Kia Soul LX, GT-Line, EX Trims & More

Last updated August 4, 2026

Kia Soul

The Kia Soul lineup starts with the LX and base trims, which deliver the model’s roomy, easy-to-maneuver design with straightforward equipment. The +, S, and X-Line make up the value-focused middle: + is the older all-around upgrade, S adds everyday convenience and safety features, and X-Line gives that package a rugged look while remaining front-wheel drive. GT-Line and Sport are the style-focused choices, with bolder bodywork and sport-themed cabins rather than a major power increase. The ! and EX occupy the more premium part of the range, though their personalities differ: ! is the older sporty, turbocharged take, while EX emphasizes comfort. The 2020–2022 GT-Line Turbo and Turbo form the performance-and-tech branch, combining stronger acceleration with premium audio, lighting, and driver aids.

What each trim is known for

Kia Soul Base Model

Base Model

LXbase

The Base Model trim level — LX and base — is the straightforward Soul, known for its practical upright cabin, simple controls, and easy everyday manners.

Best for: Drivers who want the Soul’s space and distinctive shape without paying for extra comfort or sport-themed equipment.

Highlights

  • Upright, roomy cabin in an easy-to-maneuver shape
  • 60/40 split-folding rear seat
  • Straightforward touchscreen and controls; newer LX models add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Core forward-collision and lane-support features on newer LX models
348 in stock
Kia Soul Essential Value

Essential Value

+SX-Line

The Essential Value trim level — +, S, and X-Line — is the better-equipped everyday Soul, with X-Line adding a more adventurous appearance.

Best for: Shoppers who want useful convenience upgrades, or the rugged look of X-Line, without moving to a sport or premium trim.

Highlights

  • More comfort and convenience equipment than the base trims
  • Automatic climate control, with dual-zone control on newer S and X-Line models
  • Smart key and push-button start on S and X-Line
  • Roof rails and rugged-style exterior trim on X-Line

Adds a more complete daily-driver package. Equipment varies by era: the older + brings added power and comfort over base, while newer S and X-Line models add push-button start, navigation, wireless charging, and broader safety coverage.

84 in stock
Kia Soul Sport Styling

Sport Styling

GT-LineSport

The Sport Styling trim level — GT-Line and Sport — gives the Soul a more athletic look and livelier cabin character without making extra engine power its main purpose.

Best for: Drivers who care more about expressive styling and a sportier feel than added luxury or maximum acceleration.

Highlights

  • Sport-specific exterior bodywork and trim
  • Sport-themed steering wheel and cabin details
  • Sport-tuned suspension on Sport models
  • Upgraded entertainment touches, including speaker lighting or enhanced audio depending on the member trim

Adds sport-specific bodywork and cabin details over the value-focused trims. Sport models also bring a sport-tuned suspension, while GT-Line concentrates more heavily on appearance.

21 in stock
Kia Soul Premium Comfort

Premium Comfort

!EX

The Premium Comfort trim level — ! and EX — is the more dressed-up Soul, with ! taking a sporty premium approach and EX focusing more clearly on everyday comfort.

Best for: Shoppers who want a more polished cabin, with EX favoring comfort and practicality and ! adding a stronger performance flavor.

Highlights

  • Heated front seats, sunroof, and upgraded touch points on EX
  • Dual-level cargo floor and cargo cover on EX
  • Leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter
  • Turbocharged power and sportier cabin trim on !

Shifts the emphasis from sporty appearance to a more upgraded cabin. EX adds heated seats, a sunroof, and extra cargo flexibility, while the older ! follows a sportier route with turbo power and premium trim.

33 in stock
Kia Soul High Performance

High Performance

GT-Line TurboTurbo

The High Performance trim level — GT-Line Turbo and Turbo — is the speed-and-tech branch, pairing the Soul’s practical shape with stronger acceleration and richer equipment.

Best for: Drivers who like the Soul’s boxy practicality but want quicker responses and more premium technology.

Highlights

  • Turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic
  • LED exterior lighting
  • Harman Kardon premium audio and a head-up display
  • Heated front seats and steering wheel, plus adaptive cruise control

Makes performance and premium technology the central theme, combining turbo power with LED lighting, premium audio, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control.

8 in stock

Trim comparison

FeatureBase ModelSport StylingEssential ValuePremium ComfortHigh Performance
Includes
LX, base348 in stock
GT-Line, Sport21 in stock
+, S, X-Line84 in stock
!, EX33 in stock
GT-Line Turbo, Turbo8 in stock
Powertrain character147-hp 2.0L four-cylinder; automatic147-hp 2.0L four-cylinder; automatic in the current configuration147-hp 2.0L four-cylinder; automatic in the current configurationEX uses a 147-hp 2.0L automatic; ! uses a turbo engineTurbo four-cylinder; dual-clutch automatic
Exterior themeSimple Soul stylingSport bumpers, trim, and cabin accentsEveryday look; X-Line adds rugged trim and roof railsComfort-focused EX; sportier !Sport styling with LED lighting
Cabin focusSimple controls and core essentialsSport steering wheel and athletic trimConvenience and climate-control upgradesHeated seats and upgraded touch pointsHeated seats and steering wheel
Infotainment and audioCore touchscreen; newer LX adds phone integrationNavigation on GT-Line; enhanced audio and speaker lights on SportPhone integration on +; navigation and wireless charging on S and X-LinePhone integration on !; navigation on EXNavigation, Harman Kardon audio, and head-up display
Driver-assist emphasisCore collision and lane support on newer LXEquipment varies by year and member trimBlind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts on S and X-LineEquipment varies by year and member trimAdaptive cruise and forward-collision support
Standout equipmentSplit-folding rear seatSport suspension on Sport; sunroof on GT-LinePush-button start on S and X-LineFlexible cargo floor on EX; turbo power on !LED lighting and premium audio

Frequently asked questions

What do the Kia Soul’s base, +, and ! trim names mean?

They are the older Soul trim ladder. Base is the simplest version, + is the better-equipped middle trim, and ! is the upper trim. The ! became the 201-hp turbo model for 2017–2019. The names are also called Base, Plus, and Exclaim.

What is the Kia Soul LX trim?

In recent years, LX is the straightforward entry trim. It keeps the Soul’s roomy shape and adds essentials such as an 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, a folding rear seat, and core collision and lane-assist features.

What does the Kia Soul S add over the LX?

In newer Souls, S keeps the LX engine but adds a 10.25-inch navigation touchscreen, push-button start, wireless phone charging, dual-zone climate control, a power driver seat, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning.

What’s the difference between the Kia Soul S and GT-Line?

In recent lineups, S focuses on convenience and safety equipment, while GT-Line adds a sportier look. GT-Line brings 18-inch wheels, unique bumpers, gloss-black trim, a flat-bottom steering wheel, speaker lights, and a sunroof, but not more engine power.

What’s the difference between the Kia Soul GT-Line and EX?

In recent years, GT-Line is the style-focused choice, while EX is the comfort-focused choice. GT-Line uses 18-inch wheels and sporty trim. EX uses 17-inch wheels and emphasizes heated front seats, nicer cabin touch points, and flexible cargo-floor equipment.

Does the Kia Soul GT-Line have more power than the S or EX?

No, not in the post-2023 lineup. LX, S, GT-Line, and EX all use the same 147-hp 2.0-liter engine. The regular GT-Line changes the appearance and cabin character rather than acceleration.

Which Kia Soul trim is the simplest choice?

On newer models, LX is the simplest trim and covers the basics without many comfort extras. On older Souls with punctuation-based names, the version simply called base fills the same role.

Which Kia Soul trim fits someone who prefers comfort over sporty styling?

On newer models, EX is the comfort-focused pick. It trades the GT-Line’s more aggressive appearance for heated front seats, 17-inch wheels, upgraded cabin touch points, and useful cargo-area equipment.

Which Kia Soul trim should I look for if I want stronger acceleration?

Look for the 2017–2019 ! or a 2020–2022 GT-Line Turbo or Turbo. These versions use a 201-hp turbo engine and a quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic. Regular recent trims use the less powerful 147-hp 2.0-liter engine.

What is the Kia Soul X-Line?

On 2020–2022 models, X-Line is the rugged-looking Soul. It adds roof rails, fog lights, chunkier exterior trim, and useful convenience and safety features. It still has the regular 2.0-liter engine and front-wheel drive.

What’s the difference between the Kia Soul X-Line and GT-Line?

On 2020–2022 Souls, X-Line has an outdoorsy look with roof rails and rugged body trim, while GT-Line has a sportier appearance. Both use the regular 2.0-liter engine, so the choice is mainly about styling and equipment.

What’s the difference between GT-Line Turbo and Turbo?

They are two names for the high-performance third-generation Soul. It was called GT-Line Turbo for 2020 and simply Turbo for 2021–2022. Both occupy the top performance role with a 201-hp turbo engine and premium technology.

What’s the difference between the Kia Soul + and ! trims?

On 2017–2019 models, + is the balanced middle trim with a regular 2.0-liter engine and everyday comfort features. The ! sits above it with a 201-hp turbo engine, quicker transmission, larger wheels, and a more dressed-up cabin.

Which newer Kia Soul trim combines heated seats with extra cargo flexibility?

EX is the newer trim that combines heated front seats with a dual-level cargo floor and cargo cover. It also adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, making it more comfort-oriented than LX or S.

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