Next-Gen Kia Soul Featured For the First Time [UPDATE]

Although the styling changes are conservative, there is a new platform beneath and all-wheel drive.

When it was launched in 2009, the Kia Soul was a huge success for the South Korean automaker. It was partly due the marketing campaign featuring a hip hamster, but mostly because it is a compact crossover that has interesting styling. Although it was at the right place at right time, the SUV world is moving at a rapid pace. To keep up, Hyundai has completely redesigned Soul for 2019.

These spy photos give us our first glimpse at the new crossover. We are impressed by its boxy shape, upturned rear windows, and familiar look. The new crossover appears to have stacked headlights, which is a nice addition. It also looks much beefier overall. Rumours that the next Soul will offer an all-wheel-drive option would be supported by the Trail’ster concept, which was first revealed back in 2015. According to the new platform, the model will support all-wheel drive. The platform is front-wheel driven so it’s possible that the Soul will remain true to its roots.

Although we don’t have any information about the engine options available, it is possible that some of the existing models will be used. The Soul currently offers a 1.6-liter base engine with 130 horsepower (97kW), a 2.0-liter mid-range mill with 161hp (120kW), and a turbocharged, 1.6-liter four pot with 201hp (150kW), all paired with a seven speed dual-clutch transmission.

It’s also unclear which technology upgrades will be available for the next Soul. As an optional feature, the current model includes lane departure and autonomous crisis braking. This prototype has some interesting sensors up front, which may indicate that autonomous driving could be possible in the future.

This is our first look at the Soul. We don’t anticipate seeing the next Soul until the end of the year or early next year at Detroit’s 2019 North American International Auto Show.