2022 Kia Soul Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

The Kia Soul has been around for over a decade, and it's made its mark as a funky crossover that's practical while being stylish and unique. For 2022, Kia has included six trims in the lineup, starting with the LX and moving up to the Turbo.
 
The Soul is quite affordable, even as it gets the upgrades and elements generally associated with the higher trims. This is why it's successful in the market. Hopefully, this guide will help prospective customers determine which trim would be the perfect choice.

Compare the LX vs S Trim Levels. What is the difference?

These two trims have the same bold exterior. They have black radiator grilles, multi-focus reflector headlights, and C pillar garnishes. They both have 16-inch wheels, but the LX rides on steel ones and the S has alloy wheels.

Moving on into the cabin, notable major differences can be found. First of all, the Kia Soul LX and S have been built with different touchscreens. The LX comes with an eight-inch touchscreen. Although a decent size, it doesn't match what the S has, which is a 10.25-inch touchscreen.

Besides its size, what's really admirable about the larger touchscreen is that it includes navigation. With other vehicles, navigation is typically only installed on premium trims, so this is quite generous of Kia to endow the S trim with this feature. In addition, the S has SiriusXM Satellite Radio, HD radio, dual USB charging ports, and wireless charging. The LX may not have all of those components, but it still has many attractive ones. They include one USB port, Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.

Both trims have remote keyless entry for convenience. On the S, the system is enhanced with a smart key system and push-button start. With the push-button start, the key doesn't even need to be taken out in order to drive. The S also has dual-zone automatic climate control instead of a manual system.

In regards to seating, both trims have cloth seats, but there are minor differences. The LX has woven cloth seats, while the S has premium tricot cloths that feel more premium. Then, the S has a power-adjustable driver's seat that can move in ten ways and has two-way power lumbar support.

The Kia S comes out better when considering safety - being manufactured with impressive driver-assist technologies. The package includes forward collision avoidance assist, lane following assist, lane change assist, blind spot monitoring, as well as rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist. Plus, the driver attention warning is always ready to alert the driver if it seems like they aren't concentrating on the road. These features are only available as an option on the Kia LX.

Compare the S vs GT-Line. What is the difference?

The GT-Line certainly wins as the most sporty and athletic looking car in the entire lineup. Under the hood, however, it hides the exact same engine as the S and the LX. As a result, the GT-Line has the same amount of power as the others - a 2.0-liter model with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet torque. Since that's not an incredible amount, the GT-Line balances things out with a firmer, sport-tuned suspension for enhanced handling.

Several exterior accents on GT-Line adds to it dominance. It flaunts a hot stamping type front grille, special front and rear fascia, flashy red accents on its side sills, and a silver skid plate in the rear. Its side mirrors have a glossy black finish, and glaring front fog lights to shine through any kind of weather. Two other noticeable attributes are the 18-inch alloy wheels and power sunroof.

GT-Line's cabin has some distinct features than the S. It's fancy D-shaped leather steering wheel adds to its sporty ambience. Both the steering wheel and the gear shifter are wrapped in premium feel leather. Kia has bestowed the GT-Line some convenient features, which are a 12-volt power outlet, light integrated sun visors, and a dual-level cargo board. Interestingly, the GT-Line goes back to having a manually adjustable driver's seat.

Compare the GT-Line vs X-Line. What is the difference?

Pricing starts at the same level for both GT-Line and X-Line. In this respect, they share some similar hallmarks, but they are not necessarily equivalent. When it's time to juxtapose two trims, it's crucial to explicitly emphasise the breach between them.

With reference to style, the GT-Line flaunts more aggressive elements. The X-Line goes back to having a black grille, and it has silver outside mirrors instead of black ones. The X-Line has 18-inch wheels like the GT-Line does, but the details on the wheels are a little different.

As for the assets you won't obtain with the EX, they include no power sunroof, D-shaped steering wheel, 12-volt power outlet or premium tricot cloth seats like those incorporated on the GT-Line. While not as sport-tuned, it does encompass the same leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped gear shifter, and leather-wrapped gear shift knob as the GT-Line possesses.

Compare the X-Line vs EX Trims. What is the difference?

Normally, the features of other cars build upon each other with each level. The Kia, however, is a different story. And it's complicated to figure out what each trim offers exactly. For example, the GT-Line and EX have a dual-level cargo board and 12-volt outlet, but the X-Line does not. The S, GT-Line, and EX all have tricot cloth seats. The X-Line, though, woven cloth seats like in the base trim. In spite of this, the EX has a cargo cover for privacy, heated front seats, and rear adjustable headrests. A power-adjustable driver's seat is also included, like in the S trim.

Even though the EX does not have sport-tuned suspension, it features enhanced grilles. Kia has also upgraded it to include heated side mirrors and a power sunroof. The power sunroof feature allows you to breathe fresh air, have an amazing view of the open air above and bask in natural light inside the car while traveling. Considering their alloy wheels, the X-Line has 18-inch ones, and the EX comes behind a bit with 17-inch ones.

The EX's remote start function allows you to turn on the car's engine in advance with the key fob from a distance of up to 10 meters. It automatically turns on air conditioning or heating, getting the car to just the right temperature by the time you get inside.

Besides heated front seats, the EX also features a rear center armrest with integrated cup holders to keep everyone's drinks safe.

Compare the EX vs Turbo. What is the difference?

The Turbo is distinguished from all the other trims primarily by its engine. Opposed to a 2.0-liter engine without a turbocharger, it is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine. Even an average drive can notice the considerable difference in performance. The turbo engine generates 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, which excels the147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque that's generated by the standard engine.

The Turbo trim possesses a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This exceedingly responsive transmission is typically only seen in sporty automobiles. Like the lower trims in the lineup, the EX has an intelligent variable transmission that offers a driving experience that is exceptionally smooth if not necessarily thrilling. Kia brings back the sport-tuned suspension on the Turbo trim.

Several similarities can be found between the safety systems of the EX and Turbo. Thankfully, Kia has allocated so many driver-assist technologies to all of its trims. Nevertheless, the Turbo stands above the rest with its pedestrian detection and smart cruise control.

Pedestrian detection works in conjunction with the forward collision avoidance assist program, and it can prevent certain types of accidents. Smart cruise control comes handy on the highway. If traffic is light, it maintains a set speed. When anything causes the leading vehicle to slow down, then the Soul can slow down appropriately. It can then speed up again when safe to do so.

Integrated into the Turbo is a head-up display. This display is fixed behind the steering wheel and projected directly onto the windshield. It supplies all kind of data including current speed, any warnings, navigation information, and more. The driver can access information about the vehicle without ever taking their eyes off the road.

On the exterior, the Turbo includes some unique features as well as elements common to lower trim levels. Chrome-tipped exhaust tips, LED turn signals integrated into the side mirrors, and a full array of LED lighting are all unique to the Turbo. A wide range of LEDs are installed in the vehicle, including the fog lights, rear tail lights, positioning lights, and headlights.

In addition to heated side mirrors and a power sunroof, the Turbo owns the same grille as the EX. A silver skid plate at the rear and 18-inch wheels with red accents attach to the Turbo's exterior, which closely resembles the GT-Line's.

The Turbo is the only trim to include Harman Kardon sound, which includes a subwoofer, external amplifier, and center speaker. Even the lights on the front door speakers and bottle holders change colors and pulsate to match the music.

In addition, the Turbo boasts some more sophisticated features in the cabin. The heated steering wheel is a comfort during for cold days, the SynTex and cloth seats look athletic and refined, and the LED interior lights add to the ambience. The Turbo is the only one in the lineup to have a heated steering wheel, and that steering wheel has the same D-shape as found in the GT-Line. Finally, the Turbo has satin chrome door handles that strike a contrast with the piano black air vent bezels.

Final Thoughts

Comparing the Kia Soul to other SUVs and crossovers, it's important to remember that it's an affordable vehicle. Taking a look at the prices of the trims, not much differentiates them from each other. The base trim starts out at around $19,000, with the EX costing about $23,500. In between them, there are three other trims.

In cases where budget is a primary concern, the S would be most appropriate. As the second trim in the lineup, it boasts a competitive price, while also presenting navigation and driver-assist technologies. On the other end of the spectrum, Turbos would be a treat for someone who can afford something more luxurious and wants more power. It is still under $28,000 despite having the best features.