Finding the right 2023 kia soul trim levels can feel a bit like trying to pick the best flavor of chips at the grocery store—they all look pretty good, but you really don't want to get home and realize you bought the one you don't like. For 2023, Kia actually made this process a little easier by trimming the fat (pun intended). They got rid of a couple of options, like the rugged-looking X-Line and the zippy Turbo model, leaving us with a more streamlined lineup.
If you're looking at the Soul, you probably already know it's a boxy, weird-looking little car, but that's exactly why people love it. It's incredibly practical for its size. For 2023, the front end got a bit of a facelift, looking a bit more modern and less "angry robot," and the engine options were simplified. Now, every single version comes with the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Since you aren't choosing between engines anymore, your decision really comes down to the features, the wheels, and how much tech you want inside.
The Entry Level LX Trim
The LX is the starting point, and honestly, it's not a bad place to be if you're trying to keep your monthly payments as low as possible. It's the "budget" option, but Kia doesn't make it feel like a total penalty box. You get an 8-inch touchscreen which is actually pretty decent, and it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That's a big deal because, let's be real, nobody uses the factory navigation anymore anyway.
One thing to keep in mind with the LX is that it comes with 16-inch steel wheels with plastic covers. They aren't exactly stylish, and they definitely scream "base model." Inside, you've got woven cloth seats and manual air conditioning. It's basic, but it's functional. If you just need a reliable commuter that's easy to park and has plenty of headroom, the LX does the job without any extra fluff.
Stepping Up to the S Trim
Moving up to the S trim is where I think most people should probably start their search. It's a relatively small jump in price, but you get a lot of stuff that makes daily driving way more pleasant. The biggest upgrade is the screen. You go from that 8-inch display to a much nicer 10.25-inch unit. It makes the whole dashboard look more expensive and modern.
You also get dual-zone automatic climate control. If you've ever fought with a passenger over the temperature, you know this is a marriage-saver. The S also adds some important safety tech, like blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic alert. Plus, you get a power driver's seat and 16-inch alloy wheels. They're still small, but at least they aren't plastic hubcaps. For a lot of buyers, the S trim is the "sweet spot" in the 2023 kia soul trim levels.
The Sporty Vibe of the GT-Line
Now, if you want your Soul to look a bit more aggressive, the GT-Line is the one you're looking for. It doesn't actually go any faster than the other trims—remember, they all have the same 147-horsepower engine—but it definitely looks faster. It gets 18-inch wheels, which really change the stance of the car and make it look a lot less like a toaster and more like a sporty hatchback.
The GT-Line features unique front and rear bumpers, some body-colored accents, and a flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in leather. It feels a bit more "premium" inside thanks to the combination of cloth and SynTex (Kia's fancy word for synthetic leather) seating. It's mostly an appearance package, but if you care about curb appeal, the GT-Line is easily the best-looking version of the 2023 Soul.
There's also an optional "Designer Package" for the GT-Line that adds a two-tone paint job. If you've seen those Souls with the white body and red roof, or the blue body with a black roof, that's usually a GT-Line. It's a fun way to lean into the car's quirky personality.
The Cozy and Loaded EX Trim
If you don't care about looking sporty and would rather be comfortable, the EX is your best bet. It sits at the top of the non-sporty lineup. Instead of the big 18-inch wheels on the GT-Line, the EX goes with 17-inch alloys. This is actually a good thing for ride quality; more rubber between the rim and the road usually means a smoother ride over potholes.
The EX comes standard with a sunroof, which really helps open up the cabin and makes it feel less like a box. You also get heated front seats and heated outside mirrors—absolute essentials if you live anywhere that gets a real winter. It's the "grown-up" Soul. It's focused on creature comforts and making the commute as painless as possible. You also get a cargo cover and a 12V power outlet in the luggage area, which are small things, but they make the car much more versatile for road trips.
Tech and Safety Across the Board
One thing Kia did right with the 2023 kia soul trim levels was making sure that even the lower trims got some decent safety tech. Even on the base LX, you get forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. It's nice to see that you don't have to pay for the top-tier trim just to get basic modern safety features.
However, if you really want the high-end stuff, you have to look at the GT-Line Tech Package. This is an add-on for the GT-Line that brings in things like Junction Turning Detection (it helps you not turn left into oncoming traffic) and Highway Driving Assist. It also adds a Harman Kardon premium audio system. If you're a music lover, that stereo is a huge upgrade over the base speakers, which can sound a bit thin if you like to crank the volume.
What's Missing for 2023?
It's worth mentioning what you can't get this year. As I mentioned earlier, the Turbo is gone. In previous years, the Soul had a 201-horsepower turbocharged engine that made it surprisingly quick. Kia decided that most Soul buyers didn't really care about that extra speed and preferred the better fuel economy and lower price of the standard engine.
Also gone is the X-Line. It had some plastic body cladding that made it look a bit like an off-roader. It was purely cosmetic—it didn't have all-wheel drive or extra ground clearance—so Kia probably figured it wasn't worth keeping around. Speaking of all-wheel drive, that's still the one thing the Soul doesn't offer. Despite its SUV-ish shape, it's strictly front-wheel drive. If you live in a place with heavy snow and absolutely must have AWD, you might have to look at something like the Kia Seltos instead.
Making the Final Choice
So, which of the 2023 kia soul trim levels should you actually put in your driveway? If you're on a strict budget, the LX is a solid choice, but I'd honestly try to stretch for the S trim. That bigger screen and the extra safety features really change the way the car feels every day.
If you want the best-looking version, go GT-Line. It has that curb appeal that the lower trims lack. But if you're like me and you value a heated seat and a sunroof over fancy wheels, the EX is probably the most "complete" feeling car in the lineup.
At the end of the day, the Soul remains one of the best values on the market. It's got a ton of interior space for such a small footprint, and Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is still one of the best in the business. No matter which trim you pick, you're getting a car that's easy to live with, easy to park, and just a little bit more interesting than your average silver sedan.