2020 Kia Soul Earns Coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus Rating

A Comprehensive Redesign for Safety and Style

The 2020 Kia Soul underwent a significant redesign, blending its iconic boxy shape with more refined edges and updated features. This refresh brought more than visual enhancements — it also introduced a suite of advanced safety features and structural improvements that helped the Soul secure a Top Safety Pick Plus rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

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Crash Test Ratings: A Perfect Score Across the Board

IIHS awarded the 2020 Soul top scores — "Good" in all six crashworthiness evaluations, which include:

• Driver-side small overlap front
• Passenger-side small overlap front
• Moderate overlap front
• Side impact
• Roof strength
• Head restraints & seats

This marks a substantial improvement from the previous generation, which received only an "Acceptable" rating in the passenger-side small overlap front crash — a limitation that disqualified it from earning the Plus status in the past.

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Front Crash Prevention: Optional Systems, Top-Tier Performance

The 2020 Soul’s success in collision avoidance is conditional on equipping one of its two optional front crash prevention systems. Both setups earned a "Superior" rating from IIHS after avoiding collisions at 12 and 25 mph in simulated conditions. However, it’s important to note that:

• The base LX trim does not come with these systems by default.
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) are available only on higher trims or as part of optional packages.
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Headlight Ratings: Not All Beams Are Equal

Another critical factor in the Top Safety Pick Plus rating is headlight performance. The 2020 Soul offers multiple headlight configurations:

• LED projector headlights (GT-Line Turbo standard, EX optional) received a "Good" rating.
• Halogen reflector headlights found on lower trims earned a "Poor" rating.

This distinction means only trims equipped with LED projector headlights qualify for the highest IIHS award.

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Safety Tech and Driver Assistance Features

Depending on trim and package, the 2020 Soul offers a variety of advanced safety features, including:

• Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC)

These features are bundled into the brand’s Drive Wise safety suite, enhancing awareness and driver confidence.

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How the 2020 Soul Compares to Previous Models

While earlier Souls offered quirky styling and functionality, the 2020 model takes a major step forward in safety and refinement. Key differences include:

• Improved crash structure
• Available advanced driver-assist systems
• Higher IIHS safety rankings
• Better visibility and lighting performance

These upgrades make the 2020 Soul a stronger contender in the compact SUV segment for safety-conscious buyers.

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Trims That Qualify for the Top Safety Pick Plus

To meet the criteria for the Top Safety Pick Plus award, a 2020 Soul must be equipped with:

• Either of the superior-rated front crash prevention systems
• Good-rated LED projector headlights (GT-Line Turbo or EX with options)

Trims that do not meet these equipment standards fall short of the highest safety rating — a vital consideration when choosing your Soul configuration.

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What It Means for Buyers

The 2020 Kia Soul’s Top Safety Pick Plus designation highlights its suitability for families, new drivers, and commuters prioritizing crash protection and prevention. However, buyers should be aware that not all models offer the same safety level out of the box — choosing the right trim and package is essential.

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Key Takeaways

• The 2020 Kia Soul earned top marks in all crashworthiness tests.
• Front crash prevention is optional but highly effective.
• Only LED projector headlights on certain trims meet IIHS’s top safety standards.
• Base models lack crucial safety technologies.
• Buyers seeking top-tier safety should opt for EX or GT-Line Turbo trims with the proper packages.
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Conclusion: A Safer Soul with Smarter Choices

The redesigned 2020 Kia Soul demonstrates Kia’s commitment to safety and innovation. With robust crash protection and advanced driver aids, it stands as a smart, stylish choice in the competitive compact SUV landscape. For those prioritizing safety, selecting the right trim ensures full access to the vehicle’s award-winning safety potential.