Kia

Review: 2023 Kia Soul GT-Line Limited

The 2023 Kia Soul is available in 5 trim levels here in Canada and 4 in the US. This GT-Line Limited being the top trim, it is still affordable at just under $30,000 CAD. The GT-Line has a unique style to it, and it is a fun little but not so little car.

Transmission/Engine

The 2023 Kia Soul GT-Line Limited has a 2.0L MPI 4-cylinder engine with power going to the front wheels. It produces 147hp and 132lb-ft of torque. 0-60 MPH (96 km/hr) is reached in about 8 seconds so it is not a fast car but just perfect for daily commutes. The same engine in the GT-Line is the only one available on all trim levels. The Kia Soul is rated for 7.9L/100km combined city and hwy driving. I averaged 8.2L/100km combined driving.

Handling/Performance

The Kia Soul GT-Line is a great vehicle to drive while running errands, as it is very practical. It does not drive like a sports car so its not exciting, but it also does not feel underpowered. It drives comfortably around town. On the move, you can hear a bit of wind and tire noise so its not really a quiet cabin, especially on highways but also not a dealbreaker. Although this is not a sports car or fast by any means, it does have a bit of a sporty touch and look to it. This is more practical and meant to get you to your destinations with no hassle.

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Comfort

I had no issues with the seats or space in the driver’s seat. The driver’s seat has enough adjustments to sit comfortably. I also like that it doesn’t sit so low that getting in and out of the Kia Soul is not an issue. I like to raise my seat and even then, I did not have issues with headroom. There is also plenty of space for average height adults in the rear seats. Headroom and legroom are decent, so you won’t have issues in the back. Cargo space is plentiful for bags, small luggage, shopping bags etc.  

Interior

The Soul GT-Line is the only trim level that is available with leather seats, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, and overall, just a nicer looking interior than the rest of the trims. It is equipped with a 10.25-inch infotainment which is easy to use so no issues with that. It has a mix of buttons for the most used features. It is also equipped with Harman/Kardon Premium sound system so for those like me, that can’t drive without music, you will enjoy the sound. I really liked the contrast between the orange/red door panel and the blue exterior on the demo vehicle I had for the week. These colours just made the interior a bit more exciting to look at. I am more a fan of black cars but I really think this Soul is perfect in a bright colour.

Exterior

The Kia Soul makes me think of a kid’s shoe box, but I don’t mean this in a bad way. I genuinely think it is a cute crossover SUV to drive around in. Its boxy design is funky. The GT-Line is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels whereas the lower trims are available with 16 and 17-inch wheels.

Pros/Cons

Unfortunately, you do not have an option of AWD as only FWD is available. So, if AWD is a must, then this is a dealbreaker. If you are someone that prefers a quieter cabin, then this Kia Soul might not be an option either. Now on to the good things about the Kia Soul. It is spacious for a crossover SUV, it is great on gas, drives comfortably, has quite a lot of features, has a great unique style so if you want to be different, then this is one to look at. Is it worth it? I think so! The base model has a starting price of $22,595 CAD ($19,890 USD) and the GT-Line Limited has a starting price of $29,495 CAD (23,490 USD).

Thank you to Kia Canada for providing the vehicle. www.Kia.ca


2023 Kia Soul GT-Line Gallery

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