I remember the first time I saw a 2020 Kia Soul inferno red sitting on a dealership lot; it practically glowed against the gray pavement. There's something about that specific shade of red that just works with the Soul's boxy, unapologetic silhouette. It's not a subtle car by any means, but in Inferno Red, it leans fully into its personality. It's bold, a bit cheeky, and surprisingly practical for something that looks like a stylish toaster on wheels.
When Kia redesigned the Soul for the 2020 model year, they had a tough job. How do you change a car that people love specifically because it looks weird? They managed to pull it off by making it look more futuristic without losing that iconic shape. The thin, wraparound "eyebrow" headlights and the massive front grille give it a face that's hard to mistake for anything else. When you wrap all that in Inferno Red, the black trim pieces and the lighting elements really pop.
Why the Inferno Red Color Stands Out
Choosing a car color is usually a battle between being boring (silver or white) and being too flashy. The 2020 Kia Soul inferno red hits a sweet spot. It's a deep, rich metallic red that looks expensive. In the sunlight, you can see the depth in the paint, but when the sun goes down, it takes on a moodier, darker tone. It isn't that bright "fire engine" red that can look a little cheap on some economy cars; it has a certain sophistication to it.
I've noticed that this color specifically highlights the "floating roof" design that Kia emphasized in 2020. The blacked-out A-pillars and the trim on the C-pillar make the roof look like it's just hovering there. When the body is painted Inferno Red, that contrast is sharp. If you're the kind of person who likes to find your car easily in a crowded grocery store parking lot, this is definitely the way to go.
A Look Under the Hood
Most people looking at a 2020 Soul aren't necessarily looking for a race car, but you still want some pep. The majority of the 2020 models you'll find in Inferno Red come with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It puts out about 147 horsepower, which sounds modest on paper, but because the Soul is relatively light, it feels zippy. It's great for darting through city traffic or merging onto the highway without feeling like you're asking too much of the engine.
Kia paired this engine with their Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). Now, I know some people get nervous when they hear "CVT," but Kia's version is actually pretty good. It mimics the feel of a traditional automatic with "shifts," so you don't get that annoying rubber-band sensation or the constant engine drone that older CVTs were famous for. If you really want more kick, there was a Turbo trim available, but honestly, the 2.0L is the "Goldilocks" engine for most drivers.
Stepping Inside the Box
One of the biggest surprises about the 2020 Kia Soul inferno red is just how much room is inside. From the outside, it looks like a subcompact, but once you open the door, it feels massive. Because of that boxy shape, the headroom is incredible. You could wear a top hat while driving this thing and still have clearance.
The interior design in the 2020 model got a significant upgrade. It feels more modern and less "plasticky" than the previous generation. Depending on the trim level, you might get the 10.25-inch touchscreen, which is still impressive even by today's standards. It's wide, clear, and very responsive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, which is a lifesaver for navigation and music.
The Famous Mood Lighting
You can't talk about a Kia Soul without mentioning the lights. The 2020 model kept the tradition of reactive mood lighting. The door panels have these 3D-patterned inserts that can pulse with the beat of your music. You can choose different "moods," like "Hey! Yo!" or "Party Time." It sounds gimmicky—and maybe it is—but on a long night drive, it adds a layer of fun that you just don't get in a Honda Fit or a Toyota Corolla.
Cargo Space and Versatility
The Soul is a champion of utility. The rear hatch opens up to a wide cargo area with a dual-level floor. If you need to haul something tall, you can drop the floor down. If you need a flat loading surface, you keep it in the upper position. With the rear seats folded down, you have a surprising amount of room for IKEA hauls or camping gear. It's essentially a small SUV disguised as a hatchback.
Driving Dynamics and Comfort
On the road, the 2020 Kia Soul inferno red is a hoot to drive. It has a short wheelbase, which makes it incredibly easy to park. You can flip a U-turn in places where larger SUVs would be doing a three-point turn. The steering is light but doesn't feel disconnected.
The ride quality is generally good, though it can feel a little stiff over big bumps. That's the trade-off for having a car that feels planted and doesn't lean too much in the corners. It's a "happy" car to drive; it doesn't take itself too seriously, and that reflects in the way it handles. It's predictable, safe, and surprisingly quiet on the highway compared to the older models.
Which Trim Looks Best in Red?
If you're hunting for a 2020 Kia Soul inferno red on the used market, you'll see a few different trims.
- The GT-Line: This is probably the best-looking version in red. It adds sporty front and rear bumpers, side sills with red accents (which blend perfectly), and unique 18-inch wheels. It looks aggressive and fast, even when it's just sitting in your driveway.
- The X-Line: This one is meant to look more "off-road." It has silver skid plate-looking bits and plastic cladding around the wheel wells. In Inferno Red, the black cladding provides a nice rugged contrast.
- The EX: This is the "luxury" trim. It usually has the nicer wheels and the bigger screen inside. It's the smart choice if you want all the bells and whistles without the sporty or rugged exterior bits.
Is It a Good Used Buy Today?
Buying a used 2020 Soul today is actually a pretty smart move. By the time 2020 rolled around, Kia had ironed out a lot of the kinks from the earlier years. You get the modern safety tech like Forward Collision-Avoidance, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Monitoring on most trims.
Maintenance on these is generally affordable. It's a simple mechanical layout, meaning you aren't going to be hit with massive repair bills like you might with a European luxury car. Plus, Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is legendary, though keep in mind that for second owners, that usually reverts to a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty unless you buy it Certified Pre-Owned.
Final Thoughts on the Inferno Red Soul
There's a reason you see so many of these on the road. The 2020 Kia Soul inferno red isn't just a commuter car; it's a bit of a statement. It says you value practicality and space, but you haven't given up on having a little bit of flair. It's a car that makes you smile when you walk up to it in a parking lot.
Whether you're a student looking for your first reliable ride, a city dweller who needs to squeeze into tight spots, or just someone who likes the view from a slightly higher seating position, the Soul delivers. And in Inferno Red? Well, it just looks better doing it. It's a bold choice, but for a car as unique as the Soul, it's arguably the only choice that truly fits its spirit.