Steve Says The 2020 Soul Goes Above And Beyond Expectations (Video)

Not even Kia could have foreseen the runaway success of this little runabout when it was introduced in 2009, but shoppers quickly took to its combination of quirky styling and practicality to catapult it to one of the brand’s best-sellers. And now the next generation is here – immediately recognizable as a Soul but with numerous enhancements to keep the masses satisfied.

While its similarly boxy competitors have been relegated to the automotive graveyard, the Soul has not only endured, it has thrived. And the changes Kia has made to this all-new 2020 model are well-received.  It’s a high value proposition with captivating design and that’s a winning formula.

So to an unseasonably cold San Diego we go to get fully immersed in the Soul’s rock and roll lifestyle. Though it comes in 6 trim levels Kia has us focused on the 2 new kids on the block; the GT-Line and X-Line.  If you’re a passionate driver who is attracted to bits such as a sport-tuned suspension, chrome-tip center exhaust, larger brakes, and sporty styling then the Soul GT-Line is for you.

Or perhaps you’re more of the off-road type who’s into the rugged look with more body cladding, bigger fenders, 18” wheels, and an optional 2-tone paint job – well, if that’s you then it’s the X-Line you’ll want.

Kia calls this approach a Soul for everyone and that’s smart because if you’ve ever peeked into one while sitting in traffic you’re just as likely to see a senior behind the wheel as you are a 20-something.

The Soul has grown about 2” in length and has had its interior packaging tweaked to provide 5 cubic feet more cargo room while leaving other interior dimensions virtually unchanged. The tailgate is also wider and lower and there are larger front door openings.  Spending the majority of my time in this range-topping GT-Line, I’m super impressed with the new premium nature of the cabin.  Just as I was with the all-new Forte I recently tested, this Soul goes above and beyond its sub-$30,000 MSRP with an amazing array of features such as a heated steering wheel, an over 10” touchscreen infotainment system that blows everything else out of the water regardless of price, a premium Harman Kardon audio system with an updated and expanded version of the Soul’s signature lighted speaker grilles, wireless device charging, a heads-up display and smart cruise control.  The faux leather and cloth seats are really comfortable and the all-new platform delivers a more refined driving experience with less noise, vibration and harshness while also improving ride and handling.  The Soul’s ascension into a much more polished product is complete.