The Kia Soul has been doing a lot of soul-searching, but it’s sticking around for 2024 and getting some minor updates.
The biggest change is the addition of a new Designer Package on the range-topping Soul EX. It adds 18-inch alloy wheels as well as an Umber interior with cloth and artificial leather seats.
That isn’t the only change as models equipped with a smart key now have a new “sleep mode.” It activates 40 seconds after the vehicle is locked to help “prevent hackers from duplicating the smart key frequency.” That’s an interesting update, but at least Kia is taking car theft a little more seriously these days.
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Pricing starts at $19,990 which is $100 more than last year and makes the Soul one of the most affordable new vehicles in America. However, the base model comes sparsely equipped with non-LED lighting units, privacy glass, and 16-inch steel wheels. The interior is also basic, but buyers will find air conditioning, a six-speaker audio system, and an 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
On the safety front, there are a handful of driver assistance systems including Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist. The model also sports High Beam Assist and Rear Occupant Alert.
The $22,490 Soul S adds 16-inch alloy wheels as well as a classier cabin with an 8-way power driver’s seat, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, and a larger 10.25-inch infotainment system. They’re joined by a wireless smartphone charger and a smart key. Buyers will also find additional safety features including Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist.
The $23,590 Soul GT-Line adopts a sportier appearance thanks to gloss black accents, a center-mounted exhaust, and larger 18-inch alloy wheels. The model also has cloth and artificial leather seats, a sunroof, illuminated sun visors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The range-topping Soul EX begins at $24,290 and eschews the sporty styling cues. However, buyers will find most of the aforementioned equipment as well as heated front seats and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Regardless of which trim is selected, all Souls are equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine pumping out 147 hp (110 kW / 149 PS) and 132 lb-ft (179 Nm) of torque. It’s connected to an intelligent variable transmission, which enables the model to return up to 29 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined.
Note: Prices exclude a $1,325 destination fee
