Driven! 2020 Kia Soul X-Line and Turbocharged GT-Line

[@Sayua-chan]

I drove an old '93 Ford Escort (FWD) in deep snow and it never got stuck. Winter tires do wonders. People want way more than they actually need.

[@crownr0yalonice]

Skøut I second this!

[@matthewgaines10]

@Benjamin Burkhardt AWD + winter tires > FWD + winter tires

[@crazyfroggie6546]

Think you'll find the automotive industry tells you what you SHOULD have, not necessarily what you need and they build cars accordingly, which is why its hard to get your perfect trim and equipment level.

[@joeldavid2262]

MYOB

[@James101]

Same there are videos of 2 wheel drives on winter tyres going up hills and 4x4s with summer tyres cant. Also why have a 4x4 car that can accelerate in winter weather but cant steer or stop! Lol

[@YEdwardP]

Honestly, I love boxy cars. Style is nice and all, but honestly, all those slope-y roofs only rob internal space, both at the front and at the back. But I think what really makes the Soul so great is that Kia really understands its customers, saving costs where appropriate and giving them the features they need.

[@Van-Hammer]

I find it aesthetically pleasing. It has an angular greenhouse that reminds me of a Range Rover.

[@bikebudha01]

What shocking to me, as someone who's 6'-4", is that the cars that have the most legroom and headroom are the smallest cars. (Mini coopers, Kia Soul), yet I get into full size pick-ups, most full size sedans and I'm cramped. Will never understand how the car industry makes big cars have less interior space.... (FYI, you should have 'the Brian test' in every review)...

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I don't see Brian nearly enough. He's good people.

[@Grimsterrr]

My wife has an 03 Avalanche, every measurement for rear room is larger than the Chevy Malibu (a car we checked out recently) and yet, he found the rear seat in the Malibu MUCH more comfortable. He's 6'2 and built like a tank. He sat in a Soul and was amazed. My next car is a Soul (picking it up tomorrow).

[@HALCYONphoto]

AWESOME job Tom! Had a great time with you, thank you for the love! Till next time!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

It was great. Hope you got all you need. I just fixed the link to your page. Hope it brings you some traffic, you deserve it man!

[@shanhitex]

I feel excited every time I see Tom's review popping up in my feed. Amazing work. Keep it up Tom.

[@jean-louislonne7033]

I drove a rental for a month last year. Four adults were comfortable on a road trip. The car had Apple car play and adjusted cruise control. Very easy drive, turns on a dime, great visibility, ok, the box shape is strange, but once inside...

[@bosse641]

Many like boxy cars. I sure do. The manufacturers should realize that.

[@jwenting]

yup, the late 1980s BMWs and Volvos were some of my favourite cars ever.

[@Jessica14152]

AWD is beyond unnecessary for the soul. Seriously, my 2012 got me up the back roads of mountains, through snow, rain, and sand without a single problem. Can't wait to get the Xline 🙌

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

A nice well-rounded car for not much money. What's not to like?

[@bryceno5385]

Don't you mean well-"squared off" car? 🤣

[@nodak81]

CVT

[@00_UU]

Torsion beam rear suspension?

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

@@00_UU For an economy car like this a torsion beam rear is fine

[@00_UU]

@@chrisfreemesser5707 Scion xB was an economy car, but it had multi-link rear suspension. New Soul is filled with bells with whistles, but driving dynamics took a hit.

[@paulm6481]

Just keeps getting better in every way. Even the CVT seems ok. Great job Kia 😁

[@jaredshelton4718]

Kia's IVT is the only CVT I would consider

[@blitzbbffl]

Your 12 minute reviews are more info packed, fluid and entertaining than other reviewers 28 minute reviews. That TP ban in California is likely going to cause a great deal of consternation!

[@stephenhendricks103]

The Soul "cult" is smaller than the Subaru "cult" here in western Washington but it's just as fanatical. The wide demographic appeal is pretty amazing. I see everyone from hipster millennials to aging boomers driving them. The fact that it survives while its competition has died off is apparently a tribute to the power of rodent-based marketing. KIA's extension of the Soul's trim levels is not a surprise. Want a budget vehicle? Want the looks of a crossover? (No accounting for taste.) Want lots of bells and whistles? Want a sub-compact vehicle that a 6'5" driver can use? The KIA Soul has you covered. Was gratifying to see Tom comment about the absence of AWD. Some viewers may be surprised to learn that in the "good ole days" people actually drove vehicles in the winter without AWD. Even RWD vehicles with a couple of sandbags in the trunk or an overweight brother-in-law in the back seat. A good set of winter tires with the weight of the engine over the FWD drivetrain is all most of us need to cope with messy winter driving conditions. The GT Line trim with a more powerful engine and "sporty" bits combined with improved driving dynamics across all trim lines will attract some buyers, especially when the name of Albert Biermann is linked to it. Have to wonder, though, just how much attention Mr. Biermann and his colleagues has been able to devote to the Soul when they seem to be consumed with blessing practically every other "performance" Hyundai, Genesis, and KIA models. I'm not tempted to replace my GTI with a Soul GT but those considering a standard Golf (and other comparable hatchbacks) may well see things differently. The big news about the Soul line, though, is the forthcoming extended range Soul EV. A range of nearly 250 miles in a vehicle that's tens of thousands dollars less than a Tesla is a game changer for those with round trip commutes of, say, 80 to 100 miles. Add the versatility of the Soul, even better performance than the Soul GT, and the cost to fully recharge the vehicle of about $10. If dealers are willing to sell the Soul EV at a price in the mid-thirty thousand price point, they'll fly off the showroom floor.

[@stephenhendricks103]

@Austin Kye I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. "Shoving" the Hyundai N engine into a Soul wouldn't make it a Veloster and the "take rate" would be absurdly low. Not every vehicle has to be designed for track days or stoplight drag races. And in the case of the Soul, the Soul EV will be the "performance" version of the Soul.

[@Nomzi]

Oh god. I love that green color. I'm usually not a huge fan of green anything, but that looked so striking!!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

FYI, funny story. Kia USA wanted green X-Lines for the event but only white and the tested grey were produced. The mothership offered to strip down the white cars and paint them but the USA division declined when they found out the engine bays would not be painted. Imagine an auto writer opening up the hood...

[@jonyrho]

Pretty sweet that you got paired with Anthony! To find my favorite automotive videographer with my favorite automotive journalist is an awesome coincidence!

[@QualityInfinite]

The x-line should have the turbo option as well

[@DrivenCarReviews]

And yet it doesn't.

[@JakeDrives1]

and the full LED headlamps.. and AWD.

[@MstangMch4]

When Kia finally put a Turbo motor in the Soul as fans had been begging for, they dropped the ball. They put the 1.6 Turbo motor out of the Kia Forte in it for a mere 200hp. I know the 2014 Kia Optima had a 2.0 Turbo motor with 245hp that if they had of put in the Kia Soul would have developed a sport enthusiast cult following!!!

[@CHICOZTACOS]

This guy deserves more subs. Here’s 1 more!

[@kenhoward3512]

The transmission's manual-mode does not simply "simulate shift feel," but actually allows changing preset, physical gear ratios within the CVT.

[@jamesbensch6]

I drive a 2015 SX model as my daily driver. It's been a good car

[@DianaCielo.]

I never thought I would have a Soul . But is surprisingly comfortable and good gas mileage.

[@AlexTheGreat89]

Brilliant writing, shooting and presenting as always. Tom and team you guys are killing it!

[@conspickerous]

Such a shame the seat pockets and rear usb or power ports aren’t standard. But what I was really hoping for was an AWD version. Yeah, I know snow tires are better for winter driving, but AWD would give the car more grip, especially on thick, snowy roads. Excellent video as usual Tom.

[@porsche558]

CVT transmissions can be good if they are done right. I’ve been driving around in a 2015 Outback 3.6r for a few years now and I have no complaints about it’s CVT. I’ve driven a few different Nissans, and Mitsubishi cars with CVTs and they were truly awful. Glad to hear the Kia CVT is not so bad.

[@limpunsing224]

Kia Soul is cashing in on its popularity with its price increase But it's okay business is business & somehow still a good value Nice review

[@RealtimeReviews613]

Another great video Tom 👍👍👍👍🤙🤙🤙

[@bextar6365]

Watch the X-lent Soul review by Savagegeese

[@Panicatthejazz]

“When it comes to soul the first thing people think about are hamsters.” This is exactly what I thought lol & that animals song by maroon 5 😂😂😂😂

[@HimynameisJermHicks]

So cool, it's as cool as the old Honda Civic from 1989 and 1990. And and as rugged as the origonal Xtera. I hate overly huge and intimidating feeling cars. This definitely looks fun and simple to drive.

[@konarider]

2:23 look at that steering column!

[@davidjym]

Glad the cargo area is larger, which is exactly what the Soul needed. Would help sales if it has AWD. I am a fan of old fashion keys !!!

[@DanUtley]

DAVID Y they’d have to raise it up OR cut into the cabin space to make that happen. And they don’t want to do either.

[@davidjym]

If anything the Soul currently has quite a bit of head room so it could probably cut down an inch or two.

[@seanm7553]

The cars with keys are getting stolen. Get the key fob.

[@blackpaw254]

Great review Tom, as always. Thinking about buying this for my elderly mom. Probably not the target audience but she’s only about 5’ tall like your wife so it may be a good fit and I appreciate the fact that your wife’s has been reliable.

[@l.l.2522]

What a great review! Next time would you include past reliability? Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@andrescastillo07]

This car is sooo beautiful

[@shopwithaaron]

Last box car I was in I banged my head getting out of...the Honda version. That door latch hanging down hurt!! Luckily we were at Lake Almanor CA and pulling up to a pie shop!!

[@Log1cTech]

Nice review Tom! KIA has been doing a great job lately with their offerings

[@armandoramos1949]

Tom so glad to see your video again. Always enjoy your reviews. I used to own a 2012 Kia Soul in black. I've traded that in for another car. I must admit, I miss my Hamster. Thanks for the great review.

[@ZCT808]

I think Kia are just killing it lately. Love my Telluride, and would consider this or the Seltos as my smaller secondary vehicle. I wish they were bringing the EV version sooner to the US. Would be very interested in that.

[@jody024]

So many puns! Great review!

[@Agent77X]

Love the Soul. No AWD too! Best funky looking hatchback yet! Get the GT model! No you cannot drive it in the snowy climates unless you want to get into trouble.

[@EM.1.]

The X line needs AWD, people would get it despite the extra cost.

[@kyleyadon4069]

I love my 2013 Soul, I've been planning on getting another one when I wear out my current one, this just cements that plan.

[@beautifulinsanity3991]

I just traded my 2013 for the 2020 what a difference! I bet you'll love it

[@ardalla535]

There are a few boxy cars left. No one mentions the Mini, but there are a ton of them around. I wonder if people just don't regard them as real cars? They hardly ever get mentioned.

[@martinkleinman2522]

great review of a nice car. gotta check this one out. i wish honda still made the element (my non-sequitor of the morning).

[@DanUtley]

martin kleinman One of the best vehicles they ever made that was too advanced for its time and marketed to too poor of a customer base. Tragic.

[@christopherbaker9676]

I have a 2016 + but the only problem I have with it is it burns up oil . I can't understand why. I take care of it. Get it maintenence done. Don't get it

[@Phrancis5]

Excellent review for an excellent small car that lives big. I can't wait for the EV version, but I also wish the turbo mill could be had in lower trims with a manual transmission.

[@josephnavarro2322]

Manual transmission sounds good 👍

[@darrellbeam8053]

Just bought a 2019 with very low miles and a manual transmission. Love it. Now to the 2020. Get one with a manual transmission. The CVT is a Jatco. They are junk. Already getting many reports of it failing before 20k.

[@call_me_akayz]

Before 20k? That's insane!

[@evoemperor3776]

2:21 that gap of that steering column cover says kia clearly.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Pre production units. These days Kia/Hyundai products are generally well put together. Check out a car at the dealer to be sure.

[@derekchisholm972]

Does the engine sound that raspy and unrefined in person (around 2:25)? I was hoping it would just be cold or my speakers.

[@howlingwolf125y]

I like the new Soul overall.. I like the box shape, which is much better for comfort, visibility, and interior room. I like the more traditional dashboard/instrument cluster.. One thing I don't like is the squinty headlights.. They look very strange/odd for some reason. I thought the previous version's large headlights looked much better.

[@Braselton21]

All the Kia Soul models are So Expensive 0_o Definitely wait 3-5 years before you buy one & it will be worth that price tag :D

[@davidshakocius333]

They have decent resale value; although the base models can be found cheaper. On the plus side, I haven't had a problem in 7 years on my 2012 Kia Soul +.

[@soulside]

Great video Tom! The link for Halcyon doesn’t seem to be working on my iPhone

[@Shotis]

Eminem been real quiet since Tom started uploading,...

[@Hank039]

@2:23 the steering column plastic doesn't look like it was snapped together.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yeah, I noticed that when I was finishing the story up. These are pre-production cars BTW.

[@PlanetautoUK]

Impressive vehicle with great tech, thank you

[@raymondbrower7894]

Keep it simple and affordable. I don't need AWD or a panoramic roof. I love my 2017 and will get a 2020 when my lease is up.

[@JasonStaggs99]

I'm fairly certain I spoke with Kia on their Instagram page and they said AWD was a strong possibility sadly it wasn't incorporated

[@DrivenCarReviews]

And I was told that Soul would NOT have AWD. It's not engineered for it.

[@TalismanPHX]

Hey Tom, does the front passenger seat back fold flat to accommodate long loads? Also, does the GT have an independent rear suspension, like the electric version? Thanks for a great review!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Not sure on the seat. The GT-Line has the same rear twist beam suspension as the other gas-powered Souls, but with different tuning. The EV has independent suspension to accommodate the battery pack.

[@thisisntsergio1352]

Liked for "Soul Survivor"

[@bextar6365]

Re: Soul...You say one of the best selling Kia products...I have heard the Soul is Kia's # one selling product for several years now.

[@stephenhendricks103]

The Soul and the Sorento vie for first place.

[@cadsux]

Kia's top 4 models' sales numbers are very close. In 2018, Sorento sold 108,000; Soul 105,000; Forte 102,000, Optima 102,000. At it's peak, Soul's best selling year was 2015 at 147,000. For Sorento, it was 2011 at 130,000. For Optima, it was 2015 at 159,000.

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@cadsux Wow! Actual data. I'm impressed. :)

[@DrivenCarReviews]

See the cadux post. While I'm not sure of the numbers, James Bell told me that Soul rotates in the top three when it comes to sales. And he also said Forte (yes, a sedan) has been surging lately.

[@cadsux]

Gentlemen, thanks! My source is carsalesbase.com/us-car-sales-data/kia/

[@zalllon]

I like the front, but hate the back. Hopefully the next generation will have a back so therefore this looks like a range rover killer

[@MEAMERIE]

the lift floor is the same one, u just move it up. hmmm one version should at least have the awd

[@davidshakocius333]

I understand they are bringing out a small AWD CUV(Kona AWD based) - disappointing to me, but perhaps they hope to keep Soul sales at 100,000 + a year and that many with the new model AWD CUV - we will see. Yeah, I know, the floorpan & suspension of the 2020 Soul and Kona are kissing cousins.

[@MEAMERIE]

David Shakocius yea that doesn’t really make sense but hey lol. I think they coulda kept cost down some other ways and I’m sure they would gain buyers with addition of awd

[@michaelboese6679]

Another great review !!!

[@baldheadlogic]

This redesign is very impressive. They should have added independent rear suspension, at least on the GT line models.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

That costs money. Kia is trying to keep costs down and it's not a priority for the core consumer for this car. And it handles pretty well as it is.

[@martinmartin5904]

​@@DrivenCarReviews especially since some of the core consumer people thought it was a four-wheel drive

[@kenc2257]

@1:05 Alex on Autos diligently taking notes... Great review!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Alex is awesome.

[@janetandtiff]

Drove the 2020 with turbo. Was not impressed with the trans. Also, there are too many models for the 2020. And, the new version of 2.0 motor has less power than before. Ended up getting a very lightly used 2017 soul+ with primo and audio package. Other than missing out on nicer rims on the 2020, I am very happy.

[@KDBunch]

They didn’t try to sell you at all on an electric one, huh.

[@cbrbird]

Mr. Purcell's link above doesn't work, and I really liked hearing some ambient noise in the in-car segments...

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Hmmm, until I can fix that search for "Halcyon" on KZbin.

[@Sanpedranoazul]

I Wonder for a New Cube model in the US, Im pretty sure in Japan is still being made

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Don't think it will happen Mario

[@Sanpedranoazul]

@@DrivenCarReviews I know, Just wishing 😂😂, great review as always Tom 👏👏👏

[@shawnlee664]

Kia soul crushed all competition in usa by selling more than million units. No one is coming back.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

HI Tom - love your videos. Do you sell t-shirts with your logo? Would love to buy one.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Glad you like it, I know I do. You can get one at tomvoelk.com. I'm going to stop selling them in a month or so FWIW.

[@ELMS]

I’ve noticed that in almost every video lately you say “I forget to bring this.” or “I forget to turn on that”. Is everything okay? Maybe you should buy some of those pills made from jellyfish. 😆😂. Great vid as usual, Tom.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Ask my wife. I'm always that disorganized. Maybe it's because I'm being honest with you all. Oh, lost my brand new sunglasses on that trip. Now to track down that adapter...

[@craigw.scribner6490]

@@DrivenCarReviews I appreciate your honesty, Tom! That's one huge reason we contributed to your new camcorder fund! Keep up the great work and thanks!

[@silentrefusal9911]

Please Kia please make the rear roof finish a little less angular, it's a bit too 90 degree.

[@losmeets98]

Interesting that here in the Netherlands we only get the electric version

[@reserva120]

The Netherlands almost fits inside the MGM parking Lot in Las Vegas..

[@losmeets98]

Allan Desmond Lmao yeah, we're small, flat, very urbanized and have developed a great speed chargers infrastructure (compared to other countries), making it perfect for electric cars.

[@hauseofraf]

Love what Mazda is doing. Great review!

[@dejoshy7256]

What about the Jeep renegade isn't that a boxy car?

[@TheUnknownApex]

The Kia Soul has a manual transmission?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

The base model does, I know that off hand

[@TheHomeExpert5]

This thing looks really nice, they did a great job on the styling, I wonder how reliable it is as compared to a Toyota?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Ours is five years old. Nothing but gas and oil.

[@wendyeroche5975]

Mine is 6 yrs old..gas and oil too. Thinking of getting a newer one with the GPs..

[@louisbeach5314]

I own a 2018 Soul Turbo even the cheaper models have cup holders in the back if you had turned down the middle armrests in the back seat you would see the cup holders there. I did like your review of the 2020 I am thinking of getting one but will miss my panoramic sunroof. But with a panoramic sunroof you can not put on the roof rack. When I traded my 2017 Soul Plus I tried at the dealer to transfer my roof rack there are NO sluts to put them in. Since I traded for a Soul with all the options I kept it but for a moment I wanted to just leave it at the dealer and keep my 2017.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

At least in the version I had, there was no folding center armrest. Ergo, no cupholders there.

[@louisbeach5314]

Driven Car Reviews ok thanks for the reply I have had three Souls in the past few years and all the ones I have seen have the folding armrest in the back with the cup holders. Am due to go to the dealer tomorrow the worlds largest KIA dealer I will look and ask since I am there for curiosity. I did enjoy your review of the 2020 Kia Soul .

[@mmahtnart8986]

I'm 6'4". Smaller than your friend. And, I have gray hair like you do. And, I have always had an interest in the Soul.

[@madcowusa4277]

Great looking vehicle. Wish the seats folded absolutely flat and had Honda Fit's "magic seat" fold up capability. That, and gimme a 30 gallon fuel tank so I could tour all over the U.S. and Canada and crawl in the back to sleep.

[@JasonStaggs99]

On Kias website they advertise the soul starting at $17,400ish give or take a few hundred

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Did you add delivery?

[@skoppingeveryday]

This guy seems like he’d wine about the placement of his tomatoes and hold up the line at subway.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yup. I hate when they touch the spinach.

[@skipsteel]

Hey Tom nice research on the based on the Wild Boar, not many people know that little Gem, I love my Soul it's the most "Vehicular Versatile Value" in the known Car Universe In my opinion.#KIASOUL#VehicularVersatileValue

[@martinmartin5904]

Rear hatch not yet wide enough , doesn't match with the increase of the cargo area .

[@DrivenCarReviews]

It's pretty wide.

[@Jluislive]

How does the smaller engine get worse fuel economy? The cvt?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

It's turbocharged and offers around 50 more horsepower.

[@Jluislive]

@@DrivenCarReviews fearing sounding ignorant, please elaborate.

[@a_p636]

Turbochargers add more power, but at the cost of fuel efficiency. They essentially consume more gasoline to convert it to more power, but your fuel economy goes down based on this.

[@shaktisinghparihar7633]

Is all these models available in India please comment and if not why not 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@leaf4267]

beautiful and interesting, love it

[@diegomontoya8889]

So you fly from chilly Seattle to San Diego and you hit the road and you drive up to the mountains towards Julian and... Get caught in snow? Is that true?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

That pretty much sums it up

[@maxmontreal447]

What about safety features?

[@cancel.lgbtq.6892]

Front looks really nice but I just can't get over that boomerang tail lights tho...

[@DrivenCarReviews]

In person the taillights look nicely integrated. At least to me.

[@darrendavenport3334]

The front looks like a cheesy robot from the 60's....

[@dankeller399]

Is there a Soul hybrid in the future?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

No word on it, just the EV.

[@gene978]

Hey Tom, after watching this I went to KBB.com and looked up 2019 SOUL and I searched inventory I seen brand New Souls starting at $14.300.00. That is a Bargain. for a car that not a penalty box and a 10 year warranty.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yup. And you can get the pano roof on the upgraded models if that's a priority.

[@baddriversofcolga]

The front looks better but the rear looks worse if you ask me.

[@baddriversofcolga]

The center exhaust on the GT-Line is a no-go for me. I need to be able to have a platform bike rack on my car which requires a hitch receiver.

[@bhadz100]

I don’t need the tech package I need the manual gearbox on the turbo engine

[@TheHelghast1138]

Plastic. Weird. Hmmm. Good tech, but just not feeling it. I like the second generation a little better. That TP comment got me laughing a lot!!! XD Awesome video as always!! 😎😎😎

[@ganekim]

****Nice Design! ! !

[@blackflag5107]

I want to see it bigger like a Ford flex but a little bit smaller

[@stevewise1656]

They really need to offer all-wheel drive. Key? That’s taking quirky too far and I love KIA’s in general.

[@mrbadx19]

if you could have held off this review til 4/1, you could have pulled off the CA ban of toilet paper LOL

[@cadsux]

I can't believe Kia detuned the 2.0L engine from 164 hp to 147 hp. Yes, I know, with the 300 lb. weight reduction and CVT it gets 3 more mpg. If they kept the 164 hp, it puts the power and weight closer to a 2018 Miata, aerodynamics & balance notwithstanding of course!

[@davidshakocius333]

With 164hp the 1st generation Soul + only weighed 2750 lbs. Unlike everyone else, every version of the Soul 2.0 four has gotten less power than the one before. Aside from that great car. The base model really gains needed upgrades in the 2020. The middle line takes a small step back. The Turbo 1.6 liter remains with more power than most needed but it helps the product image. Can't decide if I would pay $28,000 to get the turbo:)

[@davidjones6969]

Amazing how Kia advertised this car for the younger generation with music and animals etc., but its mostly the OLDER generation that buys the Soul. Kia, please make a video with a Hot Rod Grandma in a sporty Red Soul commercial.....

[@DrivenCarReviews]

My guess is, Kia doesn't' care the age of the buyer, just so long as people are buying them. But Soul skews young when it comes to Kia buyers.

[@teambigv]

Two older people in my hood drive Souls and they love them.

[@angeloflight8714]

@@teambigv I'm 52 , I just bought a 2020 Monday. My third soul . so easy to drive.

[@nicholi8208]

Why the fuck does only the base model get the stickshift