Kia Soul (2020)

Kia Soul

At the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, Kia Motors America (KMA) introduced a better way to roll with the world debut of the all-new 2020 Soul, 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 Kia Soul for everyone," the normally aspirated and optionally turbocharged Soul is available in six trim levels - LX, S, X-Line, GT-Line, EX, "EX Designer Collection" - plus the all-new Kia Soul EV (outlined in a separate press release). Pricing will be available closer to expected on-sale date in the first half of next year.

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 fenders 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 Kia 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 round.. For the third generation, designers and engineers turned up the volume on the interior. Drawing inspiration from the "emotional visualization of sound," the Kia 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 charging
• Available dual auto climate control
• Soul's signature tweeter speakers

Smart Packaging and Stronger Structure

Despite its compact footprint, the Kia 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: 23.8 cu.-ft. [+ 5.0 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