Kia is pulling out all the stops for one of their most recognizable rides. The 2023 Kia Soul debuts not only a refreshingly refined new look, but a new standard for the subcompact SUV segment. A new suite of standard safety and security features, upgraded tech, and two new colour options place Kia’s funky and fun-to-drive SUV outside of the box and ahead of the competition. Though an official Canadian release date and pricing details haven’t been released yet, we’ll get you caught up on what we know so far.
The 2023 Kia Soul will maintain its distinctive design, with a few changes to its front and rear fascia. Up front, new daytime running lights, turn signals, and redesigned fog lights give the Soul a sleeker and sportier appearance, while newly redesigned taillights and available 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels round out its exterior. The most notable changes to the Soul’s exterior are the addition of two brand-new two-toned colour options: Clear White with Fusion Black roof, and Surf Blue with a Fusion Black roof (pictured below).
Within the cabin, the fourth-generation Soul brings top-of-the-line tech straight to your fingertips. A thoughtfully positioned switchgear falls readily to-hand just above Kia’s newly added 10.25” touchscreen with navigation (almost 30% larger than previous versions) - which comes standard equipped on all trim levels above LX. For even more cutting edge tech, Kia is implementing two new technology packages: the LX Technology Package and the GT-Line Technology Package.
As for under the hood upgrades, Kia said it best themselves: “what worked best remains and what has changed has made a good thing better.” The Soul will continue cruising with its 2.0-liter inline four cylinder engine, capable of producing 147-horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 lb.-ft- of torque at 4,500 rpm, however Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission will now come standard across all variants.
Last, but certainly not least, are the new safety and security features that come standard across every trim level:
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist-Pedestrian (FCA-Ped; camera type)
- Lane Keeping Assist + Lane Following Assist
- Driver Attention Warning
- Lane Departure Warning
- High Beam Assist
- Rear Occupant Alert (door logic)
