Kia is often called ‘the poor man’s Honda,’ but that title isn’t one that’s deserved. Kia is a strong, reliable brand that just happens to be priced more affordably. Of course, there are years that you probably should avoid, just like any model out there. But Kia offers a lot of the same features as other popular brands, and drivers that are loyal to the Kia brand have plenty of good things to say about them. What about the Kia Soul?

As one of the more exciting models in the line-up, does it get the same amount of love?

The Kia Soul of the past

You may not remember when the Soul was a hip, youthful, free-spirited crossover. It has changed so much since it first appeared on the American market in 2010. The Soul saw styling updates in 2012 and its first complete redesign in 2014. It hasn’t seen a redesign since then, but now 2020 brings an entirely new look. 

When the Soul debuted, Kia used hamsters to showcase the fun, new car. The hamsters were meant to show buyers that while people live like hamsters in a wheel with everything being the same, the Kia Soul was a new, fun, and different option for people. While many people thought the commercials were annoying, they proved to be a big hit for sales. 

What makes the Kia Soul stand out today

The new changes come with a new hamster-free commercial. While it shocked many fans, Kia explained that it all went with the territory of the changes being made to the Soul. The ad itself even says,

“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.” 

And changed they have. Motortrend says that the “latest design seems to indicate that Kia has gotten more serious about the Soul as a genuine competitor in the overcrowded crossover market.”

Less focused on a youthful, fun appearance and more dressed to impress, the 2020 stands out among the crowd and looks surprisingly like it could be in the Range Rover family, most similar to the Evoque. And it’s true; the Soul is sleeker and more sophisticated on both the outside and the inside. 

Most notably are the changes to the exterior, with the wraparound headlights that are reminiscent of the similar, thinner ones of the Range Rover. The third-generation Soul aspires to bring a sleeker, more handsome styling to the game.

One look at the first-generation Soul and you can see what Motortrend is talking about. Less youthful cutesiness and more grown-up appeal. The illusion of a floating roof gives it another element in a crisp look made to help drivers be proud of the new Soul. 

The 2020 Kia Soul

The 2020 Kia Soul helps solidify Kia as a brand that’s in it for the long haul. Kia has taken its brand from low-end vehicles to quality, almost luxury-like cars. While it may be more luxury-like, it still offers a low starting price of $17,500. The official Kia site boasts that “with a completely redesigned exterior and interior, high-tech features, and available turbocharged engine, the 2020 Soul is a marvel of adaptability.”

It still has its same soul and versatility as the original hatchback while being updated to bring improved comfort, drivability, and unique styling. Reviewers agree. USNews ranks it #1 in their subcompact SUV category, while Kelley Blue Book experts rate it as 4.6/5 stars, and consumers give it 5/5. 

Is the Soul right for you?

What about you? Are you intrigued by the changes to the Kia Soul, or do you prefer the older versions? If you’re looking for a bit more luxury, you may just find it in the new Kia Soul. Want the older version? The Kia brand is well-known for its extensive power-train warranty, so you won’t be disappointed either way.