2019 Kia Soul Spied Testing Possible All-Wheel Drive
The 2019 Kia Soul has been spied winter testing and it appears it will finally offer an all-wheel-drive variant.
The next-generation Kia Soul rides on a new platform originally designed for front-wheel-drive applications, but also offers an all-wheel-drive option that the Korean automaker will likely take advantage of given consumer demand. The prototype caught on camera by spy photographers is wearing a lot of heavy camouflage, but we can tell the Soul will retain its overall boxy shape. What’s more interesting is the possibility it will have stacked headlights, giving the front end a new personality.
SEE ALSO: 2017 Kia Soul Review
One possibility is the next-generation Kia Soul will be offered in two flavors, with the all-wheel-drive model taking inspiration from the rugged Trail’ster Concept, while the front-wheel-drive version remains more pedestrian with a sporty appeal.
Also, expect the Soul EV to receive some major enhancements for its next-gen iteration, offering more range as Kia turns its attention to strengthening its offerings of electrified vehicles.
It’s unclear when the new Kia Soul will be introduced, but possibilities include the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show or the 2019 Detroit Auto Show. Either way, it should arrive dealerships by next year.
Discuss this story on our Kia Soul Forum
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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My wife has a 2014 Soul. It's just about the only affordable car that's the right size for her to feel comfotcomfo driving, and still give enough room for us and the rear facing car seat. Overall it's a great car. I've been hoping they'd add AWD since we got it. If they price it with AWD for less than $19k - they are going to move a ton of units.