2023 Kia Soul GT-Line: Urban Practicality Doesn't Have to Be Boring

The Kia Soul has had a loyal worldwide following ever since its introduction at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The mastermind behind the Soul concept is design engineer Mike Torpey. Torpey was hired away from General Motors to develop a series of Kia models that would have Kia recognized as a style leader. With over 1.5 million Kia Soul units sold in the past 10 years in the U.S. alone, the Soul is now recognized as the top-selling subcompact car.

New for 2023

The smile-inducing urban runabout Kia Soul has always been known for its artistic style and bold functional design and this refresh continues that tradition by featuring many updated design elements inside and out that will appeal to the style conscience demographic that is so loyal to this vehicle. The first thing you will notice when perusing the website looking at Soul trimlines for your perfect Soul mate is all the solid and two-tone exterior paint schemes which include the new combination of clear white with a fusion black roof look, and a surf blue color with a fusion black roof.

The Soul I had for the week was the solid Neptune Blue color. As you can see from the pictures, the name for this blue is spot on because you will only find this color deep in the depths of the ocean where King Neptune lives. This deep and rich-looking blue stands out in just about any lighting, but especially in the mid-day sunlight. It makes it easy to find in any parking lot among the sea of solid gray, black, and white SUVs. But wait there is more to smile about. There is an all-new front fascia with a grill that is accented with stylish wrapped LED headlights and redesigned fog lights that allows for better night driving visibility. There are also new daytime running lamps and turn signals. These new cutting-edge details are not only for a fresh new style, but also they have received high accolades and awards from the vehicle safety community.

Soul defined a whole new segment of small cars when it first entered the Kia lineup and it continues into the 2023 model year with as much fun, practicality and style as ever. The basic form remains, which is what more than 75,000 happy Soul owners loved so much about the funky runabout last year, representing a nearly 5 percent increase over sales in 2020. The new 2023 Soul is set to continue that trend with its refreshed design inside and out, advanced technology and feature-packed trims.

NAME, Steve Center, COO & EVP, Kia America

My press loan for the week was the GT-Line which has an MSRP of $27,220. For this price, this vehicle and the subsequent technology package is an absolute steal with its plethora of sought-after features and driver-assist systems. We will start with the Harman/Kardon premium sound system that features an external amplifier, subwoofer, and door-mounted tweeters. There is also a multi-colored LED speaker that will pulse in time with the tunes. The system is all controlled by the 10.25-inch color touchscreen.

Other GT Trim Goodies

• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning capability (radar + camera type)2
• Highway Drive Assist3
• Navigation based Smart Cruise Control
• Electronic parking brake
• Power driver seat
• Heated front seat
• High-gloss interior trim
• LED headlights and taillights
• Cargo Cover
• Dual-level cargo floor

Highlighting Kia America's commitment to safety and security, listed below are several previously optional features that are now standard across all trims:

• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist-Pedestrian (FCA-Ped; camera type)4
• Lane Keeping Assist + Lane Following Assist5
• Driver Attention Warning6
• Lane Departure Warning7
• High Beam Assist
• Rear Occupant Alert (door logic)

I will not lie, when I received my first sub-compact crossover Soul press loan back several years ago, my first visual impression of it was somewhere between a go-cart and a mail truck. I thought this vehicle was strictly for a hip younger crowd, so there was no way this was going to be a pleasant experience for me. I could not have been more wrong.

I could easily see a lot of empty nesters trading in their vans or compact crossovers for this vehicle because, first, it is easier to drive. Second, it is very fuel efficient with its non-hybrid 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder that produces great speed and torque for zipping around any urban or suburban setting. It also does well on the open road too. Third, it is easy to get in and out of and plenty of space for a herd of grandkids, other adults, or pets. There is plenty of cargo space for traveling or just a run to the big box hardware store. Finally, it is award winning safe.

With all the awards and accolades the KIA Corporation is currently getting for vehicle quality, the Soul is an absolute steal for under $30,000. Go test drive one and prove me wrong.

Specifications

Engine: 147 horsepower 2.0L Inline 4-Cylinder
Torque: 132 pound-feet
Transmission: Intelligent Variable Automatic
Wheels: 18” Alloy
Sound: Harman/Kardon Premium
Color: Neptune Blue
Fuel: 28/33/30 (mpg city/highway/combined)
MSRP (shown): $27,220

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
KIA Soul

About KIA

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electrified vehicles sold through a network of nearly 750 dealers in the U.S. including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.