2022 Kia Soul facelift expected shortly as US models receive update

• Updated styling front and rear
• Expected later this year
• Revised battery expected

The American-market Kia Soul has received a facelift which is expected to arrive on UK models shortly. Prices and specifications for the UK are yet to be announced but the US model has had the range of petrol engines simplified; here in the UK the Kia Soul is EV only

Updates for the US-model include a Kia logo incorporated into a blanked off upper grille area and resculptured headlights with a new style daytime-running light design. Other changes include smaller fog lights that are positioned lower in the front bumper, plus new chrome detailing to the lower grille.

Across the sides of the vehicle the changes are limited to a cleaner looking trim on the lower half of the car and a new alloy wheel design. At the rear there are vertical reflectors in place of the horizontal units currently fitted and a darker finish to the rear lights that are otherwise unchanged. American models will also have a new centre exit exhaust, which will of course not feature on the EV-only UK models.

US versions also receive a new array of new colours that could also make their way to the UK. This could either be an expansion of the current colour palette, or a replacement of some of the options.

Inside changes are limited to alterations to the heater vents and restyled trim pieces along the door cards. The current 10.25-inch screen is carried over on the revised US-spec Soul and it is expected to do the same in the UK, rather than switching to the larger 12.3-inch display fitted to the new Kia Sportage.

We can expect the facelift model to have the same powertrain as the upcoming Niro EV. That would mean a 201bhp motor and a 64.8kWh battery with a range slightly higher than current 64kWh variant, which manages up to 280 miles on a single charge. Charge times should also improve with the addition of a 77kW charger that is capable of 80% charge in roughly 45 minutes.

Read our review of the Kia e-Niro or Hyundai Kona Electric to see how the Kia Soul compares.