2023 KIA Soul: Next-Gen Small Crossover Model
2023 KIA Soul
2023 KIA Soul – The Kia Soul is a pretty fun eccentric with many Kia fans. Its unique style has evolved for everyone as this crossover is a prime example of a daily utility in a compact package.
Its box-shaped dimensions may resemble the SUV’s blueprint, but its high speed and lack of all-wheel drive can fool anyone into thinking it’s a hatchback.
Nevertheless, the Kia Soul is renowned for its practical cabin, efficient powertrain, and family-friendly features.
2023 KIA Soul
Kia Soul 2023 will most likely be a small-medium cycle refresher. Soul competes with incredible compact crossovers such as Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, and many other crossovers.
With this segment already full of many signage, Soul easily distinguishes himself from the rest, thanks to his charming style. Here we explore all the features and features that make Kia Soul 2023 a charismatic car.
KIA Soul Trims Level
Kia Soul 2023 will probably be available in six trim levels like the previous generation: LX, X-Line, GT-Line, S, EX, and Turbo. You get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for almost every trim level that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque.
The turbo trim offers a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.
The LX model has a standard six-speed manual transmission, but a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional. Turbo models offer a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The basic LX trim model lost options for manual transmission—it was the only version without a standard automatic—but the entry-level Soul got a new technology package that swapped steel wheels for new alloys and brought along active safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and collision warning, rear traffic collision avoidance, and forward collision avoidance, among others.
LX models also get a slightly larger eight-inch infotainment screen by 2023, up one inch from last year’s model.
Further up the Soul ladder, the S, X-Line, and GT-Line models all get a much larger 10.25-inch screen as standard.
They also now have dual automatic climate control, a start button, a wireless smartphone charger, and two USB ports. All Souls, regardless of trim, will wear the recently redesigned Kia badge.
What’s New for 2023?
Updates to Soul 2023 include the company’s new logo spreading throughout the lineup. It appears on the bonnet, the truck body, the wheels, and the steering wheel.
No other visual changes are obvious, but there is more standard equipment available.
The LX gets a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen, while the S, X-Line, and GT-Line now have a 10.3-inch touchscreen as standard with built-in navigation.
This trim level is also standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, start button, wireless charging pad, and additional USB ports; These features were previously only available on EX and Turbo trims.
2023 KIA Soul Engine
Kia Soul continues to offer two powertrains by 2023. The first option is a naturally aspirated inline-4 2.0L base engine that uses gasoline and produces 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.
Kia combines this engine with a continuous variable transmission similar to most small crossovers. However, as an advantage, the machine can also be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, appealing to traditional shift-stick riders.
The second engine on offer is the 1.6L turbocharged inline-4, which offers 201 horses and 195 rounds. The engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
However, the problem is that the machine is not well synchronized with the double-clutch gearbox and often feels jerky to be controlled at low speeds or traffic signals.
Fuel Economy
As the standard powertrain remains unchanged, Soul 2023 is expected to emit the same fuel economy figures as its predecessor.
The Soul can rotate to produce an incredible 29 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway with a basic 4-cylinder engine under the hood.
However, Soul lost some fuel economy figures when equipped with a manual gearbox, with 25 MPG of the city, 31 MPG of highways, and 27 MPGs combined.
2023 KIA Soul Exterior
The Kia Soul underwent a recent exterior update with the 2020 model year. However, Kia might want to apply a bit of a mid-cycle refresh to the boxy exterior to make it more eye-catching.
A wider grille, sharper lines, bolder bumpers, and possibly new exterior colors might give the Soul a much-needed competitive edge.
This unique design is still a big hit among customers, but Kia may want to eliminate the Soul box shape.
Instead, customers demand a floating roof design, so Soul may already be in the works for visual refreshment. However, we will have to wait for official news from Kia regarding any exterior updates.
2023 KIA Soul Interior
Soul’s interior may receive some light visual enhancement. Again, don’t expect any dramatic changes to the design language.
The cabin is very spacious for small crossover utility vehicles and can accommodate five people. However, we recommend carrying only four passengers so that the back seat does not rub against their shoulders.
The cabin features a modern design to suit the tastes of its passengers.
The well-packed cabin provides adequate legroom in the front and rear passenger compartments. As a result, two 6-foot-tall passengers can feel comfortable in the spacious front place.
The driver also gets a variety of seat adjustment options such as 6-way power on the bottom trim and 10-way power that can be adjusted to the 2-way lumbar power of the Turbo trim.
The seats are decorated with high-quality fabric upholstery as standard. Drivers can add a touch of luxury by choosing synthetic leather upholstery.
The Soul offers 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, perfect for small families.
The crossover also offers a maximum of 62.1 cubes of free space behind the front seats when the rear seats are folded in a 60/40 division. We expect these incredible cargo figures to carry over to the 2023 model as well.
KIA Soul Safety
Kia always ensures the best safety list for every car in its lineup. However, basic safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection are missing in the base trim.
Soul only gets a full set of safety features as you climb to the higher trim ranks.
Nevertheless, Soul was ranked IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2021. Optional safety features such as blind-spot detection, daylight lights, rearview mirrors, and lane departure alerts enhance soul safety.
Most of these safety features will be retained for 2023, and equipping them should all be the driver’s top priority. Important safety features included with the Kia Soul 2023 are:
- Lane Keep Help
- Driver Drowsiness Warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Forward Collision-avoidance Assist
- Rear Traffic Collision Warning
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Soul offers a 7-inch touchscreen as standard, aligned with Kia’s latest UVO infotainment system.
In addition, the basic trim will include standard technology features such as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker sound system, navigation, and Bluetooth. Important interior parts of the Kia Soul 2023 include:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen
- USB port
- SiriusXM satellite radio
- Wireless charging
- Harman Kardon audio system
2023 KIA Soul Price
KIA Souls may experience price increases for 2023. LX models start at $20,365. That looks like a big jump when you realize that LX 2021 is priced at $18,765.
However, Kia makes the (previously optional) $1,500 continuous variable automatic transmission (CVT) a standard feature that accounts for most of that advantage.
Mid-level S-cut cars start at $22,665, while X-Line and GT-Line cars will start at $23,765. Ex and Turbo 1.6 Souls top-of-the-range will cost $24,665 and $28,965.