The Kia Soul is iconic. It blends SUV and sedan in a way the competitors haven’t been able to accomplish, seeming to offer just what a certain set of buyers are looking for. If you’re interested in the Soul, it’s important to know the 2020 Kia Soul specs.
What are the most notable 2020 Kia Soul specs?
A few important specs are:
- Front wheel drive CVT transmission
- 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway
- 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower
The subcompact crossover offers the best of both worlds for those who are looking for the height, room, and clearance of an SUV with the comfort of a sedan. To determine if the Soul is the vehicle for you, we will look at the 2020 Kia Soul specs.
The History of the Kia Soul
The first Soul was released in 2008 as a 2009 model vehicle. It was aimed at young urban drivers, with a unique style and features that draw younger customers. It came with an option of a 1.6 liter and 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine, with a hybrid option offered soon after.
The 2014 model was redesigned. It kept the iconic boxy style. A stiffer and wider chassis was added. This gave the Soul better handling and more interior space. The interior was upgraded with higher quality materials.
The next iteration of the Soul was released in 2018. The boxy style remained, but new lines were added. Interior colorful lighting added interest and appeal for younger drivers.
It was redesigned again for 2020. It features new tech, and the boxy style is softened with new curves.
2020 Kia Soul Specs
The base engine of the 2020 Kia Soul is a 2.0 in-line 4-cylinder with 147 horsepower. It offers a six-speed manual or a CVT automatic. The CVT transmission is better for slower speeds, which makes it perfect for urban driving.
The optional engine is a 1.6L turbo 4-cylinder. It gets 201 horsepower. This can make it more fun to drive on the interstate, but it’s less comfortable around town. The power is chunky and not as smooth as the 2.0 in stop-and-go traffic.
Part of the issue is the 7-speed automatic. The transmission hesitates at low speeds, and can feel rough at moderate speeds. The sport mode provides a higher rev limit and stiffens the suspension, but the Soul is more at home with comfort than sport.
Gas mileage is better than average, with 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Souls with the manual 6-speed transmission don’t fare quite as well, with 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall safety rating. However, the IHS named it as a Top Safety Pick Plus.
Other Notable Specs
The Soul is economically priced, and it shows in the interior. Lower trim levels lack quality interior materials and power adjustable seats. However, it offers plenty of space. It has 24 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, and 62 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.
It can comfortably seat five adults, with plenty of leg and head room. The foldable seat also provides plenty of cargo space, making it perfect for families. Trim levels provide technology and safety features, along with a more refined interior.
The sweet spot for the Soul seems to be the mid-level trim. This offers the best value for the features.
The S trim offers cloth seats, 17-inch wheels, and active safety features. It also includes keyless entry and Apple Car Play and Android Audio.
Pros and Cons
All vehicles have their pros and cons, and the 2020 Soul is no exception. Understanding the pros and cons can help you make a wise purchasing decision.
Pros:
- Plenty of space for passengers and/or cargo with seating for five and 62 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded
- It’s an affordable option that is still stylish and fun to drive
- 10 year/100,000-mile power train warranty
- Designed for urban driving and provides good fuel economy
Cons:
- Lower trims don’t provide driver assistance features
- The 1.6L turbo engine doesn’t provide a better driving experience
- Interior uses budget plastic materials, particularly for lower trims
Is the 2020 Kia Soul for You?
The Kia Soul is a good option for the price. It provides plenty of room and a comfortable driving experience. To learn more about the Kia Soul, check out Vehicle History. You’ll find owner and expert reviews, and a full list of 2020 Kia Soul specs.
