The new generation of the small boxy crossover has arrived recently and we can clearly see improvements in various aspects. Although the styling seems quite familiar, things are much different under the skin. The new model features completely new mechanics and it’s easy to notice significantly better driving experience, particularly in terms of ride quality and handling. Although all these improvements seem nice, that doesn’t mean we won’t see novelties for the second production year as well. Moreover, the 2021 Kia Soul changes will be pretty interesting.
Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is a new EV version, which has already been presented and it is about to arrive later in the year. Some reports also suggest the possibility to see a hybrid version, though the company is still quiet on this matter. On the other side, standard gasoline-powered models are about to carry on in the same way and these models shouldn’t arrive before the last quarter of the year.
2021 Kia Soul EV
There is no doubt that the 2021 Kia Soul EV will be the biggest novelty for the next year. The new model has already been presented and we are waiting for its arrival in the market. Of course, the most important aspect of this version is the drivetrain and it looks like the new version will be pretty quick. From what we have seen at the premiere, the new version will be good for about 200 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. With the same power as turbo-four version and almost 100 lb-ft more, it’s obvious that this version will be capable of delivering pretty amazing performances. We are still waiting for the exact details about speed and acceleration.
When it comes to 2021 Kia Soul EV range and battery, things also look pretty good. The new version will feature a quite large 64-kWh battery pack, which will be able to ensure pretty respectable 200+ miles on a single charge.
2021 Kia Soul Hybrid
While the EV version has been officially confirmed and presented, a hybrid version is still just a rumor. According to these rumors, this version would use the same system as Hyundai Kona Hybrid, which is good for about 140 horsepower. At this point, the officials are pretty quiet on this matter, so take this rumor with a reserve.
2021 Kia Soul Engines
As you can see, a lot of novelties are expected in terms of electrification. On the other side, conventional internal-combustion models will continue in the same way, which means you may count on two familiar gasoline engines in the offer. This means that base versions will carry on with a familiar 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which is good for about 147 horsepower. Of course, those who prefer something peppier will have a choice of a 1.6-liter turbo-four, which delivers 201 horsepower.
The turbo-four seems like an obvious choice, especially if we consider that the fuel economy is pretty similar. The base engine returns around 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The turbo-four is good for about 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
2021 Kia Soul Design
Other than new powertrain options, things should remain pretty much the same. We count on the same looks, which hasn’t changed too much compared to the previous generation. The new model continues with the recognizable boxy shape and changes are rather evolutionary. Still, keep in mind that the EV model will come with a couple of distinctive details. This particularly refers to the front end, where you won’t see that large air intake, but rather just plastics. Also, you may count on things like new wheels, exclusive color options and similar things
Interior
The interior should remain pretty much the same in all versions. This means you may count on a pretty nice cabin, which looks quite decent. The overall quality of cabin materials is pretty good, though there are some surfaces that feature low-rent materials. Also, the overall dashboard design feels a little bit blend. Still, that shouldn’t be taken as a drawback, especially if we consider the price tag.
The thing we particularly like about this model is a quite long list of standard equipment, which includes a lot of tech goodies. All models come standard with things like a 7-inch touch screen, six speakers, a USB port, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offer, even more, so you can get things like a sunroof, wireless device charging, and an upgraded UVO system with a 10.25-inch touch screen, navigation, satellite radio etc.
Release Date and Price
On one side, gasoline models should come in a typical time of the year, sometime in the last quarter of the year, in which the price should remain pretty much the same, which means around 17.500 dollars for the base version. On the other side, the 2021 Kia Soul EV price, as well as the launch date are still a mystery, despite that the new version already had a premiere.