2023 Kia Soul

Information

The Kia Soul is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Kia since 2008. Often described and marketed as a crossover since its introduction, the Soul is a hatchback with a box proportion and tall roof, which are designed to maximize its interior space. Despite its SUV-like styling, the Soul was never available with all-wheel drive, instead it is exclusively a front-wheel drive vehicle.

The Soul first appeared in 2006 in the form of a concept model displayed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The production model made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in 2008. During its introduction, Kia stated that the Soul is aimed at the North American market, and targeted towards buyers in the 18 to 35-year old range.

The second-generation model was introduced in 2013 for the 2014 model year, which featured a larger exterior and interior dimensions along with a reworked chassis, while keeping its boxy styling. The Soul is currently in its third generation, which was introduced in 2018 for the 2019 model year. Since 2014, Kia has also marketed a battery electric variant as the Soul EV.

The name “Soul” comes from the homophone of Seoul, the city that hosts Kia’s headquarters.

Third generation (SK3; 2019)

Overview

Production: 2019–present
Model years: 2020–present
Assembly: South Korea: Gwangju (Gwangju Plant)

Body and chassis

Related: Kia Seltos (SP2) | Hyundai Kona (OS)

Powertrain

Engine: Gasoline:1.6 L Gamma II MPi I4 | 1.6 L Gamma II T-GDi I4 | 2.0 L Nu MPi I4 |
Transmission: 6-speed manual | 6-speed automatic | 7-speed DCT | CVT

Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2,600 mm (102.4 in)
Length: 4,195 mm (165.2 in)
Width: 1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Height: 1,600 mm (63.0 in)
Curb weight: 1,270–1,375 kg (2,800–3,031 lb)

Kia unveiled the third generation Soul and Soul EV (e-Soul in some markets) at the 2018 LA Auto Show. Unlike earlier models, it has thin lights as headlights, with the large grille remaining. A rugged X-Line trim was also added to the Soul’s trim options.

Initial models in the US include two options, including a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine. It will be both a gasoline model and an electric vehicle, with a “toughened chassis” for crash safety. The Soul now shares a platform with the Hyundai Kona.

The 2020 Soul and Soul EV were slated for release in North America in the second quarter of 2019. In the US, Kia postponed the launch of the Soul EV to 2021.

The Soul EV is the only version of this generation sold in Europe. It is now called e-Soul in most European markets, except for the UK. Distinguished with the name “Soul Booster,” the 2020 Soul shares a 64-kWh battery pack and powertrain with the Niro.

In 2021, Kia discontinued the Soul in South Korea, due to poor sales and competition from the similarly sized Seltos. In the same year, the Soul started featuring the new Kia logo.

The 6-speed manual was discontinued in the United States for the 2022 model year. Previously, it was only offered on the base LX model. Also in the same year, the only exterior change was to the rear wiper.

Facelift (2023)
For the 2023 model year, Kia updated the Soul, giving it revised headlights, taillights, front bumper, and rear fascia, along with new two-tone color combinations and new wheel designs. Along with the facelift, Kia discontinued the rugged-looking X-Line trim. Additionally, the turbo version was discontinued in the US, making the 2.0-liter Nu MPi naturally aspirated engine with CVT transmission the only available powertrain.