2023 Kia Soul Loses Turbo, X-Line Trims, Adds Colors

Steven Tobin
by Steven Tobin

For the 2023 model year, the Kia Soul goes through some changes, most notably the deletion of the 1.6-liter turbo engine. The Kia will now be sold exclusively with the 147 horsepower, 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, mated to an automatic transmission.

The 2 023 model year also sees the deletion of the rugged X-Line trim, which was introduced for 2020. From a cosmetic standpoint, the 2023 Soul also comes with a re-designed front grille and fog lights, and new daytime running lights and turn signals. Customers can choose from newly designed 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels.

There are additional two-tone paints: Clear White and Surf Blue. Each can be combined with a Fusion Black roof.

All Soul trim levels except for the base LX get a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. New for 2023 is the LX Technology Package, which bundles blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-collision avoidance with the LX’s 16-inch wheels.

If you choose to go with the GT-Line Technology Package, that will include goodies such as a Harmon Kardon sound system, electric parking brake, heated front seats, and an adjustable cargo floor. The optional package also includes LED headlights and taillights, a cargo cover, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.

The following items now come as standard across the 2023 Kia Soul range, which includes the LX, S, EX, GT-Line, and GT-Line Tech trim levels: Forward collision-avoidance assist-pedestrian, lane-keeping assist with lane-following assist, lane-departure warning, driver-attention warning, high-beam assist, and rear-occupant alert.

Kia has stated that sales of the Soul were up by nearly 5 percent in 2021, with more than 75,000 units delivered.

[Image: Kia]

Steven Tobin
Steven Tobin

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  • ShoogyBee ShoogyBee on May 05, 2022

    Has Kia solved the theft problem with these Souls and some of their other vehicles (Forte, Sorento)? Nearly 1,050 Kias and Hyundais were stolen in the city of Milwaukee in 2021.

    • Conundrum Conundrum on May 05, 2022

      Or the failing power door locks. My niece got on that treadmill with her Soul a few years ago. It seems to be an H/K specialty to keep the service departments in oats and hay.

  • Funky D Funky D on May 06, 2022

    I had the experience of driving one from the Gulf Coast to DC and back with my Mrs. and youngest son. There are cars less suitable for road trips (*cough* Patriot *cough*), but not many. As a little urban/suburban runabout, it is OK, but I would think there are a LOT of better choices in the market. I still think the "Black Sheep" hamster commercial was *very* cool, though.

  • FAHRVERGNUGEN FAHRVERGNUGEN on May 06, 2022

    If it is decontented, is it soulless?

  • 28-Cars-Later 28-Cars-Later on May 08, 2022

    KN styling just has no soul.

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