2020 Kia Soul | Hamsters Not Included

[@theredline]

Thanks for having us along for the ride, Alex! Looks like a new 2020 Soul EV may be in your future, you may miss that big sunroof from your current one, but double the range is a reasonable compromise ;)

[@Club34Disneyland]

My two favorite car reviewers! Loved you both did a video 👍

[@La-yt1wr]

Club 34 Disneyland What about Doug Demuro , TFL Car, and Saabkyle04

[@michaelgehrke9297]

It's good to see both of you in one video

[@mikefarrington7141]

Well, he's got his deposit in on a Rivian. With his well-deserved success on this channel, he'll certainly be able to afford the upgrade.

[@jrwaters943]

I don't know about Alex, but I am actually having second thoughts about spending the extra money on a mid-range Tesla 3. Call me crazy, but I actually prefer the Soul for a number of reasons (a proper instrument binnacle, a hatch, easier ingress/egress and less snob appeal). The fact that it is also going to be roughly 15% cheaper and I am definitely tempted. I just hope there are enough to go around. Outside the Bolt, Leaf and Teslas it is a pain in the a** to pruchase/lease an EV in 45 of the 50 states.

[@stanobert3475]

My wife and I just purchased the 2020 Kia Soul S trim. We are seniors who want a good road car for our travels. We live in Denver, Colorado and took this vehicle on our first test drive west of town up I-70, and a couple other the mountain passes on paved roads and this 147 hp engine has plenty of power. The CVT worked fine and we also experimented with the manual "clutchless" transmission and it will work well for very steep grades driving up on curvy passes but it also comes in handy to downshift driving down steep windy grades to use the engine as a brake so that the brakes don't overheat. We drove on a rough forest service road and it was a tenuous and choppy ride, but we didn't purchase this car for "off roading" anyway. On the open road the Soul is very roomy and comfortable. The trunk space seemed smaller than 24 cubic feet but rear the seats fold down nicely to provide plenty of storage. I did three weeks of research and also watched your excellent channel on the Soul and several other brands that you reviewed. Overall, we are very happy with our Soul and plan on touring the country in it.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Congrats and great to hear from an actual owner. We just did a POV drive review on the S trim and think it’s great.

[@runningcoyote3897]

Front end looks lIke a storm trooper

[@stephenhendricks103]

My local KIA dealer loves the Soul where they disappear practically as fast as they arrive on the lot. I've been puzzled for years as to why the Soul not only survived but prospered as the Honda Element, Nissan Cube, and Scion XB (among others) went to the Great Beyond. All I can conclude is that rodents are a powerful marketing tool. It's a remarkably versatile vehicle. Last year my brother-in-law was faced with moving a huge load of "stuff" from his parents' home to a storage unit. He raved about the the capacity of the Soul and its maneuverability. And in the sub-compact class, it's passenger room is class leading.

[@jimbrown341]

It's quite simple really. It scores off the charts in features, reliability, and practicality. It's by far the best bang for the buck car in America. Light on the wallet, heavy on the features.

[@tomj4731]

Stephen Hendricks Scion lost their grip on the xB when they pulled a GM move and supposedly listened to consumers when they developed the 2nd gen xB. The 2nd gen was close to 15 inches longer and about 900 pounds heavier with fewer miles per gallon and it had totally lost its lightweight sharp handling. I looked at Soul as an eventual replacement for my 2005 xB. Compared to Cube and Soul, Soul was closest to being a good 1st gen xB successor. I have been hoping for years that Mazda would produce a small " box" car because I am just now getting into some serious looking around for a replacement for the xB. Soul may win by default because it is a) the only Box car left and b) it is available with a manual. I like the Nissan Kicks but can't handle driving an automatic, especially when the automatic is a CVT.

[@Jefferson196]

Alex, Great Review as always. I purchased a 2015 Kia Soul Exclaim after viewing your review of that model. After I drove it I knew it was perfect for me and no issues in almost 80K miles. I have owned over 20 autos/trucks and the kia soul is the most comfortable and easy to drive of all the those i've owned. Passing down the 2015 next year to my teen son and looking to pick up either the GT or X Line for myself.

[@Capri23x2]

If you live in a state with all seasons, How is it in the snow??

[@OuchyWowchyFrybread]

Notice how Alex always find a perfect song title that goes with the vehicle name? LOOL @10:50

[@sntstafford]

Maybe the full Soul review he does has that darker exterior color, and he could then have some Urban Dance Squad on the display...................ya' know.......................Deeper Shade of Soul..................

[@RangerAmateur]

He always does.. it's his little easter egg.

[@JamesRussoMillas]

HOW DID I NEVER NOTICE THIS

[@davidjym]

Smart decision by Kia for expanding the cargo area which is what was needed.

[@scottk2160]

Damn...I’ve been watching for years but just barely noticed the songs on the display always relate to the vehicle being reviewed. I LOVE AN EASTER EGG! 🙌

[@scott8919]

Gotta keep sneaking in a Forte pun, huh? 😁

[@Phrancis5]

Yup, I perked up when he said that.

[@alliejr]

Wow, that rear-end treatment is dramatic, kind of like a Japanese Kei car. I think I like it. And, as always, excellent video, Alex.

[@gizmogeek47]

good to see sofyan is with alex!

[@watershed44]

@geek Same here. I like collaboration videos between channels no matter what the subject, they add some interest and fun. I hope Alex does some more that way.

[@Dirtyboxer1]

I have a base model 2019 Soul, and I like almost everything about it. It's very easy to adjust to a comfortable position, the seats are pretty comfortable, there's backseat room, and an impressive amount of storage. Shortly after I bought it, I took it to Lowes and loaded it up with four sheets of 3/4" plywood and a bunch of other stuff. Obviously the sheet goods had to be cut down, but everything fit. My only real complaint is that the base engine is absolutely gutless, even in sport mode. It's just a dog in August. That said, once I decide to get a new car in a few years, the Soul will definitely be on my list.

[@watershed44]

@Alex on Autos Like the collaboration with Redline Reviews! These are fun on all types of channels!

[@styner3]

I bought one this weekend, thanks for the review.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Congrats on your purchase. We think this is great car and even did a POV driving review on it.

[@gery4870]

Could you test the Kia Soul EV 2020 as soon as it is realased ? Thank you and good work !

[@edmorse8654]

Alex another great video and enjoyed seeing Soyfan. Riding with you.

[@Club34Disneyland]

My two favorite car reviewers! Loved you both did a video 👍

[@discerningmind]

Thanks Alex, excellent review! I own a '17 base Soul that I love. KIA remains enthusiastic about this model, most notable by their frequency of transmission change ups. Though the Soul has been around almost eleven years now, it has become a stand-out vehicle. I enjoy seeing these in traffic as they're still different looking and break up the boredom of seeing so many look alike cars. I hope the Soul continues to transform and stays in production for a long time to come.

[@armandoramos1949]

Great job in review of the 2020 Soul. I've always watch your reviews and I like the way you do it. Keep up the great work.

[@CupidinColorado]

Can’t wait for your review on the full EV model. Your the best auto reviewer on the Web Alex!

[@dominicfong6341]

What's that guy doing there! Alex alone can single-handedly do a great channel, no outside assistance needed.

[@joshboles220]

I love how your music on the CarPlay always corresponds with the name of the car! 👀

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

Great packaging, nice improvements.

[@tactickleshtooper1753]

Alex on Autos >>> thank you for the comprehensive review. I like the way you provide thorough specifications of not only the vehicle that you are reviewing, but of other vehicles from those that are in the same approximate (size) category and beyond; this helps paint a very complete picture. I will have to say that your review of this same vehicle is superior to that of "Nathan of TFL Car/Truck/etc." who provided very few specification numbers, did not distinguish between the various models and options and who relied primarily on his personal subjective feelings. Your review, in comparison, was professional and objective; as one would expect, bravo. I will have to agree with you that the 2018 model year had a nicer look, perhaps in 2022 we will see a return to so some better lines and designs on this vehicle. On the other hand the new (7) seven-speed transmission and additional cargo space is nothing to complain about, together (as you said) making an already very fun and practical vehicle even more practical. Once again thank you for your excellent review; please keep up the good work! ;-)

[@GCWieser]

Great review as always (been reading and watching since the TTAC days). Also enjoying the collab with Sofyan.

[@gm2256]

Ayyyy Sofyan! Good showcase of the new Soul. Kinda split on it personally, but thanks for the review Alex!

[@davidwing8879]

Now if they could add removable rear seats and a fold down passenger seat and a completely flat load floor in the back, it would be as practical as a PT Cruiser. I owned a PT Cruiser base model 5-speed manual for nearly 10 years. It's still my favorite car I've owned. The PT Cruiser pioneered this type of vehicle, in my opinion, and although not quite as practical, I consider the Soul to be it's spiritual successor.

[@craig.encinitas]

Dave -Scion xB, as well. Seems like the practical cars have been axed. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Mohankeneh]

great review alex as always. and i see you couldnt resist saying the kia forte pun again XD

[@stockey]

Really nice update, looks more agressive.

[@InvestBetter.]

Bucket of Soul! First review in history!

[@keithparrish2570]

I think it is reasonable to compare this to a Mini Countryman. The two cars are very similar in overall quirky feel, interior roominess and ride height. The soul wins hands down on price and horsepower with the turbo but no all wheel drive. Mini wins on tightness, overall handling and sporty luxury feel. Mini loses on warranty and the fact it needs premium gas at worse fuel economy. I haven’t found a car I like as much as the Soul (current model) or Countryman and am actually cross shopping them. They both make you want to go for a drive. Wish there were more choices in this segment.

[@andybub45]

And the Mini loses in reliability.

[@thundergato84]

Good luck with that money pit Mini Cooper.

[@karlp8484]

Ever since I saw the KIA Soul (previous model) on your channel, I was also asking in what category does it fit or what is it? Then it hit me. A full-size K-Car. That's it.

[@gabrielrogers5271]

I’m so excited for this new model!!!!!!

[@artokiiskinen1058]

This is the first Soul that looks good!

[@Kanti12311]

You deserve more subs! and is that dude from Redline review?

[@2004cyrus]

Kanti123 yes it is Sofyan Bey

[@dil6969]

3:54 - I see what you did there :)

[@NickMcC]

I didn't laugh, but I did exhale hard out of my nose.

[@Darkender1988]

You didn't talk about the materials on the door or dash this time, I miss that! Please don't abandon doing that in your reviews!

[@TheGerm24]

I like the wide-screen on the infotainment system. More cars should use that.

[@turansevincer2252]

Could you please write the km and litres in the video next to mile and cubic foot?

[@hmm2928]

Love the Easter eggs by Alex!

[@canadabear72]

In Korea, this car comes with both heated and ventilated seats. I don't know why they'd take that off for the States.

[@truantray]

Fatter asses are self heating.

[@dillonh321]

In America if we want a nice car we generally get something larger so it fits our large asses better. So Kia might as well remove them to make the soul cheaper.

[@jrwaters943]

I like Sofyan (sp?), but someone needs to tell him to stop saying "stepping inside and shutting the door it feels PRETTY SOLID" . He says this 90% of the time no matter what car it is. LOL

[@remoravictim]

Always have such clever titles Alex 😂

[@canadabear72]

What a cool little car! Everyone thought they might add independent rear suspension and/or AWD to this new model, but they didn't. That's because they are saving it for their all new micro SUV coming out soon. Should be interesting.

[@JT-fq2bl]

Not from what I read. All Hyundai/ Kia subcompact CUVs will be FWD only to keep the price down due to inflation. These CUVs are rivals to the Nissan Kicks. I feel sorry for the Nissan Kicks when the Korean subcompact CUVs is released to the public. 2.0 N/A engine with IVT standard. 1.4t engine with 7 speed DCT optional. Who knows, the Koreans might do a N/GT version of these as well.

[@canadabear72]

@@JT-fq2bl It's certainly possible. The Korean news here says we're getting a new Kona sized Kia SUV which will be similarly equipped. About the Nissan, you're so right! That thing is just sad, and no competition for the Koreans.

[@spazzman90]

As a fellow Soul EV and Tesla owner, I commend you both for not coming off bored as f^&* when reviewing ICE vehicles in this class. CVTs? Auto start/stop? Please kill me if I ever have to own a vehicle with either of these.

[@truantray]

Oh, you sad douchenozzle.

[@NIAtoolkit]

Does the Soul have a multi-link rear suspension?

[@JT-fq2bl]

Turbo? Yes. Ev? Yes. N/A? IDK.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Actually the turbo does not get it, only the Ev

[@JT-fq2bl]

Thanks. I guess there's no point buying the turbo model. My only option is the Elantra GT N-Line. Is there anyy word on Hyundai letting you review one for a week?

[@Ganbala]

From A Proud KIA Owner i approve this Message .. but Like a Land Rover Owner i say " look like Mini Range Rover at Front"

[@james2042]

You should take your size chart of all the vehicles you've reviewed and put them on one line, I would love to see everything from the bolt to the expedition in one continuous line

[@knightmarel]

Like the front but not sure about the wrap around taillights yet

[@greg.anywhere]

Front end kinda looks like a stormtrooper

[@Scrapez-un3xj]

Pretty cool brought on Redline with you

[@ParanormalMetalMan]

front end reminds me of 'Marvin' from Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

Very durable 2.0 base engine without unreliable direct injection.

[@kenhoward3512]

I, too, prefer port injection, but now Kia is swapping the conventional, proven, automatic transmission for a new CVT with no track record; the manual trans might be an interesting alternative if it's well-designed.

[@truantray]

Avoid turbo, avoid the CVT.

[@TalismanPHX]

Hey Alex, does that front passenger seatback fold flat for long cargo... like the Vibe/Matrix did? Thanks

[@cloudies3671]

Lmfao tiger and sea bass hybrid 😂

[@ianjung1164]

I love soul. Looks very cool

[@KennyPang]

Love the refresh. well done Kia!

[@takhayc]

Is that the guy from Redline Reviews?

[@temur72]

Yes it is

[@watershed44]

@Farmer Gold Ewww....this is a car channel, do we have to hear about the sexual orientation of these people. No.

[@2004cyrus]

Farmer Gold omg! Alex has a wife lol, course you could say...and? 😏

[@flarestorm99]

Looks like a really nice option!

[@kultom]

"Haven't eacatly been Kia's forte" I see what you did there Alex ;-)

[@paulpellico3797]

where is the damn bumper!?

[@RichardCasey1967]

Its shocking to see Sofyan with his trap shut for once. LOL J/k Love both channels!

[@calbob750]

Your comments on styling hit the mark. Hyundai/Kia must have hired former Jeep Cherokee stylists, along with influence from the designers of the gag gift “Billy Bass”. It didn’t take Jeep long to drop the front end styling on its previous gen Cherokee and increase sales. If designers want inspiration just take a look at the 1959 Oldsmobile 88 2 door coupe. Or not.

[@bennyang8049]

When i saw the front, great job Kia. When I saw the back, :(

[@AlexGfromsocal]

Same the front looks mean asf.

[@Jefferson196]

yeah looks like two different design teams on front and rear. however, if its anything close or superior to my 2015 soul ill take the back and be happy this kind of vehicle is even offered as all but the soul are gone.

[@noroar3258]

I was behind one the other night that had the LED taillights and it looked really cool

[@mannygarcia8222]

Is it fun like the nissan juke?

[@MiddDayNap]

Idk why I laughed so hard when he slapped the roller bag 😂 7:35

[@racketrick]

As a two-time FIAT 500L owner, I would think comparisons to it would be worthwhile...size, power, mpg, cargo capacity, etc...all in the same ballpark. A friend just bought the 2020 Soul S and it will be interesting to see how she compares it to my FIAT. She had no interest in a pano roof or leather interior or she might have been swayed toward the FIAT.

[@seanguy9720]

Kia should've added reclining rear seats to this. It would be more convenient and comfortable for the buyer, as well as making the vehicle seem more premium. The Scion XD from 11 years ago was smaller and very cheap, and it had reclining rear seats.

[@TalismanPHX]

I believe that the Cube had reclining rear seats too

[@themanthemyththebanger]

@@TalismanPHX you're right! I own two cubes, and that's one of the most-used features for me -- mostly because it makes it super easy to get LATCH anchors attached and cinched in tight.

[@Phrancis5]

What's the interior room like compared to the Niro?

[@LukeO-1234]

Where do you get your measurements for leg room/cargo space etc? And i wish that you would acelerate heavy in silence in your reviews so we can hear the engine sound in the cars you review

[@moeanthony9308]

What I don't understand is he has mixed up the segments. What's to prove by comparing cuvs with subcompact cars. Is the deal breaker lack of rear leg room in a subcompact when cross shopping a cuv? Makes no sense.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The random comparisons are because there is nothing quite like the soul on the market

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

Where in SoCal are you located?

[@jeffruebens8355]

I would buy one with black paint, because of the trendy floating back pillar look that I think is ridiculous, along with blending in the other black plastic trim. Their dual clutch transmission has not been very reliable so far, especially with extra turbo power, but the longer than usual standard warranty helps. The bigger moonroof had a tendency to suddenly shatter when hitting a big bump, not the body stiffness bullcrap they told you.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The number of roofs that shattered is quite low compared to the number of cars they have sold. The reality is that fuel economy and compliance with government MPG mandates is probably the biggest reason

[@calvinstrikesagain]

Alex, you're incorrect about the comparison between the 1.6L turbo between 2018 and 2020 model years. The 2018 Soul ! with technology package and sunroof package with floor mats and the compact spare was $29,000 with delivery charge, the most fair and direct comparison to the 2020 Kia Soul GT 1.6T. I sold several of those, so I'm very familiar with what they actually went for.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I’m not talking about a fully loaded 2018 turbo, I’m talking about the base price of the turbo in 2018 versus 2020

[@calvinstrikesagain]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide That's a misleading comparison because a base Turbo in the 2018 and 2019 is equipped like the X-Line, minus the advanced driver assistance systems. They aren't directly comparable.

[@Spikejou]

I test drove an EX model today and was a bit underwhelmed. In interior is great, it feels really solid, and the engine and cvt was not bad actually. It was really the steering, brake pedal, and ride that disappointed a bit. The steering was very light and had no feel, brake pedal was very touchy, and ride was a bit firm. For context, I daily drive a 2005 Mini Cooper S, which has a firm ride, but it matches with the sporty character of the car and therefore doesn't bug me. The Soul didn't feel sporty at all, yet had a firm ride which felt a bit at odds with the rest of the car. Has anyone driven the GT-line Turbo? How is it steering, and sporty-feel?

[@markc5677]

Which model gets the eco dynamics package for 29 mpg city / 35 hwy???

[@Ficon]

The biggest upside to HUD on a separate screen is that it makes the windshield much less expensive to replace. HUDs that project onto windshields require the glass to have a special interior coating which adds $$$ to the replacement cost.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Interesting point. Given that windshield replacements are far more frequent than they used to be (due to weight saving), that's something to consider.

[@charleskinsley2590]

Love you Alex...but wheres the New X5 video?

[@baldheadlogic]

Great Review Alex. Very Impressive Box indeed. If only Kia offered it with AWD. Just saying. Heck, the Sportage just doesn’t sell like these Souls.

[@mfmf100]

Borderline Cherokee upside down face, but better looking. Good review and very practical car.

[@austinblevins6804]

I've not driven the second generation of soul but have the first and third and absolutely love the third generation, I drive the gt-line the 2.0 cvt model. It's pretty much the base gt-line just the auto instead of the manual

[@jamesallen6767]

Kia seems to have lost the "pie plate" from top of dashboard in this model?

[@mikebagwell8229]

Casually reviewing a car in front of a giant mastodon statue

[@bluegorilla6013]

When is the telluride review coming?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

3 weeks ish

[@TJC450]

I thought the first gen (2010) soul was the only gen with only minor updates throughout the last decade basically. Or am I wrong?

[@Mhike-m2x]

I think i like the lower trim look, i can change the stock halogens to leds

[@The123Now]

" this vehicle is not KIA's forte"😆😂😂 Get it lol its literally not the kia forte🤣🤣🤣 am I the only one laughing??? Lol

[@The123Now]

The funny thing is he completely passed up the opportunity to use that as a joke.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It was intended but I wanted it to be dry

[@bradybisgard]

That rear end is hot garbage

[@californialove4316]

But have you looked in the mirror yet?

[@stevensmith5784]

Yeah I'm not sure if digging that back end either. My reaction upon first seeing it was "Wut?" Lol it looks kinda wonky. Like the front end tho.

[@kasio22B]

The rear is very Korean. The rear and interior of last generation looked better. Over all it looks likr a mini Flex.

[@truantray]

Looks melted.

[@Dirtyboxer1]

I don't like it too much either. I like the light bar that wraps the sides and top. I think that looks good, but the middle and lower parts of the rear look overstyled.

[@mikeomgwtf]

I've had the GT on my radar as a replacement for my '15 Optima SX. The lack of a pano roof and ventilated seats might be a deal breaker though. Bummer

[@Thoughmuchistaken]

If I was going to go with an electric Kona/Niro/Soul, this would be my pick of those three.

[@jimbo5635]

Not sure about Kia, but a lot of manufacturers had problems with the big moon roofs leaking.

[@GOVAUS1]

Once it comes as EV with 200 mile range, I'll strongly consider it. Perfect city, daily driver for me.

[@megaroeny]

Looking forward to the EV version review. That's all I care about :)

[@rmsjern]

And it has a spare tire, not many sub-compact have these

[@MegaNinjaMonkeyZord]

First one was cool, different, kind of reminded me Renault 5, then it was normalised and now its just another cross over, kudos for gt option though , problem they have is that there are cheaper hot hatches and not much more expensive cuv's

[@tomj4731]

SAM please explain how the Soul reminded you of a Renault 5?

[@lowlanz]

Am I the only one thinking the rear looks like a hamster's face?

[@TheMichaelRN]

So what is this? A crossover or hatchback?

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

both

[@cadsux]

I'm very surprised Kia reduced the 2.0L engine's hp by 17. My 2016 Soul's best highway mpg was 31, so we shall see how these changes actually improve it. I'm looking forward to test driving this soon, especially the EV.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It got 319lbs lighter so the HP loss is offset by the decreased weight

[@cadsux]

I understand. My 2016 Soul !, no panoramic roof, was about 2700 lbs. Imagine, if it was 2400 lbs, with the same 164 hp, it would be closer in curb weight to a 2018 Miata, with more hp! Weight balance and aerodynamics aside...

[@silentrefusal9911]

That 90 degree straight angle on the rear could definitely be reduced a little bit to give this car an overall better look and more balanced body. I don't think anyone puts or places their cargo as tall as the roof on the trunk space is in this car.

[@quantumeseboy]

In the rear the oldest, original soul design was better in my opinion, but the front at least looks better then the previous version.

[@Soh90]

I stopped watching at 3:58 I shall continue this video tomorrow lol 😂😂