All-New 2020 Kia Soul and Kia Soul EV Debut Looking Funky Fresh

The Kia Soul has always stood out for being unique and a new-generation model has just debuted still firmly waving that flag.

The design of the entire 2020 Kia Soul has been reworked and the platform is completely new, but the third-generation car has kept the boxy shape that it became most well-known for. The biggest changes up front include the slimmer and more aggressive headlights that span the entire width of the car, a bigger grille, and some exaggerated fenders.

The Soul is 2.2 inches longer and the wheelbase has grown 1.2 inches, which means cargo capacity is up 5 cubic feet for a total of 23.8 cu-ft. The hatch opening is wider and lower and the front door openings are also bigger for easier loading and unloading.

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Inside, the Soul gets new ambient lighting that can sync to the beats from the audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the ability to connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time, available wireless charging, head-up display, 10.25-inch touchscreen, all the driver assistance features, and a mood lighting system that can be set to Romance, Party Time, Hey! Yo!, Traveling, Midnight City and Cafe. We’re not sure what this will look like, but we’re interested.

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There are two engines available. A naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque that can be paired with a six-speed manual or CVT, and a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder with 201 hp, 195 lb-ft of torque, and a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

Pricing will be available next year, closer to when the 2020 Kia Soul goes on sale in the first half of the year. There will also be a sportier-looking GT-Line model, a more rugged X-Line model, and a EX Designer Collection that gets a contrast roof.

Making its debut at the same time was the Kia Soul EV, which will get an electric motor with 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque. Range hasn’t been announced yet, but the EV will come standard with DC fast charging and a 64 kWh battery pack. Along with four driving modes, the Soul EV will offer paddle-shifter operated regenerative braking with four levels of aggression. The system can also detect if it needs to brake more aggressively if a car is detected in front of it or more smoothly if it’s coasting down a hill.

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