More Spirit than Expected // 2023 Kia Soul Review and Buying Guide
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- Опубліковано 30 лип 2024
- #KiaSoul #GTline
The GT-Line Technology Package ups the ante with a wide range of sought-after features and driver-assist systems. A Harman/Kardon premium audio is accessed through the 10.25-inch color touchscreen and features an external amplifier, subwoofer, and door-mounted tweeters. Multi-colored LED speaker lights pulse in time with the tunes and the heated front seats offer a warm embrace during cold-weather drives. The GT-Line Technology Package also includes:
Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning capability (radar + camera type)2
Highway Drive Assist3
Navigation based Smart Cruise Control
Electronic Parking Brake
Power driver seat
High-gloss interior trim
LED headlights and taillights
Cargo Cover
Dual-level cargo floor
Highlighting Kia America’s commitment to safety and security, a number of previously optional features are now standard across all trims, including:
Forward Collision Avoidance Assist-Pedestrian (FCA-Ped; camera type)4
Lane Keeping Assist + Lane Following Assist5
Driver Attention Warning6
Lane Departure Warning7
High Beam Assist
Rear Occupant Alert (door logic)
For 2023, Soul is powered by a single powertrain. The efficient 2.0-liter inline four cylinder produces 147-horsepower at 6,200 rpm and lays down 132 lb.-ft- of torque at 4,500 rpm through the front wheels. Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission is standard across all variants.
Segment-busting Urban Runabout Sees Significant Enhancements for the New Model Year
Notable design enhancements front and rear set 2023 Soul apart
Bold and lively new colors let the fun shine through
Simplified lineup includes well-equipped LX, S, EX, GT-Line variants
Forward Collision Avoidance Assist1 - Pedestrian one of many new standard tech-focused features
00:00 - Engine
00:33 - Exterior
01:22 - Cargo
02:13 - Backseat
03:07 - Frontseat
05:17 - Driving Impressions
11:46 - Buying Guide - Авто та транспорт
It's actually a station wagon for insurance purposes.
Love, love, love the roominess .
I have a 2019 Soul Base, with 6 speed manual. Bought it used about a year ago as a second/commuter car. I wasn't even considering it, but test drove it anyway and liked it right away. It's easy to drive, pretty comfortable, roomy for it's size, and highway gas mileage exceeds it's 30mpg rating in my case. I easily get 36 mpg with primarily hwy driving. City mpg is in the high 20 mpg range though.
Congrats with the 6MT Soul!
The rear floor deck lifts up. It’s in the lower position for cargo. Raise it up to hide storage.
The Soul is a great car for the mobility impaired. The doors are huge, the hip poiint is fairly high, and the cargo aeea has lots of space for a folding wheel chair or a walker. Price point is low, but getting insurance on a Kia is problematic in several states 😮
Great reply! I too am disabled with a cain and it is hard finding a vehicle in this size range that are as easy on entry and exit as this car. The minor quibbles do not come close to the benefits of getting in and out. What I cannot figure out is I sat in several of the different trims and they all seemed to have different seat positions and comfort. One, the top and back was very far away while seated and another was great and supported my back and neck and just sat better. Still trying to decide. Coming from a VW GTI, so quite a radical change.
Great review BTW!
@@bluemaxx2006 Yeah I'm pretty disabled but egress is a no brainer in the LX. The seat height is perfect because you can adjust the tilt wheel and seatback for your comfort level. and I'm a 250 pounder but still have no issues with the comfort of the seat as well. The LX doesn't come with electric seats but it doesn't seem to matter. This vehicle is much easier to access than the RAV4. I also love driving it (although I'm not at all an aggressive driver).
We purchased a '22 Neptune Turbo 4 months ago as it easily accommodates my wife's full size foldable electric wheelchair. Being Certified Pre-Owned, the drive line and bumper to bumper warranties transferred to us. My Audi TT and my sweet hearts Corvette just didn't have the cargo space and my wife becoming partially paralyzed was sudden after a routine medical procedure. We love everything about this car and since our kids are grown, we use it as a safe 2 seater SUV. I submitted the VIN to GEICO before the purchase and full insurance was immediately approved.
My 19 base is great. Ill buy another Soul someday!
I have a 2023 Soul GT-Line with the tech package. The one reviewed is with the designer package that includes two-tone paint and exclusive Black & White interior, with sunroof removed, and it’s the same for 2024 model year. The tech package includes LED headlights, LED fog lights, LED taillights (Mind you I love the LED taillight design), Harman/Kardon premium audio, mood lighting, HDA, EPB, and more.
The noticeable change for 2024 model year is a new designer package for EX trim, which includes Umber Cloth & SynTex seating and 18-inch Sport Alloy Wheels (Same design as the 2020-2022 Soul GT-Line/GT-Line Turbo/Turbo). As for some other updates that I’ll list regarding paint options:
- Undercover Green is absent
- Snow White Pearl is, apparently, no longer available on GT-Line with tech package, and standard EX trim
- Neptune Blue is now available on EX with designer package
GT-Line now has heated side view mirrors (previously on EX only) that felt was missing, I guess. All trims (except EX) apparently have an MPG estimate of 27 on the city (previously 28).
I love driving around with my 2023 Soul! It is roomy and comfortable-great for tall people. Excellent powertrain! 14 months, 11K miles on it so far and no issues-just one of the heated front seats never worked but I recently got it fixed at last. Things I really like, new for 2023 is the refreshed exterior design (especially the GT-Line trim with its unique body styling, 18-inch wheel design and center exhaust), available USB-C ports, standard digital cluster, smoother responsiveness on the 10.25-inch touchscreen display, available EPB…and more!
For best fuel economy, EX trim is the way to go; too bad LEDs are still not an option like it used to, on the 2020 model year. LX trim is a fine choice if you don’t mind it doesn’t have push-button start, and it has a generous 8-inch touchscreen display that should have wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
I get 30 mpg around town on mine. He's probably a more aggressive driver. I also do NOT burn flex fuel. I have the 2024 LX. I also installed WeatherTech floor mats and haven't noticed hardly any road noise at 50 mph & find this vehicle just as quiet as my brother's Rav4 which cost another 15k. Price/performance wise the Soul blows the Rav4 away at least initially. Down the road after 200k miles maybe not so much. The Soul is also super easy to egress despite its small exterior size. Its seat is butt height too for us older folks that may be somewhat disabled.
I have that exact vehicle. GT line and same color and everything. Love it.
I love looking at things I want but can never afford!
In the back the bottom can be raised up and put in those grooves to make a flat floor in the back.
Thanks for this haha
I have a 2021 KIA Soul T-GDI and I average about 32 MPG between city and highway driving. The Turbo is so much fun to drive and with the paddle shifters I can get 0-60 in about 6 seconds. Yeah the car was a little over $30,000 but it does have everything. HUD, paddle shifters, electric driver side seat, heated seats/steering wheel, dual climate control, Harmon Kardon sound, sunroof, every safety feature included and all lights (except vanity mirror lights) are LED including the puddle lights. I did wind up with a defective transmission but KIA did replace it with a new one at no cost. The car is pearl white with red accents and it looks great. It has 18” wheels and the ride is a bit stiffer than the standard model because of the tuned suspension. I drive it in standard mode most of the time because Sport mode is a little too much. I actually prefer a little turbo lag where sport mode is a bit abrupt in regular traffic. It’s too easy to get up on the person ahead of you and front collision detection sounds off. Even in standard mode it happens pretty often. Unfortunately KIA has dropped the T-GDI so MPG and fun has gone out the window. I doubt they will ever bring it back so this will be my last KIA Soul. Boo KIA for taking the soul out of the Soul.
I have a 2020 and love it. It’s our second one and much improved over the years, drives like a go cart.
Kirk you must have a lead foot, I’ve never gotten below 30.
Yeah I'm thinking the same. I get 30 easy around town. I have the 2024 LX
I have a 2022 base model with 40,000 miles the car is literally my office, it's been great. Replaced the tires at 30,000 with a set of Continental's. It's quiet, averaging 33mpg combined.
Good thing the HVAC are still hard buttons. I hope the K5 keeps that no matter how many refreshes it gets before discontinuation
Or EV-fication.
My mother bought a new Soul in 2015 and has beat the hell out of it. It is still going and kicking well at 150k. No idea how!
Great buying advice. Keep the bargain option at the baseline bargain price. Not a CVT fan but at least I now know the details why in this variant. Definitely agree with your trim level choice. 💯 14:40
The EX does have some nicer soft touch surfaces, 6 way power seat, and an accessory port in the rear trunk area with a cargo cover but love love the wheels and contrast seating.
Also you can go into settings and turn off split screen for android auto or CarPlay and it will take up the whole screen
Last month I helped my cousin with buying a new 2023 Kia Soul LX. Agreed with you LX trim is the most reasonable choice. In today market of high prices for new cars, Kia Soul is probably the cheapest small SUV you can buy for a reliable transportation.
Don’t know what this is classified as but calling it an SUV is a bit misleading. Barely any cargo room.
Especially recently, Kia has been in my radar for possible sedans i will buy from.
Which i NEVER expected to happen, i wasnt a kia fan in i the slightest
The design of the rear part when viewed from the side reminds me of WILL SYPHA. The concept of the car itself is probably inspired by the Nissan CUBE and Toyota bB.
I feel like this car has potential to be so much cooler
Cool little SUV. I see alot of these on the road and kia make affordable cars.
Cool
Kirk ! Where is the video of the teaser of the upcoming Mitsubishi Pajero Sport AKA Nissan Xterra 2025 !!
I'm travelling mate.
Really want to see them bring the hybrid version to USA as an option. Would fix the fuel efficiency.
That or go with next size up with the kia Niro.
@brokeboy87 You're talking a 7k+ difference at just the base model. Tack on a hybrid to the Soul for 2-3k and still come out much less.
Ok jokes aside man how are you gonna say when laying the back seats down they don't touch the front? Kind of depends on the positioning of the front seats. I'm 6ft3 the front seats are going all the back with a slight tilt in the back part
They don't touch the front seat. There's a surprising amount of knee room for backseat passengers for such a tiny vehicle.
Still love my xB, much better motor, and was first. Kia still makes these because they were cheaper than xBs.
Does this model require never ending oil changes and at least four new engines before 150,000 miles?
Along with 4 extinguishers
I got a the 2020 gt line turbo in october 2020 for that price...
I'm a little surprised about your gas mileage since my mom average 35+ when she takes hers back and forth from Or-CA. Although she went with the base model trim.
Wheel size and Air Con could sap mileage. Now most of my driving was in town too.
Disappointing it doesn’t have LED headlights for this day in age.
My 21 does.
Ours does, EX level.
Hell yeah my boys listening to Tupac on the radio! 😂 I can picture listening to rap music in my box on wheels lmao 😂
to each their own. I've never listened to any of that stuff its not even singing its just fucken noise.
Saw a lot of these in the junkyard because of blown engines.
I really like the Kia Soul BUT I'm gonna be honest. That rear end is hideous. It is the only thing I dislike about this car.
To each their own different strokes for different folks that's why not every vehicle is identical. I don't like not having an electric gate though because I'm an invalid. Had to add a handle to this guy so I could reach it.
No hybrid or hybrid EV version is a huge miss. AWD would also be nice. Full pass for me.
To each their own. We don't need AWD in FL nor do we need heated seats or steering wheel. In fact we rarely even need cabin heat. I personally couldn't care less regarding EV I'll never own one of those AND they're not well suited to FL anyway. get a Prius I heard they're pretty good cars but I don't know anyone that owns them. however my whole family owns Kia Souls.
You can get a camry 28k with a good old fashioned 8 speed automatic.
Where the dancing hamsters at tho
Too long videos.
Tooooo many ads at the beginning.
I stay away from Home Depot becuz toooo many ads.
I am out of here.
I'd rather the Nissan CUBE electrified if Nissan were able to rub their two brain cells and bank account together
Lead engineer: make entire car hideous.
For about $25k I have no issues with this car, any more than that its getting old.
Do people still buy kia souls💀
Do people still buy +2 tonne pretentious brand and status statements whilst driving over the limit in a school zone? 💀💀
@@toyotaprius79 💀
Yes. A lot of people are. Why tho?
Bro we got BEEF🍖!!!
Its looks uncomfortable with itself exterior wise. But itle sell for sure
No Turbo is a deal breaker for me
Actuallyi would be blessed with no kia turbo
@@moeanthony9308 that is true
Why's that? you want a jet get a Tesla.
How easily can you steal it
That's my biggest concern with Kia's, along with whether you'd be able to get it insured.
Kia soul is the worst car ever don’t be fooled by the facade
Worst, huh? I know someone that has a 2011 model stick that has over 200k on it. Still has it. Probably has something to do with maintenance along with how he DRIVES! He said he's had to change out a coupla light bulbs.
I don´t like this Car.
@Brian_Eugene_Leeno one makes a cvt better than Toyota and Honda.
@Brian_Eugene_Lee Only if you say "pretty please sire with cherry on top"
alengreen👉🤡.