2020 Kia Soul III Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Kia Soul III has a curb weight ranging between 1271 and 1682 kg (2801 to 3709 lbs) depending on specific trim and equipment levels. The maximum permissible weight ranges from 1750 to 2180 kg (3858 to 4804 lbs). The relatively moderate curb weight helps maintain agile handling and improved fuel efficiency for an urban SUV, while the maximum weight rating ensures the vehicle can safely accommodate passengers and cargo within its designed limits without compromising stability or safety.

The Kia Soul III provides a practical cargo space for daily and recreational use. With the rear seats in the upright position, it offers between 315 and 529 liters (11.1 to 18.7 cubic feet) of luggage capacity, which is enough for grocery runs or small luggage. When the rear seats are folded down, the space expands significantly to between 1339 and 1758 liters (47.3 to 62.0 cubic feet), allowing for larger items or bulkier cargo, making it highly versatile for various lifestyle needs.

The Kia Soul III features a ground clearance ranging from 155 to 170 mm (6.1 to 6.7 inches). This moderate ride height provides a good balance between urban driving and mild off-road capability. It helps the vehicle navigate over bumps, potholes, and light obstacles without risking damage to the undercarriage. While it's not designed as a hardcore off-roader, this clearance is adequate for suburban and rural roads with uneven surfaces.

The Kia Soul III comes with several wheel rim options including 7J x 17, 6.5J x 16, 6.5J x 17, and 7.5J x 18 sizes. Corresponding tire sizes include 215/55 R17, 205/60 R16, and 235/45 R18. Larger wheels and wider tires typically improve grip and handling responsiveness, enhancing driving dynamics and cornering stability. Conversely, smaller wheels with higher-profile tires tend to absorb road imperfections better, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride, which is a consideration for daily urban commuting.

The Kia Soul III's dimensions make it suitable to fit comfortably within a standard residential garage, which typically measures about 2.4 to 2.7 meters (8 to 9 feet) in width and about 4.8 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet) in length. With a width of approximately 1800 mm (70.9 inches or about 1.8 meters) and length around 4195 mm (165.3 inches or about 4.2 meters), the Soul III leaves adequate clearance on the sides and front-to-back for easy parking, assuming the garage is of typical size without obstructions.

Compared to the Soul II, the Soul III retains a very similar footprint with only slight dimensional changes to optimize interior space and styling. The length remains close at around 4195 mm (165.3 inches), while width and height have marginal alterations for a more modern profile. Inside, Kia has managed to improve cargo capacity and passenger room despite external dimensions staying compact. Overall, the Soul III refines the previous generation’s design rather than transforming the car’s size.

Against similar compact or subcompact SUVs like the Nissan Juke, Honda HR-V, or Ford EcoSport, the Kia Soul III tends to offer a more boxy shape, which maximizes interior space utilization. While its length of about 4.2 meters (165.3 inches) and width around 1.8 meters (70.9 inches) place it squarely within this competitive segment, the Soul III’s distinctive high roofline and upright stance provide a roomy feel and impressive cargo versatility, especially with its rear seats folded. Its luggage capacity and flexible interior layout often rank it favorably against competitors for everyday practicality.

The Kia Soul III has a roof load limit of 100 kg (about 220 lbs). This capacity is sufficient for mounting various roof accessories like cargo boxes, roof racks, bike carriers, or ski racks, provided the total weight does not exceed this limit including the weight of the accessories and their payload. Users should ensure proper installation to maintain vehicle stability and safety, and bear in mind that roof loading can affect fuel economy and handling if excessively heavy or bulky items are carried.

The Kia Soul III’s curb weight spans from approximately 1271 to 1682 kg (2801 to 3709 lbs), reflecting different trims and optional equipment. This range is similar to or slightly heavier than the Soul II, which gained weight due to added safety features, technology, and structural reinforcements. While marginally increased weight can have a slight impact on fuel efficiency, improvements in engine technology and aerodynamics help offset this. Fuel economy remains competitive within the segment, balancing performance and economy effectively.