The Kia Soul model is set to arrive in its third generation, complete with an aggressive styling, stronger tech, and greater cargo capacity. This new edition takes everything the fans and customers like and improves the whole formula. To learn more about the best-rounded model so far, continue reading.
2020 Kia Soul Exterior
The new Kia Soul has a much sharper look than the two previous generations. The front fascia looks malevolent. The butch proportions, floating tapered roofline and the window profile all look familiar, but are slightly redesigned making the car look that much better. The rear fascia and taillights wrap into the lift gate, while the center exhaust tips look unlike anything else on the modern roads.
source:cnet.com
Interior
The job on the inside of the new car matches the quirky exterior. The test car had red trim pieces around the door handles, flourished with woven light patterns that look amazing during the night, alongside the light rings surrounding the door speakers. The cabin is rather spacious, and the maximum of five occupants have more than enough space.
source:cnet.com
The driver seat is firm and it does not immediately become comfortable, but like other Kia cars, the firmness keeps potential backaches away during extended drives. The front seats can be heated, as is the case with the steering wheel, while sunroof also makes the drive much more enjoyable. Plenty of space in the back guarantees a lot of luggage and other stuff, with 23.4 cubic feet total. If you fold the back seats, this expands to 62.1 cubic feet of cargo space.
source:cnet.com
Technology
The test car had a 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, and at 640 watts, it makes the Soul one of the best there is in this department when its class is concerned.
source:cnet.com
There is also a 10.3-inch touchscreen, incredibly sharp and a perfect main part of the center stack. Next, you will find an embedded navigation, HD satellite radio, and a wireless smartphone charging in a nifty tray in front of the shifter. Without any optional equipment, you get a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker stereo system.
Safety
The Soul has standard driver-assistance features, and the starting price is $18,485. If you want more safety, optional extras are there for you. One that costs $28,485 has lane-keep assist, pedestrian-detecting automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and robust LED headlights. There is even a head-up “CHUD” type display effective for shorter drivers.
source:cnet.com
Kia Soul Engine and Power
Soul GT-Line test car runs on a 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission.
source:cnet.com
When you floor it, the 3,000-pound Soul responds with a lot of excitement. While acceleration is urgent, when the revs climb over 3,000 rpm, the engine is in its power band where things become interesting. Changing the gears and slowing down, then accelerating again is fun in the new Kia Soul.
Other
Goodyear 235/45R18 all-season tires spin under full throttle, even when you are in second gear, the paddles dispatch shifts on zero delay, while the transmission switches gears quickly. The gearbox is not as fast as Volkswagen, Audi or Porsche have with their dual-clutch transmission, but it is great for not being German.
The well-modulated brake pedal helps the car stop nicely, the steering is also well-tuned, and delivers plenty of quick and accurate responses and feel. It will not give you driving character that will make you want to rush it through the corners, but it does handle the roads with confidence.
If you will only use it for sensible commuting, Kia offers a 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated, four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. It can work with a six-speed manual, or a variable transmission.
Fuel efficiency sits at 29 miles per gallon in the city, and 35 mpg on an open highway.
Conclusion
The new 2024 Kia Soul is a great car that stands out on the crossover-cluttered roads. This boxy machine is comfortable and efficient as a commuter, and offers more cargo capabilities than similarly sized subcompact crossovers. When it has turbo, it can exhibit hot-hatchback traits to spice up the everyday drive with a hasty run, while remaining respectably efficient. To put it nicely, the 2024 Kia Soul is among the best-rounded vehicles currently on the markets.
