How We'd Spec It: The 2020 Kia Soul, in Regular, X-Line, and GT-Line Trims

Kia's all-new 2020 Soul is here, and that means it's time for us to tell you which version to buy with a How We'd Spec It piece. Except that picking one version to highlight is very difficult. Kia has split the 2020 Soul lineup into three distinct flavors, starting with what can be described as "normal" Souls (the base LX, S, and EX trims), the new X-Line pseudo-SUV variant (see our full test of that version here), and the sporty GT Line. (And we're not even including the forthcoming all-electric Soul EV!) With their unique visual personalities, all three present compelling reasons to why buyers should pick them, even though mechanically most Souls are identical down to their 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines and continuously variable automatic (CVT) transmissions. The only variations to that package include the base model's standard six-speed manual transmission and the GT-Line's optional 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Naturally, this variety of, ahem, soul has our staff split on which Soul is the right one to buy, so instead of our normal How We'd Spec It format highlighting a single version, we've broken out the three primary Soul variants and the reasons why different members of our staff rallied behind each one. Swipe on for the builds:

Joey Capparella: The Soul's EX trim level lives above the base LX and volume-model Soul S, yet I think it offers the best bang for your buck. Kia stuffs a ton of equipment into the EX, meaning you don't need to opt for the costly GT-Line Turbo model for good stuff, and offers a variety of fun personalization options and a sleek appearance. Speaking of, the $1500 Designer Collection package seems worth it to me for its appealing 18-inch wheels, LED lighting, and two-tone paint options. I'm partial to the Gravity Grey/Platinum Gold combination because its gold roof is so distinctive. There's a white roof available, too, but Mini has been there, done that.

But back to the EX's value play-it comes with proximity-key entry, a power driver's seat, automatic climate control, several active safety features, a big 10.3-inch touchscreen (instead of the standard 7.0-inch unit), and the 2020 Soul's updated 147-hp base engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) all for the low starting price of $23,685. With the $130 floor mats thrown in, plus the Designer Collection package previously mentioned, my ideal Soul ends up at an entirely reasonable $25,660, notably less than the similarly equipped GT-Line Turbo that retails for $28,485.

Daniel Golson: I'd have to go with the 2020 Soul's sporty GT-Line trim with-hot take-the base, non-turbocharged engine. Why buy the GT-Line and forgo the optional 201-hp turbo engine and dual-clutch automatic transmission for the entry-level 147-hp four-cylinder and CVT? I have 7200 good reasons why, since that's the price difference in American dollars between the base GT-Line and the GT-Line Turbo. Plus, to me, the Soul's main selling point is its style, and the new GT-Line trim looks sharp with its 18-inch wheels, different bodykit, and red accents. A trio of different two-tone paints cost $345 extra (and, critically, aren't available with the pricier Turbo), including the Clear White and Inferno Red scheme I prefer, which adds a red roof and mirrors.

If you can live without the pricier Turbo model's larger 10.3-inch touchscreen and heated leatherette seats, the base GT-Line offers solid value. Should you pine for more, it is available with a $1900 package that adds a sunroof, push-button start, a wireless charger, and blind-spot warning, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Unfortunately, this package can't be paired with the optional two-tone paint schemes, so I left that option box unchecked. After adding an interior lighting kit and exterior puddle lights, my Soul GT-Line comes to a very affordable $22,230.

Alexander Stoklosa: This X-Line is Kia's first overture to customers and critics who don't consider the Soul "crossover-ish" enough. Keep in mind that the Soul remains strictly front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive isn't offered), despite its substantial ground clearance and tall, boxy body tastefully clad in tough-looking plastic cladding. In reality, the X-Line is mechanically identical to other non-GT-Line Souls. That means a smooth 147-hp 2.0-liter four and CVT, no extra ground clearance, and-in case you needed reminding-no all-wheel drive. Either way, I really like the X-Line's chunky, rugged urban assault vehicle appearance, which looks great paired with the Undercover Green paint exclusive to the X-Line and EX trims. I think the funky front-end lighting (on this trim level, the headlights live in the lower light boxes, while the thin upper lights are the fog lights and turn signals) manages to pull off the visual impact of the now-defunct Nissan Juke without skewing weird, and the plastic body cladding is tastefully applied.

The X-Line fits in the middle of the lineup, retailing for $22,485. It comes standard with the essentials, including blind-spot monitoring, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a backup camera. While it lacks the flashy light-up panels that pulse in sync with the music playing through the audio system that are available on upper Soul trims, as well as forward collision warning and a color driver information display between the gauges, the X-Line is affordable, looks the SUV part, and drives as well as other Souls. Toss some all-terrain tires on it, maybe a roof rack, and go challenge a Subaru Crosstrek owner's sense of image.