2022 Kia Soul Drops Manual, Gets New Tech, No EV in Sight

The least expensive Soul LX will now cost $19,190, plus $1,175 for delivery. That’s a $1,600 jump over last year’s LX model. But last year’s LX model shipped with a manual transmission. Adding the continuously variable transmission (CVT) cost another $1,500, and most buyers chose to do that. So the real price jump here is just $100 for most shoppers.

Mechanically, nothing else has changed. Most Souls still use a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, putting out 147 horsepower and the CVT. Turbo editions get a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder making 201 with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The fate of the Soul EV is somewhat in question. It isn’t included in Kia’s press materials for the 2022 Soul. We contacted Kia to ask about this and were told, “Soul EV production continues to be focused on Europe. The U.S. continues to focus on the Niro EV.”

We’ve asked for clarification on whether the company still plans to sell the Soul EV in the U.S. but received no response yet. We’ll update this story if we do.

Inside, LX models now get an 8-inch touchscreen, while all other trim levels get a larger 10.3-inch model. All but the base trim now come with dual-zone climate control, push-button start, and wireless phone charging.

The Soul has been a popular vehicle for Kia, and the company isn’t going to mess with its funky, boxy, sorta hatchback formula. The little car’s appearance hasn’t changed for 2022, apart from Kia’s new logo on the badges.

Keywaylock
19/07/2022
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