The Niro was first released in 2016 as a hybrid, then in 2017, a plug-in hybrid version was...

The Niro was first released in 2016 as a hybrid, then in 2017, a plug-in hybrid version was released. The 2019 Kia Niro is now being offerred with a fully electric powertrain. 

Photo by Eric Gandarilla. 

Kia unveiled its 2019 Niro EV and the 2020 Soul, which is coming in a gasoline and electric version, at the LA Auto Show.

The 2019 Kia Niro EV will be coming to market with a 64-killowatt-per-hour lithium-ion polymer battery that will support DC fast-charging as standard equipment.

Final range on the vehicle is still being finalized, but the company noted an estimate above 200 miles during its press conference.  

The 2019 Niro EV will offer four driving modes — eco, normal, sport, and eco+ — that will automatically adjust vehicle settings such as heating, air conditioning, speed limits, and regenerative braking to manage fuel efficiency. Drivers can also adjust regenerative braking levels using paddle shifters to add extra range.

The 2020 model year will mark a new vehicle generation for the Kia Soul. The upcoming model of the vehicle will come with a redesigned exterior and new platform.

The 2020 Kia Soul will come in six trims: LX, S, X-Line, GT-Line, EX, and EX Designer Collection.

The 2020 Kia Soul will come in six trims: LX, S, X-Line, GT-Line, EX, and EX Designer Collection.

Photo by Eric Gandarilla. 

The exterior will retain the boxy look the car is known for, but add more curved edges to the design. The vehicle will be slightly longer than it has in the past and utilize advanced high-strength steel to make the body stronger than it has been in the past.

The 2020 Soul will come in six trim levels: LX, S, X-Line, GT-Line, EX, and EX Designer Collection as well as a battery-electric version.

The X-Line will come with a rugged body kit with offroad-inspired accents. The GT-Line will offer a sportier look and an available 201-horsepower turbocharged engine, while the standard engine for the vehicle is a 2.0-liter four cylinder engine that makes for 147 hp.

The electric Soul will come with a 64-kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion polymer battery. Final range is yet to be determined but Kia estimated a range exceeding 200 miles at its press conference.

Both newly announced vehicles will offer Kia’s Drive Wise features, which include forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, lane changing assist, driver attention warning, blind-spot collision warning, rear cross collision warning, smart cruise control, high beam assist.

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