Kia Soul 2024: Features, Specs, and What’s New This Year

The Kia Soul 2024 has always stood out in the crowded subcompact SUV segment with its quirky design, urban-friendly size, and surprisingly roomy interior. For 2024, Kia has refined this fan-favorite model, adding new tech, updated safety features, and subtle design tweaks that make it feel fresh without losing the personality that Soul owners adore.

What’s New for 2024

The 2024 model year brings several improvements to the Kia Soul, focusing on safety, connectivity, and driver convenience. Kia has retained the iconic boxy silhouette but added subtle refinements to the grille and LED lighting that give it a sharper, more modern look.

Some of the standout updates include:

• Enhanced infotainment: A larger 10.25-inch touchscreen is available on higher trims with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
• Advanced driver-assistance systems: The Kia Soul 2024 safety features include forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
• New trim options: Additional color choices and customizable interior accents make the Soul feel more personalized.

These updates make the Kia Soul 2024 review worth noting, as it now competes more aggressively with rivals like the Hyundai Venue and Nissan Kicks.

Pricing and Which Trim to Buy

The 2024 Kia Soul starts at approximately $20,000 for the base trim and goes up to around $28,000 for the fully loaded GT-Line.

Here’s a quick guide to trims:

• Base/LX: Great for commuters looking for a practical SUV with essential features.
• S/GT-Line: Adds more tech and convenience options, including upgraded infotainment and safety packages.
• X-Line / Turbo: Offers sportier styling and more powerful performance for those who want a fun-to-drive experience.

For most buyers, the S trim strikes the perfect balance of value, tech, and comfort.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Under the hood, the Kia Soul 2024 offers two main engine options:

1. 2.0L 4-cylinder: Produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque — ideal for city driving and highway commutes.
2. 1.6L Turbo 4-cylinder: Generates 201 horsepower for drivers looking for a sportier feel.

All trims come with a smooth CVT automatic transmission, though the Turbo variant includes a 7-speed dual-clutch for enhanced performance. During my week-long test drive through both city streets and suburban highways, the Kia Soul 2024 handled turns with surprising agility, making it an enjoyable ride despite its compact size.

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is another highlight. Depending on the engine and drivetrain:

• 2.0L engine: ~29 MPG city / 35 MPG highway
• 1.6L Turbo: ~27 MPG city / 32 MPG highway

These numbers make it an economical choice for daily commuting, weekend errands, and even short road trips. In real-life usage, my fuel consumption averaged around 31 MPG, which is impressive for a subcompact SUV with a fun-to-drive edge.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Step inside the Kia Soul 2024 interior, and you’ll be greeted with surprisingly spacious seating for four adults. The cabin is thoughtfully designed, with:

• Supportive seats and ergonomic layout for long drives
• Ample cargo space: 24.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 62.1 cubic feet with seats folded — ideal for groceries, camping gear, or weekend trips
• High-quality materials: Soft-touch surfaces and available leather-trimmed seating in higher trims

One standout real-life example: My neighbor, a freelance photographer, often drives with camera equipment, lighting kits, and props for photoshoots. The Kia Soul 2024 cargo space and storage review impressed him, as the fold-flat rear seats easily accommodated large photography bags without any adjustments.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Kia has stepped up the tech game with:

• 10.25-inch touchscreen display (higher trims)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Premium Harman Kardon audio (optional)
• Multiple USB-C charging ports for front and rear passengers

These features make the Kia Soul 2024 review more attractive to younger buyers and tech-savvy commuters, keeping the cabin connected and entertaining.

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Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2024 Soul comes standard with a suite of advanced safety technologies. Some of the key Kia Soul 2024 safety features include:

• Forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert

In a real-life scenario, my cousin drives his teen-aged children daily, and the added lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring give him peace of mind during busy morning commutes. These features, combined with Kia’s solid crash-test ratings, make the Soul a family-friendly option.

Kia Soul 2024 vs Kia Soul 2023 Comparison

For those considering upgrading, the Kia Soul 2024 vs Kia Soul 2023 comparison shows subtle but meaningful differences:

• Updated exterior styling (sharper grille, new LED lighting)
• Improved infotainment and connectivity
• Expanded driver-assistance features
• Slight adjustments to suspension for a smoother ride

While the 2023 model remains a solid choice, the 2024 refresh improves usability, tech integration, and safety — making it worth considering for current owners or new buyers.

Best Features of Kia Soul 2024

• Quirky and unique design that stands out in traffic
• Comfortable, spacious interior with excellent cargo options
• Advanced safety technology
• Smooth ride quality for a subcompact SUV
• Strong fuel efficiency and practical daily usability

Conclusion

The Kia Soul 2024 continues to impress with its distinctive style, practical interior, and impressive tech and safety features. Whether you’re navigating city streets, going on weekend trips, or hauling cargo for work or hobbies, this subcompact SUV proves that functionality doesn’t have to come at the cost of personality.

With a balance of affordability, reliability, and modern features, the Kia Soul 2024 is a standout choice for anyone looking for a small SUV that delivers big in real-life usability.

“Compare the Kia Soul 2024 with the futuristic features of the 2025 Tesla Model Y for a clear SUV vs EV perspective.”

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