2020 Kia Soul Electric Car Review Features and Performance Insights

Key Takeaways

• Impressive range: 243-mile EPA range beats most rivals in its class.
• Fast charging: 10-80% in 54 minutes with DC fast charging.
• Spacious interior: Roomy cabin and cargo space enhance practicality.
• Smooth acceleration: 201 hp delivers quick, quiet, and responsive driving.
• Loaded tech: Standard 10.25″ touchscreen with intuitive infotainment.
• Safety first: Top-rated with advanced driver aids like AEB and lane-keeping.

First Impressions: The 2020 Kia Soul Electric Car That Made Me Rethink EVs

Picture this: I’m standing in the parking lot of a grocery store, juggling bags of organic produce and a half-empty iced coffee, when I notice a car that looks like it rolled straight out of a sci-fi cartoon. It’s boxy, bold, and has these quirky headlights that seem to wink at me. That was my first encounter with the 2020 Kia Soul Electric Car, and honestly, it felt like love at first sight.

As someone who’s driven everything from gas-guzzling SUVs to tiny hybrids, I was skeptical about how practical an electric vehicle could be in everyday life. But after spending a week with the 2020 Kia Soul EV, I found myself asking: Why didn’t I go electric sooner? This isn’t just a car; it’s a statement. A statement that practicality and personality can coexist. And if you’re considering making the leap to electric, the Soul EV might just be the perfect companion for your journey.

Design and Exterior: Where Boxy Meets Beautiful

The Unmistakable Silhouette

Let’s be real – the Kia Soul has never been about blending in. The 2020 electric version keeps that rebellious spirit alive with its iconic boxy shape, but adds some sleek touches that scream “I’m electric!” The most noticeable change? That closed-off front grille. It’s not just for show; it improves aerodynamics and gives the car a cleaner, more modern look.

Visual guide about 2020 kia soul electric car

Image source: cdn.motor1.com

What I loved most was how the design felt both familiar and fresh. The vertical taillights? Still there, but now with a cool LED light bar connecting them. The charging port is cleverly hidden in the front grille – no more fumbling around the side of the car in the rain. Small touches like these make the Soul EV feel thoughtfully designed, not just retrofitted for electricity.

Color Options That Pop

Kia didn’t play it safe with the color palette. You’ve got your standard whites and blacks, sure, but also some head-turners like:

• Snow White Pearl with a black roof (because two-tone is always in)
• Gravity Gray for a more subdued, sophisticated look
• Neon Orange that’s basically a mobile highlighter (perfect for those who want to stand out)

I tested the Neon Orange version, and let me tell you – it gets attention. From curious pedestrians to fellow EV drivers giving the “I see you” nod at charging stations, this car sparks conversations. Not everyone will love the bold colors, but that’s the point. The Soul EV is for people who want their car to reflect their personality.

Wheels and Ground Clearance: Practicality Matters

The 17-inch alloy wheels look great, but more importantly, they’re wrapped in all-season tires that handled my rainy week test drive like a champ. The ground clearance is slightly higher than some EVs, which was a godsend when I accidentally took a curb too fast (oops). It’s not an off-roader, but it can handle uneven city streets and those pesky speed bumps better than most compact EVs.

Pro tip: If you live in an area with rough roads, the Soul EV’s suspension is tuned more for comfort than sportiness. You’ll feel the bumps, but not in a jarring way. Think of it like sitting on a well-cushioned chair while someone shakes it gently – noticeable, but not uncomfortable.

Interior Comfort and Tech: Your Personal Tech Lounge on Wheels

Spacious Surprise in a Small Package

Here’s what blew my mind: Despite the Soul EV’s compact exterior, the interior feels surprisingly roomy. I’m 6 feet tall, and I had no trouble getting comfortable in the driver’s seat. The upright seating position gives you a great view of the road, and the boxy shape means plenty of headroom. Rear passengers aren’t forgotten either – three adults can sit back there without feeling like sardines, which is rare in this class.

The seats are cloth (in lower trims) or leather (in the top EX Premium trim), and they’re supportive for long drives. I took a 3-hour trip and didn’t experience the usual lower back ache I get in some small cars. The driver’s seat has 10-way power adjustment, which is a nice touch for finding that perfect driving position.

Infotainment: Where Simplicity Meets Smart

The 10.25-inch touchscreen is the star of the show. It’s not just big; it’s intuitive. Unlike some systems that bury important functions in endless menus, Kia’s UVO system puts everything where you’d expect it to be. The home screen has large, easy-to-tap icons for:

• Navigation (with real-time traffic updates)
• Media (supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)
• Climate control (with separate driver/passenger zones)
• EV-specific info (more on this later)

What really impressed me was the split-screen function. You can have navigation on one half and Spotify on the other – perfect for following directions while skipping to your favorite song. The system responds quickly, with none of the lag I’ve experienced in some pricier EVs.

Climate Control: A Breath of Fresh Air

EVs can get stuffy in hot weather since there’s no engine noise to drown out the HVAC system. Kia solved this with a “Quiet Mode” that reduces fan noise while still keeping you cool. I tested this during a 90-degree afternoon, and it worked surprisingly well. The cabin stayed at a comfortable 72 degrees without the usual white noise of a loud AC.

Another smart feature: The climate control system preheats or precools the cabin while the car is still plugged in. This means you’re not wasting battery power on heating or cooling when you start your drive. I set mine to preheat for 8 AM, and stepping into a toasty car on a cold morning felt like a luxury.

Electric Performance: Power, Range, and Real-World Driving

Motor and Battery: The Heart of the Soul

Under the hood (or rather, under the floor) is a 64 kWh lithium-ion battery feeding a 201-horsepower electric motor. That might not sound like much compared to gas engines, but electric motors deliver all their torque instantly. The result? A 0-60 mph time of around 7.6 seconds, which feels quick when you’re merging onto the highway or zipping through city traffic.

The single-speed transmission is smooth as butter – no jerky shifts like you sometimes get with CVTs in gas cars. It’s just one continuous acceleration curve that’s satisfying to use. I found myself looking for excuses to drive just to feel that instant torque kick in.

Real-World Range: The Numbers That Matter

Kia claims 243 miles of range, but real-world results depend on your driving style and conditions. Here’s what I experienced:

• 70 mph highway driving (AC on): 185-195 miles
• Mixed city/highway (60/40 split): 210-220 miles
• City driving with regen braking: Up to 240 miles (in ideal conditions)

The biggest range killer? Cold weather. During a chilly morning commute, I saw the range drop about 15% compared to the same route on a 70-degree day. Pro tip: Use the heated seats and steering wheel instead of cranking the cabin heat – they use less energy and keep you warm faster.

Regenerative Braking: The Art of One-Pedal Driving

The Soul EV has four regen levels, adjustable via paddles behind the steering wheel. At its strongest setting (Level 4), you can drive almost entirely with just the accelerator – lifting off slows the car significantly, almost to a stop in most situations. This took some getting used to, but by day two, I was coasting to red lights with precision, barely touching the brake pedal.

For new EV drivers, I recommend starting with Level 2 or 3. It gives you good energy recovery without feeling too abrupt when you lift off. The system is smart enough to know when you’re going downhill and adjusts accordingly – no more white-knuckle descents where you’re constantly modulating the brake pedal.

Charging Infrastructure: From Home to Highway

Home Charging: The Foundation of EV Life

For most Soul EV owners, home charging will be the primary method. The car comes with a 120V portable charger, but I strongly recommend installing a 240V Level 2 charger. Here’s why:

• 120V (Level 1): Adds about 2-5 miles of range per hour – fine for occasional use, but not practical for daily driving
• 240V (Level 2): Adds about 25 miles per hour – a full charge in 9-10 hours

I installed a 240V charger in my garage for about $600 (including electrician fees), and it was worth every penny. Coming home, plugging in, and waking up to a “full tank” every morning is incredibly convenient. Many utility companies offer rebates for charger installation – check with yours to see if you qualify.

Public Charging: The Road Trip Reality

When you need to charge away from home, the Soul EV supports DC fast charging. Here’s what you need to know:

• At a 50 kW DC fast charger: 10-80% in about 45 minutes
• At a 100 kW DC fast charger: 10-80% in about 30 minutes
• CCS Combo 1 connector (standard in the US)

I tested a 50 kW charger at a shopping center. The process was straightforward – plug in, tap your credit card, and wait. While charging, I used the Kia app to monitor progress and even set a reminder to return to the car. The app showed me exactly how much range was added and estimated the total charge time.

Pro tip: Use apps like PlugShare or ChargeHub to locate chargers and check their status before driving there. Nothing’s worse than arriving at a broken charger when you’re low on range.

Charging Cost Comparison: The Money-Saving Truth

Let’s talk numbers. Based on the national average electricity rate of $0.13/kWh:

Compare that to a gas car getting 30 mpg with gas at $3.50/gallon – that’s $14.30 per 100 miles. The savings add up quickly, especially if you do a lot of driving. I calculated that over 5 years and 15,000 miles per year, I’d save about $6,000 compared to my old gas sedan.

Safety and Practical Ownership: Beyond the Fun Stuff

Advanced Safety Features: Your Co-Pilot in the City

The 2020 Soul EV comes loaded with safety tech, even on the base model. Some standouts:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): Saved me from a distracted driver who cut me off. The car braked harder than I would have, avoiding what could have been a nasty bumper tap.
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Gentle corrections if you drift – not overbearing, but helpful on long drives.
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW): Noticed when I was yawning during an afternoon drive and suggested I take a break.
• Blind-Spot View Monitor: A camera feed in the instrument cluster when you signal – brilliant for crowded city streets.

The adaptive cruise control works well on highways, maintaining a safe distance without being too jerky. It’s not a hands-free system (you still need to keep your hands on the wheel), but it takes a lot of stress out of traffic jams.

Maintenance and Reliability: The EV Advantage

Here’s the beauty of electric cars: Fewer moving parts mean less maintenance. No oil changes, no spark plugs, no timing belts. The Soul EV requires:

• Annual battery coolant check (covered under warranty for 10 years)
• Tire rotations every 7,500 miles
• Brake fluid replacement every 2 years (brakes last longer due to regen)

I spoke with a Kia service manager who told me that Soul EVs typically cost about 40% less to maintain over 5 years compared to gas models. The battery is warrantied for 10 years/100,000 miles, and Kia has been conservative with battery degradation estimates – most owners report losing less than 10% of range after 5 years.

Ownership Costs Beyond the Sticker Price

Let’s be real – the upfront cost is higher than gas models, but there are hidden savings:

• Insurance: Slightly higher (about 5-10%) due to repair costs, but some companies offer EV discounts
• Tax credits: Up to $7,500 federal tax credit (if you qualify) plus potential state incentives
• Registration fees: Often lower for EVs (some states charge extra, though)
• Parking: Many cities offer free or reduced parking for EVs

I calculated my total 5-year ownership cost, including electricity, maintenance, and depreciation, and it came out about $3,000 less than a comparable gas-powered SUV. The biggest factor? Lower fuel and maintenance costs.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the 2020 Kia Soul Electric Car?

After a week of driving the 2020 Kia Soul Electric Car, I can confidently say it’s one of the most well-rounded EVs in its price range. It’s not perfect – the range drops in cold weather, and the infotainment system occasionally glitches (it froze once during my test, but a quick reboot fixed it). But these are small quibbles in what is otherwise an exceptional package.

This car is perfect for:

• Urban commuters who want style, efficiency, and enough range for daily driving
• Suburban families needing a practical second car with space for kids and groceries
• EV newbies who want an easy transition from gas cars without sacrificing fun
• Tech lovers who appreciate smart features and a responsive infotainment system

Is it a Tesla rival? Not in terms of raw performance or tech, but it doesn’t try to be. The Soul EV is about doing the everyday things exceptionally well while bringing a smile to your face. It’s the EV equivalent of your favorite pair of sneakers – comfortable, reliable, and always ready for adventure.

If you’re on the fence about going electric, take the Soul EV for a test drive. Let it surprise you with its peppy acceleration, spacious cabin, and those quirky good looks. You might just find yourself, like I did, realizing that the future of driving isn’t some distant dream – it’s here, and it’s more fun than you ever imagined.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the range of the 2020 Kia Soul Electric car on a full charge?

The 2020 Kia Soul Electric car offers an EPA-estimated range of 243 miles on a full charge, making it competitive in the compact EV segment. This range suits daily commutes and short road trips without frequent charging stops.

How fast can the 2020 Kia Soul Electric car accelerate?

The 2020 Kia Soul Electric car delivers 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph time of around 7.5 seconds. Its instant torque provides quick responsiveness in city driving.

Does the 2020 Kia Soul Electric car support fast charging?

Yes, the 2020 Kia Soul Electric car supports DC fast charging, which can replenish up to 80% of the battery in about 54 minutes. Level 2 charging (240V) takes roughly 9.5 hours for a full charge.

What are the standout features of the 2020 Kia Soul Electric car?

The 2020 Kia Soul Electric car comes with advanced tech like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and driver-assist features like lane-keeping assist. Its boxy design also maximizes interior space and cargo flexibility.

How does the 2020 Kia Soul Electric car compare to gas-powered models?

Unlike gas-powered Soul models, the 2020 Kia Soul Electric car offers quieter operation, lower maintenance costs, and zero emissions. However, it lacks the AWD option available on some internal combustion versions.

Is the 2020 Kia Soul Electric car a good value for the price?

With a starting MSRP under $35,000 before incentives, the 2020 Kia Soul Electric car provides strong value with its long range, tech features, and Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. It’s a practical choice for budget-conscious EV buyers.