2020 Kia Soul delivers with new design
Entry price: $17,490
Price as tested: $29,055
Likes: 201-horsepower 1.6-turbo, roomy interior, all-new generation.
Dislikes: Turbo model expensive, no 4x4, entry models lack some safety features.
This week, it’s the top of the line 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line 1.6 Turbo we’re driving, clearly the summit of Soul offerings and looking mighty cool in its pure white with red stripes exterior finish.
When we drove this all-new third generation Kia in 2019, it was a lower trim X-Line model that retailed for $22,615 including options and taxes. This week it’s the real deal new turbo 1.6 and it’s totally different from our earlier Soul X-Line drive.
The biggest difference is under the hood, where the little 1.6 turbocharged four-cylinder sits beckoning throttle input. But first, let’s explain the six trim offerings available for 2020.
Starting at just $17,400 for the base 2020 LX, pricing moves up the ladder to the S or GT-Line at $20,290; our tester from last year X-Line at $21,490; EX at $22,690; and then the top line GT-Line Turbo 1.6 at $27,490.
All of these new 2020 Kia models are assembled on a new platform in South Korea and share time with Kia Forte.
However, if you order anything but our tester GT Turbo 1.6, you will receive a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that powers the other four trims. This 2.0-liter engine produces 147 horses and 132 lb. of torque, just enough to allow acceptable passing and merging power.
The major advantage when comparing the 2.0 and 1.6 liter engines is the transmission the GT comes standard with. Specifically, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard on everything but the GT-Line Turbo 1.6, the latter that incorporates a strong, 7speed dual clutch automatic much to my liking. The turbo 1.6 also produces 201 horsepower and 195 lb.ft. of torque and is Soul’s first ever turbocharged engine. Featuring special center exhaust outlets, the EPA numbers for the GT Turbo 1.6 is very good at 27 city and 32 highway while the 2.0 also delivers good fuel mileage, with 27 city and 33 highway the EPA estimates.
The only drawback to our GT Turbo tester this week is the $27.5K-entry price, which is a bit too high for my liking considering the entry LX is $10,000 cheaper. However, who am I to judge someone that wants more horsepower and a “real” 7-speed dual clutch automatic?
This new third generation 2020 Soul is redesigned both exterior and interior with all-new high-tech safety features and visual upgrades. This new generation 2020 Soul GT-Line receives distinctive theme front and rear fascias with special side sills with red stripe accents. More pronounced fender flares, a bit more cargo room, raised trunk hatch, new turn signal design and a really neat boomerang style taillight motif that nearly encircles the rear hatch completes the new design. These upgrades deliver Soul’s fun “box car” strategy that still has a likeness to the original 2009 Soul.
Suspension upgrades are noteworthy thanks to a stiffer layout featuring MacPherson struts up front and a coupled rear torsion beam setup out back. The GT-Line Soul arrived with Goodyear Eagle 18-inch tires on sporty alloy wheels and gas-type shocks exclusive to the trim. The ride is on the firmer side but still comfy while handling is good.
Important safety equipment like rear back view camera, all the airbags, fourwheel disc ABS, traction and stability controls are included on all trims. As you move up, the high-tech safety equipment kicks.
Inside, the cabin is also all new with GT style augmentation that includes heated seats, push button start, Bluetooth, power sunroof, dual zone climate, heated steering wheel, Sofino trim seats, 10.25-inch display, navigation, SiriusXM Satellite, wireless phone charger, LED exterior lights and more.
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