Here Are The 5 Biggest Takeaways After Driving The 2020 Kia Soul From Sun To Snow!

[@allxmllr4111]

Kia souls are huge to me. I’m 6’2 and 250+ and can fit so comfy in the back seat with an adult in the front of me. Honestly what sold me on the car. Hard to find a car that can accommodate.

[@jayk2997]

Same

[@joshgutierrez7380]

civic hatch is wayyy more spacious lol

[@ReaISouI]

@@joshgutierrez7380Simply not true. It isn’t a box

[@joshgutierrez7380]

@@ReaISouI oh no it’s very true. I know because my brother can’t fit in a soul but he can in a civic hatch.

[@bobsacamano6402]

The seating position is what sold me, as well. I can't get in and out of sedans like I used to, and the position of the seat is absolutely perfect.

[@danshobbies13]

Those are not blank buttons. Those are accessory panels so you can ad switches like turbo boost, oil slick, & machine guns.

[@markh.6687]

"James, please do not touch that button. It will eject you out the roof, which may make driving difficult." - Q.

[@hermanwooster8944]

I appreciate the review of the Soul with a 2.0 engine. All the car reviewers rush to review the 1.6l turbo because they need the fastest car, but the majority of people are actually looking at the 2.0.

[@onlybyHisgrace14-6]

Me and my wife drove from Georgia to Washington state 2 years ago when that huge blizzard hit pretty much the whole united States.. we hit snow in Tennessee and never got out of it the whole time!!!!! Our 2018 kia soul was a FREAKING CHAMP!!!! no chains and NOT ONE ISSUE the whole way!!!! I'm a truck driver so use to driving in it... so so so so so happy with our little hamster car!!!!

[@justindotey6189]

While this is a decent review, I have to question why my fellow Americans always want to make vehicles bigger and with AWD. It's just not necessary in most cases, and only serves to raise the price and weight of the vehicle. Part of the Soul's success is due to it's affordable price and compact size. Let's not ruin a good thing.

[@00_UU]

Exactly! AWD obsession is not healthy in the US. I absolutely dislike extra weight, price and maintenance of AWD. I only buy FWD cars and I am happy driving them.

[@SORGIGERMANICO]

this car needs an awd version. i own a 2014 soul great car but its not as good in the snow as some would think

[@katana258]

because fools run kia .. a cheap simple car that looked good , good mileage , that worked made it what it is .. now its over priced , all electric crap no one wants .. standard

[@GhostOfAMachine]

AWD is overrated. It is a great fun car with FWD and 6 spds standard alone

[@SquachoFace]

I put aggressive studdable snow tires on my 2016 base 6 speed. Better than any AWD with 'all season' tires. Good on black ice too. Buy a second set of wheels for the snows and stay away from wide low profile tires.

[@celticsong58]

I love my 2020 Soul. I had a 2014 that was totaled. I went right back and bought the 2020. The thing I miss is my old one had a panoramic sun roof and my new one doesn’t.

[@jasonzerna9369]

Kia soul looks gangsta,I like

[@stillwaters4097]

I'm still rocking the 2015 soul and loving it.

[@reaality3860]

I own a 2017 Kia Soul+. This vehicle is a city commuter, not a cross-country hauler. As a simple 4 adult local transport, the Kia Soul is the most bang-for-the-buck.

[@Clamjammer]

I drove mine from new jersey to georgia and back. Then from new jersey to British columbia and back. The car did great and was comfortabke the whole way. Do u own a soul? Probably not .you dont know what youre talking about . i do. Ita a great car period

[@GhostOfAMachine]

I got a base model 6 spd a month ago. It feels really comfy so far

[@ninemilliondollars]

Talked to a guy last week with a '14 that drives from Chicago to Brownsville, TX multiple times per year. Great highway vehicle.

[@sharonayers5650]

I love my 2014 Kia Soul with 6 speed manual transmission!!! Driving to my daughter's on Christmas Day I got 45 mpg on the 2 lane highway going through 5 towns !!

[@Yeiyn343]

I have a 2014 Soul also and love it!! Had it for a few years now!

[@candylandkm]

I just bought a used 2014 6speed manual base 120k, just got the recalls done and it’s brand new still! Love driving it everyday, going to take it past 200k for sure

[@edcarr8692]

I have a 2010 Soul! with the 2.0 and a 5 speed manual. It has the 18" wheels and I really haven't had any problems in the snow. I live in southeast New York and we get some good snowfalls. I just turn off the traction control in the snow. Works great.

[@robertarnold2690]

I have a 2014 Soul+ that just turned 50,000 miles, completely trouble free, It has had two cross country trips (Yuma AZ to New Jersey 7000 miles each trip) Great for long distance with two folks. No snow problems here, but we do have extreme heat (120 degrees last August) with the AC on and the three hour drive to Phoenix @ 75-80 mph, no problems, I am a senior citizen and this is my 49th car. It is without a doubt the best of them all.

[@SquachoFace]

@@robertarnold2690 I just went from Gen 2 to Gen 3. WOW, way better than I ever imagined. But get winter tires. A lot safer.

[@680ecks]

We had a first jen very inexpensive very good car. Put snow tires on and didn't get stuck once. Unfortunately got rear ended. My wife called one day and said I want the alien car ,after a little looking i found out she was talking about a green soul. I looked it up and the price was great . We went that weekend to look at it and it was loaded with features and very roomy inside (im6'4")not a stripper car and seemed like a very good value so we got it . She got great gas mileage with it and never had any problems. That is the formulation for the big sales they have had.

[@rabbitruck]

Yep, the funny thing is that most people don't grasp the concept that tires matter at least as much as how many driven wheels you have. Unless you're in over a foot of snow, I'll take a front wheel drive car with Blizzaks over an AWD car on all seasons all day long. Especially if it is icy at all. I put dedicated snow tires on my wife's Prius this winter, and it has been mildly comical watching people in small SUVs struggle while the Prius is a total beast in the snow and ice we've had this winter. Granted, I wouldn't want a Prius with snow tires in two feet of the white stuff, but that never happens in our area anyway.

[@sc0368]

Cheap cars are good for a moment but buyers beware you'll pay for it later with your life. I would only trust my family with European cars. I know this donuts shop owner he had always driven European car but on day he was testing smaller Japanese car for someone and had an car accident. He did not make it.

[@tk9839]

@@sc0368 www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/kia/soul-4-door-wagon/2020...It got awarded for top safety pick+, the highest rating.

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

😅 the alien 👽 car, lol!! Seems like a dependable vehicle.

[@digiver]

Better looking than the previous generation soul in my opinion. Good job Kia

[@mikehendrick7910]

I rented a new Kia Soul in Canada this week and we had a freak snow storm come up and a wind storm. I found it a very challenging car to drive in the snow. The Wind blew the car over the road, with traction control kicking in a lot. The braking was not fun and squirley. I did not feel confident driving it in the snow at all and I'm used to driving in snow during the winter.

[@noroar3258]

I wouldnt have left the house without good quality snow tires on any front wheel drive vehicle in a snow storm ; especially on the highway

[@GhostOfAMachine]

Love my 2020 Soul with 6 spd manual. And I'm glad it comes with halogen lights instead of the blinding leds that bounces off of rain and fog and produces no heat to keep frost from building up on in. Best boxy hatchback I ever been inside of

[@matty1053]

After putting snow tires on my Soul, it's a beast in the snow. Never had an issue.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Many younger viewers would be surprised to know that in the "good ole days" people actually drove RWD vehicles in the winter. And when FWD became widely available in the 1970's, putting the drive wheels under the weight of engine made it even easier. With a good set of snow tires I suspect that FWD vehicles will perform just as well as AWD vehicles 90+% of the time.

[@CRVgarage]

@@stephenhendricks103 Can't disagree with you.

[@GhostOfAMachine]

@@stephenhendricks103 I have a rwd Ranger with 5" drop kit in south Texas and thankfully we don't have any winter seasons, because their is hardly any weight on the back and I would have to fill the bed with sand bags for snow

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@GhostOfAMachine Back in the day when dinosaurs roamed the highways I had a Saab 96 in Ithaca, NY. It was one of the few FWD passenger cars available in those days and with snow tires I drove it every day through mountains of snow on steep hills while few other vehicles ventured out of garages or sat immobile in ditches on the side of the road.

[@jaredshelton4718]

Great car, needs LED headlights standard though

[@techpappee]

I doubt many if any mass market subcompact SUV have standard led headlights. Most offer it in certain trims, usually upper, just like Soul.

[@matthewjohnson1211]

Umm...”great car” would be a massive over-statement. Our car rental company tried to stick us with one of these junk boxes -I got a block away and drove back.

[@jaredshelton4718]

@@techpappee I'm thinking of cars such as the Toyota Corolla, I think it would be more attention grabbing if they could offer them standard.

[@jaredshelton4718]

@@matthewjohnson1211 Yeah it's a great car, an awesome car, Idk what you're talking about but ok, I'll let you be salty 😂

[@jacklaslo982]

@@matthewjohnson1211 its nicer than any american shitbox

[@ingenunis5003]

This 64 young senior citizen enjoys your reviews & like the KIA SOUL.

[@jonathanmoseley6447]

I have an Kia Soul S 2021 and loving it

[@carldeithloff9412]

The "IVT" from KIA is FAR better than the competition. From a reliability standpoint, the chain driven IVT will prove more reliable than the competitors. As far as power train overall, KIA did the right thing getting rid of the anemic 130h/p 1.6. Finally, it will be far easier on this new platform to offer AWD, especially in the all electric version, just 2 additional pancake motors on the rear tires. Well, that's my 2 cents.

[@BoopSnoot]

This commend didn't age well. Consumer Reports gave the 2020 Soul a predicted highest reliability rating, but for Jan 2021 has reduced that to its lowest unreliability score and put it in the "worst used cars" category because of IVT failures. Kia apparently has a software fix for the "bad" IVTs, but if the damage is already done they are replacing them and a lot of owners with low mileage already have remanufactured IVTs in their virtually brand new vehicles.

[@BoopSnoot]

@@Slavic_Boer You can't abuse a CVT, its completely automated and sealed maintenance free and with only year old fluid in it. Firmware problem caused total transmission failures where you could floor it and only go about 10mph, and while yes Kia is replacing the transmissions, because of parts shortages its still taking a long time and not very comforting.

[@Musicman971997]

I like his videos about the most of all from the TFL staff. Very down to earth and honest reviews... always.

[@libraeotequever3pointoh95]

I live in New Hampshire. I have a black 2016 Kia Soul (base model) with a 1.6 Liter engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. After the first winter 2016/2017, I had Snow Tires installed (MasterCraft Glacier-Grip-II tires, a sub-brand of Cooper Tire). That significantly improved the car's traction in snow & ice conditions. The car has Anti-lock brakes, and a traction-control system that senses if a wheel is slipping on road surfaces. It will divert power to the non-slipping wheel if it senses wheel-slippage. But, of course, it has front-wheel drive and there are only two wheels to send engine-power to. Which is why the dashboard button to temporarily disable the traction-control-system is nice to have when one is trying to drive up a slippery hill. Yes, the wheels can spin with the TCS shut-off, but they'll do so in a user-friendly manner, especially with the manual transmission. As for handling & manners. I feel that my 2016 Kia Soul has good handling characteristics. Steering is predictable, braking is competent and smooth. Body-roll during turns seems user-friendly. I haven't put my car on a skid-pad, but normal driving at posted speed-limits is comfortable and stable. It is a "CUV" (Cross-over Utility Vehicle), so it's not intended for Formula-1 racing events. Of course, driving in winter conditions means that when the road is covered in slippery stuff, one should reduce their traveling speed and allow for additional driving time in order to reach one's destination safely. But, "competent" and "solid" are two words I'd use to describe my Kia Soul when driving on roads covered in a few inches of snow. Roads covered in 12 inches of snow? Might be a good idea to wait until those roads are plowed, because the ground-clearance under the car is less than 12 inches, eh? Bottom line? I feel the Kia Soul competes nicely in the "winter driving" category of economically priced cars.

[@TheMootster16]

Love my 2018 Soul Manual and it's great in the snow

[@miguelircontar]

I don’t like the halogen headlights

[@pjay1281]

It's great because it makes the car cheaper,and you can swap them with aftermarket LEDs.

[@temur72]

higher trims have led

[@pjay1281]

@@temur72 Yes,and it's more expensive too,but if you get a lower trim,you can just swap them with after market LEDs.

[@roryjones95]

"Im to lazy and cheap to buy my own leds"

[@abo3abid1]

@@pjay1281 If you just drop in the bulbs, instead of changing the housing, you'll blind oncoming traffic. Just like almost every idiot in a Wrangler.

[@specture47177]

Been there done that in Oregon snow in my 2011. It does well as long as it has momentum. Espicially since I have the sport and can actually control the gears.

[@Hockeyjew702]

What about reversing on an angle with snow? Like you’re parked on an incline and you need to back up. It’s not a crazy incline but enough to where I fear the tires are gonna spin. Will she get stuck?

[@kenhoward3512]

"It shifts - even though it's not shifting, basically." - Uh, yes, it is shifting actual, physical, preset ratios between the two CVT shift drums, rather than a bunch of smaller gears. Most reviewers want to imply that it's a simulation, maybe so that they can smile knowingly and suggest they are wise to the deception (but it isn't).

[@BoopSnoot]

Except they literally are simulated gear shifts, because there are no gear ratios. Its a CVT just like any other, but with artificial jumps in the ratio rather than having infinite ratios and holding RPMs at peak horsepower, torque, or economy as the situation demands. It basically sacrifices performance for the sake of a traditional NVH profile.

[@stevethepokieman]

I wish the soul was offered in awd but then it wouldn't be affordable and thats why I bought a soul and not the Sportage.

[@Jeroldalan]

John McDonnell from what I’ve been told the 2020 model will have AWD optional

[@peacefulwarrior4078]

@@Jeroldalan looks like they lied to you ! Why KIA is NOT LISTENING to the CONSUMERS who want it in a AWD version is just baffling to me and I'm sure alot of other folks as well !

[@EricFortuneJr.]

Needs the AWD system from the Sportage and optional 1.6 turbo, otherwise it’s still great value for $22k

[@jjr007]

Front wheel drive cars with snow tires, can go pretty decently, but 4x4 is where it is at. I have a Yamaha Kodiak quad that I use for plowing, that I have tried it in two wheel and four wheel drive, and the difference is night and day.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

In a light vehicle u need 4wd.

[@stephenhendricks103]

If I ever have to use my vehicle as a snow plow I'll keep that in mind. Considering that most consumers never face that eventuality it's not likely to be a high priority for most folks.

[@jjr007]

@@stephenhendricks103 You completely missed the point of my post, and I don't plow with my Subaru Crosstrek, I use my atv for that.

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@jjr007 I didn't miss your point. I was just questioning the relevance of your point. Of course 4WD is superior to 2WD if you're using an ATV as a snow plow. And if one is using a road legal vehicle for that purpose, the same would be true. But the mission of virtually any vehicle designed primarily as a passenger vehicle isn't plowing snow unless it's equipped specifically to do so.

[@Sendong123]

Kia/Hyundai usually offer a lot in their cars and I'm surprised heated seats and steering wheel isn't standard on all trim.

[@oskarngo9138]

So, do souls have long term reliability? Nathan; Would you buy a new Soul or a RAV4 LE?

[@Bear-nu8xm]

Just bought the EX and being Canadian, i hope its good in snow.

[@codymalenfant1763]

Update on this? It's my biggest worry of we were to get one compared to something like a Tucson with AWD. We live in Winnipeg

[@Bear-nu8xm]

@@codymalenfant1763 Well, I went through a decent winter here in southern Ontario and it made it through fine. I didn't get stuck and the traction control worked really well.

[@jrwaters943]

The definition of crossover is nebulous. It’s as much of a crossover as a CX-3, CH-R, Kicks, and HR-V. Just because some of those offer AWD doesn’t change this. They all aren’t intended for off-roading. And with snow tires each should get you through all but the most severe snow storms on paved roads with minimal fuss. It’s also worth noting the Soul has more ground clearance than the Mazda and Toyota.

[@stevewise1656]

My cousin is pretty much the only person I know who goes off-roading, so I think all this talk about off-roading or canyon carving in so many YT car reviews is ridiculous. Otherwise, I always enjoy this guy’s reviews.

[@CarnorJast1138]

I have a 2015 Kia Soul and I am totally into it! Best car I ever had, and I've been driving since 1983! No other car I owned or driven has the same cool factor as the Kia Soul! Just one helluva fun car to drive. And to me, it will always be a Hatchback, not a Crossover. It was not designed to be an offroader, and if it does pretty well in certain conditions, that's just a testament to how good a car it really is. My next car, after I drive this one for a couple more years, will be a 2020 or 2021 model Kia Soul! This time, I'll make sure I get all the bells and whistles!

[@TheBillproject]

Kia souls are amazing in snow with good winter tires. The ground clearance and weight distribution is great. Snow in the video is considered dry pavement where I am from... -40c roads and inches of snow is not an issue with some toyo winter tires. The clearance is great! It only got stuck on our street after a crazy snow fall and 0 plowing. Got out with a small push! Meanwhile sedans, other suv and even a rear wheel drive pickup were stuck for a while to get out and needed quite some help. My awd sportage got through w locking the diff. We are talking deep as in 6.7 inches bumper clearance was plowing as it went! It's a popular choice here for people who want winter driving without guzzling gas w awd suv.

[@jacobposton9966]

Rocking the 2015 kia soul with the 6 speed

[@JWJTRAINOR]

Nathan, you’re definitely one of my favourites on the tfl Channel you always make me laugh and you always are relatable not to say I don’t like Roman or Andre but I like you the best sorry guys

[@jeffruebens8355]

Nissan and Honda made CVTs seem bad. The dark paint helps blend in all the black plastic trim. Good price, and the light weight makes the 2 liter engine seem more powerful. Hitting a bigger, heavier vehicle would increase your chances of getting hurt and they will probably be less injured. The Kia Niro is another option, for better gas mileage and a lower center of gravity, but slower. Savagegeese has a good video about the Kia Forte with a similar engine and transmission.

[@digrom3279]

Is kia rio good?

[@GA-yv3zw]

My 2nd gen soul does great in the snow.

[@davidvillanueva8171]

Which state do you live in? I'm wondering how this car will handle in Montana's winters.

[@harveyngun]

David Villanueva I’m in Colorado it does solid as long as you have good tires but I would say 4wd is the best and and fwd will do the job too

[@anyhoot47]

Okay, I know this review went up a year ago but I still had to watch. There's been a few changes from 2020 to 2021. I first bought a Soul in 2016 and was coming from a 2013 Rio. In 2016 the base model Soul came with the same 1.6L as the Rio. So I went with 2016 Soul +. The 2021 base model now comes standard with a 2.0L. Last week I picked up a 2021 Soul EX. The heated seats makes it worth going with the EX. Plus, the driver seat is electric with a lumbar support control. There is also a wireless charger but that is where Kia screwed up. There are two seats in the front, there should be two chargers...especially if you have a girlfriend. And the blanks where a button should be, never did like that. The EX is pretty loaded with features so there not too many blanks. So far I'm liking the improvements with the 2021.

[@montrealthis]

MY 2012 SOUL base had heated front seat!Did they remove that from 2020?

[@harveyngun]

Yes

[@rufatzeynalli5538]

No they dont remove totally, i heard they have a option for it.

[@ninemilliondollars]

The tires on the X-Line are Hankook Kinergy GT are what automakers are putting on vehicles for better fuel mileage called "Eco Focus." They have less rolling resistance but also less traction. The "M&S" on the tires is misleading. TireRack reviews place the Kinergy's, on a scale of 1-10, only at 4.8 for Light Snow Traction, 3.0 for Deep Snow Traction, and 2.6 for Ice Traction. You'll want to change these Eco Focus tires for others with more snow capability if your going to spend winter driving in snow. As for only FWD vehicles, when pushed hard in turns, they can go into a 4-wheel drift. Add grippier tires and it's less of an issue. I have the EX 2.0L model and the IVT is very fun to drive. I tested the turbo and it overpowered the car whenever I was making a turn from a stop and that got old quickly. Plus, technically, turbo's should be driven easy when the engine is cold so it has time for the oil to warm before that turbo is spooled up to top speed. And when stopping with a turbo and shutting off, it's best to warm-down the spool by circulating oil through it for a minute. Especially when exiting a highway for fuel. As for me, I didn't want to deal with that.

[@ninemilliondollars]

A bit more. Looking closely at your X-Line tires, they are Hankook's Ventus S1 noble2 which are middle of the chart in snow. My 2020 EX has Nexen that are rated poor to zero in the snow. The "Sport" mode, according to Kia's owners manual states: "After increasing speed and taking your foot off the accelerator pedal it maintains the gear and rpm for a short time even though the accelerator pedal is not depressed.- Up-shifting is delayed." This keeps the power up for fast auto or manual-IVT shifting. Does warn you can redline in Sport mode.

[@MickeyItchon]

Very good review. Can you please lower the music as I couldn't finish the video because it seemed the music was competing with your voice. Thanks

[@jwc3104]

It's the biggest small car. So much room inside, for the exterior size. It hauls my 6"2 240lbs ass with packed full of stuff, and still gets 30mpg all day long. Comfortable and very usable, also reliable.

[@markc5677]

What would you choose excluding the turbo engine. 2020 Kia Soul or Nissan Kicks?

[@plainlybasic2300]

The soul, not a big fan of Nissan, and i feel like the Soul is just a bit better overall. More power too

[@dinohermann1887]

The CVT of Nissan/Jatco is garbage! Kia Soul all the way!

[@samuelmorado70]

You should come to West Texas where it is sunny in morning , dirt blows in afternoon then snows at night.

[@mr.bluegrass9723]

you are in my opinion the experts so i have a silly question , its about ground clearance. where do you mesure the ground clearance from? some people say from the pumpkin others say from the body . could you settle this once.and for all thank you

[@roryjones95]

I measure from the lowest point

[@jimbo5635]

Agree, it's from the lowest point of the car, except the tires of course.

[@bluerasperries1117]

Love the intro song! What is it?

[@rahman2011able]

I own this model...The engine is VERY POWERFUL 💕💕💕💕💪💪💪💪

[@ironwill3035]

Hey what do you guys know about a Kia seltos

[@mkel0385]

The Toyota CHR is seriously a joke

[@libbyclaridge2856]

You're doing your test drive in my old stompin' grounds...and the snow must be up in Julian. Great review!

[@janetandtiff]

Why did the 2.0 engine get less power in 2020, and no more panoramic roof option? Will stick with my maxed out 2017 soul+.

[@marianluc6235]

Jimbo R is a more refined gdi engine got better gas milage but at the cost of less hp.

[@vegasbab.y3740]

When I get out of my mom’s 24 Malibu I feel like I’m in a Lamborghini on how low it sits with the seats. Now compared in my 23 soul it feels way more comfortable to get in and out of compared to my 20’ escape. And the seats are far more comfortable than the Fords on long periods of driving. Radio is great. But not the best in all aspects. I have the 10 inch and it’s amazing but tweeters are a bit weak but not harsh to listen to. But sometimes I can’t make out the sounds compared to when I listen with my phone speakers.

[@edwinchampeau8685]

As a Canadian I kinda laughed at the reaction of him driving in the snow

[@peacefulwarrior4078]

My 2015 with the 18" rims and wider tires ABSOLUTELY SUCK in the snow !

[@lancemousel3457]

Thanx keep em coming

[@TalismanPHX]

Is this IVT chain OR belt driven. Hopefully, the transmission is FAR more durable than the POS Nissan JATCO CVT....

[@AlexisLobos]

Daniel Gross It’s a chain driven transmission.

[@garyblatt8925]

Good review. This will make a great rental car with that extra length in the cargo area because the current Soul is not really big enough in the back to handle the luggage for two people sharing a car on a business trip. Adding a third person to the mix and we have been extremely cramped in these cars.

[@caecal2012]

If you’re two people, why wouldn’t you flip the seats if you were three people why wouldn’t you flip the smaller seat in order to cover the luggage

[@regsparkes6507]

Yes Nathan, I agree with the folks as commenting below,..nice and informative video, you cover a lot of the points we need answered. I still have my fingers crossed in hopes of a manual shift Soul review soon,...and oh yes, with you in it. A tip of my hat to the cameraman too!

[@rabbitruck]

This. I'm interested in a review of the manual version a lot more than a $28k+ turbo variant. Now, if you could get a base Soul with a stick shift and the turbo engine, perfect. But since you can't, LX with stick shift review, please. Kia probably hasn't released this one in their press fleet yet. But I think the stand out bang for the buck play in the lineup is the base manual version, hands down.

[@gringojohn2]

In April 2018, I got hung up 4 times, had to be towed 3 times, and it took 6.5 hours to go 18 miles during a Minnesota blizzard in my 2017 Kia Soul.

[@mobeersplz]

Yikes, gonna have to invest in good snow tires

[@GhostOfAMachine]

I got snow tires and I take off in the 2nd gear. No problem in the snow here

[@Loadmycrayons]

Still running with the 13 model but I like this one

[@techpappee]

AWD doesn't = SUV. If you buy a Jeep *without* awd is it still a SUV, *yes* . If you buy a CRV or Rav4 with *front wheel drive* is it no longer a suv? No it's still one. If AWD is the qualifier then those bought without awd are not SUV and cars with awd are. Powertrain *doesn't* make a vehicle belong in any category. That's plain silly IMO. CHR = no AWD. There are other SUV with similar ground clearance as well.

[@thehayman7352]

You are incorrect bud. “Sport-utility (vehicle), SUV or sport-ute is an automotive classification, typically a kind of station wagon / estate car with off-road vehicle features like raised ground clearance and ruggedness, and available four-wheel drive.” It is definitely a crossover at best as a crossover is a suv like vehicle on a car chassis or unibody chassis. “For many car experts, the difference between the two is simple: A crossover is based on a car's platform, while an SUV uses the chassis of a truck.” - Autotrader. Please get your facts correct before sprouting false information.

[@techpappee]

@@thehayman7352 um, that wasn't my point *or* his! No one said squat about truck *or* car based, just you. He specifically mentions AWD makes it or not. If that's the case most are not, only the larger (4Runner etc) truck base now...AKA global architecture. The point was *AWD* or no *AWD* makes a vehicle a CUV *or* SUV. Nothing was mentioned on truck or car based by him or myself.

[@thehayman7352]

Uh yes it does mean squat as you were stating your idea of an SUV, while I stated the technical definition. It also was a counter argument to you stating powertrain does not matter when considering class.

[@stephenhendricks103]

It's perhaps worth noting that among crossovers with optional AWD, most are sold with FWD.

[@techpappee]

@@stephenhendricks103 Agreed, most don't buy or need it honestly. Good snow tires is enough for most drivers.

[@nicab564]

Sorry but that’s not real snow!!!! Come to Illinois, Wisconsin, or Minnesota in that KIA when we get that snow that come up my calves or knees.... I am five foot three to give you a picture... I wanted to purchase a Soul until I found out only FWD and had to pass because you will definitely be stuck trying to get out of a park here....

[@crazyone1067]

No push button start?

[@user-ss3ud7pp7f]

I just now saw this video. I wish reviewers would quit calling dirt roads offloading.

[@erikpetrie637]

It's not a bad looking car. The front end does kinda look like a 🐢 with its mouth open. The back is interesting looking but I'm starting to think it looks cool. As for the headlights, I'm sure a few people might be swapping out the halogen bulbs for leds or xenon bulbs.

[@blitzbbffl]

Great review Nathan. Smart that they increased the wheelbase by 1.2 inches.

[@rottsrool]

Great video review. I’ve always liked the look of the soul and I just bought a 2020 Kia xline yesterday and I’m not disappointed. Yes I would have liked the gt but beggars can’t be choosers. I purchased

[@canadabear72]

Pretty disappointed with Nathan's dislike for this vehicle. Don't think he was very fair. This Soul has more ground clearance than many vehicles in this category. No, it doesn't have awd, but neither does the Toyota, or any vehicle in this class standard. (except the Subaru). The Soul is far more practical than most. I still think it's cool too!

[@rabbitruck]

Ground clearance is 6.7" according to Kia's press materials, which is equal to a current model year Toyota Corolla sedan. Eh...that's OK, but nothing noteworthy. The HR-V has 7.3". Nissan Kicks 7", two vehicles that will likely be cross-shopped with the Soul. So I'd say 6.7 is fair but not anything to write home about. Agree with you that lack of AWD isn't a deal breaker, and that the Soul is quite practical. Like you, I think it is a cool little car in a world where everything else looks the same.

[@ALEX-sh3tx]

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Outlander Sport has 8.5 inches of ground clearance and a better AWD system than the Subaru so the kia is behind and and not as good

[@canadabear72]

@@ALEX-sh3tx That is good ground clearance and awd is nice. Aren't thise cars bigger than subcompact? And Mitsubishi doesn't make good cars. Certainly not as reliable as the Kia.

[@jaredshelton4718]

@@ALEX-sh3tx Mitsubishi's only last for 5,000 miles though

[@ALEX-sh3tx]

@@jaredshelton4718 is that why Kia uses Mitsubishi designed 2.4 and 2.0t engines ?

[@GHW]

Can you explain the nonsense where manufacturers are limiting the manual gearbox to the lesser trim models? I understand that most people don't want manual but a lot of people do, and i would assume those people would like to have some nice options to go along with it.

[@stillwaters4097]

Clearly alot of people dont like a manual gear box or else they would offer it on other trim levels. The demand isn't there.

[@sharonayers5650]

I love my 6 speed manual transmission!!

[@jjr007]

Handbrake turns in the snow and dirt? Made me think it was rear wheel drive oversteer when I first saw it, til I noticed they stopped spinning for a second.

[@BReal-10EC]

It is odd that Kia hasn't made an AWD version of the Soul yet. Even as a hybrid with weak rear electric motors to help get you unstuck. Maybe they are concerned an awd Soul might cannibalize some of their more profitable crossover?

[@carldeithloff9412]

Nathan, you have to admit the car is well screwed together well. Look at other brands at this price point, they sound like aluminum cans.

[@joebrown9621]

🤔 the Rav 4 comes with 2wd and 4wd is optional.. but it's still a crossover / suv so isn't the soul a crossover by design even with 2wd?

[@samuelmorado70]

Hello from Lubbock Texas. These are for 15997 at my local Kia. No heated seats turned me off. I love heated seats. Yes I'm spoiled.

[@GhostOfAMachine]

I bought mine a month ago because its 6 spd manual and a box hatchback. I'm too spoiled from driving manual transmissions since I started driving

[@ivan72087]

Kia should have had awd as an option on this by now.

[@maximusgladi8or]

it is asked for, but it would reduce cabin room.

[@pjay1281]

Guys all wheel drive would make the Soul expensive,and it will reduce the cargo space. KIA makes a smart decision,by not add it. Have you guys never heard of snow tires? Yes add snow tires,and the car would be fine.

[@ilosayan]

Then they shouldn't have teased an AWD Soul a few years ago. We'll probably get AWD anyway. Folks have been asking for awhile now.

[@bextar6365]

You can bet the new Soul will have it's best sales year ever since it first came to market. X-Lent commuter car. Hard plastic on the doors, so what.

[@matty1053]

You are wrong. They are using the Kona frame now. So they can put AWD in. A hybrid AWD would be beneficial. (Electric motor for rear drive)

[@pjay1281]

@@matty1053 Really genius Between the Kona and the Soul witch one has more cargo space ?

[@roryjones95]

How many 4x4s with shitty tires crash in the snow?? More than a fwd with good tires...

[@jamesstuart3346]

Without AWD or Snow Mode this is just a test of tires and driver skill

[@cubedtothex]

You used to be able to get the 1.6 Turbo without all the tech for much cheaper. I love my 2017+ with the “old” but more powerful 2.0 with the 6 speed auto. Sure, the MPGs aren’t as good, but still decent. I’d be all about the Turbo if it wasn’t for the hap hazard DCT.

[@BigBroccoli_]

Sure boxcars aren’t my thing but these look really nice after the remodel and ANY model looks better than the Nissan Juke imo

[@camperatwill3951]

Like this Dude and his video, it’s real.

[@michaelfishburn192]

you don't have too offer the soul in AWD to make it a crossover!! I like your reviews!! but its still a sub compact crossover!!

[@noroar3258]

not a fan of the overly big front grill on the 2020 at all which kinda sucks because the 2019 ; and earlier models were kinda growing on me as I'm kicking tires on something different on my next lease

[@AmrothPalantir]

decent dude. thumbs up.

[@MASKOAA]

TFL.... we’ll try to make a FWD Kia Soul look good in the snow and then act completely dumbfounded when driving a Subaru having it slide everywhere or not making it up the tiniest inclines.

[@mkel0385]

MASKOAA Subaru’s are actually a scary experience in snow. The back end kicks out even with studded snow tires.

[@jjr007]

@@mkel0385 With the manual I would guess, as that is a 50/50 split, cvt is supposedly 60/40.

[@dommm111]

Haha thats a COOL vide Nathan!

[@mikeharris7261]

xline trim should have the turbo also

[@hosea1320]

Mike Harris @ Gotta pay to play!

[@daveeed0036]

Why cvt though? Can someone tell me why companies are going towards these transmissions? From what I’ve heard these things only last 50k miles before they start giving problems. Just an honest question. Not trying to talk to trolls.

[@stephenhendricks103]

CVT's enable manufacturers to tune their transmissions for improved fuel efficiency compared to other designs. And in a competitive environment where the Moroney sticker is slapped on the window of a vehicle in a showroom, getting an EPA rating one or two mpg's higher than would otherwise be the case is a major sales tool. I'm no fan of CVT's but I'd readily admit that manufacturers have improved them significantly since I drove one of the first efforts from Nissan almost ten years ago. And that applies both to the performance and the durability of CVT designs. I do think that CVT's are most appropriate for smaller, lighter vehicles and that's why they're more common among vehicles in those categories. I'm more skeptical about a CVT in larger vehicles like the Maxima and two ton plus crossovers but Nissan seems to be fully committed to them across the range of the brand. Other manufacturers are more selective in their applications.

[@daveeed0036]

Stephen Hendricks I’ll stick with my Honda Accord with its 5 speed.

[@vegasbab.y3740]

I wish they made this car in a hybrid or electric like they did before but if they made this car in a hybrid it would outsell all mid size Utility vehicles and CUVs

[@Insuranceexamprep]

They guys The best drivers

[@bm9074]

Not bad not bad at all great video Nathan

[@leightonelliott3140]

I own a 2015 Kia Soul w/6 speed manual. Great little car with great gas mileage. My only complaint is the shifter. When changing gears it is not smooth. No grinding the syncros. Just feels different, in a way I'm not used to. The best way I can describe it is it has little hesitation as you move into the next gear. Wish the rear end suspension was fully independent. So far a solid car. Handles snow like a champ. This last winter I slapped some cable chains on for added security. Did not really need them but as a professional driver I felt safer on the ice and slush.

[@buixote]

I dunno, our 2010 Subaru Outback gets better mileage, and is bigger. Love the Soul; we had the 2016 EV... really bummed that the 2020 eSoul isn't being sold in the US.

[@LechuzaPrecoz]

I like the way this guy reviews cars. Much better than Doug DeMuro.

[@reiniertl]

California guy talking about a soul driven on snow. Meanwhile I'm like... WTF?. There is an infection of those here in Ontario, snow is just a normal day in the life of that car and they do just fine. Nice review, though.

[@debestbest2474]

Cute car Kia the power to surprise