The Kia Soul stands out thanks to a simple blueprint that has played true for the company for nearly 10 years: funky styling, fun dynamics, and a fair price tag. The 2020 Kia Soul has been completely redesigned, now in its third generation, looking sharper than before, more fun to drive, and casts a wider net with new variations.

The 2020 Soul starts at $17,490, making it the most affordable vehicle in its class, more than $1,000 cheaper than the next-most-affordable Nissan Kicks ($18,640). Move up to our test vehicle, the X-Line model, and the base price rises to $21,490, but the Soul gets new standard features like 18-inch wheels, rugged trim pieces, upgraded fog lights, a bit more leather, and some extra safety features. The only option on our tester was carpeted floor mats ($130). At $22,610 out the door, the X-Line is more affordable and stylish than most other vehicles in the segment, so if you want the look of an SUV without denting your bank account, the Soul X-Line is a great option.

Style-wise, the 2020 Soul is a sublime follow-up from the last generation. Up front, it has sharper light fixtures and a bigger grille, while the rear features a new interpretation of the Soul’s iconic “boomerang taillights.” The X-Line ups the style ante, making things look a little more off-road and rugged, with plastic fenders all around, extra cladding up front, matte silver accents, and trim-exclusive 18-inch wheels. But be warned as all of these pieces are more visual than functional.

The interior looks and feels premium. Nothing looks or feels cheap. The triangular air vents are a nice touch too and catch the eye. And the seats, though they’re just cloth, have a nice two-tone black and grey color scheme. And the Soul remains one of the roomiest subcompact crossovers in the marketplace. The high-rising roof provides an open, airy feel, and tons of visibility, resulting in 39.6 inches of front headroom and 39.5 inches of rear headroom.

You also get a good amount of standard tech, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as the same 7.0-inch touchscreen from the base model carries over. The X-Line lacks a navigation system and Kia's more advanced UVO link infotainment, which are only available on the larger 10.25-inch screen that comes on the EX model and up. But for $22,000, it's still a good setup and competitive for the class.

The 2020 Kia Soul has two engine options: a base naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter inline-4 and the range-topping GT-Line's turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder. Our X-Line’s 2.0-liter works alongside a continuously variable transmission or what Kia calls “Intelligent Variable Transmission," producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque. It's a perfectly adequate engine and gearbox combo that does exactly what you want it to. And it's efficient, getting 27 mpg city, 33 highway, and 30 combined.

Handling is where the Soul stands out. It’s not lively but the direct steering input, responsive chassis, and quick throttle response allow drivers to tackle corners with poise, while exhibiting a smooth ride.

The Kia Soul is a fun and very affordable car with a surprising amount of usable space. Thanks to its fun nature, it can be the ideal vehicle for the city or the countryside, inviting all types of people to enjoy. Throw in Kia's 10-year, 100K mile powertrain warranty, and well, it is a hard choice to turn down.

Highlights	Description
Engine	2.0-liter inline-4, Multi-Port Injection
Horsepower	147 hp @ 6200rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500rpm
Transmission	6-speed Intelligent Variable Transmission (i-VT)
Suspension, F/R	MacPherson Strut / Coupled Torsion Beam Axle
Brakes, F/R	11.0-in vented discs / 10.3-in. solid discs
Wheels and Tires	18-in. alloy, P235/45 R18
Curb weight	2844 lb
Overall length	165.2 in.
Overall width	70.9 in.
Overall height	63.0 in.
Wheelbase	102.4 in.

2020 Kia Soul X-Line

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