Auto review: 2020 Soul is the best of the cute 'utes'

We’re told by automakers that millennials would rather cycle, scooter, or take the bus than own a car.

The reality is far different: They can’t afford a car — new or used. Once they can, millennials opt for something fun, something that enhances their lives. It must have room for friends, family and lifestyle debris. It must be able to travel to who knows where to do who knows what.

And not only must it have an audio system loud enough to inflict hearing loss, it must also be reliable, easy on gas, cheap to insure and visually compelling. And it helps if it looks vaguely like a crossover SUV that’s been left in the dryer too long. In essence, a cute ute.

The Japanese-market Toyota bB, sold stateside as the 2003-2006 Scion xB, established this class, joined shortly thereafter by the ugly and ungainly 2003-2011 Honda Element, the distinctly odd 2009-2014 Nissan Cube, the over-caffeinated 2011-2017 Nissan Juke and — of course — the ever-funky Kia Soul, introduced in 2010 in advertising featuring human-sized hip-hop hamsters, a fairly disturbing thought once you think about it.

Marketed as unambiguous boxes of hipness, these reasonably priced vehicles resembled mobile toasters designed with an unexpected impudence. But as the sale rack at H&M proves, fast fashion possesses the lifespan of a lightning bug in September. Of the boxes mentioned, only the Kia Soul remains.

While the second-generation Soul, introduced for 2014, didn’t stray far from the corporate hamster cage, the 2020 model looks fresh, yet it retains the attitude of previous models without slavishly mimicking them. Its overall stance and shape remain the same, taking inspiration from a boar with a backpack, according to Kia’s PR minions. This means a rounded box with slab sides and a snub nose accentuated by new renditions of Kia’s trademark tiger nose grille. Squinty lighting now crowns the front end.

The car's styling mixie  lends it a larger look though the overall length expanded just 2.2 inches and the width remains unchanged. This allows for a spacious cabin, with a commanding seating position, particularly in the rear seat.

A 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard and includes Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Spendier EX and GT models have a 10.3-inch display providing space for up to 10 apps. Tucked ahead of the transmission shifter is a small space with 12-volt outlets and USB ports.

Except for the GT-Line Turbo, an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque is standard. It’s mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission, although a six-speed dual clutch transmission is available on base LX models. Top-shelf GT-Line Turbos get a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that generates 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is not offered.

Most buyers will be satisfied with the performance of the base 2.0-liter engine, which furnishes enough power, only becoming a little winded on hills. Enthusiasts should consider the GT-Line Turbo. It’s extra horsepower and dual clutch gearbox delivers more fun, even if it suffers from a bit of turbo lag. Nevertheless, it will sinfully seduce your soul into flogging the Soul with unremitting passion.