Kia’s funky Soul small crossover returns for 2022, starts at $19,190
Kia’s popular Soul subcompact crossover entered its third generation just two years ago, keeping its unique, funky exterior, but getting most everything else underneath updated.
For 2022, the normally aspirated and optionally turbocharged Soul is available in six trim levels – LX 2.0 ($19,190, plus $1,175 freight), S 2.0 ($21,490), X-line 2.0 ($22,590), Gt-line 2.0 ($22,590), EX 2.0 ($23,490), and Turbo 1.6 ($22,790).
There are just a few minor changes for 2022. The manual transmission option, previously offered on the base LX model, has been discontinued, and a new eight-inch head unit screen replaces the seven-inch screen from last year on the LX.
S, X-line and Gt-line models now come standard with a 10.25-inch display screen with navigation, dual automatic climate control, pushbutton start with engine immobilizer, wireless smartphone charger and dual USB chargers.
All models have new Kia badging on the hood, liftgate, steering wheel and wheel center caps. A new Steel Gray exterior color Steel Gray replaces Sparkling Silver on LX, S and EX models.
A new LX Technology Package ($900) features 16-inch alloy wheels, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-traffic
Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Change Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Driver Attention Warning.
S, X-line and GT model snow have a standard 10.25-inch display screen with navigation, dual automatic climate control, pushbutton start with engine immobilizer, wireless smartphone charger, and dual USB chargers.
Last year, the Soul Gt-line Turbo was simplified to Soul Turbo, with revised badging on the grille, steering wheel and rear lift gate.
Remote start, previously only available as part of the UVO telematics system, is now also integrated on the key fob for EX and Turbo models. Rear Occupant Alert (door-logic type) is standard across all variants.
Soul exterior design features include high-tech headlights, daytime running lights and turn signal indicators; a larger grille and new front fenders; three-dimensional wraparound boomerang-shaped taillights; and a vertical rear window and “island” that stay true to the Soul design heritage.
Two engines are available. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, included on all but the Soul Turbo, produces 147 horsepower and 132 foot-pounds of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
The Turbo model gets the 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 195 foot-pounds of torque, connected to a sevenspeed dual-clutch automatic
transmission.
The third generation of the boxy little Soul is still instantly recognizable as a Soul, which is a good thing. The Soul’s oddly satisfying exterior shape is what makes it stand out from the large field of small crossovers.
EPA fuel-economy ratings are a plus for the 2.0-liter engine: 27 mpg city/33 highway/30 combined. The Turbo model is rated at 27/32/29.
Our tester for this report was the Soul X-line, with the 2.0-liter engine and the CVT, which Kia refers to as an IVT, or “intelligent variable transmission.”
With the redesign, the Soul’s iconic shape “evolved,” but was not drastically changed, Kia said.
But even though the outward appearance remains familiar, underneath the Soul features a