The South Korean company introduced the Trailster concept back in 2015 at the Chicago Auto Show, and now this Soul-based version will finally enter the production. The 2019 Kia Trailster comes with a more sophisticated exterior, and its extraordinary multi-terrain capability rounds the overall excellent performances.
The new model will be a fine transition from the urban car to all-wheel drive, more off-road competent version. The elegant interior will also help to distinguish this model from the crowd. Moreover, a brand-new e-AWD system will ensure great fuel efficiency and a higher level of traction on the bumpy and harsh terrains.
2019 Kia Trailster Design
The new 2019 Kia Trailster comes with a strong stance, clean elegant lines, and a little bit aggressive design. The terrain-inspired paint scheme in Polar Pearl Snowdrift or Terra-Bronze Metallic also enhances the physical appearance of the new model. Moreover, the car tires are made in a red tone, to make the distinction on the streets. The front end includes a thinner tiger nose grille, which expands through the rectangle-shaped headlamps, very similar to those on the K900 classy sedan. Also, the new model comes with a more brawny bumper and underbody protection.
Unique thing for this vehicle will be lower cladding and brand-new wheels design. The cabin of the Trailster will retain the basic design of the Kia Soul. However, the new model will add inimitable trim accents, all-wheel drive console, pillow-embossed seat material, and premium leather. The interior also includes the latest infotainment system and upgraded safety equipment.
2019 Kia Trailster Colors
Beside mentioned Polar Pearl Snow Drift and Terra-Bronze Metallic paint scheme, the upcoming 2019 Kia Trailster will offer an impressive color palette to the customers. For the exterior, you can choose between eight colors, and each one will make the Trailster shine on the streets. The exterior palette includes magnificent Shadow Black / Inferno Red, Cloud White, Bright Silver, and Titanium Grey as standard color options. Furthermore, the optional colors will be Clear White, Caribbean Blue and Clear White Two-Tone. Also, the Shadow Black and Wild Orange will be available on the higher trim levels.
For the interior, six color and material options are available. The base one is Black Tricot Cloth, which fits perfectly with the cabin design. Next, we got a Black Woven Cloth, Gray Two-Tone Leather, and Gray Two-Tone Woven Cloth. With the upper trim levels, you’ll also get a Designer Collection Black Woven Cloth and Black Leather.
2019 Kia Trailster Specs
For the production model, 2019 Kia Trailster will have the similar engine setup as the concept vehicle. This means that the new model will have the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain. This unit is capable to produce 185 hp and 185 pound-feet of torque. With this powertrain, the combustion engine powers the front wheels through the 6-speed automatic gearbox. Still, what makes a distinction on this model is the rear-mounted electric motor that powers the rear wheels, and delivers the all-wheel-drive capability. The electric motor produces 36 hp and 100 lb-ft of torque.
To sum up, this system provides 220 hp and 285 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor will use a 1.2-kWh lithium-ion battery. Also, one important thing about this model is that the hybrid solution is about 30 percent more fuel efficient in the city, and about ten percent on the highway, in comparison to the regular version.
An electric all-wheel-drive system is in place to deliver low-speed assist that will deliver a higher level of traction when the vehicle encounters less than perfect terrain.
2019 Kia Trailster e-AWD System
One of the best things on the 2019 Kia Trailster is an electric all-wheel drive system. The e-AWD will deliver a higher level of traction when the car meets less than perfect terrain. This setup also helps with the fuel economy, as the AWD only works as needed. The new Trailster utilize a company’s “through the road” hybrid system, with a gasoline engine up front and an electric motor in the rear.
A hybrid starter generator starts and stops the engine as needed, sending power to the battery in the process. This technology may sound like it would use a lot of space, however, it has been made to be easy to store under the cargo floor. The rear electric drive system comes into the process in three different ways. These processes are dependent on the condition of the road and the position of the throttle.
2019 Kia Trailster Release Date and Price
According to some reports and the news from the web, the upcoming 2019 Kia Trailster should hit the streets in the first half of 2019. Still, the South Korean carmaker hasn’t officially confirmed production of this model. The price tag is yet unknown. But, if the company set the Trailster e-AWD in production, the new model should be positioned higher than the Soul EV’s $36,000 price tag.
So, we shall wait for the company to verify the beginning of manufacturing and the official release date. One of the main rivals of a new Kia vehicle will be Subaru Crosstek Hybrid and Jeep Renegade.
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