2020 Kia Soul This Box Is Anything But Square
video description
Date: 2019-06-04
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 10
Stephen Hendricks
A comment about AWD with specific applications in small cars like the Soul. There's no question that AWD and even more advanced versions of 4WD may well be a necessity for serious off-roading, both on unimproved trails and beyond. Otherwise, however, AWD may be more a case of meeting a marketing need than actual functionality. Back in the 1980's I drove FWD Saab 96's in the challenging winters of upstate New York and Michigan. In those days both FWD and AWD vehicles were rare. With a good set of winter tires and the weight of the engine over the front wheels I never had a problem climbing and descending the steep hills of Ithaca, New York and the Michigan countryside in my small Saab when just about every other vehicle was either in a garage or in a ditch beside the road. On the other hand, our family now lives in the Pacific Northwest. Our winters are not especially challenging but we often venture into the mountains on ski trips in our midsize SUV that weighs over two tons. And in those cases, AWD is a benefit and the extra weight it adds (about that of an NFL cornerback in back seat) is barely noticeable and worth the penalty in terms of fuel efficiency even though the on-demand AWD operates only when front wheel slip is detected. But whether its marginal improvement over FWD in a small, light vehicle like the Soul is highly questionable. It's a guess but I suspect that a Soul with good winter tires would perform as well as my much larger SUV about 95% of the time. Worth adding that NFL player to the weight of a Soul and decreasing fuel efficiency for an AWD system that only goes into effect when front wheel slip is detected? I doubt it. Interestingly, KIA apparently explored the value of AWD to existing Soul owners. Not only did it rank low in priority for most owners, a significant fraction of owners believed their Souls already had AWD KIA should be forgiven for claiming at least one version of the third generation Soul is a CUV or SUV even though it's more marketing-speak than a valid claim. But for those who face less than severe winter weather on a regular basis and don't intend to go rock climbing in their vehicle, the Soul is more than adequate.
reply
A comment about AWD with specific applications in small cars like the Soul. There's no question that AWD and even more advanced versions of 4WD may well be a necessity for serious off-roading, both on unimproved trails and beyond. Otherwise, however, AWD may be more a case of meeting a marketing need than actual functionality. Back in the 1980's I drove FWD Saab 96's in the challenging winters of upstate New York and Michigan. In those days both FWD and AWD vehicles were rare. With a good set of winter tires and the weight of the engine over the front wheels I never had a problem climbing and descending the steep hills of Ithaca, New York and the Michigan countryside in my small Saab when just about every other vehicle was either in a garage or in a ditch beside the road. On the other hand, our family now lives in the Pacific Northwest. Our winters are not especially challenging but we often venture into the mountains on ski trips in our midsize SUV that weighs over two tons. And in those cases, AWD is a benefit and the extra weight it adds (about that of an NFL cornerback in back seat) is barely noticeable and worth the penalty in terms of fuel efficiency even though the on-demand AWD operates only when front wheel slip is detected. But whether its marginal improvement over FWD in a small, light vehicle like the Soul is highly questionable. It's a guess but I suspect that a Soul with good winter tires would perform as well as my much larger SUV about 95% of the time. Worth adding that NFL player to the weight of a Soul and decreasing fuel efficiency for an AWD system that only goes into effect when front wheel slip is detected? I doubt it. Interestingly, KIA apparently explored the value of AWD to existing Soul owners. Not only did it rank low in priority for most owners, a significant fraction of owners believed their Souls already had AWD KIA should be forgiven for claiming at least one version of the third generation Soul is a CUV or SUV even though it's more marketing-speak than a valid claim. But for those who face less than severe winter weather on a regular basis and don't intend to go rock climbing in their vehicle, the Soul is more than adequate.
reply
George L
Lets be honest about sakes numbers. The Soul is the core of all of the major rental car fleets compact classes. I would say they sell tens of thousands if cars to rental fleets a year, in the U. S. alone. Meanwhile, Honda sells its cars to just one fleet: ZipCar, and it only started selling the HR-V to them in 2019. Those sales number around 500 cars. That accounts for the sales disparity. That said, I think the Soul is a better option than either Honda mentioned. Its more refined, a better value, and its a solid daily drive. Thats in the non-turbo trims. I honestly dont think the turbo is worth the money. If you are shopping this class and dont need an AWD, then the Soul is the sweet spot. If you have some extra money, look to the Golf. If you do need AWD, my recommendation is the Jeep Renegade AWD with the new 1. 3T engine.
reply
Lets be honest about sakes numbers. The Soul is the core of all of the major rental car fleets compact classes. I would say they sell tens of thousands if cars to rental fleets a year, in the U. S. alone. Meanwhile, Honda sells its cars to just one fleet: ZipCar, and it only started selling the HR-V to them in 2019. Those sales number around 500 cars. That accounts for the sales disparity. That said, I think the Soul is a better option than either Honda mentioned. Its more refined, a better value, and its a solid daily drive. Thats in the non-turbo trims. I honestly dont think the turbo is worth the money. If you are shopping this class and dont need an AWD, then the Soul is the sweet spot. If you have some extra money, look to the Golf. If you do need AWD, my recommendation is the Jeep Renegade AWD with the new 1. 3T engine.
reply
ktpinnacle
Bought a mid-range 2012 new. While the price is evidence in the cabin, it's been a very reliable vehicle for the kids to run around in. It's been cheap to operate and only had one major repair of 350 over that time. It's been a very good deal. I'm certain that the latest is built even better, is a better drive and is more economical.
reply
Bought a mid-range 2012 new. While the price is evidence in the cabin, it's been a very reliable vehicle for the kids to run around in. It's been cheap to operate and only had one major repair of 350 over that time. It's been a very good deal. I'm certain that the latest is built even better, is a better drive and is more economical.
reply
Chris A222
It would be a much nicer option here in New England if it had AWD. Also I was surprised your comment about most people buying the FWD version of the HRV. I checked CarGurus and there are 702 new HRVs within 50 miles from me in CT and Zero are FWD. wow Keep up the good work, Alex
reply
It would be a much nicer option here in New England if it had AWD. Also I was surprised your comment about most people buying the FWD version of the HRV. I checked CarGurus and there are 702 new HRVs within 50 miles from me in CT and Zero are FWD. wow Keep up the good work, Alex
reply
djkenny
Its not as Cute. I really think thats part of what made the Soul a Soul. Ill stick with my 15 Scion XB manual, but I came close to buying a 17 Soul. The Forte is a sweet deal btw. Better MPG, if not as Versatile.
reply
Its not as Cute. I really think thats part of what made the Soul a Soul. Ill stick with my 15 Scion XB manual, but I came close to buying a 17 Soul. The Forte is a sweet deal btw. Better MPG, if not as Versatile.
reply
The Future Is Here
Kia is getting ready to launch a new small AWD crossover called the Seltos, probably with the 201 HP TurboSo the Soul may never get the SAWD system, with this crossover covering that gap int he lineup
reply
Kia is getting ready to launch a new small AWD crossover called the Seltos, probably with the 201 HP TurboSo the Soul may never get the SAWD system, with this crossover covering that gap int he lineup
reply
Edward G
Should point out engine/road noise and lack of insulation to get Kia to notice. I added insulation under hood of my Soul including dynamat and a fiberglass panel from a Honda CRV and it really changed the car.
reply
Should point out engine/road noise and lack of insulation to get Kia to notice. I added insulation under hood of my Soul including dynamat and a fiberglass panel from a Honda CRV and it really changed the car.
reply
greentjmtl
Car buyers: Compact economy cars are getting so expensive But I won't buy one without panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, 10 inch HD touchscreen with all the latest phone and camera and radar stuff
reply
Car buyers: Compact economy cars are getting so expensive But I won't buy one without panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, 10 inch HD touchscreen with all the latest phone and camera and radar stuff
reply
Nodak81
I'm slowly crossing Kia off my shopping list since they keep putting a crappy CVT in every car they redesign. CVTs in general are unreliable long-term but an untested Korean CVT? No thanks.
reply
I'm slowly crossing Kia off my shopping list since they keep putting a crappy CVT in every car they redesign. CVTs in general are unreliable long-term but an untested Korean CVT? No thanks.
reply
Naveen Krishnamurthy
The 2019 soul I rented was one of my favorite cars all time. The 2020 one is good but the polarizing looks and lack of pano roof and ventilated seats is a downer for me.
reply
The 2019 soul I rented was one of my favorite cars all time. The 2020 one is good but the polarizing looks and lack of pano roof and ventilated seats is a downer for me.
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
