(November 29, 2018) LOS ANGELES — Kia has introduced the 2020 Soul, a completely new yet familiar version of Kia’s beloved and award-winning urban runabout. Taking everything that helped popularize the quirky, unconventionally styled subcompact, Kia Motors poured more of its soul into nearly every inch of the vehicle, resulting in a third-generation that continues to transcend style, peppy performance, new technology, and urban practicality.

“The Soul has been a massive success since its introduction to the U.S. market, blowing its (now defunct) rivals out of the water and establishing itself as an automotive icon with its fun-loving character and eccentric style,” said Orth Hedrick, executive director of Car Planning and Telematics.

“Even with an entirely new generation of competitors now crowding the marketplace, we are confident the all-new Soul will once again prove to be a tough contender given its unparalleled style and impressive level of invigorating technology and customization options.”

Proving the point that “there is a Soul for everyone,” the normally aspirated and optionally turbocharged Soul is available in six trim levels — LX, S, X-Line, GT-Line, EX, “EX Designer Collection” — plus the all-new Soul EV (outlined in a separate press release). Pricing will be available closer to expected on-sale date in the first half of next year.

While the Soul stays true to its design heritage with its boxy silhouette and confident stance, its newly sculpted lines, cutting-edge details, and technical lighting elements present the most futuristic, youthful and innovative Soul yet.

New exterior design highlights include:

    High-tech front headlight configuration with connecting trim piece accentuates width
    Slim-design daytime running lights and turn signal indicators
    Larger front grille with unique two-tone treatment
    Front fenders add volume to clean and smooth surfaces
    Roof rack mounting points
    Three-dimensional wraparound boomerang-shaped taillights
    C-pillars designed to resemble airplane wings
    Signature vertical rear window and “Island” stay true to Soul design heritage
    Distinctive C-pillar garnish features new “Soul” graphic



Music has been an overarching theme for Soul since its inception, and it’s no different this round.. For the third generation, designers and engineers turned up the volume on the interior. Drawing inspiration from the “emotional visualization of sound,” the Soul’s interior space is adorned with shapes and textures that reflect acoustic inspired elements to create a full sensory experience.

Interior design highlights include:

    Available sound mood lighting emits soft light from the center door panels and a unique 3D pattern surface on the upper door panels, with the ability to synchronize to the beat of the music playing through the Soul’s audio system
    Sound mood lighting features a rainbow of customizable colors
    Available wireless charging1
    Available dual auto climate control
    Soul’s signature tweeter speakers