The popular subcompact crossover has been redesigned last year but that doesn’t mean that Korean manufacturer is done with novelties. Moreover, there is a lot of new things to come with the second production year. As you may presume, it will be mostly about new powertrain options. At this point, we are sure about the all-electric version, but there is also a big chance to see a hybrid version. The 2021 Kia Soul will become much more efficient thanks to these additions. On the other side, the fundamentals should remain the same.
The base design characteristics will remain the same. After the recent redesign, this crossover comes with evolutionary changes, at least when it comes to aesthetics. Still, we are talking about a completely new vehicle, which is more efficient, better to drive and more comfortable. Of course, there is also a pretty long list of tech goodies, which probably won’t be significantly expanded in the 2021 Kia Soul.
It’s Electrification Time!
There is no doubt that the biggest novelties for the next year will be those in terms of powertrain. First of all, the all-electric version is on the way. The 2021 Kia Soul EV will come with a pretty peppy drivetrain, as well as with a quite long range. In numbers, this model is good for about 201 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. Although we talk about the same power as in the turbocharged version of this crossover, you may count on significantly better driving dynamics, as we are talking about almost 100 pound-feet of torque more.
When it comes to battery and range, things are also pretty impressive. The new 2021 Kia Soul EV will come with a pretty large 64-kWh battery, so it’s no wonder that the max range goes up to respectable 200+ miles.
2021 Kia Soul Hybrid
While the EV model has already been presented, the 2021 Kia Soul hybrid is still just a rumor. However, many of these rumors suggest we could see the same system that powers the new Hyundai Kona Hybrid. This means a combination of the 1.6-liter engine and an electric motor, which provides a combined output of 141 horsepower. Still, take this rumor with a reserve, as the company spokesmen are still quiet on this matter.
2021 Kia Soul Engines
On the other side, conventional engine options will remain the same. This means you may count on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit, which is good for about 147 horsepower. Of course, an optional 1.6-liter turbo-four is a far better choice for those who are looking for something peppier. The turbo-four is good for about 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque.
When it comes to fuel economy, both engines feature similar numbers. The base four-cylinder unit returns around 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. On the other side, the turbo-four returns 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
2021 Kia Soul Redesign
Other than new drivetrain options, things will remain pretty much the same. This small crossover has been redesigned last year and came with a bunch of interesting novelties. On one side, you may notice a pretty familiar styling. The new Soul follows the styling philosophy of the previous generation and visual changes are rather subtle. The front face has been slightly revised, but the overall shape is largely the same. There is still a well-known boxy shape, but the new model is actually slightly bigger, as it gains about an inch in the wheelbase. Of course, that’s particularly beneficial in terms of interior space and overall comfort.
Interior
The cabin of 2021 Kia Soul will also remain pretty much the same. This means you may count on a quite comfortable two rows of seats, which are both generous in terms of leg and headroom. Also, the cargo capacity is pretty decent, as you get 24.2 cubic feet behind the second row and 62 cubic feet of the overall cargo space.
When it comes to the overall interior quality, things are pretty good, especially if you consider the price tag. The materials are fine, though some would find the dashboard a little bit bland and uninspiring.
On the other side, there is really nothing to complain about when it comes to standard features, as all models come with goodies like a 7-inch touch screen, six speakers, a USB port, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. In higher trims, you can also get things like a sunroof, wireless device charging, and an upgraded UVO system with a 10.25-inch touch screen, navigation, satellite radio, premium audio system etc.
2021 Kia Soul Release Date and Price
Although the new 2021 Kia Soul EV has been presented, we still don’t know the exact date of its arrival, nor the price tag. On the other side, standard models should arrive late in the year, with the base price around 17.500 dollars.
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