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In-Depth Photos of the 2020 Kia Soul EV

The Editors

November 28, 2018 at 7:18 PM

<p>Kia has wasted no time unveiling the latest generation of <a rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.caranddriver.com/kia/soul-ev" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:the electric Soul EV;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">the electric Soul EV</a>, staging its debut at the same time as that of the all-new third-generation Soul on which it is based. The new Soul EV retains its distinctive looks but gains a much larger battery pack and a much more powerful electric motor.</p>

<p>The outgoing Soul EV is rated at 111 miles, making it one of the currently available electric cars with the lowest range, so any improvement will be welcome.</p>

<p>The Soul EV has four driving modes-Eco, Eco+, Comfort, and Sport-that adjust the powertrain power and response, the HVAC system, and more to suit driving conditions and optimize efficiency. </p>

<p>The regenerative-braking system has four settings that are controlled with paddle shifters, but there also is a Smart setting that automatically adjusts the regen based on the vehicle in front of the Soul.</p>

<p>Compared to the regular Soul, the EV has its own front and rear bumpers, a charging port and a more closed-off grille.</p>

<p>The new LED lights in the chrome front unibrow, and aerodynamically styled 17-inch wheels add a nice touch to the exterior appearance.</p>

<p>A new Designer Collection trim level adds special two-tone paint schemes, "animal free" premium upholstery, and heated front seats.</p>

<p>Also standard on every Soul EV is a long list of active-safety features, many of which are options on the standard Soul.</p>

<p>Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and automated emergency braking are all included; blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors are optional.</p>

<p>A 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, with integrated features for such tasks as monitoring charging, scheduling charge times, and planning routes.</p>

<p>While the old Soul EV had a 30.0-kWh battery pack, the 2020 model has more than double the capacity, at 67.0 kWh. It also has nearly twice the horsepower and torque, with the front-mounted motor rated at 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque, up from 109 horsepower and 210 lb-ft. </p>

The electric version of Kia's redesigned crossover gets a much bigger battery, too.

From Car and Driver