Kia Is Shrinking the Options for the 2023 Soul
Kia is offering fewer trim options for the 2023 Kia Soul. Is this a smart move? Probably.
Written by Andrew Kidd
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Those looking to purchase a 2023
Kia
Soul will have fewer options to choose from once the updated vehicle launches this summer.As Autoblog reports, Kia has pared down the trim offerings of the 2023 Kia Soul. The automaker eliminated the off-road-styled (but not off-road-capable) X-line exterior trim package, so those wanting a sportier look will have to stick with the GT-Line trim.
But going for the GT-Line trim means you now can no longer opt for the GT-Line Turbo, which featured a 201-horsepower, 1.6-liter engine and dual-clutch transmission. This discontinuation means
Kia Soul
buyers will be limited to the 147-horsepower 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission.Reduced options for the 2023 Soul will save Kia money
What could have led to the decision to eliminate a few available options for the 2023 Kia Soul is the desire to save on vehicle production by reducing complexity.
Complexity can cause headaches during the assembly process, as vehicle lines with multiple variations and trim options mean a greater potential for error during assembly. It has plagued automakers before, and it’s still plaguing automakers now.
Kia hinted at a move to reduce manufacturing complexity in 2020 when it announced its “Plan S” strategy to transition to electrify its lineup and pursue mobility solutions (last mile, autonomous tech, etc.) by 2025.
It noted that its
investments in electrification
and autonomous vehicles would be funded mostly by cuts in its gas-powered vehicle programs. The Kia Soul is one of them, and cutting two trims and an engine option is likely saving them loads.Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
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The 2023 Kia Soul has increased safety features
In the case of the Kia Soul, deleting different trim options doesn’t mean the automaker is skimping elsewhere. As
Autoblog
reports, Kia is offering more standard safety features
across the Soul line, which include features like automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane centering and automatic high-beams among others. Available technologies include automatic emergency braking with object detection while turning as well as blind-spot and cross-traffic warning systems.
The company hasn’t released pricing for the updated soul, but Autoblog predicts it will start around $20,000 like its predecessor. The company has also not confirmed whether or not those giant hamsters will return.
MORE: Will the Kia Soul Hamsters Ever Make a Comeback?
A smart move for Kia?
Vehicles that sit on the lower end of the line-up in terms of MSRP are generally less profitable, and vehicles that aren’t profitable shouldn’t take up too many of the company’s resources if it hopes to offer it in the future.
Affordably priced entry-level vehicles are a great way for automakers to attract new customers that might return once their personal finances allow them to purchase a more feature-rich (and expensive) vehicle in the future.
That said, reducing complexity might not lower the price you pay for your vehicle, as corporate savings rarely translate to the end consumer unless a company is trying to move older inventory.
But if you want to save elsewhere, you should consider calling on
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