The Soul has long been one of Kia’s best-selling models, but the automaker hasn’t sat on its laurels in 2020. Instead, it’s redesigned the Soul for 2020, retaining elements we loved and injecting appealing new features. Discover all the new additions that make the 2020 Kia Soul one of the best subcompacts around. 
It’s a Little Larger
The Soul will never be bulky, but the 2020 incarnation is a little larger than its predecessors. The car is 2.2 inches longer and the wheelbase is 1.2 inches longer. It’s no wider though, so it should be just as easy to park and move through traffic.
The difference in passenger space is negligible, but the changes make a big impact in the back. The standard cargo capacity has also increased from 18.8 cubic feet 23.8 cubic feet. The rear hatch has a wider and lower opening than the 2019 model, allowing larger items to pass through. You can also increase storage space by removing the luggage under tray and folding the rear seats down. This handy feature is ideal for road trips and carrying sporting goods to weekend games.
It’s More Powerful
The Soul will never be a muscle car, but the 2020 model is peppier than its predecessor. Last year’s base model had a 1.6-liter I-4 gasoline direct injection motor, with an optional 2.0-liter I-4. In 2020, the 2.0-liter I-4 engine becomes the standard. That change boosts the base model’s horsepower from 130 to 147. Standard torque has also increased from 118 pound-feet to 132 pound-feet.
Kia has also boosted power and range substantially for the electric Soul. This time there’s a 64-kilowatt-hour battery under the hood, which is much mightier than 2019’s 31.8-kilowatt-hour battery. The 2020 EV battery generates 201 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. That’s much more than the last generation’s 109 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. It also travels up to 243 miles, more than twice the distance of the 2019 EV.
There are Better Entertainment Options Across the Range
Kia understands modern motorists always want to feel connected to their contacts and music. In 2019, the UVO infotainment system, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay were exclusive to higher trims. However, in 2020 the new UVO system and smartphone suites are standard across the range. The Bluetooth system has also been upgraded for two devices, perfect for couples sharing their vehicle.
There are still a few entertainment extras reserved for the higher trims, though. Choose the EX or GT-Line trim and the 7-inch color touch screen becomes a 10.25-inch display. This improved system also features high-definition and satellite radio and an in-built navigator. The turbo GT-Line trim even has a head-up display to keep your eyes on the road and a Harman Kardon Premium Audio system for crystal-clear stereo sound. The head-up display is brand new for 2020. The premium audio system was previously an optional extra.
Redesigning a top-selling car is inherently risky, but Kia shows how its done. Clever additions make the 2020 Kia Soul one of the brand’s most appealing hatchbacks yet.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.