2020 Kia Soul Review: Style, Space & Soulful Performance

Overview: A Soulful Refresh for a Quirky Classic

The 2020 Kia Soul successfully retains its iconic charm while upgrading its appeal with sharper aesthetics, improved driving dynamics, and an impressive list of tech features. Competing with models like the Hyundai Kona, Toyota C-HR, and Nissan Kicks, the Soul boldly maintains its square stance but adds sophistication and practicality to its quirky DNA.

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Refined Exterior Design With Attitude

The Soul’s boxy silhouette remains, but the 2020 model receives a more aggressive front fascia. Gone are the bug-eyed headlights—replaced with a sleek light bar and repositioned headlamps in the bumper, offering a futuristic, focused look. The overall length grows by 2.2 inches, subtly enhancing proportions while preserving the car’s urban-friendly footprint.

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Performance: From Peppy to Powerful

The Soul's base 2.0-liter inline-four delivers 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque—ample for city commuting and highway cruising. Mated to a smooth CVT or available six-speed manual, the powertrain balances economy and responsiveness.

For thrill-seekers, the GT-Line Turbo variant packs a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine pushing 201 hp, paired with a slick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. This variant is not only fun to drive but quick enough to make merging effortless and urban drives exciting.

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Interior Space & Cargo Versatility

The 2020 Soul offers a generous 23.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats—more than a 25% improvement over its predecessor. With its high roofline and cleverly designed cabin, passengers enjoy ample headroom and shoulder space in both rows. Cabin materials are practical and durable, contributing to a modern, minimalistic feel.

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Technology & Infotainment: Ahead of the Curve

Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto put the Soul ahead of some luxury competitors. The base 7-inch touchscreen is intuitive and responsive, while upper trims offer a vibrant 10.25-inch display with navigation and split-screen capability. Higher-end trims add wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, and premium audio.

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Audio & Ambient Flair

A unique highlight of the Soul is its mood lighting system that syncs with your music. Combined with the optional 10-speaker, 640-watt Harman Kardon audio setup, this feature transforms the cabin into a mobile disco for passengers who enjoy vibrant, sound-responsive ambience.

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Handling and Urban Agility

Despite its boxy frame, the 2020 Soul handles surprisingly well. The compact dimensions and quick steering make it ideal for tight parking and weaving through urban traffic. The ride remains composed at high speeds, though larger wheels can slightly compromise comfort on bumpy roads.

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Fuel Economy & Eco-Friendliness

The base Soul returns a respectable 27 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. Even the turbocharged GT-Line manages 27/32/29 mpg. These numbers make the Soul a smart choice for daily drivers prioritizing efficiency without sacrificing character.

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Electric Soul EV: A Quiet Game-Changer

Though availability is limited to select markets, the all-electric Soul EV boasts a 243-mile range—outpacing rivals like the Chevrolet Bolt and matching the Kia Niro EV. With instant torque and whisper-quiet operation, the Soul EV enhances Kia’s electrification push with surprising capability.

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Safety Tech: Comprehensive but Complicated

The 2020 Soul offers valuable safety tech like forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. However, availability is fragmented across trims. While higher trims receive the full suite, base models lack many essentials, leaving buyers to navigate a confusing options maze.

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