Next-Generation Soul Strikes Back With Forward Design, Modern Tech, and More Diverse Model Lineup
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 display2 and available Head-Up Display2 play up Soul’s high-tech image
New “GT-Line” models and “X-Line” adds more visual and performance excitement to Soul family
SAN DIEGO, Calif., Feb 20, 2018 – 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.
“The Soul has been a massive success since its introduction to the U.S. market, blowing its (now defunct) rivals out of the water and establishing itself as an automotive icon with its fun-loving character and eccentric style,” said Orth Hedrick, executive director of Car Planning and Telematics. “Even with an entirely new generation of competitors now crowding the marketplace, we are confident the all-new Soul will once again prove to be a tough contender given its unparalleled style and impressive level of invigorating technology and customization options.”
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 (outlined in a separate press release).
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
HIGHLIGHT – SOUL’S MOOD LIGHTING SYSTEM
Since the Kia Soul first arrived on the scene in 2009, it has established a very real and remarkable connection with music. This continues to be a core attribute of the Soul’s persona and the volume has been turned up to 11 with a new mood lighting system that tailors the interior ambiance according to a variety of selectable “moods”:
Hey! Yo!
Party Time
Traveling
Romance
Midnight City
Cafe
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
About Kia Motors America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.
* The Sorento and Optima GDI (S, EX, SX and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
1 Charging system only works with select devices. Refer to the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for warnings and instructions.”
2 Failure to pay attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation could result in loss of vehicle control. Always drive safely and use caution.
3 Rear View Monitor is not a substitute for safe driving, and may not display all objects behind the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
4 Vehicle user interface is a product of Google and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android compatible smartphone running Android™ 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
5 Apple CarPlay™ is a trademark of Apple Inc. Requires a compatible Apple device sold separately. Apple CarPlay™ runs on your smartphone cellular data service. Data plan rates apply.
6 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG Inc., and any use of such marks by Kia is pursuant to license. A Bluetooth® enabled device is required to use Bluetooth® wireless technology.
7 Harman/Kardon is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.
8 These systems are not substitutes for proper and safe driving, parking, and/or backing-up procedures. These systems may not detect every object behind or alongside the vehicle or in the vehicle’s blindspot or direction of travel. Always drive safely and use caution.
9 Driver Attention Warning is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all instances of driver fatigue or inattentive driving practices. Failure to pay attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation could result in loss of vehicle control. Always drive safely and use caution.
10 Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition.
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We thought it might be a good idea to look at the history of the boxy vehicle, whilst also looking at which models survived, which didn’t, and what the sales numbers currently look like.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.