KIA SOUL 2020 QUICK TAKES

KIA SOUL 2020 QUICK TAKES | TESTDRIVENOW OVERVIEW

• Iconic shape and profile evolve on top of all-new platform
• Technologically advanced cockpit designed to provide visceral musical experience
• New 2.0-liter engine and available IVT transmission combination
• Available 10.25-inch wide display and available Head-Up Display  play up Soul’s high-tech image
• New “GT-Line” models and “X-Line” adds more visual and performance excitement to Soul family

All-new and funkier than ever, the 2020 Soul is a completely new yet familiar version of Kia’s beloved and award-winning urban runabout.

 

 

 

 

 

Taking everything that helped popularize the quirky, unconventionally styled subcompact, Kia Motors poured more of its soul into nearly every inch of the vehicle, resulting in a third-generation that continues to transcend unmatched style, peppy performance, thrilling technology, and urban practicality.

 

 

 

 

Proving the point that “there is a Soul for everyone,” the normally aspirated and optionally turbocharged Soul is available in five trim levels – LX, S, X-Line, GT-Line, and EX – plus the all-new Soul EV.

 

 

 

 

CLICK HERE TO WATCH TESTDRIVENOW AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES’ COMPLETE REVIEW OF THE 2020 KIA SOUL.

 

 

 

 

 

Design Beyond the Box
While the Soul stays true to its design heritage with its boxy silhouette and confident stance,

its newly sculpted lines, cutting-edge details, and technical lighting elements present the most futuristic, youthful and innovative Soul yet.

 

 

 

 

 

New exterior design highlights include:

High-tech front headlight configuration with connecting trim piece accentuates width

 

 

 

 

 

Slim-design daytime running lights and turn signal indicators

Larger front grille with unique two-tone treatment

 

 

 

 

 

 

Front fender detail lines add volume to clean and smooth surfaces

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roof rack mounting points

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three-dimensional wraparound boomerang-shaped taillights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C-pillars designed to resemble airplane wings

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature vertical rear window and “Island” stay true to Soul design heritage

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distinctive C-pillar garnish features new “Soul” graphic

 

 

 

 

 

 

Music has been an overarching theme for Soul since its inception, and it’s no different this time around. For the third generation, designers and engineers turned up the volume on the interior design.

 

 

 

 

Drawing inspiration from the “emotional visualization of sound,” the Soul’s interior space is adorned with shapes and textures

 

 

 

 

 

that reflect acoustic inspired elements to create a full sensory experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interior design highlights include:

Available sound mood lighting emits soft light from the center door panels and a unique 3D pattern surface on the upper door panels, with the ability to synchronize to the beat of the music playing through the Soul’s audio system

Sound mood lighting features a rainbow of customizable colors

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available wireless charging¹

 

 

 

 

 

Available dual auto climate control

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soul’s signature tweeter speakers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Smart Packaging and Stronger Structure
Despite its compact footprint, the Soul’s boxy dimensions continue to offer up a surprising amount of cargo and passenger space.

Slightly longer than before, the 2020 Soul also features more smartly designed packaging in an effort to make accessibility even easier.

 

 

 

 

 

Exterior Dimensions:

• Length: 165.2 in. [+2.2 in.]
• Width: 70.9 in. [unchanged]
• Height: 63.0 in. [unchanged]
• Wheelbase: 102.4 in. [+1.2 in.]

Interior Dimensions:

• Legroom (front / rear): 41.1 in./ 38.8 in. [+0.2 in./ – 0.3 in.]
• Headroom without sunroof (front / rear): 39.4 in. / 39.5 in. [-0.2 in./ unchanged]
• Shoulder room (front /rear): 55.5 in. /54.7 in. [unchanged]
• Cargo capacity: up to 24.2 cu.-ft.

Packaging highlights:

Wider and lower rear liftgate opening improves ease of loading and unloading

 

 

 

 

 

 

Easy grip handle on liftgate

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dual level cargo board offers flexibility with the ability to accommodate taller items using the lower level setting

 

 

 

 

 

Larger front door openings as a result of sculpted front door panels

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 2020 Soul’s stronger structure benefits from an increased use of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), hot stamped components, and structural adhesive. With stronger bones, the 2020 Soul is expected to achieve the highest safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA).

 

 

 

Next-Gen Infotainment and Kia Drive Wise Technologies
Recognizing that one’s car is an integral part of their social life, the 2020 Soul continues to surprise and delight with next-gen infotainment and technology.

Available 10.25-inch HD color touchscreen² with split screen function (standard on EX, GT-Line with turbo engine) and rear view monitor³ and parking guidance

 

 

 

 

 

Android Auto⁴ and Apple CarPlay⁵

Bluetooth^®6 Multi-Connection – two Bluetooth devices can be connected at the same time

Available 8-inch Head-Up Display²

Available 640-watt Harman Kardon⁷ audio system – twice the wattage of current Soul – with an amplifier and 10 speakers including tuned center speaker and subwoofer

 

 

 

 

Like other newly designed Kia models, the all-new Soul offers a suite of available Kia Drive Wise features⁸ including:

Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) / FCA Pedestrian type

Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)

 

 

 

 

 

Lane Changing Assist (LCA)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Driver Attention Warning (DAW)⁹

Blind-spot Collision Warning (BCW)

Rear Cross Collision Warning (RCCW)

Smart Cruise Control (SCC)

 

 

 

 

 

 

High Beam Assist (HBA)

 

 

 

 

 

What Drives You?
Soul enhances its fun-to-drive personality and versatility with different drivetrain combinations. From the all-new 2019 Forte, Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) is now available on the 2020 Soul for those who require efficiency with their zip. Designed and built in-house, the IVT is Kia’s unique version of a continuously variable transmission that provides an engaging driving experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder engine + 6-speed manual transmission or Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)

147 horsepower, 132 lb-ft. of torque

 

 

 

 

EPA-rated fuel economy:

25/31/27 mpg¹⁰ city/highway/combined (6-speed manual)

27/33/30 mpg¹⁰ (IVT)

 

 

 

 

For those who desire more zip, a turbocharged option is also available:

1.6-liter twin-scroll turbocharged I-4 GDI engine + 7-speed dual-clutch transmission

201 horsepower, 195 lb. ft of torque

EPA-rated fuel economy: 27/32/29 mpg¹⁰

 

 

 

With the Soul’s all-new platform comes a more refined experience behind the wheel and on the road. Engineers designed suspension geometry to help quell noise, vibration and harshness while also improving handling and comfort in a variety of conditions.

A Soul for Everyone
The 2020 Soul can be outfitted to convey one’s unique sense of style through a variety of customizable options. Aside from the all-new Soul EV that debuted alongside its gasoline counterpart, the Soul offers even more flexibility according to different lifestyles.

GT-Line

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sporty front and rear fascia

 

 

 

 

 

 

18-inch alloy wheels

P235/45 R18 tires

 

 

 

 

 

Unique side sills and front fascia with red accents

 

 

 

 

 

 

Integrated fog lights on front grille

“GT-Line” badging

 

 

 

 

 

Leather-wrapped D-shaped steering wheel and gearshift knob

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available 201-HP turbocharged engine

Chrome tip center exhaust

Larger disc brakes

Sport-tuned suspension

 

 

 

X-Line

• Rugged body kit
• Body cladding
• Overfenders for chunkier look
• Offroad-inspired accents
• “X-Line” badging
• Unique 18-inch alloy wheels
• Roof rail inspired accents
• Optional two-tone paint
• Fog lights

EX Designer Collection (package available on EX trim)

• 18-inch alloy wheels with black spokes
• LED headlights and fog lights
• Optional two-tone roof treatment
• P235/45 R18 tires