Putting the fun back into driving is a very important task for any automaker, and it is one that should not be taken lightly: from huge trucks to crossover SUVs, a shining light of unique personality can be what it takes to win over a customer! The all-new 2021 Kia Soul sees some adjustment in trim levels, as all now come standard with rear occupant alert system. An alert sounds to let the driver know that the backseat is occupied, and will start blasting its horn in 20 seconds if the smartphone app is not engaged.
Power is courtesy of the efficient and punchy 2.0-liter 3-cylinder producing 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. If you are eager to ditch trips to the pump and stay fully charged by plugging in, there is also a fully-electric model coming soon. The mid-level X-Line and GT-Line receive new shock valves that greatly improve ride quality, and the EX and top-of-the-line Turbo trims gain a key FOB with built-in remote start.
The X-line offers a more rugged look complete with black plastic cladding and Undercover Green paint. The GT-line is a bit sportier, with its own unique wheel design and body-color trim that has extras of bright-red exterior bits. Both of these trims come standard with multiple driver assists that include automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. After the Car and Driver staff put two different Souls through their custom 200-mile highway fuel-economy test, it was the turbocharged model that did the best, finishing out with a 33-mpg standing.
The upright style of the Soul's body provides a very spacious interior with enough room for ample cargo and extra passengers, and the inside brandishes enough current flair to go well with the fashionable exterior. Other things you can add to the inside for extra personality and usefulness include ambient lighting, a smartphone charging pad, a head-up display, push-button ignition with keyless entry, and heated seats and steering wheel. Here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, we have noticed that customers are happy with the amount of customization offered by the 2020 Soul, unfortunately next year's Soul will have a smaller selection of exterior color schemes.
Touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now standard with your choice of either 7.0-inch or 10.3-inch display and the easy-to-use UVO interface. The upgrade to the EX trim provides the larger screen as well as SiriusXM satellite radio, real-time traffic monitoring, and in-dash navigation. The 2021 Soul earned a 4-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as well as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.
