2020 Kia Soul Revealed

Well, we literally just talked about the 2020 Kia Soul showing up at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, but clearly Kia Motors couldn’t keep this one on the down low. Two days before the LA Auto Show, technically three counting the day of its reveal, Kia debuted the 2020 Kia Soul Wednesday afternoon, November 28, 2018. Surprisingly, it has a couple of interesting changes when compared to the previous incarnation of the funky hatchback. Let’s take a look at the third generation of the Kia Soul and what it has to offer.

The changes for the 2020 Kia Soul are all over the place. When it comes to the size of the new Kia Soul, it’s 2.2 inches longer than its previous model, and with a larger wheelbase – the total measurements add up to 165.2 inches and 102.4 inches, respectively. In the front, the headlights have gotten narrow and span across the front fascia of the car, primarily the nose; the grille has become more angular, lending itself to the new look of the GT-Line, whereas the X-Line comes with a rounded grille and small fog lights; sleeker and with a more rounded nose, the Kia Soul comes with contour lines to give it a more complex appearance; and in the back, the taillights are vertical, and depending on the style (GT or X), they’ll wrap around the back window or dominate the rear pillar.

Under the hood may be one of two options – the standard is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine capable of generating 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. An available engine, most likely depending on trim level, will be a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0-liter is matched with a six-speed manual transmission, but consumers can opt in for a continuously variable automatic transmission. If powered by the turbocharged engine, only a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission will do.

Inside, things are gravy. Kia Motors claims the cabin will have improved noise reduction with lowered noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels for true comfort on the road. Technology is also booming throughout the cabin with an available 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system controlled via an infotainment system with Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities. No word on the size of the touchscreen for the base model, but a large 10.25 touchscreen will be available on the high-tier trims. An 8-inch heads-up display will also appear for drivers to keep their eyes on vehicle specs more easily.

Curious about the safety? Kia Motors is pretty modern, and the automaker has loaded up the next-generation Kia Soul. Along with Kia’s available advanced driver assistance systems, Drive Wise technology offers lane keep assist, high beam assist, lane change assist, blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. There’s a lot of good coming to the 2020 Kia Soul.

“The Soul has been a massive success since its introduction to the US 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…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.” – said Orth Hedrick, executive director of car planning and telematics at Kia.

There should be more news at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show continues, so stay tuned with Miami Lakes Kia social media and look for the next update.

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