The 2020 Kia Soul is available in six different trims. LX, S, GT-Line, X-Line and EX models feature a 2.0L 4-cylinder, making 147 horsepower, while the top-of-the-line GT-Line Turbo uses a 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder rated at 201 horsepower and up to 29mpg. The base LX trim offers aAll five 2.0L equipped vehicles come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission with an Intelligent Variable Transmission as a $1,500 option, but opting for a GT-Line Turbo gets you a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission standard. Generally, though, the Soul is pretty miserly with its fuel as it can achieve up to 30 mpg on the highway while still giving you plenty of power to pass.
Even base Kia models are pretty well-equipped and the Soul LX is no exception. Some surprising standard features are available on a sub $18,000-dollar vehicle. 16-inch alloy wheels come as standard equipment as does a 7-inch touch screen with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, a backup camera and steering-wheel mounted audio and cruise controls.
Mid-level S models build on the LX by adding Blind-Spot Collision Assist, body-color outside mirrors, Drive Mode Select, Lane Change Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning and Remote Keyless Entry.
Stepping into a GT-Line trim level adds a 12V power outlet, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual center console USB charging ports, front fog lights, and a leather wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob. The X-Line then takes the GT-Line one step further with exclusive 18-inch wheels, silver adjustable outside mirrors, X-Line body kit, and X-Line roof rails.
The top of the line for non-turbo vehicles is the EX trim level. Opting in for the EX yields a 10-way power adjustable seat, automatic digital temperature control, heated front seats and wing mirrors, a Hot Stamping front grille, LED positioning lights with projectors, a 10.25-inch infotainment system, a wireless charging pad, and navigation with Sirius XM radio.
The top-of-the-line GT-Line Turbo comes with everything on the EX while jazzing up the interior with heads-up display, heated steering wheel, chrome-tipped exhaust, dynamic interior lighting, a Harman-Kardon sound system with subwoofer, a built-in navigation system, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, mirror mounted LED turn indicators, and all LED exterior lighting. The GT-Line Turbo also comes with a full sensor suite, including a blind spot warning system, a lane departure warning system, an emergency autonomous braking system and rear cross-traffic alert.
Clean, Modern Styling
Increased Interior Room
Upscale Equipment Availability
Available Turbocharged Engine
The 2020 Kia Soul is fully re-designed this year bringing its familiar body lines and a touch of modern styling with a brand new upscaled look. Up front the car is appears wider with an open grille design and slim LED headlights with boomerang taillights over centered exhaust ports out back. Inside, new touches like an available heads-up display, a 10.25-inch infotainment system and reactive interior mood lighting make passengers and drivers alike right at home.
The Soul does small car better than almost anybody. Its boxy shape means with seats folded, it can swallow 61 cubic feet of stuff. Its standard 2.0L engine can deliver a combined 27 mpg, but the turbo 1.6L is even better; it offers serious driving performance while achieving 29 mpg in mixed driving. A strong standard feature list will impress any small-car buyer, and its impressive set of safety equipment will impress all buyers. Starting at around $17,500 the Soul is an impressive value.
