What Is The Difference Between KIA Soul Models 2023?

Ever found yourself mesmerized by the KIA Soul’s sleek design, only to be baffled by the array of models available? You’re not alone! The question, “What is the difference between KIA Soul models?” isn’t just a query. It’s a journey into the Kia Soul world of innovation, style, and performance.

In 2023 the four Kia Soul models are LX, S, GT-Line and EX. All these models’ starting price is different. The least expensive is Soul LX, while the most expensive is Soul EX. These four models have similar and different features in terms of interior, exterior, colors, safety, performance and warranty.

But from the bustling city streets to the open highways, each KIA Soul model will offer you something unique and extraordinary. So, now buckle up. We will now dive into the fascinating differences that make each KIA Soul model a masterpiece in its own right.

What Are the KIA Soul Models for 2023?

Want to enjoy a modern new ride in a combination of capability, style, advanced features and efficient performance? If so, then KIA Soul Models are the best option for you. The 2023 KIA Soul Models are Soul LX, Soul S, Soul EX and Soul GT-Line.

Before going to explain these 4 model’s differences, let’s know about their features:

1. Soul LX 2023

Some impressive safety systems and features are available in the 2023 Kia Soul LX that you won’t find in any entry-level car. In 2023, Kia’s driver assists suite is the newly added standard. The driver assist group contains automatic energy braking, lane-following, and forward-collision avoidance with pedestrians.

Moreover, Soul LX features the Drive Mode Select. It includes the air conditioning, setting for the throttle, and transmission via Comfort, Eco and Sport Modes and steering. Furthermore, the LX gets tinted rear privacy glass, auto-on/off halogen headlights, a rear window defroster, a rear wiper/washer and variable intermittent wipers.

  • Power side mirrors
  • Cloth upholstery
  • 8-inch touchscreen
  • Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
  • Digital instrument panel
  • 6-speaker audio/USB port
  • 60/40 split-folding rear seat
  • Lane – Keep assist

Other features of LX for convenience and comfort include cruise control, keyless entry, power door locks, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity.

Some more appreciable features are an outside temperature display, a trip computer, rear and front door bottle holders etc.

2. Soul S 2023

If you are looking for a low-cost compact, you should pick the Kia Soul S of 2023. It cost slightly more than the LX, but it became a value leader due to its features. 

Soul S features voice recognition with Bluetooth wireless connectivity, Smart Key proximity, two USB centre console ports etc. Using the smart key just by touching the door handle; you can unlock your car.

However, the standard features of Soul S are:

  • Power driver’s seat
  • Apple CarPlay/SiriusXM/Android Auto
  • Navigation
  • 10.25″ touchscreen
  • Wireless smartphone charger/two USB ports
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • USB centre console ports.

Some more additional features along with the above are blind-spot monitor, Lane-Change Assist, rear cross-traffic detection etc.

3. Soul EX 2023

The 2023 Kia Soul Ex is incredibly loveable to those who like more comfort and convenience items with fun gadgets. However, this model of car is a better choice for people in areas where snow and cold are their life’s regular parts.

The EX is built and adds fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, and heated side mirror features. The EX displays a more distinct look because of its Gloss black exterior trim.

Moreover, the EX cabin gains a rear centre armrest, built-in cup holders, a heated front seat, LED interior lighting, and illuminated sun visors. However, this model’s other features are: 

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Premium TriCot cloth upholstery
  • Power side mirrors with heat
  • Sunroof
  • Dual-level cargo floor
  • Power outlet in the cargo area
  • Cargo cover
  • Power side mirrors with heat
  • Heated front seats
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Dual-level cargo floor

4. Soul GT-Line 2023

In Kia Soul 2023 lineup, the sportiest trim is GT-Line. Compared to the other car models, it offers a more playful suspension, steering and wheel/tire package. But under the hood, it offers no additional power.

The GT-Line adds unique GT-Line rear and front bumpers, and a sport suspension with RS shock absorbers. Also, it comes with a chrome-tipped centre exhaust, integrated turn signals, body-colour side mirrors, and gloss black trim. Its noteworthy features are:

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Syntex & cloth upholstery
  • Sunroof
  • GT-Line styling
  • Highway drive assist
  • Nav-based smart cruise control
  • Harman Kardon audio
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Multicolor-LED speaker lights
  • Heated front seats

Except for the above features, the GT-Line’s cabin gains faux-leather/cloth sport seats, faux leather cap covering and satin chrome door handles.

What Is The Difference Between KIA Soul Models?

So as of now, you know what the Kia soul models of 2023 are. And we already described each model with its unique features. Now we will explain the fundamental differences between the Soul models based on their essential features. So, let’s check the differences:

FeaturesLXSEXGT-Line
Starting MSRP$19,890 $22,390 $24,190$23,490  
Front Grille, Black W/Silver FinishYes Yes N/AN/A
Front Grille, Gloss Black W.Chrome Finish N/AN/AYes Yes 
Side view mirrors, power-adjustable & Body color Yes Yes N/AYes 
Engine Type 2.0L 4 –Cylinder Engine 2.0L 4 –Cylinder Engine2.0L 4 –Cylinder Engine2.0L 4 –Cylinder Engine
Engine Valve Train Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC), 16-Valve Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC), 16-ValveDual Overhead Cam (DOHC), 16-ValveDual Overhead Cam (DOHC), 16-Valve
Engine Displacement 1,999 CC1,999 CC1,999 CC1,999 CC
Engine Compression Ratio 12.5:112.5:112.5:112.5:1
Horse Power 147 hp@6,200 rpm 147 hp@6,200 rpm147 hp@6,200 rpm147 hp@6,200 rpm
Engine Fuel Delivery system Multi-Port Gasoline Injection Multi-Port Gasoline InjectionMulti-Port Gasoline InjectionMulti-Port Gasoline Injection
Torque 132 Ib. –ft@4,500 rpm132 Ib. –ft@4,500 rpm132 Ib. –ft@4,500 rpm132 Ib. –ft@4,500 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity 14.3 Gal 14.3 Gal14.3 Gal14.3 Gal
Layout Front Engine, Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)Front Engine, Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)Front Engine, Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)Front Engine, Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Braking System 4-Wheel Disc W/Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)4-Wheel Disc W/Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)4-Wheel Disc W/Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)4-Wheel Disc W/Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Electronic Parking Brake N/AN/AN/AYes 
Remote Keyless Entry Yes No NoNo
Manual Control Air Conditioning Yes NoNo No 
Dual-Zone Auto Climate Control Yes NoNo No 

Actually, in terms of performance, there are not many differences between the KIA soul models 2023. There are no differences between these four model dimensions. All four models, LX, S, EX, and GT-Line, have a length of 165.2 inches, a width of 70.9 inches, a height of 63.0 inches and a wheelbase of 102.4 inches.

Moreover, the ground clearance, track: front/rear is also the same. For all these 4 models, respectively, they are 6.7 inches and 62.0/62.4 inches. There are much more similarities in other features of these models. But still, some differences exist.

We will look deeply at the differences between the KIA Soul Models of 2023 in terms of their exterior, interior, safety and warranty.

Kia Soul Exterior

  • Front Grille: The Kia Soul LX and S come with the Black W/Silver finish front grille. But Soul GT-Line and EX model’s front grille is gloss black w/chrome finish.
  • Mirrors: The Soul LX, S, and EX models boast side view mirrors with power adjustable features and in body colour. But the GT-Line comes with a more upgraded mirror of power-adjustable and high gloss black. However, the finishing of the mirror depends on which model you choose.

Kia Soul Interior

  • Display: All four Kia Soul models, LX, S, EX, and GT-Line, come with a fully digital instrument display. But only the LX model has an 8-inch touchscreen display. And the other three models, S, GT-Line and EX, have a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation & Kia connect feature.
  • Satellite Radio: The Soul LX doesn’t feature satellite radio, while the S, EX and GT-Line boast of SiriusXM@ satellite radio feature.
  • Smart Key: The S, GT-Line, and EX models of Kia Soul come with some advanced features compared to the LX model. Except for the LX model, all three models of Soul 2023 have a smart key, push-button start and remote start feature.
  • Air Conditioning: Manual air conditioning is available only in the Soul LX model. But you will enjoy the dual-zone auto climate control feature in the other three models of Soul 2023.
  • Mirror: LX, S, GT-Line and EX all has Day/Night interior rearview mirror. But the advanced illuminated sun visor mirrors come only with the Kia GT-Line and EX models.

Kia Soul Safety & Warranty 

  • Collision-Avoidance Assist: Want a Soul car model with the blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist? Then you must choose from the Soul 2023 S, GT-Line and EX model as all these three boasts this feature. But the LX model doesn’t offer collision avoidance or lane change assistance.
  • Warranty: The industry-leading Kia Soul models of 2023 come with 10 years of warranty. Also, each of the models LX, EX, S or GT-Line boasts of offering a 1,00,000-mile warranty program.

Which KIA Soul Model Should You Choose?

Actually, among Kia Soul models LX, S, GT-Line and EX, which one you should choose depends on what you expect from your car. Considering each model’s features, you can decide which fulfils your requirements. But there are some more to consider. For example:

  • If you need fancy upgrades in your car to stream music, conversations, navigations, and messages through the audio system, then you must choose LX.
  • On the other hand, if you aim for a large touchscreen feature with large icons and brilliant colour, you must pick within the S, GT-Line or EX model.

The above points are just some examples to make you understand which model you should choose depending on your need. Therefore before picking any model of Kia Soul 2023, you must go through all its features, pros and cons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a Kia Soul a Japanese car?

The first-generation Soul is manufactured in South Korea and designed in California, Kia’s design centre. So, it’s not a Japanese car.

Which Kia Soul has a sunroof?

Kia Soul Ex, GT-Line and Turbo have a standard panoramic sunroof feature.

Which is the most expensive Kia Soul?

Among the Kia Soul 2023 models, the most expensive model is Soul EX, and its starting MSRP is $24,190.

End Note 

So, what’s your final word on “What is the difference between KIA Soul models?” It’s more than just a comparison. Instead, it’s a story of evolution and creativity meeting functionality. Each model reflects KIA’s relentless pursuit of perfection, tailored to fit the dreams and demands of drivers worldwide.

Whether you crave the high-performance thrill or the cutting-edge technology comfort, a KIA Soul model awaits you on an unforgettable journey. The road ahead is filled with choices. So, let the KIA Soul’s unique charm guide you to the one meant just for you.

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