Funky, Quirky, Boxy=Affordable To Own And Fun To Drive
Kia never disappoints when it comes to designing fun. They understand there is more to a car than four tires and a steering wheel. Case in point is the all-new 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line with the optional 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that Clean Fleet Report drove happily for a week throughout Southern California.
The 2020 Soul GT-Line, powered by the 1.6-liter turbo, produced 201 horsepower (hp) and 195 pounds-feet of torque (lb.-ft.) while running on 87 octane gasoline. Power gets to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch automatic that allows for manual shifting. The dual clutch automatic shifts quickly, which helps with fuel economy, but those gains can be off-set by having a heavy foot that activates the turbo too often. The base Soul engine is a non-turbo 2.0-liter, with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.
The Kia Soul GT-Line 1.6 Turbo has an EPA rating of 27 city/32 highway/29 combined, with Clean Fleet Report averaging 31.4 mpg over 355 miles of driving mostly on highways. On a 100-mile all-freeway run at 65 mph, we got 35.9 mpg. For comparison, the fuel economy is almost identical for the 2.0-liter non-turbo engine. However, if you are interested in not burning any gasoline at all, you could take a look at the 2020 Kia Soul EV.
Driving Experience: On the Road
The 1.6-liter’s additional 54 hp and 63 lb-ft of torque, compared to the 2.0-liter engine, were very welcome. After a tiny bit of turbo lag and low-speed non-response, the acceleration kicks in and the fun begins. The Soul GT-Line did not disappoint, with plenty of spirit and pep as the torque hit at a very low 1,500 rpm and pulled strong through 4,500 rpm. You can use the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, but this offered no performance advantage, as letting the seven-speed automatic put the Soul GT-Line through the paces delivers zero-to-60 times right around 6.4 seconds. A manual transmission would have raised the fun level, but one is not offered with the 1.6L turbo.
The 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line 1.6 Turbo weighs in at 3,036 pounds, which felt evenly distributed for a well-planted road feel. It never felt heavy during acceleration, stopping or cornering. Contributing to the sprightly handling were 18-inch alloy wheels and 235/45 all-season tires, with front MacPherson struts, coupled with a rear torsion beam suspension. Technology also was a part of the ride and handling with electronic stability and traction control, and vehicle stability management. While the Soul is nimble and can be tossed around, it is not a sports sedan, nor is it marketed that way by Kia.
The Soul is taller than most hatchbacks but didn’t feel top heavy during cornering or quick maneuvers at highway speeds. There was little body roll or the feeling of leaning that could be expected from a tall-bodied car. Overall, the Soul delivered a smooth and quiet ride, and low road and wind noise.
Stopping comes from vented front and solid rear disc brakes, with ABS and brake assist. The stops were straight and, after repeated stops from 60 mph, there was no pedal fade.
Driving Experience: Exterior
The third generation Soul went through a design evolution for 2020 and sits on an all-new platform. Kia says the familiar and recognizable look is “funkier than ever” and delivers an “unconventionally styled subcompact (with) unmatched style (for) peppy performance, thrilling technology and urban practicality.” No argument.
Available in five trim levels of LX, S, X-LINE, GT-Line, and EX, the 2020 Soul retains its boxy shape and stance, but gets sleeker in the process. Clean Fleet Report drove the Soul GT-Line painted in a striking Inferno Red. The large, black front grille is hot stamped with an hexagonal pattern, and setoff with a red GT-Line badge.
The narrow LED headlights, mere slits above the LED fog lights, lead to sculpted sides that connect with the wraparound boomerang-shaped taillights. The rear lift gate has a low opening and sits above the airflow undertray, with chromed exhaust tips.
Available in 17 exterior color choices, including Solar Yellow, Gravity Gray, Cherry Black and Mars Orange, Kia has made it possible to build a Soul that reflects your personality and makes a statement when you drive down the road.
Driving Experience: Interior
Kia takes pride in offering cars that are well-built and come with a long list of standard features. This holds true for the 2020 Soul, but with the our GT-Line model, it got real nice real fast.
Clean Fleet Report’s GT-Line came with a power sunroof, and the Sofia leatherette-covered front seats were heated with the driver having power adjustments. The heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel had controls for the smart cruise control, Bluetooth for hands free telephone and audio operations. The 10.5-inch color touchscreen, with navigation, that thankfully had volume and channel knobs, housed the excellent Harman Kardon audio system with a subwoofer and external amplifier. The six speakers produced crisp sounds for the SiriusXM/FM/CD/AMHD with MP3 playback capability, plus there are apps for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The quirky light-up door speakers that pulsated with the beat, have been updated with “sound mood lighting” that are now LED panels mounted on the doors. Necessary, no…but cool none the less.
The cockpit design is driver friendly with the gauges in easy sight, and the controls handy to reach. Convenience features include power windows and outside mirrors, USB and AUX jacks, push button start/stop, dual zone automatic climate control, tilt and telescopic steering column, remote keyless entry, carpeted floor mats, cargo cover and Kia’s UVO Infotainment system. We appreciated the wireless phone charger and the head-up display. The latter is a safety feature that Clean Fleet Report feels should be standard on all cars. If auto manufacturers and the government are serious about reducing distracted driving, then the head-up display is a proven technology that will help greatly.
The high seating position provides panoramic outward front and side visibility. Rear sight lines are a bit compromised by the wide rear pillars, but our Soul had blind spot detection that worked as promised by alerting when a car was in a neighboring lane.
The rear seat, with a comfortably angled back, is separated by a folding armrest that splits 60/40. Cup holders abound throughout the cabin. A soft-touch dash and upper door panels, with satin chrome and black glossy trim, had a good feel and look. The rear seating area had ample leg and headroom, good for up-to six-footers. The rear seats also easily accommodated two child seats, and when the rear seat back was folded flat, the Soul could swallow-up a mountain bike without removing the front wheel.
Safety
Kia has equipped the Soul with active and passive safety features including front, side and curtain air bags, forward collision, pedestrian and car avoidance, rear cross traffic warning, lane keep assist, a tire pressure monitoring system, hill start assist, and the four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.
The 2020 Kia Soul has not been rated by the National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA), but the 2019 Soul received an Overall 5-Star rating, and the 2020 got a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which is the top ranking from both organizations.
Pricing
The 2020 Kia Soul comes in five trim levels with base prices ranging from $17,490 to $27,490. Clean Fleet Report’s 2020 Soul GT-Line 1.6T with options of the carpeted floor mats and the cargo tray, brought the MSRP to $27,715. All prices listed do not include the freight and handling fee of $995.
Warranties
The 2020 Soul comes with these warranties:
- Powertrain – 10 years/100,000 miles
- Basic – Five years/60,000 miles
- Roadside Assistance – Five years/60,000 miles
- Anti-perforation – Five years/100,000 miles
Observations: 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line 1.6 Turbo
Kia says “there is a Soul for everyone.” With five trim levels (plus the all-electric Soul) where even the entry Soul is well-equipped, it is hard to disagree. With the all-new 2020 Soul, Kia has out-lived its competitors that offered a small boxy car, and has done so with a fun-loving car that is versatile, efficient and offers a great value proposition of features versus price.
The 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line 1.6 Turbo offers spirited performance, but at a premium over the similarly-equipped Soul (non-turbo) GT-Line or Soul X-Line with the 2.0-liter, non-turbocharged engines. When you visit your Kia dealer, make sure to drive each of them and see if less horsepower and torque are a good trade-off for saving a few thousand dollars.
The Soul begins with its unique style. But it is far more than that with excellent passenger and storage space, top build quality. It is easy to drive and park, has the industry’s best warranty, and has earned top safety ratings. Simply, a good all-around car that easily is the best Soul yet.
Whatever you buy, Happy Driving!
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Whatever you end up buying, Happy Driving!
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Disclosure:
Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.
Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.
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