“It's roomier inside than you would expect, comfortable and quiet. Plus electronically you name it, it's got it and phone connectivity is a breeze.”
2023 Kia Soul: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2023 Kia Soul is a mid-cycle refresh with redesigned front and rear styling. Kia also simplified the lineup, dropping the X-Line and Turbo trims rather than fully redesigning the Soul.
About the 2023 Kia Soul
3rd generation (introduced for 2020), mid-cycle refresh year
Kia positions the Soul as a boxy urban runabout with standout style and real everyday usefulness. Its shape gives it a roomy cabin and flexible cargo space for a small footprint, while the low step-in height, simple controls, and efficient 2.0-liter engine make it easy to live with. The Soul’s big differentiator versus many small hatchbacks and subcompact SUVs is that it mixes personality, practicality, and value without trying to be a rugged SUV or a high-performance model.
The 2023 Soul lineup runs from the straightforward LX to the convenience-focused S, comfort-oriented EX, and sport-styled GT-Line. The S adds a 10.25-inch touchscreen and push-button start, the EX brings heated front seats and a sunroof, and the GT-Line stands out with 18-inch wheels and more aggressive bodywork—but no extra power.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The Turbo trim and its turbocharged engine were dropped. Every remaining Soul uses a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission.
Styling
Kia revised the grille and rear-end design. The GT-Line received its own sport-styled bumpers and center-exit exhaust, while fog lights were no longer standard on that trim.
Safety
Forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, driver-attention monitoring, and a rear-occupant alert became standard across the lineup. Lane-departure warning moved from optional to standard on the LX.
Tech
A full digital instrument display became standard on every trim. The LX also gained an engine immobilizer, while the S, EX, and GT-Line gained a 10-way power driver’s seat.
2023 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 |
| Transmission | Automatic, i-VT | Automatic, i-VT | Automatic, i-VT | Automatic, i-VT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 147 hp | 147 hp | 147 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 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 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2023 Kia Soul a full redesign?
No. The 2023 Kia Soul is a mid-cycle refresh of the third-generation model introduced for 2020. Its main updates are revised front and rear styling, a simpler trim lineup, and broader standard equipment.
Does the 2023 Kia Soul have a turbo engine?
No. Kia dropped the Turbo trim for 2023, so every Soul uses a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission. The GT-Line has sportier styling but the same engine as the other trims.
Which Kia Soul trims were dropped for 2023?
The X-Line and Turbo trims were dropped for 2023. The remaining lineup consists of LX, S, EX, and GT-Line trims.
What safety features became standard on the 2023 Kia Soul?
Every 2023 Soul has forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, driver-attention monitoring, and a rear-occupant alert. Lane-departure warning also became standard rather than optional on the LX.
What is different about the 2023 Kia Soul GT-Line?
The 2023 GT-Line has refreshed sport-styled bumpers, a center-exit exhaust, 18-inch wheels, a digital instrument display, and a 10-way power driver’s seat. Its fog lights are no longer standard, and it uses the same 147-hp engine as every other 2023 Soul.
2023 Kia Soul Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Kia Soul.
4.4
2023 Kia Soul
(201 reviews)
“Smooth ride. Some issues with control (she does not like lane changes). But overall a good vehicle. Definitely worth it.”
“You will love it in town and long trips; more comfort and cargo space than you can imagine”