The upcoming 2020 Kia Soul is still testing up in the Rocky Mountains.
Our friend Brian Waring is on point with his spy game – catching the 2020 Kia Soul out testing in the Colorado Rockies. We spotted the third generation of Kia’s hit hatchback in July as well. It seems Kia is still keen on dialing in the new Soul in Colorado – here’s what we know so far:
Platform and powertrains
It’s likely the 2020 Kia Soul will move to a new platform. While Kia’s boxy hatchback largely retains its shape, the general consensus is that the Soul may share its platform with the new Hyundai Kona. That makes sense, since both cars are roughly the same size. More than that, the Kona rides well and has sharp handling traits.
Engines are a bit of a question mark at this point. We expect Kia fit updated versions of the Soul’s current 1.6 and 2.0-liter engine options in the 2020 Kia Soul. In the current Soul, the 2.0-liter engine manages 161 horsepower. In its 1.6-liter form, it makes 130 horsepower or 201 horsepower, depending on whether we’re talking about the base or turbo model. Interestingly, both engines are more powerful than their similarly-sized counterparts in the Kona. Odds are a six-speed manual will still be available in the base model, while higher-level trims will still get a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
This particular car is almost certainly a Turbo model, as this one has a dual-pipe center exit exhaust.
All-wheel drive coming?
Kia’s had all-wheel drive on the brain for awhile now. We know this because of the Trail’ster concept that first emerged a few years ago. Again, it makes sense that the next Soul could have both front- and all-wheel drive variants if it shares its platform with the Hyundai Kona. Think about it – a small, all-wheel drive, turbocharged hatchback? We’re thinking Kia may be on to something.
Now, Kia likely won’t make the 2020 Kia Soul that much more powerful while also giving it all-wheel drive. More than likely, it will be Kia’s alternative to the Hyundai Veloster, another funky, sort of out there hatchback.
As we don’t have any official information (yet), pricing is still unknown. However, we don’t expect the needle to jump much from the 2019 Kia Soul’s $17,430 starting price (including destination charges).
Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates! Check out our last encounter with the 2020 Kia Soul prototype below:
