Is the 2023 Kia Soul Worth the Upgrade? In-Depth Review

The Kia Soul has been a beloved compact car in Kia’s lineup since its introduction in 2008. Every time I drive a Kia Soul, I find myself thoroughly enjoying the experience, as it serves as an excellent day-to-day vehicle. The 2023 model has received a facelift on top of the Third Generation design that was introduced in 2019.

The trim options for the 2023 Soul have been simplified, featuring the LX, S, EX, and GT-Line variants. The X-Line and Turbo trims have been discontinued, but many of their features can be found in the new variants. In this review, we’ll be focusing on the GT-Line, which offers a sportier and more dynamic driving experience.

The exterior of the 2023 Kia Soul showcases notable design enhancements both at the front and rear. It boasts an exclusive GT-Line designer 2-tone roof design, along with bold and lively new colors that add to the fun and vibrant nature of the car. The black high-gloss mirrors and front grille finish, as well as the refreshed LED taillights, further enhance its stylish appeal. The car rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels, which add to its sporty demeanor.

In terms of dimensions, the 2023 Soul measures 165.2 inches in length, 70.9 inches in width, and 63.0 inches in height. It has a wheelbase of 102.4 inches, with front and rear tracks measuring 62.0 inches and 62.4 inches, respectively. These dimensions contribute to its compact yet spacious design, offering ample cargo room. The Soul provides SUV-like storage with 62.1 cubic feet of total cargo room, and even with the rear seats lifted, it offers 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space. Additionally, it features a Dual Level Cargo Board, providing flexibility for storing items of different sizes.

Under the hood, the 2023 Kia Soul GT-Line is equipped with an efficient 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that delivers 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. Power is transmitted to the front wheels through Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission, which is standard across all variants. This combination provides a smooth and responsive driving experience.

Inside the cabin, the Kia Soul GT-Line features Black SynTex and Cloth Seating Trim, offering a comfortable and stylish interior. The technological features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless phone charger, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. Additionally, it comes with the Harman Kardon Premium Audio system, which includes Sound Reactive LED Speaker Lights, adding a touch of visual flair to your music listening experience.

The GT-Line Technology Package takes the tech offerings to the next level, incorporating advanced safety features such as Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning capability, Highway Drive Assist, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, and more. The package also includes convenience features like an electronic parking brake, power driver seat, high-gloss interior trim, LED headlights and taillights, cargo cover, and a dual-level cargo floor.

In terms of safety, the 2023 Kia Soul GT-Line comes equipped with several standard tech-focused features. These include Forward Collision Avoidance Assist-Pedestrian, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, and Rear Occupant Alert.

When it comes to pricing, the base LX trim starts at $19,890, while the GT-Line base trim begins at $23,490. The reviewed GT-Line model has an MSRP of $27,220, with the addition of the GT-Line Technology package for $2,400, carpeted floor mats for $135

Check out the full review and let us know your thoughts in the comments below. If you enjoyed the video, be sure to hit that like button and consider subscribing to the channel. Thanks for watching!