Kia Soul hybrid could use the same hybrid drivetrain technology as its Hyundai sibling.
The Hyundai Kona hybrid SUV is coming to a showroom near you soon, and thanks to an official announcefment from Hyundai, we now know exactly when it will arrive.
European drivers will see the Kona arrive in August, powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gas engine alongside an electric motor and small battery.
We will dive into the details in a moment, but we would be remiss if we didn’t explain why this announcement is so exciting for Kia lovers.
Hyundai and Kia are sister companies that share vehicle platforms, engines, and technology across their line-ups.
In the case of the Kona crossover, it is the Kia Soul that has all those similarities, which means that we can reasonably surmise that a hybrid drivetrain will soon be shared between the Kona and the Soul.
Watch this space for more information on a Kia Soul hybrid model.
Kia Soul hybrid possible release date in 2025?
There is no official word on the release date for a Kia Soul hybrid, but our best guess would be either late 2025 or early 2026.
Hyundai Kona hybrid specs
Hyundai just announced the spec for the Kona today, so let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from this cool hybrid model.
The main power provider on the all-new Hyundai Kona hybrid SUV is a Kappa 1.6-liter GDI engine, a 4-cylinder direct-injection unit that delivers 105 PS and 147 Nm of torque. The electric motor cranks out 43.5 PS (32 kW) with maximum torque of 170 Nm.
Also included is a 1.56 kWh lithium ion polymer battery that is high on performance and quick to recharge.
In combination with the powertrain, you are looking at a total output of 104 kW (141 PS) and up to 265 Nm of torque, which will almost certainly deliver an outstanding driving experience.
According to Hyundai, the fuel consumption of the Kona hybrid SUV is dependent upon the tires it is equipped with. The 16-inch wheel model delivers 3.9L/100km, while the 18-inch wheel version gives an estimated 4.3L/100km.
ECO-Driving Assist System
Helping deliver such great fuel efficiency in the Hyundai Kona hybrid SUV is the ECO-Driving Assist System.
Road information is pulled from the navigation system, allowing the Coasting Guide to alert drivers to situations where they may need to decelerate.
This includes in situations such as cross-roads, highway exits, and changes of direction. The goal here is to reduce brake usage, while also improving fuel consumption. Drivers can access the Coasting Guide while in ECO mode and traveling between 40 and 160 km/h.
Battery usage is maximized via the Predictive Energy Management System, which comes into play in uphill and downhill situations. When the battery charge is low and an incline is coming, the system increases engine operation to add more charge to the battery.
This allows the electric motor to assist in those hill climbs, ensuring that fuel efficiency is optimized.
All of these specs will likely be the same in the upcoming Kia Soul hybrid electric SUV, but be sure to keep checking back for more details and information as we get it.
Looking forward to the Soul hybrid.