Skip to main content

2020 Kia Soul GT-Line: This budget box has an attitude

Kia Soul 2020
2020 Kia Soul GT-Line: This budget box has an attitude
MSRP $17,490.00
“The 2020 Kia Soul remains a practical, attractive, and affordable CUV that anyone can love.”
Pros
  • Stand-out styling
  • Design-forward cabin
  • Plenty of space
  • Available high-tech features
Cons
  • Turbo powertrain is a miss
  • Advanced safety features are optional

The hamsters from the last-gen Kia Soul have run out of town. Why? The new Soul scared them away. Those cute rodents were aimed at getting younger drivers into the boxy vehicle.

Recommended Videos

Now, things are different. Everyone knows about the Soul, but they’re familiar with the cutesy version. The all-new 2020 Kia Soul is here to show off a new side of the machine — a sharper, more aggressive edge to prove that going against the grain is a good thing.

Hatchback? SUV? CUV? One could technically make the argument that the Soul is all of these. The classification isn’t important, because you’re getting the best of all worlds. Its subcompact size means pricing starts at an affordable $17,490 for the base LX trim. Move up to the GT-Line Turbo, which is the vehicle we tested for a week, and you’re looking at a starting price of $27,490. That’s still affordable by today’s standards.

It’s apparent that American consumers are sticking to their crossovers. But unlike CUVs that stick firmly to a recipe, the Soul, especially in the GT-Line trim, breaks the mold to give buyers a look at what fun, cheap, and versatile looks like. From this angle, it’s great, but not perfect.

Interior and exterior design

The old Soul was a box on wheels, and so is the new one. Looking at the Soul can transport you back to elementary school, when you had to deal with those horrible square milk cartons. Just add in four wheels.

While the overall silhouette hasn’t changed, nearly everything else has. The headlights have moved down the front fascia, while slim daytime running lights are now connected through a paper-thin grille. Around the back, the taillights have a hockey-stick shape that connects at the top.

Kia Soul 2020
Joel Patel / Digital Trends

The 2020 Soul has a more muscular aesthetic that sharply contrasts with the adorable look from last gen’s model. You can also spec the Soul with a two-tone color scheme for extra character.

Go for either the X-Line, or one of the GT-Line trims, and your subcompact CUV comes with a unique body kit. The X-Line does an impression of an off-road CUV with special 18-inch wheels, roof rails, and body cladding. The two GT-Line trims go for a sporty design, with the GT-Line Turbo getting distinct wheels, red badges, black trim pieces, and center-exit exhaust.

Kia Soul 2020
Joel Patel / Digital Trends

People may be split on the Soul’s exterior design, but this box brings the heat inside. Legroom and headroom are abundantly available in both rows, with even the tallest of passengers forgetting that they’ve been relegated to the back. Utility is just as impressive, as the Soul can carry 24.2 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats, and has capacity for a total of 62.1 cubic feet of cargo. Those figures make the Soul one of the more spacious options in the segment, beating the Hyundai Kona, Nissan Kicks, and Honda HR-V.

There’s still an element of fun that exists alongside all of this utility. From the triangular vents to the space-like trim that surrounds the door handle and speakers, the Soul’s cabin is snazzy, yet functional. Our Soul GT-Line Turbo came with mood lighting that matches the rhythm of the music in different colors or themes like “Midnight City,” “Café,” and “Romance.”

Kia Soul 2020
Joel Patel / Digital Trends

While spacious, the Soul is an affordable way to get around, so it has its fair share of hard plastics and rough materials scattered throughout. Still, none of it feels cheap. For a car that costs under $29,000, the Soul GT-Line Turbo feels and looks well-designed. The leather and cloth seats are sturdy yet comfortable, with the heated seats warming up your backside quicker than a hot tub.

Tire and wind noise can disturb the peace at highway speeds, and the seats feel rather high at their lowest position. Of course, that may not be a downside for consumers yearning for that CUV feel.

Tech features

Kia does make you reach far into your pockets to grab the best tech features, but this economy box comes with plenty of tech standard. The majority of trims have a 7-inch touchscreen that includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That’s nothing out of the ordinary, though, as nearly every competitor can match that.

Where the Soul really flexes its muscles is when you start to get higher up the food chain. EX and GT-Line Turbo models come with a massive 10.25-inch touchscreen and Kia’s slick UVO infotainment system. That’s one of the largest screens you’ll find in the segment, easily beating the available 8-inch screen in the Hyundai Kona, and the 7-inch touchscreens in the Nissan Kicks and Honda HR-V. As an added benefit, you get wireless charging with the larger screen.

Kia Soul 2020
Joel Patel / Digital Trends

Having spent time with both systems, this is an easy decision. Get the larger 10.25-inch screen. The standard 7-inch unit is basic – iPhone 6 levels of basic. The 10.25-inch screen with the UVO system is a gem, featuring clear, crisp images in an intuitive layout. The extra-wide length puts three really helpful things – navigation, audio, and weather – front and center. If one of those doesn’t sound important, there’s plenty of customization to let you prioritize as you see fit.

The Soul’s list of safety features follows the same trajectory as its infotainment systems. All you get with the base trim is a rearview camera. The higher up the ladder you climb, the more you get, with the GT-Line Turbo being packed with nearly everything under the sun, including blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. A retractable head-up display is also included in the safety cocktail.

For the most part, the driver-assist features all work as they should — except for the lane-keep assist system. That sucker will yank the wheel out of your hands to stop you from drifting into another lane. Some nitpickers may think the head-up display screen looks cheap, too. That may be true, but it works, and it’s a feature you won’t find in the Honda HR-V and Nissan Kicks.

Driving experience

There are two available powertrains for the Soul. Five out of the six trims come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired to a continuously variable transmission that Kia calls an “intelligent variable transmission,” or IVT.

Only the GT-Line Turbo has a different mill. That trim comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that’s good for 201 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine also comes with a unique transmission in the form of a seven-speed dual-clutch.

Kia Soul 2020
Joel Patel / Digital Trends

With 54 extra horses and a dual-clutch gearbox, you’d expect the GT-Line Turbo to be the performance-forward trim. And you would be correct. But the powertrain has some serious flaws that highlight just how nonathletic the subcompact CUV really is.

The peppy motor doesn’t lack grunt, but the way it puts down the power in one massive gulp instead of a smooth set of sips is jarring The issue is exacerbated because of the dual-clutch transmission, which is slow to shift, clunky at low speeds, and quick to provide a surge in power unexpectedly. Stabbing the throttle from a standstill doesn’t result in immediate power, making parking a tricky situation.

The expensive GT-Line Turbo trim is an easy pass.

In addition to the engine, the GT-Line Turbo comes with a firmer suspension. The ride is stiff, but the Soul doesn’t feel limber around corners, as the boxy design limits true performance potential. Around corners, the Soul exhibits body roll befitting a subcompact CUV, and the GT-Line Turbo’s Goodyear Eagle Touring tires don’t inspire confidence.

Ironically, the Soul’s front-wheel-drive-only layout isn’t a dealbreaker. Other subcompacts like the Nissan Kicks and the Toyota C-HR are front-wheel drive only, too. You’re still getting 6.7 inches of ground clearance, which is a decent amount to tackle snow. If you want any kind of real off-roading capability, though, you’ll have to look toward the Jeep Renegade.

With the powertrain’s issues and the extra bumpy ride that doesn’t translate to real sporting potential, the expensive GT-Line Turbo trim is an easy pass.

Gas mileage and safety

The Environmental Protection Agency rates the 2020 Kia Soul at up to 31 mpg combined (29 mpg city, 35 mpg highway) when equipped with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the CVT. If you go with the sportier GT-Line Turbo trim with the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, you’re looking at 29 mpg combined (27 mpg city, 32 mpg highway).

Those aren’t bad figures for the subcompact segment, but they do put the Soul behind the Nissan Kicks, which is rated at 33 mpg combined, and the new Hyundai Venue that’s rated at 32 mpg combined. But the Soul is slightly more efficient than the Honda HR-V and the Hyundai Kona, which both have combined fuel economy ratings of 30 mpg.

With the Soul being all-new for the 2020 model year, it’s tough to say how reliable the vehicle will be down the road. The subcompact CUV does come with one of the lengthiest warranties on the market: A 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a five-year, 60,000-mile limited warranty. That’s better than what you’ll find with cars from Nissan or Honda.

Being a new vehicle, the Soul hasn’t been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) yet. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) tests, the Soul did well enough to be named a Top Safety Pick.

How DT would configure this car

Because of the issues with the powertrain and ride, we recommend skipping the GT-Line Turbo trim. With that said, we like the EX trim the most. It has the same 10.25-inch touchscreen, UVO infotainment system, and wireless charger as the top-of-the-line model, but comes with the more efficient powertrain.

The 2020 Soul has a more muscular aesthetic that sharply contrasts with the adorable look of last gen’s model.

If you’d like a two-tone paint scheme, it’s part of the $1,500 EX Designer Collection Package.

Our take

Despite testing what is arguably the worst option in the lineup, the 2020 Kia Soul is a great CUV. Its looks won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but it stands out in a segment that’s filled with boring options. It’s practical, too, with one of the largest cargo areas, loads of tech features, and an efficient powertrain. This is all wrapped in one of the snazziest designs and backed by one of the lengthiest warranties, too.

If you’re looking for anything close to decent off-road capability, you’ll have to go with the Jeep Renegade. For those wanting a vehicle with a design that doesn’t stand out as much, you’ll want to look at the Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Kona, or Honda HR-V.

The Kicks doesn’t have all-wheel drive as an option, but the other two do. Neither the Kicks nor the HR-V come with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto as standard, but both come with safety suites in the middle of their respective lineups instead of random features that are sporadically spread around. As usual, Kia’s priced the Soul competitively, and between these competitors, it’s the most affordable option of the bunch.

With so many options to choose from in the subcompact segment, there’s bound to be one option that does something better than the Soul. But as a complete package, it’s a well-rounded CUV that manages to do a lot well at a low price, making it one of the better options on the market.

Should you get one?

Yes. The Soul is a great value with funky, functional design. Just stay away from the GT-Line.

Joel Patel
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Joel is a dog lover, a foodie, and an automotive junkie. He’s usually tinkering away on one of his latest Craigslist finds…
Nissan launches charging network, gives Ariya access to Tesla SuperChargers
nissan charging ariya superchargers at station

Nissan just launched a charging network that gives owners of its EVs access to 90,000 charging stations on the Electrify America, Shell Recharge, ChargePoint and EVgo networks, all via the MyNissan app.It doesn’t stop there: Later this year, Nissan Ariya vehicles will be getting a North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapter, also known as the Tesla plug. And in 2025, Nissan will be offering electric vehicles (EVs) with a NACS port, giving access to Tesla’s SuperCharger network in the U.S. and Canada.Starting in November, Nissan EV drivers can use their MyNissan app to find charging stations, see charger availability in real time, and pay for charging with a payment method set up in the app.The Nissan Leaf, however, won’t have access to the functionality since the EV’s charging connector is not compatible. Leaf owners can still find charging stations through the NissanConnectEV and Services app.Meanwhile, the Nissan Ariya, and most EVs sold in the U.S., have a Combined Charging System Combo 1 (CCS1) port, which allows access to the Tesla SuperCharger network via an adapter.Nissan is joining the ever-growing list of automakers to adopt NACS. With adapters, EVs made by General Motors, Ford, Rivian, Honda and Volvo can already access the SuperCharger network. Kia, Hyundai, Toyota, BMW, Volkswagen, and Jaguar have also signed agreements to allow access in 2025.
Nissan has not revealed whether the adapter for the Ariya will be free or come at a cost. Some companies, such as Ford, Rivian and Kia, have provided adapters for free.
With its new Nissan Energy Charge Network and access to NACS, Nissan is pretty much covering all the bases for its EV drivers in need of charging up. ChargePoint has the largest EV charging network in the U.S., with over 38,500 stations and 70,000 charging ports at the end of July. Tesla's charging network is the second largest, though not all of its charging stations are part of the SuperCharger network.

Read more
Rivian gets Knight Rider spooky for Halloween
Michael Knight sitting on the hood of his car KITT in a scene from Knight Rider.

Rivian vehicles are known for giving drivers the chance to take the party on the road, whether it’s stowing a travel kitchen onboard or using its elaborate software systems to spice things up.With Halloween just around the corner, the automaker based in Plymouth, Michigan, is pulling out some treats from its bag of tricks: Rivian owners are getting a number of options to turn their vehicles into traditional spooky or full-on sci-fi entertainment hubs.A software update available on the Rivian Mobile App until November 4 provides Car Costumes, which take over the vehicle’s screen, lighting, and sound systems while in park to transform it into three different cars.Nostalgic fans of the Knight Rider TV series will be pleased with the option to turn their Rivians into the famous K.I.T.T. crime-fighting car. After choosing the option on the app, the car’s interior display system features K.I.T.T.’s diagnostics on screen while playing the original show intro music. Here's an extra treat for Rivian Gen 2 owners: The exterior light bar will feature K.I.T.T.’s iconic beaming red light while playing its scanner sound effect.No-less nostalgic fans of Back to the Future movies will also get their treat with a chance to turn their vehicle into the DeLorean Time Machine. With this option, the screen turns into the classic time-traveling interface while the audio system plays the movie’s music and acceleration sound effects. Once again, Rivian Gen 2 owners get an extra treat. Hitting the key 88 mph button will engage the car’s lighting and sound effects in the front and back of the car to whizz you through the sound barrier.For a more traditional spooky time, you can opt for the Haunted Rivian car costume, featuring eight different sound effects and three different color themes. Static and ghosts will take over your interior display.Rivian Gen 1 owners get a green animation on the outside of the vehicle. Gen 2 owners can turn the exterior light bar into whichever color option they find most frightful.

Read more
The Nissan Rogue is joining the plug-in hybrid club in 2025
nissan rogue hybrid 2025 2024

It might have taken a while, and slumping sales of its most popular SUV, but Nissan has finally taken the step to offer hybrid vehicles in the U.S. The Japanese automaker will add a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain to the 2026 Rogue compact SUV, which should be available stateside sometime next year, Nissan Americas chief planning officer Ponz Pandikuthira told Automotive News.A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) typically runs on electric power until its battery is almost depleted, at which point it automatically switches over to using a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine. The battery can be recharged conventionally from the outside or through regenerative braking.
While Nissan has been offering popular fully electric vehicles (EVs) such as the Leaf and the Ariya for years, it has surprised many by not joining the hybrid bandwagon, especially for the Rogue. Competitors such as the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V, which do provide the part-fuel, part-electric power capacity, have seen their sales surging. Meanwhile, sales of the Rogue have slumped this year.
That’s why Nissan is partnering with Mitsubishi to start offering its first-ever electrically assisted car in the U.S. next year.
According to the Automotive News report, the Rogue will be outfitted with a similar powertrain found in the Mitsubishi Outlander. In that model, a 2.4-liter gas engine powers the front wheels, while two electric motors create an all-wheel drive system that can either work on its own or in conjunction with the gas engine. As the Outlander is able to deliver 248 horsepower, that would make the Rogue PHEV more powerful than the existing model’s 201 hp. The Outlander is also rated for 38 miles of electric driving by the EPA.
In addition, Nissan is planning to bring its non-plug-in, e-Power series hybrid technology to the U.S. in 2026. This technology, already available outside the U.S., also uses electric motors to power the wheels while using the gas engine to charge the battery.

Read more