Best 2014 cars under $20,000: all new 2014 Kia Soul starts at $14,701

When the all-new redesigned 2014 Kia Soul goes on sale soon, its starting price will be a budget-priced $14,701, plus upgrades and options that bring the top, fully loaded model a blink over $20,000. But even the base model is far from a tin can on wheels, with normally pricey features included as standard, such as power windows, privacy glass and hill-start assist control.

Urban passenger vehicle –

Kia calls the Soul an “urban passenger vehicle”, because of its fuel efficiency, right turning radius and compact size that lets you squeeze into just about any space. ecoXplorer also calls it a great choice for college students, recent grads, first-time buyers and the newly retired who need a safe, functional and budget priced vehicle.  The 2014 Kia Soul doesn’t break the speed limit or the bank account.

Since going on sale in 2009, the Soul has become one of Kia’s best-selling models, and the all-new Soul is poised to continue its sales success.

The new design sits on a stiffer, longer and wider chassis, allowing for more passenger and cargo room and improved driving dynamics, while reducing emission levels.

2014 Kia Soul Base at $14,701 –

The least expensive model is the Soul Base, with privacy glass, Hill-Start Assist Control, and the option to add 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control with steering-wheel-mounted controls, front and rear center console armrests and storage, and remote keyless entry.  Standard features include a 1.6L I-4 DOHC gasoline direct injection, four wheel disc brakes, rack-ready roof with integrated mounting points, air conditioning, power door locks, power windows with driver-side one-touch auto-down, SiriusXMTM Satellite Radio2, USB/auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth® wireless technology3 and stability control.

2014 Kia Soul Plus  at $18, 2001 –

The Soul Plus, starting at $18,2001, allows upgrades to 17-inch alloy wheels, gloss black with chrome bezel front upper grille and outside mirrors with turn signal indicators. The Plus also offers option packages including rear camera display and auto on/off headlights.  The $1,400,  Audio Package offers navigation with an 8-inch display, HD RadioTM5, Infinity® Audio system6 with center speakers, subwoofer and external amplifier, speaker lights and automatic temperature control with cluster ionizer. The $3,000 Primo Package gives you a panoramic sunroof with power shades, leather trimmed seats, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, push-button start with Smart Key and front fog lights. The $400 ECO Package includes Idle Stop and Go System, low rolling resistance tires and 16-inch alloy wheels.

2014 Kia Soul Exclaim at $20,3001 –

Starting at $20,3001, the Soul Exclaim includes additions such as 18-inch alloy wheels, body-colored front and rear bumper tusks, LED positioning lights, LED taillights with LED high-mounted stop light, power folding outside mirrors, UVO with eServices and a Rear-Camera Display. The additional $2,600 Sun and Sand Package provides navigation with an 8-inch display, Infinity Audio system with center speakers, subwoofer and external amplifier, speaker lights and automatic temperature control with cluster ionizer. For another $2,500, get The Whole Shabang, which adds leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, push-button start with Smart Key and LED positioning lights.

Made in America –

Kia Motors America is one of only three auto brands to increase U.S. sales in each of the past four years, and in 2012 the company surpassed the 500,000 unit mark for the first time.  Over the past decade, Kia Motors has invested more than $1.4 billion in the U.S., including the company’s first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia, which is responsible for the creation of more than 11,000 plant and supplier jobs.  The success of the U.S.-built Optima sedan and Sorento SUV have helped fuel Kia’s rapid growth in North America.