2020 Kia Soul Video: Funky Box Gets a Reboot
SUVs have become so popular that even little hatchbacks that aren’t actually SUVs are riding the wave. Kia’s quirky cute non-ute, the Soul, gets a fresh — even quirkier — face for 2020, and made its debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Related: More 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show Coverage
The most obvious change is the new Soul’s expressive face; gone is the previous model’s tiger-nose grille, replaced for 2020 by a larger, lower grille flanked by squared-off headlights. Above them sits unibrow-style daytime running lights that span the length of the hood. In back, the taillights take on more of a sweeping, hockey-sticky design; surrounding them is some dark trim that sets them off from the roof and bumper.
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Shop the 2019 Kia Soul near you
Inside, Kia says cargo volume is up a smidge compared with the outgoing model, and much of the old version’s peculiar cabin features return and are rebooted for even more quirk. Available mood lighting on the door panels offers selectable colors, as well as the ability to synchronize to the beat of the music. Selectable light “moods” include: Hey! Yo!, Party Time, Traveling; Romance, Midnight City and Café.
Related: 2020 Kia Soul: More Flavors of Cute Non-Ute
The new Soul gets an X-Line trim level for 2020 that makes it look bulkier and more SUV-like; but alas, it does not include the much-rumored and oft-speculated available all-wheel drive. Again for 2020, the Soul is front-drive and gets a new base engine: a 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to a six-speed manual or a new continuously variable automatic transmission. Dropped is the former base 1.6-liter and mid-range 161-hp 2.0-liter. For additional spunk, buyers can upgrade to the carryover 201-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The 2020 Soul will go on sale in the first half of 2019. Watch the video for more.
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