2020 Kia Soul

2020 Kia Soul Highlights

The 2020 model year marks the debut of the third-generation Kia Soul. Its quirk and cute looks from the past have given way to a sleek and modern exterior. While still recognizable as a Soul, thanks to a unique hatchback/crossover profile, this Kia appears more refined. Purists will appreciate that the 2020 Soul is still available with a manual transmission, even if only on the base 2020 Kia Soul LX edition.

Key Details

• Compact hatchback/crossover body style
• Two-row, five-passenger seating
• Two engine options: 2.0-liter I-4 and 1.6-liter turbo I-4
• Front-wheel drive (FWD)
• Three transmission options: 6-speed manual, continuously variable transmission (CVT), or 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT)

Benefits

• Spacious and versatile interior with ample cargo space
• Distinctive styling that stands out from the crowd
• Affordable pricing with a wide range of available features
• User-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Available active safety features and driver assistance technologies

Learn More: Kia Soul Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

2020 Kia Soul Overview

Performance

The 2020 Kia Soul offers two engines, each catering to different driving preferences and needs. The base LX, S, X-Line, and GT-Line trims have a 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) geared more toward efficiency than performance.

For those seeking a more spirited driving experience, the GT-Line Turbo trim features a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four engine, generating 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT), offering quick and smooth shifts.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2020 Kia Soul an overall safety rating of four out of five stars. In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2020 Kia Soul a Top Safety Pick award, the organization’s second-highest designation.

All 2020 Soul models come standard with a rearview camera and a suite of active safety features, including:

• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Forward collision-avoidance assist
• Lane-keeping assist
• Lane departure warning
• Driver attention warning

Additional safety features, such as blind-spot collision warning and rear cross-traffic collision warning, are available on higher trims or as part of optional packages.

Driving

A 2020 Soul with the base engine will get the job, providing adequate acceleration for highway merging and similar tasks. The suspension is tuned to provide a smooth and composed ride, absorbing road imperfections and minimizing body roll. However, larger wheels can give the Soul a firmer ride. The Soul's compact dimensions and tight turning radius make navigating through city streets and crowded parking lots easy.

With its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, the GT-Line Turbo trim offers a more engaging driving experience for those who prioritize performance. Drive two Souls, each with a different engine, and you’ll have difficulty believing they’re the same car. The Turbo’s power is transformative and will generate many smiles per mile.

Interior

The 2020 Kia Soul's interior is spacious, functional, and designed with practicality in mind. The boxy shape and tall roofline contribute to an airy and open cabin, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.

Cargo space is a strong suit for the Soul, with 24.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 62.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The wide and square opening of the rear hatch makes loading and unloading large items a breeze. The available dual-level cargo floor provides added flexibility for storing smaller items or keeping them out of sight.

The interior materials are of good quality for the segment, with a mix of soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. Higher trims introduce premium features such as a sunroof, wireless phone charging, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system, elevating the overall cabin experience.

Technology

The 2020 Kia Soul model features a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen for most trims. The system hosts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while being user-friendly and responsive, with intuitive menus and clear graphics. A larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation is available on higher trims.

Other notable technologies available on the Soul include:

• Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming
• USB ports for charging and media playback
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• A head-up display (HUD)

The available UVO telematics system provides a range of connected car features, such as remote start, remote lock/unlock, and vehicle diagnostics—all accessible through a smartphone app.

Fuel Economy

While not the best fuel-sipper in its class, the 2020 Kia Soul offers reasonable fuel economy, maxing out at 33 mpg for the base engine with a CVT. Here are the EPA-rated fuel economy figures for each engine and transmission combination in the 2020 Kia Soul. Front-wheel drive is the only drivetrain available.

2.0-liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual

• FWD (mpg): 25 city / 31 highway / 27 combined

2.0-liter four-cylinder with CVT

• FWD (mpg): 27 city / 33 highway / 30 combined

1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder with seven-speed DCT

• FWD (mpg): 27 city / 32 highway / 29 combined

2020 Kia Soul Reviews

The 2020 Kia Soul has received positive consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. According to owner feedback, reliability, value, and quality are among the 2020 Soul’s strongest traits.

Reasons to Buy It

• Unique and eye-catching design
• Spacious and versatile interior with ample cargo space
• Affordable pricing with a wide range of available features and trim levels
• User-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Active safety features and driver assistance technologies

Problems

• Base engine may feel underpowered for some drivers
• Lack of all-wheel drive
• Fuel economy lags behind some competitors
• Ride quality can be firm with larger wheels

Discover: How Long Do Kia Souls Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

CoPilot's Take

The Kia Soul provides a winning formula that considers style, practicality, and value. Its boxy design and distinctive styling cues help the Soul stand out in a crowded market. Meanwhile, an accommodating and versatile interior makes it a practical choice for those wanting both cargo space and passenger comfort.

The Soul's range of engine options caters to different driving preferences. The base 2.0-liter engine provides adequate power for daily driving, while the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine offers a more engaging experience for enthusiasts.

While the base engine may feel underpowered for some drivers and the ride quality can be firm, these drawbacks are outweighed by the Soul's numerous strengths. Its affordable pricing, generous standard features, and unique styling make it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who want a more distinctive vehicle.

2020 Kia Soul FAQs

How many miles will a 2020 Kia Soul last?

It’s reasonable to assume that a 2020 Kia Soul will last 150,000 to 200,000 miles. It’s not unusual to come across older Soul models with mileage in this range. So, similar expectations for the 2020 Soul are reasonable. However, longevity is fostered by regular maintenance, thoughtful driving, and protection from the elements.

What should I pay for a 2020 Kia Soul?

The price of a 2020 Kia Soul will vary depending on the trim, condition, mileage, and location. CoPilot marketplace data shows prices range from $10,000 to $23,000. There’s more to buying a pre-owned Kia Soul than price. Always get a pre-purchase inspection completed by a professional technician before purchasing. Further, while Kia’s ten-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn’t transfer to subsequent owners, the five-year or 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage may still be applicable.

Are there any problems with the 2020 Kia Soul?

The 2020 Kia Soul has a mixed reliability record. Consumer Reports gives the model a subpar reliability rating of 2 out of 5, contrasting with an 86 out of 100 rating from J.D. Power. Nonetheless, both NHTSA and CarComplaints.com have reports about engine and transmission issues. These issues aren’t likely to affect every 2020 Kia Soul, but it’s advised to have any used 2020 Kia Soul inspected by a mechanic before purchasing.

Is there a 2020 Kia Soul EV?

No. Kia stopped producing an all-electric version of the Soul for the U.S. market after the 2019 model year. You’ll need to look at the 2015 through 2019 model years if you want a Kia Soul that doesn’t run on gas.

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