not sure where you are getting your info from, but there is no 19" rims on the 2019 (unless you stick them on yourself), 8" screens were available on previous years depending on the model and package.
The only changes of the 2019 model over the 2018 are: (and it only applies to the Base model, everything else stays the same)
Base
- Rear Camera now standard
- Auto-on/off headlights now standard
- Inferno Red now available on Base trim

a couple of Special Edition packs have been dropped from the 2018 and a new one added in 2019, but all the other packages are identical from 2018 to 2019 including the list prices for them.

see this thread: https://www.kiasoulforums.com/137-soul-general-discussion-gen-2/111175-2019-soul-us-info.html

the big change will be in 2020 with an all new G3 model. It's like back in 2013 when you saw very little difference between that year and the 2012 (lots of changes with the powertrain that year) as they were bringing out the G2 version for the 2014 model year.

(please fill out your Drive info so we know the details of what you own)

 

not sure where you are getting your info from, but there is no 19" rims on the 2019 (unless you stick them on yourself)

Interesting....
I guess that's what I get for taking the sales woman's banter as fact.
Didn't think I needed to bother actually looking it up.

I was a little worried about that CochiseKev, buying a 2014 first year of Gen2. But I have to say the car has been pretty much flawless.

How many miles so far?

 

What I'm wondering is whether the 2019 model will be out for the full year, or if the 3rd gen 2020 model will be a mid-year replacement? The latter seems plausible.

We are quite happy with our recently-purchased 2018 Exclaim. Yes, Gen2 is getting long in the tooth, but that's a blessing, as it's had plenty of time for issues to have been worked out over the model's run. I'm not one who likes a first-year example of anything.

 

I was a little worried about that CochiseKev, buying a 2014 first year of Gen2. But I have to say the car has been pretty much flawless.

The only issue was the multiple recalls for the same thing.....that hot mess called the steering pinion adhesive & just a couple of routine recall things, like every car I've even owned gets.

None of these things were ever visible or a problem to me & I wouldn't have been aware of them except for the recall that came in the mail.

Being a first time KIA buyer, I have to say I've been very impressed with the reliability of my Soul.

FWIW I would be more concerned about buying a car with a brand new engine design or gearing system.

 

I've made the decision on the '19 Exclaim. Just waiting for 3 dealers to duke it out and see who has the best offer.

 

Unless you have compelling reason to buy now I would not buy a 2019 till the 2020 is announced, available. You should get a far better deal first for being later in the model year, and second because a whole new model is coming out.

 

Going through the build options on Kia's website did they discontinue the luggage rack option?

 

That's something you can buy at the dealer or multiple online stores. I don't believe it's a factory option.

You could probably negotiate a deal or free one when buying