You know that feeling when you see a car that looks like a toaster but drives like a pocket rocket? That’s basically the 2020 Kia Soul GT in a nutshell. Honestly, people still confuse the "GT-Line" with the full-blown "GT-Line Turbo," and if you’re looking to buy one used, that mistake could cost you about 54 horsepower and a whole lot of fun.
The 2020 model year was a massive deal for the Soul. It was the birth of the third generation, sitting on a fresh platform that finally made the ride feel less like a literal box on wheels and more like a refined hatchback. But let’s be real: you’re here because you want to know if this funky machine is actually worth your driveway space or if it's just a flashy gimmick.
The Turbo Confusion: GT-Line vs. GT-Line Turbo
Here is the thing. Most 2020 Kia Soul GT models you see on the road are actually the base GT-Line. They look aggressive—red accents, sporty bumpers, 18-inch wheels—but under the hood, they’re packing the same 2.0-liter engine as the base LX. It makes 147 horsepower. It’s... fine. It gets you to work.
But the 2020 Kia Soul GT Turbo? That’s the unicorn.
That one swaps the 2.0-liter for a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Suddenly, you’re looking at 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. It’s zippy. Actually, it’s more than zippy—it’ll hit 60 mph in about 6.4 seconds. For a car that looks like it belongs in a Hamster commercial, that’s genuinely impressive.
The transmission is the other big differentiator. While the standard GT-Line uses an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), the Turbo gets a 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT). If you’ve never driven a DCT, it feels different. It shifts fast, but it can be a little jerky at low speeds in stop-and-go traffic. Some people hate it; others love the mechanical feel. You’ve gotta test drive it to know which camp you fall into.
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Inside the Box: More Than Just Headroom
The interior is where the 2020 Soul really shines, especially in the higher trims. Because the roof is so high and flat, you get 39.5 inches of rear headroom. That’s enough for your tallest friends to sit back there without complaining.
Kia didn't just give you space; they gave you a "Sound Mood Lamp" system. It’s exactly what it sounds like. The lights in the door panels pulse to the beat of your music. Is it necessary? Not at all. Is it cool when you’re driving home at night listening to a decent playlist? Absolutely.
What You Get Inside the GT-Line Turbo:
- 10.25-inch Touchscreen: This was huge for 2020. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and still looks modern today.
- Harman Kardon Audio: A 640-watt system with 10 speakers. It kicks.
- Head-Up Display: A little glass screen pops up from the dash to show your speed. Kinda "fighter pilot," kinda cool.
- Heated Everything: Seats and the steering wheel. If you live somewhere cold, you know this is a non-negotiable.
Cargo space is the Soul's secret weapon. With the seats up, you have about 24.2 cubic feet. Flip them down, and you’re looking at 62.1 cubic feet. To put that in perspective, that’s more room than some "real" SUVs like the Mazda CX-5. It’s a literal Tardis.
The Drive: Not Quite a Sports Car, But Close
Let’s talk handling. The 2020 Kia Soul GT sits on a sport-tuned suspension. It’s stiffer than the base models, which means it stays flatter in the corners. It’s nimble. You can toss it into a turn, and it won't feel like it’s going to tip over, despite the height.
However, it’s still front-wheel drive.
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A lot of people wish Kia had added All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with this redesign. They didn't. If you live in a place with heavy snow, you’re relying on a good set of winter tires. On the bright side, the ground clearance is decent for a hatchback, and the car feels "planted" thanks to those 18-inch alloys.
Fuel economy is also a pleasant surprise. Even with the turbo, you’re looking at around 27 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway. In real-world testing, many drivers have averaged over 30 mpg on long freeway hauls. It’s a rare case where the "fun" engine doesn't totally ruin your wallet at the pump.
Is It Safe? (The Short Answer: Yes)
Safety is usually boring to talk about until you actually need it. The 2020 Soul was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. But—and this is a big but—that rating only applied to the trims with the "good" headlights.
Specifically, the GT-Line Turbo comes standard with LED projector headlights. The lower trims often have halogens that the IIHS rated as "Poor." If you’re hunting for a 2020 Kia Soul GT, try to find the Turbo or an EX with the lighting package. It literally makes a world of difference when you’re driving on dark backroads.
In terms of tech, the GT models are loaded:
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- Forward Collision-Avoidance: With pedestrian detection.
- Blind-Spot Warning: Essential because the C-pillar on this car is pretty chunky.
- Smart Cruise Control: It’ll maintain the distance from the car in front of you, which is a lifesaver on road trips.
The Reality Check: Reliability and Quirks
No car is perfect. The 1.6T engine in the Soul is generally considered more reliable than the older 2.0 or 2.4-liter engines Kia had trouble with in the past (looking at you, Theta II). However, it’s a direct-injection turbo, so it likes regular maintenance. Don't skip your oil changes.
The most common "complaint" isn't a mechanical failure, but the DCT behavior. As mentioned, it can feel "clunky" when pulling away from a stoplight. It’s not "broken"—that’s just how dual-clutch transmissions work. They don't have a torque converter like a traditional automatic.
Also, road noise. While this generation is quieter than the 2019 and older models, it’s still a box. You’re going to hear some wind whistle at 75 mph. It’s the price you pay for having a car shaped like a Lego brick.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re seriously considering a 2020 Kia Soul GT, here is how to play it:
- Check the Vin: Verify if it’s the 2.0L GT-Line or the 1.6T GT-Line Turbo. The Turbo is the one with the center-exit exhaust and the 201-hp engine.
- Test the Transmission: Drive it in heavy traffic. If the DCT's low-speed hesitation bothers you, look at the EX trim instead—it’s almost as well-equipped but uses a smoother (though less sporty) IVT.
- Inspect the Lights: If you do a lot of night driving, prioritize the LED headlights. Your eyes will thank you.
- Maintenance History: Look for a record of consistent oil changes. Turbocharged engines are sensitive to "sludge" if the oil isn't swapped regularly.
The 2020 Soul GT remains one of the most character-rich cars on the used market. It’s practical, weird, and—in Turbo form—surprisingly quick. It’s not for everyone, but for the person who needs to haul a bike one day and carve a canyon the next, it’s a tough package to beat.