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With its attractive boxy design, small dimensions, and an electric version as well, the Kia Soul is a perfect car for everyday city drive. This time, the carmaker is preparing the next generation of this popular SUV which will hit the market as 2020 Kia Soul and Soul EV. As its forerunner, it will also be available with an electric powertrain. However, it will finally get a new exterior design which will make it look more aggressive. As well, the new Kia could also be moved to the new architecture which means that it could get the all-wheel drive system for the first time.
2020 Kia Soul and Soul EV engines and performances
Under the hood of the newest 2020 Kia Soul and Soul EV will be placed several types of engines including an all-electric powertrain. So, to start with the well-known 1.6-liter inline-4 unit which is able to make 130 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque. This unit works with either 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel drive is standard. Connected to a manual gearbox, this engine gets 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The automatic version is rated at 25/30 mpg.
The next is a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine which has the output of 161 horsepower and the torque of 150 lb-ft. This one is mated to a 6-speed automatic only and front-wheel drive as well. As for the fuel economy, this one is estimated to be 25/30 mpg in the city/highway.
There is also a 1.6-liter inline-4 turbocharged engine. This unit is able to deliver 201 hp and 195 pound-feet of torque. The FWD is also standard and the engine is connected to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It is rated at 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Furthermore, the Soul EV will use an electric motor of 81.4 kWh and a battery of 30 kWh meaning it is able to deliver 109 horses and the torque of 210 lb-ft. Its top speed will be limited to 90 mph. It will provide the range of 111 miles on a full charge. As for the fuel economy, it gets 124 MPGe in the city and 93 MPGe on the highway.
On the other hand, it is very likely that the newest 2020 Kia Soul and Soul EV might get an all-wheel drive system for the first time, because of the new platform.
The exterior design of the 2020 Kia Soul and Soul EV and new architecture
Although it is not yet confirmed, the newest 2020 Kia Soul and Soul EV might be moved to the new platform. This will allow the all-wheel drive system as optional and various types of engines including an electric version. It could be the B-SUV platform which also underpins the Hyundai Kona model.
Looking for the outside, the next generation 2020 Kia Soul and Soul EV should keep its boxy appearance alongside its familiar vertical taillights. However, the front fascia is going to be redesigned. The grille and the hood will be revised. And perhaps the most noticeable change will be the new split, slim headlamps with separate daytime running lights. And the whole front fascia will now look more aggressive than before.
Interior design
The 2020 Kia Soul and Soul EV is a small vehicle but it provides sufficiently roomy cabin. Perhaps it doesn’t offer excellent comfort, but its interior is functional and useful considering space. The front seat passengers have plenty of head and leg room. However, the second row of seats is the best for two since the three passengers will definitively feel tight. But in general, because of its boxy shape, the Soul is suitable even for taller occupants in the rear. The cargo space is also very generous taking into account that the Soul is a small car. It offers the room of 24.2 cubic feet. However, the cargo room expands to 61.3 cubic feet behind the second row.
Equipment of the 2020 Kia Soul and Soul EV
The 2020 Kia Soul will come standard with air conditioning, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a split-folding rear seat, and a 5.0-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. The mid-range Soul Plus will add a larger 7.0-inch or 8.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, heated side mirrors, 17-inch wheels, fog lights, and body-color trim. The Exclaim will also include leather upholstery, keyless ignition, and gloss trim inside and outside.
Furthermore, the Kia Soul EV will be equipped with heated cloth seats and a heated steering wheel, 16-inch wheels, a rearview camera, a 5.0-inch touchscreen for infotainment, Bluetooth, USB, keyless ignition, and a 3.5-inch driver instrument cluster. The higher trims will add an 8.0-inch screen, leather, cooled front seats, heated rear seats, parking sensors, interior LED lights and so on.
Release date and price
The all-new 2020 Kia Soul and Soul EV might be presented this November at 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. However, some say that it will be introduced next year at the 2019 North American Auto Show. The price is not yet available.
