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When we last saw a prototype of the next-generation Kia Soul, it looked like it wouldn't look all that different from the old one, except for having trendy split headlights. As it turns out, those split headlights are more interesting than we thought. The example of the new compact hatchback shown above reveals that it will have a futuristic-looking full-width headlight treatment, something we haven't really seen since the early Mercury Sable.
It's clear from these photos that the full-width lights are not the actual headlights that provide forward illumination. They're just accent lights, but the effect is still impressive. It appears the turn signals are integrated into each end of the big light. The center section also eliminates the old Soul's center grille. Below the lighting unit is an expanded lower grille and large lighting elements on either side. These are real forward-illuminating lights. In the bottom of the lower grille are a pair of foglights much like on the current model.
The Soul's profile looks almost unchanged from the current model, leading us to wonder if this is a major update to the existing car, or if it is a new platform that just looks mostly like the old one. The tail end receives some major changes, though. The taillights are now almost completely visible, and although they still run up the rear pillars, they now descend lower and into the hatch area. They appear much more shapely and aren't form fitted to the body. This particular prototype also has a sporty dual exhaust tip in the center. This seems to indicate this is a Kia Soul Turbo model, as does the fact it's parked next to a Hyundai Veloster N.
Not much is known about the new Kia Soul. We expect it to be roughly the same size as the current model, and we wouldn't be surprised if Kia offers all-wheel drive to keep it competitive with other tiny crossovers. As for the Kia Soul Turbo, we predict it will use the same turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that the current model and the new Hyundai Veloster Turbo use. We do hope that Kia will offer it with a manual transmission this time around.
The 2020 Kia Soul is due to be revealed later this week at the LA Auto Show, but Kia’s been teasing the heck out of it and now an anonymous tipster has sent us photos of what looks to be the real deal, and let me tell you something—it ain’t bad.
The Soul has always been a nice car to see around, if only because it tries to have a little fun filling in those cracks in the crossover segment instead of just being another overwrought packaging of some copy-pasted design language.
The old Soul was boxy and bumpy and happy, and the new one is boxy but smoother and little bit tougher-looking, with headlights that make it look like it’s Mad At You, as you can see from these photos kindly sent in to Jalopnik:
That toughness may be due to the upcoming “ruggedly styled” X trim level that will be introduced with the new Soul, according to Roadshow, which also reports the company has teased the new Soul will be powered by either a 1.6-liter or 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four. Both of those engines are probably pretty standard and will do you the service of getting you from Point A to Point B and that’s it.
The teaser images also hinted at colorful two-tone bodywork options, with one showing a white lower body with a bright red roof. That roof-wide taillight treatment is also pretty funky, and I’m glad to see the Soul keep most of its charms.
Of course, we’ll know much more for sure in just a few days. Or in a couple of hours. Whatever leaks first.
Kia is recalling its Soul and Seltoscrossovers because of improperly heat-treated oil rings. The affected models have the 2.0-liter Nu MPI four-cylinder engine. The faulty rings can lead to engine damage.
Kia says that 147,249 cars are affected. Dealers will tear down the engines and inspect for damage. Vehicles with engine damage will get new engines. The company also says it is fitting the vehicles with piston ring noise sensing system software.
The service action is set to begin June 11. Kia owners can contact the company for more information at 800-333-4542. Kia's internal reference number for this recall is SC209.
Styling tweaks are mild but noticeable. The front fascia sees the biggest changes, particularly with the lighting. The upper headlights are larger, though still connected by a bar, and the large lower lamps have pretty much vanished. The rear has some mild changes, too, along with new lighting, and there are new wheels and paint combinations, such as black over white and black over blue. The interior isn't changed much, but the larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen is standard on everything but the base LX trim.
Speaking of trims, the Soul line-up has shrunk. The X-Line model, which featured exterior trim meant to give it an off-road look, is now gone. The GT-Line trim remains for those that want a sporty look, but the GT-Line Turbo with the 201-horsepower 1.6-liter engine and dual-clutch transmission that won us over years ago has been discontinued. As such, all Souls are only available with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a CVT. It makes 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque.
What is welcome is the increased number of standard safety features across the line, even on the bare-bones LX. Those features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane centering, automatic high-beam headlights, driver attention alert and rear-seat occupant alert. Some noteworthy available safety features include automatic emergency braking that can detect objects when turning at an intersection and blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning with collision avoidance.
The new Soul goes on sale this summer. Pricing hasn't been announced, but expect it to continue to start around $20,000 like the outgoing model.
The new 2023 Kia Soul, arriving in later summer 2022, features refreshed design elements inside and out, a simplified lineup, new smile-inducing colors, and two option packages brimming with technology and convenience. Kia Soul redefined the boxy small-car segment when it was first launched in 2009 and has evolved steadily since, appealing to customers across generations with its edgy good looks, practicality, and efficiency.
"The Soul defined a whole new segment of small cars when it first entered the Kia lineup and it continues into the 2023 model year with as much fun, practicality and style as ever," said Steve Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. "The basic form remains, which is what more than 75,000 happy Soul owners loved so much about the funky runabout last year, representing a nearly 5 percent increase over sales in 2020. The new 2023 Soul is set to continue that trend with its refreshed design inside and out, advanced technology and feature-packed trims."
Kia Soul has always been set apart by its bold yet functional design and the 2023 model year continues that tradition with an all-new front fascia. The new grill is set off with available LED headlights and redesigned fog lights. New Daytime Running Lamps and turn signals round out the front-end redesign. New available 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels and a redesigned rear fascia and taillights complete the exterior enhancements. A multitude of solid and two-tone exterior paint schemes remain and are complemented by new two-tone paint programs: Clear White with Fusion Black roof, and Surf Blue with a Fusion Black roof.
Inside, what worked best remains and what has changed has made a good thing better. Logically placed switchgear falls readily to-hand while the 10.25-inch (standard on all but LX trim) touchscreen with navigation is a welcome addition to the tech-forward cabin.
Simplifying the lineup for 2023, the Kia Soul is offered in LX, S, EX, GT-Line, GT-Line Tech trimlines, each featuring a long list of standard and available equipment. The X-Line and Turbo have been discontinued, although many of the features are found in the new variants. The new LX Technology Package includes Blind Spot Collision Avoidance (BCA), Rear Cross Collision Avoidance (RCCA), and 16-inch alloy wheels; neatly bundling sought-after features in an already well-equipped offer.
The GT-Line Technology Package ups the ante with a wide range of sought-after features and driver-assist systems. A Harman/Kardon premium audio is accessed through the 10.25-inch color touchscreen and features an external amplifier, subwoofer, and door-mounted tweeters. Multi-colored LED speaker lights pulse in time with the tunes and the heated front seats offer a warm embrace during cold-weather drives. The GT-Line Technology Package also includes:
Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning capability (radar + camera type)
Highway Drive Assist
Navigation based Smart Cruise Control
Electronic Parking Brake
Power driver seat
High-gloss interior trim
LED headlights and taillights
Cargo Cover
Dual-level cargo floor
Highlighting Kia America's commitment to safety and security, a number of previously optional features are now standard across all trims, including:
Forward Collision Avoidance Assist-Pedestrian (FCA-Ped; camera type)
Lane Keeping Assist + Lane Following Assist
Driver Attention Warning
Lane Departure Warning
High Beam Assist
Rear Occupant Alert (door logic)
For 2023, Kia Soul is powered by a single powertrain. The efficient 2.0-liter inline four cylinder produces 147-horsepower at 6,200 rpm and lays down 132 lb.-ft- of torque at 4,500 rpm through the front wheels. Kia's Intelligent Variable Transmission is standard across all variants.
Kia announced the Soul’s simplified lineup for the 2023 model year in May. However, at the time, Kia didn’t provide prices for the rejiggered model. We have that information today, and the 2023 Kia Soul will see another price increase, starting at $21,085 (all prices include the $1,295 destination charge unless noted) for the entry-level Soul LX trim.
The 2023 Soul will arrive in one of four trims – LX, S, GT-Line, and EX. The S is a step up from the LX, starting at $23,585. The GT-Line requires a $1,100 premium over the S to start at $25,685. The top-of-the-line EX trim starts at $25,385.The new pricing for 2023 sees the LX increase in price by $600 over the 2022 Soul LX, while Kia ups its destination fee by $50 from $1,175. In 2021, the entry-level Soul with a manual started at $17,490 before the $1,120 destination charge, for a total starting price of $18,610.
TrimPricePrice w/Destination LX $19,790 $21,085 S $22,290 $23,585 GT-Line $23,390 $24,685 EX $24,090 $25,385
The Kia’s ever-increasing price tag coincided with the automaker removing options and features. In 2021, the Soul lost some color choices while Kia made changes to each trim’s content offerings. The following model year saw Kia eliminate the manual gearbox from the lineup, instantly raising the entry-level price.
The Kia Soul is in its third generation, with the current model first going on sale for the 2020 model year. Soul sales have steadily fallen since 2015, and they haven’t recovered. However, sales did tick upward a bit in 2021, but that boost isn’t carrying over into 2022. Kia sold 75,000 Souls in 2021, and it sold just over 22,500 models in 2022.
The updated 2023 Soul lineup will go on sale in mid to late summer. Kia doesn’t provide an exact date when it’ll begin arriving at dealerships. While the 2023 Soul lineup will lose the X-Line and Turbo trims, Kia is spreading their features among the other trims. The 2023 Soul will arrive with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 147 horsepower (109 kilowatts) and 132 pound-feet (178 newton-meters) of torque.
12-09-2013, 10:20 AM
