Kia has updated the Soul for the 2021 model year in the United States with some subtle updates. Arguably the most significant change is that all 2021 Soul trim levels now come standard with a rear occupant alert system, which is perfect for forgetful parents. Elsewhere, Kia has revised the tuning of the shocks used by mid-range X-Line and GT-Line variants in order to improve the ride.
For the 2021MY, the Soul EX variant no
longer comes with projector-style headlights and LED daytime running lights as
standard. It is also no longer available with the Designer Collection that
included 18-inch wheels, performance tires, full LED front lighting, LED brake
lights, a designer grille, and leatherette seat bolsters.
The flagship Soul GT-Line Turbo has also
been renamed the Soul Turbo for 2021. Meanwhile, EX and Turbo models also
include a remote engine start function on the key fob. The Korean Car Blog
notes that the car manufacturer has also deleted various color options. More
specifically, yellow, gold, gold with a white roof, gray with a gold roof,
white with a red roof, red with a black roof, and black with a red roof are no
longer available. This is a shame as the fun two-tone exterior color options
helped add some youthfulness to the car and differentiated it from its rivals.
Sitting at the base of the 2021 Soul
family is the LX variant with a six-speed manual transmission that’s priced
from US$ 17,490. Slotting above it is the LX with a CVT for US$ 18,990, the S (CVT)
starting at US$ 20,590, the X-Line (CVT) and GT-Line (CVT) that are both available
from US$ 21,690, the EX (CVT) available from US$ 23,250 and the flagship Turbo with a
seven-speed dual-clutch priced at US$ 27,550. These prices exclude a US$ 1,120
destination fee.
