a total of 23 cu. ft. behind the back seat or lower the 60/40 seatback for 62 cu. ft.
Whatever your animal spirit, the Soul is a horse of a different color.
Mark Maynard is the automotive editor at the San Diego Union-Tribune. [email protected]
2020 Kia Soul GT
- Body style: compact, 5-seat, front-drive crossover SUV
- Engine: 201-hp turbocharged and direct-injection 1.6-liter 4-cylinder; 195 lb.-ft. torque from 1,500-4,500 rpm
- Transmission: 7-spd dual clutch automatic
- Fuel economy: 27/32/29 mpg city/hwy/combined; 87 octane, or higher
SPECIFICATIONS
- Fuel tank: 14.3 gal.
- Cargo space: 23.8-62.1 cu. ft.
- Front head/leg room: 39.4/41.1 in.
- Rear head/leg room: 39.5/38.8 in.
- Length/wheelbase: 165.2/102.4 in.
- Curb weight: 3,036 lbs.
- Turning circle: 34.8 ft.
FEATURES
- Standard equipment includes: smart key locking and push-button ignition, smart cruise control, head-up display, sunroof with power sunshade, power (heated) side mirrors with turn signals, wireless phone charging, 6-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, CarPlay or Android Auto infotainment, LED running lights, anti-fog headlights, LED taillights, LED cargo lights and interior reading lights, sliding visors with covered and lighted mirrors, lighted glove box, 60/40 folding back seat
- Safety features include: 6 air bags, brake assist, hill-start assist, stability and traction controls, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist and lane-change assist, blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-collision warning
PRICING
- Base price: $28,485, including $995 freight charge; price as tested $28,615
- Options on test vehicle: carpeted floor mats $130
- Where assembled: South Korea
- Warranty: 5-years/60,000-miles bumper to bumper; 10-years/100,000-miles powertrain
