2020 Kia Soul: A superb 3rd act

The third-generation Kia Soul, redesigned for the 2020 model year, receives a new platform, sleeker headlights and more sculpted lines, while keeping the same general look as the outgoing version. Two engines are available: a 2.0-liter four cylinder with 147 hp or a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four with 201 hp. Here's a collection of snippets of Soul reviews from the automotive media.

"Yes, you notice the 201 hp and 195 lb-ft. I did appreciate the gasoline direct injection compared to the rest of the Soul line's slightly less efficient multiport injection. A possible estimate for a 0-60 time for the turbo Soul would be under seven seconds, but I didn't find a flat, empty, safe place to do my usual iPhone-timed launch, so that's just a guess. There are paddle shifters on this rig, so you can downshift into corners and things like that, but those fake steps programed into the IVT transmission found on the rest of the Soul line are good enough that you might not miss the more expensive DCT on this top-of-the-line trim level."

-- Mark Vaughn, Autoweek

"Passing is for the patient with the 2.0, although never unsafe or exasperating. That being said, the Soul undergoes a personality shift when equipped with its turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder, which continues to offer the same 201 horses and 195 lb-ft of twist as it did before. Not only is the turbo quieter at speed, but its torque delivery is confident and quick, thanks in large part to the standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that serves as its partner in performance."

-- Benjamin Hunting, Automobile

"On paper, the new 2.0-liter engine looks a bit meager with just 147 hp — 14 hp less than the previous 2.0-liter one. Factor in that a continuously variable transmission (CVT) replaced the previous six-speed automatic, and it would be natural for drivers to be pessimistic about performance. But they'd be wrong.

"This new combination works surprisingly well. Power delivery is smooth, without too much noise. The Soul isn't quick, but it's quite responsive around town and it can merge on highways without drama. In some small cars, CVTs tend to allow engine revs to race and convey that the car's engine is struggling. That's not the case here. The Soul's CVT has built-in steps that simulate the shifts felt with conventional automatic transmissions, the telltale pause and drop in engine revs that climb again during acceleration. Most drivers would be hard-pressed to identify this as a CVT, and our team was impressed with the overall powertrain combination."

-- Jeff S. Bartlett, Consumer Reports

"The Soul is surprisingly fun to drive around long, sweeping curves. The GT-Line's available sport-tuned suspension reduces body roll and keeps the Soul cornering flatter through corners, but even the standard Soul is stable. While it's primarily meant for commuting, the Soul handles a set of corners better than most in its class.

"The Soul rides more stiffly than other small crossovers, and driving over harsh bumps and dips results in noticeable shocks transmitted into the cabin. However, the upside is that Soul feels more in control. Rivals are often too softly tuned, resulting in a ride that can feel floaty and disconnected at higher speeds. The GT-Line, when optioned with its upgraded engine and suspension, has an even firmer ride, but driving enthusiasts won't likely mind.

"There's not much engine or road noise from either trim, but the Soul's boxy shape inherently creates a lot of wind noise. While you can still talk to passengers without raising your voice, you will be able to hear the wind at highway speeds, even with the sound system turned up."

-- Cameron Rogers, Edmunds

"It doesn't take long to 'get' what the Soul is after. It's a compact car, after all, that steers closer to runabout than runaway. The base engine and automatic transmission are geared for low-speed spunk, and its short turning circle is a boon around strip-mall parking lots.

"Its steering is heavier than we expected; far from the easy circles made in other econoboxes, but Kia's lacks any sort of build up. From the generous middle, where the Kia glides comfortably without much effort at highway speeds, the steering ramps up quickly and without progression. Lock-to-lock is a mere 2.5 circles, which is delightfully easy at low speeds.

"The Soul warms up quick to our right-foot touch, the throttle is eager to please but a little flummoxed when pressed into duty. The good news: the base automatic transmission doesn't howl with its back to the wall; the Soul's amused at the request and complies — eventually."

-- Aaron Cole, The Car Connection

"The other lasting impression is the way the sportified Soul hauls its boxy tail around — literally, since it is a front-wheel drive car with about 60% of weight on the front tires. It's a riot. Launched hard from a dead stop, the car will briefly squat and make the front tires lose traction, scuffing and chirping and swiveling in the moment, against the bogging of the traction control. But then the 18-inch performance tires find grip and off it goes ... from 0-60 mph in under seven seconds.

"The turbo-four will spool its guts out to 5,000 rpm, and the seven-speed dual-clutch — itself an anomaly in its class — can rap out gear changes like a little Porsche. This thing is filet de hamster.

"Despite the fact that the Soul somehow looks like it might fall over in a stiff breeze, it negotiates corners with body roll very well contained. The e-steering response varies from quick to quicker — with the Sport mode selected — and the little car's turn-in character couldn't be more willing nor agreeable."

-- Dan Neil, The Wall Street Journal