Mannequin years 2018 and 2019 had been constructed in direction of the tip of the Kia Soul’s second technology, after 5 or 6 years in manufacturing. The third technology hit the marketplace for mannequin yr 2020, however shopping for a used automobile from in direction of the tip of an earlier technology is commonly a secure guess, as many bugs and issues from earlier models have been labored out.
The Soul has been a robust success for Kia, which has offered nicely over 1,000,000 models since this automobile first hit showrooms in 2008. Launching the following technology of a beloved car requires nice care—you don’t need to alienate the patrons drawn to the Soul’s signature mixture of enjoyable, effectivity and practicality, bundled collectively in a wrapper that screams, “Let’s play!”
The Soul has all the time had distinctive styling, however the third technology strikes away from the folksy, cartoonish design cues towards a glance that’s decidedly sharper and extra trendy.
The inside plastics appear nicely chosen, and the construct high quality is above common for the greenback. Check-driving consumers can anticipate finding a great deal of goodies, particularly on prime trim grades. A key spotlight of the inside? Ambient temper lighting that’s related to your music. Drivers can choose the hues and brightness of the array of hid LED lights on board, bathing the cabin with color after darkish and even reacting to your playlists.
In case you’re choosing a third-generation Soul (2020 mannequin yr or newer), you gained’t simply mistake it for anything on the highway—that’s a superb factor.
In 2021, the Kia Soul was referred to as the Greatest Subcompact SUV for the Cash for the fifth consecutive yr by U.S. Information & World Report, in addition to a “Greatest Purchase” within the subcompact crossover class by Client Information.
The tall and boxy form of the Soul is a styling assertion that does double obligation to create beneficiant headroom and maximized cargo capability. It’s not an enormous machine, but it surely seems like one on board. The tall and upright driving place provides drivers the safe and in-command really feel of a bigger SUV, with out the gasoline invoice.
The Kia Soul engine: What’s actually inside this used automobile?
Environment friendly four-cylinder engines are discovered between the Soul’s entrance wheels, together with high-performing turbocharged choices. An electrical model is out there, too. Although you gained’t discover any fashions outfitted with all-wheel drive (AWD), the Soul delivers strongly on what most Canadian consumers need: a roomy and versatile car that’s simple on gasoline and prepared for any journey. Pet homeowners take word: the low cargo ground top makes canine jump-in a cinch.
In 2017, a brand new 1.6-litre turbo engine joined the lineup, with 201 horsepower. Although most used fashions could have an automated or dual-clutch transmission, make sure to seek for a used Kia Soul with handbook gearbox in case you wish to row your individual gears. Guide five- or six-speed transmissions had been obtainable, generally on extra fundamental models.