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2020 Kia Soul: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 Kia Soul is fully redesigned and marks the start of its third generation. The headline change is a new platform beneath a fresh body, a redesigned cabin, and a stronger structure.
About the 2020 Kia Soul
3rd gen (2020-2022 pre-facelift), first year.
Kia positions the Soul as an expressive small hatchback/crossover for city life that does not sacrifice usefulness for style. Official messaging leans on its iconic boxy shape, roomy cabin, easy cargo access, music-themed interior design, and tech-forward dashboard. The Soul’s edge versus many small SUVs is that it feels playful and distinct while staying easy to park, easy to see out of, and surprisingly practical inside. The 2020 lineup broadens that identity with rugged, sporty, comfort-focused, and turbocharged versions of the same basic formula.
Kia gave each 2020 Soul trim a clearer role: LX covers the essentials, S emphasizes driver aids, X-Line has rugged styling, GT-Line takes a sportier approach, and EX focuses on comfort and technology. The GT-Line Turbo sits at the top with a 201-hp turbo engine, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Most trims move to a new 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with Kia’s automatic transmission. The LX also has a 6-speed manual, while the GT-Line Turbo uses a 201-hp 1.6-liter turbo engine and 7-speed automatic.
Styling
The Soul gets an all-new body with revised lighting, grille, and rear-end designs. X-Line adds rugged-looking cladding and roof rails, while GT-Line models use sportier bumpers and trim.
Safety
Driver-assistance equipment expands across specific trims. S and GT-Line include forward-collision and lane-keeping aids, X-Line and EX add blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts, and GT-Line Turbo includes adaptive cruise control.
Tech
The redesigned cabin gets newer touchscreen systems. EX and GT-Line Turbo feature a 10.25-inch navigation screen, while the Turbo also adds a head-up display and Harman Kardon audio.
Structural
A new platform brings a longer wheelbase, more high-strength steel, revised interior packaging, and easier cargo loading access.
2020 Kia Soul specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, i-VT | Automatic, i-VT | Automatic, i-VT | Automatic, i-VT | Automatic, i-VT | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & Sportmatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 25 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 31 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 147 hp | 147 hp | 147 hp | 147 hp | 201 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 62.1 cu-ft | 62.1 cu-ft | 62.1 cu-ft | 62.1 cu-ft | 62.1 cu-ft | 62.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.8 in | 38.8 in | 38.8 in | 38.8 in | 38.8 in | 38.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Kia Soul fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2020 Soul is the first model year of the third generation, with a new platform, an all-new body, a redesigned cabin, a stronger structure, and a reorganized trim lineup.
What engines are in the 2020 Kia Soul?
Most 2020 Soul trims use a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The GT-Line Turbo has a 201-hp 1.6-liter turbo engine, making it the stronger-performing version.
Is the 2020 Kia Soul X-Line all-wheel drive?
No. The 2020 Soul X-Line is front-wheel drive. Its body cladding, roof rails, and fog lights create a more rugged appearance, but they do not add all-wheel drive.
Which 2020 Kia Soul trims have driver-assistance features?
Several 2020 Soul trims have driver-assistance equipment, but the features vary. S and GT-Line include forward-collision and lane-keeping aids, X-Line and EX include blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts, and GT-Line Turbo includes adaptive cruise control.
Does the 2020 Kia Soul have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Every 2020 Soul trim has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through either a 7-inch touchscreen or the 10.25-inch system fitted to EX and GT-Line Turbo.
2020 Kia Soul Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Kia Soul.
4.3
2020 Kia Soul
(310 reviews)
“The Kia Soul is the perfect Utilitarian car for family on the go. It has enough room to store all of your weekend adventure outing equipment with room to spare while keeping your passengers comfortable.”
“It's a great car, a lot of room in the back seat. Perfect for a family with kids. The seat fabric is easy to clean.”