2020 Kia Soul Review Pricing, Specs, and Features Highlighted on Autoblog.com

The crossover segment is one that we have no doubt had constant eyes on here at Jim Butler: value, style, and space have always been traits considered when ranking a standout model, and expectations are changing every year. We fully admit that just as the writers at Autoblog.com penned this past week, some may have thought of our Soul as a “boxy oddball with few competitors.” Today, as the subcompact crossover segment has literally risen up around it, this is a model that remains a very well-rounded choice and full of character.

The 2020 Soul is the all-new third-generation model, abiding by the same successful formula as the models before it. The proportions that were trademark to its success have been well-maintained, and while sporting a bit more cargo capacity and few extra inches in length, the dimensions inside and out are consistent. New differences in styling include the wraparound LED taillights, the Kia grille that's been heavily enlarged and moved to the lower bumper, and a completely new design for the cabin that wraps behind the dashboard between the doors, and was billed by the Autoblog staff as “Very Jaguar.”

The Soul-X Line provides a bit more rugged of a stance for our brimming-with-tech and very influential crossover line, and the GT version is the sporty offering that features the turbocharged engine upgrade. The brand-new CVT transmission has played a part in the drastic improvement of fuel economy, and the first thing that many who have made the trip inside to test drive have noticed right away is the triangular patterns in the doors, and other funky traits like tweeters situated inside the air vents. All necessary controls have an impressive appearance and are still easily reached, and the 7-inch touchscreen is not a piece of equipment that requires you to take out a college loan to effectively figure out!

The Soul's tall height and body shape leave it with a bit more passenger and cargo room than most, and the rear seat legroom overtakes most of its competitors by a pretty hefty amount, making it far more appropriate to carry four full-sized adults onboard. The boxy shape that was one of the Soul's most recognizable and distinct traits from the beginning makes it far more useful than a vehicle such as the Toyota C-HR, and you can ask us here at Jim Butler of St Louis about the 1.6-Liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that cranks out 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual, it nails down 27 mpg city, and 33 mpg highway. This is the engine that auto journalists feel “blows the doors off its competitors” not only in terms of pure output, but also with its consistent smooth mid-range torque provision! 

Car and Driver Provides Spec Guidance + Stats for 2020 Kia Telluride

The all-new 2020 Kia Telluride SUV is larger than the existing Sorento in nearly every dimension, and a very suitably aggressive and deserving rival for the likes of the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot. Pricing information released recently reveals the Telluride to be an amazing value when stacked up to these neck-and-neck competitors, and with this in mind, the knowledgeable staff of Car and Driver toyed around with the online configurator and found a version that offers the most bang for the buck! Everyone has different preferences in the long run, but we definitely trust these esteemed experts when it comes to the bottom line. 

Their pick for model type was the Telluride EX AWD, ¾ of the way up the trim chain, and offering a large amount of standard equipment. All Telluride models come standard with a 3.8-liter V-6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, and the EX level was appreciated greatly for its full array of active-safety features, a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen display, a power liftgate, and heated steering wheel. The EX's 8-passenger setup with a three-across second-row seat also provides an extra great dose of practicality, as the SX trim only comes with second-row captain's chairs that whittle the seating capacity down to seven. 

The towing package as an add-on was an easy decision for the team to make, as it includes a self-leveling rear suspension and hitch at a very reasonable price, and it really helps you take full advantage of the Telluride's 5,000-pound towing capacity. The choice of Sangria exterior color paired well with the gray leather interior, and carpeted floor mats were another prime addition that boosted the appeal and versatility of the Telluride. Ever since the truck-like Borrego of the late 2000s had disappeared from the market, those who were loyal to Kia did not have this choice of a 3-row SUV available until now. 

The final production numbers are where many customers “hang their hats” and make a decision, and the 5,000-pound towing capacity is definitely going to turn heads and get those who are looking to lug toys around peaking in interest. Touchscreens have gotten larger as of late and we love the trend: when you are on the go, it's great to have the option to provide navigation and other info-gathering activities without squinting constantly. The Telluride is equipped with a 10.3-inch model, as well as the very cool Driver Talk feature: a microphone that transmits what the driver is saying to passengers that may be situated with less earshot in the second and third row. 

The body cladding and stance of this SUV is bound to win many over: we hope that you come down to visit us soon here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis: check out this anticipatory writeup  as well to see how the Telluride stacks up against renowned rival Hyundai Palisade, and join the ranks of us who are all for this strong and capable SUV!

Kia All-Electric Concept Revealed at Geneva International Motor Show: Spotlight on 'Imagine'

This past week during the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show, Kia has revealed its new all-electric concept car, 'Imagine by Kia'. Fully recognizing that automotive design is about capturing the heart and making it beat faster, VP of Design or Kia Gregory Guillaume avidly claimed that this new all-electric concept is designed not only to get your pulse racing, but also to signpost a “holistic and emotional approach to electrification.” The drivers of today have questions about range, available recharging network, and whether electric cars will still be dynamic and engaging to drive on a daily basis. 

The blueprint for this new concept was reached by asking questions about electrification purely from an emotional point of view and projecting about how a human-centric attitude can help with development. Kia absolutely prides itself on the power to surprise, which is why moving away from the rational and focusing on the emotional felt necessary. Since electricity is found in every atom, harnessing its potential has propelled us forward from one innovation to the next. This is Kia's first pure electric 4-door passenger car, and it is underpinned by an induction-charged battery pack that is low-mounted and is the power source for a compact drivetrain. 

You can clearly see from the image provided here the sleek and very modern essence the car evokes. All of us here on staff at Jim Butler think that it will be a definite disruptor in the marketplace, and while being somewhat familiar, will also have a completely progressive feel. This prototype features a reinterpretation of Kia's characteristic 'tiger nose' grille, while also sporting the new and illuminated 'tiger mask' that is located circling around the main LED headlamp units. The inspiration for this was the desire to create the look and feel of the headlamps being suspended within a transparent block of glass, and this identifying feature could potentially be used as a unifying design element for Kia's entire electric vehicle offerings in the days to come. 

The paintwork features six hand-applied layers of chrome-effect silver paint, covered in a tanned bronze tint that produces a warm and welcoming vibe. Inside each of the 22-inch alloy wheels are four inserts of transparent acrylic glass, which completes the job of reflecting light almost as a diamond would during the cycle of the wheels. The design team paid very special attention to the aerodynamics of the vehicle, ensuring that turbulence is reduced in terms of air, and range is extended. Reduction of drag is also excellent, a key component that one notices when you bump up the speed a healthy notch and really begin to enjoy the pleasures of the open road. 

When this concept finally becomes a reality and hits the lots, we are excited to check out the 21 individual ultra-high-res screens on the dashboard: with kind of a characteristic slap in the face to those oversized screens you find in many new models, it's a “wall of info” that provides for you climate control, navigation, and various driving media systems. The versatility of the all-electric architecture makes for a layout that is both spacious and open, and it is certain that this is a car that will provide an engaging and very human-focused electric experience. 

2019 Kia Soul Awarded Class Favorite for Car And Driver's Annual Crossover SUV Ranking

The staff of Car and Driver have been heartily cranking out the current events and all other goods car-related from Ann Arbor Michigan for many years now, giving those who are heavily into horsepower and torque their monthly dose. Originally founded as Sports Cars Illustrated in 1955, they at that time were primarily focusing on the imported sports car variety. Instead of electing a car of the year, they now choose to focus on their annual top ten picks, publishing their highly anticipated Car and Driver 10Best list.

It's no surprise that there is now one of these lists dedicated to Crossover SUVs, which as they admitted has lately gone from “nowhere to white-hot” in terms of popularity. The 2019 Kia Soul was chosen as their 1^st class favorite, and pricing that starts well below $20,000. Millennials have flocked to the snappy looks and packaging, and test drives from many separate blogs have rendered the Soul one of the most absolute fun-to-handle vehicles on the market. A 130-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder is the engine standard, with available 161-hp 2.0-liter and 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter on deck for more gusto.

The highly experienced staff at KBB.com claimed after a few drives in the current Soul that its “roomy and versatile interior shines bright,” and that it is one of the absolute most confident drivers in its segment. One of the things that people compliment us about time and time again here at Jim Butler Kia is the warranties that they receive with their new purchase: the Kia Soul proudly offers a 10-year/100,000 -mile powertrain warranty. The peace of mind that is obtained from knowing you won't incur an extra charge if something standard goes wrong early in the game is massive, and helps young entrepreneurs and families have a better pathway to obtaining their dreams.

We love to tout the Soul as our brandished-and-best secret weapon to battle the likes of the Honda HR-V, Nissan Kicks, and Toyota Corolla Hatchback in sales and overall market share. Also snagging great reviews for its resale value, the Soul has had many frequent customers on KBB.com praise it for its reliability, with many having no mechanical problems whatsoever during the first four years of ownership. One buyer right here in St Louis said he was thrilled that at his 6' 2” height, the Soul still provided a very comfortable and capable daily driver for him that he looked forward to riding in every single commute.

Another very satisfied customer claimed that after driving 100 miles every single day to work and back, she has had not one single issue, and will probably trade it in on a new one. We hope to help you chase away the late-winter's blues with our friendly advice and assistance from our sales and service staff here at Jim Butler: The Soul and many other great choices are here waiting for you to discover their awesome tech features, unbelievable safety offerings, and robust reliability!