Kia is very active in the subcompact segment. Two vehicles were not enough, but the company launched another one – Seltos. But, that is not all. The Korean manufacturer redesigned its most popular product for this class. The new 2021 KIA Soul is not going to be changed, since the crossover arrived for this season with the fresh styling and new features. Also, the carmaker is not going to rush with the premiere of the 2021 YM. The debut might be prepared for the second quarter of next season.
The new design is definitely one of the reasons why you should give the 2021 KIA Soul a chance. Well, the styling was always attractive, but the revisit made it even more interesting. The base offer is more than competitive. Also, higher trim levels are cool, with some advanced features, which we can find on more popular vehicles of this class. On the other hand, safety is not among the best. The optional petrol engine is not great, but another option is the electric drivetrain.
The 2021 KIA Soul EV will debut with the new styling since the company delayed this powertrain. We could also see other updates on the battery, which will make the crossover more efficient. Currently, the large battery is good for 243 miles.
2021 KIA Soul Specs (Petrol Engines)
Under the bonnet of the 2021 Soul will be a 2.0-liter engine by default. A four-pot unit is good for 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Kia mates it to a manual transmission, while CVT is optional. The transmission sends power to the front wheels. The new Soul is not going to offer all-wheel drive. At the EX trim level, you will get the best mileage – 29/35 mpg. The automatic start/stop system helps a lot with efficiency.
If you want more power, a 1.6-liter turbo can help. It adds 55 ponies but does not consume too much more fuel. Turbo crossover returns 32 mpg on the open road. Subcompact vehicle with 200 hp and such fuel economy is an excellent combination.
2021 KIA Soul EV Range and Release Date
The debut of the all-electric Soul is definitely the highlight of the next season. You can still buy the EV, but the model for 2019. The company is probably not preparing an all-new motor. On the other hand, upgrades on the current battery could make it go at least 250 miles. Also, engineers will work on the recharging system to speed up the process. By using fast chargers, you will be able to refill the battery in less than 1 hour! Standard outlets are still slow. Level 2 recharge time will drop to 8 hours.
Trim Levels
Even the standard offer with petrol engines has to offer a variety of trim levels. The base package is the 2021 KIA Soul LX and it is one of the most affordable crossovers in the market, with the price tag of $17,500. A 2.0-liter engine is standard. Inside the cockpit, buyers will find manually adjustable seats. A 7-inch touchscreen display sits at the center of the dashboard. The audio system comes with six speakers, and the infotainment system is offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto right from the start.
By choosing the S package, buyers upgrade wheels with 16-inchers. Blindspot monitor system enhances safety, as well as the lane keep and change assist options. The GT-Line pays more attention to some exterior details. Also, inside we find the sportier steering wheel. The price is similar to the S model.
The 2021 KIA Soul X-Line is more muscular with 18-inch wheels. The GT package is replaced with upgrades from the X-Line bundle. EX model adds even more for only $1,000 investment. For example, you get wireless charger, heated front buckets, UVO link infotainment with navigation and 10-inch screen, and many more. Still, the most expensive offer is for the GT-Line model with turbo engine. A 1.6-liter turbocharged engine is the main reason why this version costs $7,000 more than the standard one.
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