Overview & Reviews

With its funky styling and spunky four-cylinder power, the compact Kia Soul is aimed at mainstream economy-car shoppers who want something different. Indeed, the boxy Kia hatchback is avant garde in its approach, boasting a swept-back exterior design with sporty angles and a neat cabin filled with distinctive shapes and vibrant colors. It gives Kia an injection of, well, soul to complement its well-earned reputation for competence and value.

Current Kia Soul
Introduced for 2014, the second-generation Kia Soul comes in three trim levels: base, + and !.

The base Soul gets a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 130 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is standard (including a hill-start assist function), and a six-speed automatic is optional.

Soul+ and ! models have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 164 hp and it comes only with the six-speed automatic. EPA combined fuel economy estimates range from 26-27 mpg, the latter with the optional Eco package.

The base Soul's standard features include 16-inch steel wheels, full power accessories, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connectivity and an audio system with a CD player, satellite radio and an iPod/USB interface. The Soul+ adds 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and front and rear center armrests. The Soul! features 18-inch wheels, body-colored bumpers, LED daytime running lights, power-folding side mirrors, a power driver seat and the Uvo eServices package (infotainment interface with voice control, Bluetooth audio connectivity, streaming Internet radio capability, a rearview camera and automatic headlights). Option highlights include a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, a navigation system, an upgraded audio system, keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery and heated front and rear seats.

In reviews, we've been impressed with the Soul's interior materials' quality, user-friendly high-tech features and generous passenger and cargo space. Underway, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is satisfyingly quick whether bopping around town or merging onto a highway. The automatic transmission is on point with its well-timed and swift gearchanges. We haven't sampled the smaller engine but assume most buyers would be happier with the equally fuel-efficient but gutsier 2.0-liter mill. The Soul handles curvy roads well, thanks to its well-weighted, precise steering and composed attitude. Unfortunately, the Soul's boxy shape results in excessive wind noise at highway speeds, and the Soul! model has a somewhat rough ride due to its larger wheels and tires.

Used Kia Soul Models
The first-generation Kia Soul was produced from 2010-'13. Trim levels consisted of base, +, ! and Sport.

The base Soul had a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 122 hp; it was available only with a five-speed manual. The upper trims got a 2.0-liter four with 142 hp. It also came with the five-speed manual as standard, but a four-speed automatic was optional.

Standard features on the base Soul included air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, Bluetooth and a four-speaker sound system with satellite radio and an iPod/USB jack. Moving up through the trims brought alloy wheels, premium audio, power-folding sideview mirrors, a sunroof, automatic climate control and a two-tone interior.

For 2012 a number of important improvements took place, notably more engine output, new six-speed transmissions and revised steering. The base Soul's 1.6-liter four made 138 hp and could be paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The other Souls' 2.0-liter four cranked out 164 hp. The Soul + had the same transmission choices as the base model, while the Soul ! was automatic only. That year the Soul's styling was slightly updated inside and out and a number of new technology options, such as a navigation system, debuted as well.

In reviews, we noted that the Soul's cabin offered a nice balance between form and function, while the available two-tone houndstooth upholstery gave the Soul more flair than its rivals. Gauges and controls are well-placed and easy to use, even when fitted with high-tech options like the voice-controlled Uvo infotainment system that allows you to control your cell phone, iPod and more with voice commands. A major benefit of the Soul's boxy design is the abundant head- and legroom, even in the backseat.

As with the following generation, the 2.0-liter engine is the one to get, especially since fuel economy is on par with the smaller engine. In terms of handling, the Soul doesn't offer the sort of zippy nature provided by some other small cars, but it isn't a soft snooze-mobile either. The ride quality is pretty agreeable, though models fitted with the admittedly sharp-looking 18-inch alloy wheels can feel harsh over bad pavement.

User Reviews:

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  Easy in and out - 2013 Kia Soul
  By satisfied owner - December 27 - 5:43 pm

  CD players are not available after 2013. We have a huge collection and that was desirable to us. The main driver has a paralyzed left leg, and getting in and out easily was our top priority. Very pleased.

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  Great Fuel Economy, and Fun! - 2012 Kia Soul
  By kamiller1991 - August 30 - 8:06 pm

  I fell in love with this car when I saw it on the commercials, and to actual find out that its fun to drive and gets great gas mileage when I actual went to look at it was AWESOME! It has plenty of room in the trunk for my two dogs (Labrador and a Pug) so I dont have to worry about fur on the seats. It also has plenty of room to load of the baby and the husband! I have been able to get up to 41mpg on the highway (going 55mph, not really highway, high speed back roads) and anywhere from 32mpg-35mpg city. The only thing I do not like about the car is the clutch stick when youre on a hill, I tend to gun it because I forget it kicks in. Other than that, GREAT car!

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  36000 miles - 2010 Kia Soul
  By doc - August 17 - 3:06 am

  Best econo-box on the road. Love everything except: front seats too narrow and firm. Bad blind spot at rear small window. Almost got two accidents. And Im a great driver. VERY disappointing gas mileage. This was a surprise. Still best bang for the buck.

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  My First Kia - 2014 Kia Soul
  By bikeropa - March 11 - 12:03 am

  My first Kia, although Ive driven my brothers Soul (a 2011, I believe) a few hundred miles. This one is a big improvement in ride quality and noise! Its peppy enough for normal driving and my first tank returned 26 mpg in city driving. Im impressed with the number of features for the price (power locks, cruise, power windows, selectable steering control, Sirius, Bluetooth, etc.) on a base model. The one thing that I havent figured out yet is how to get the headrest further back (I usually wear a brimmed hat), as the adjustment shown in the manual gives very limited movement. Overall, though, Im very impressed!

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  Road trip review - 2010 Kia Soul
  By wsteinhauer - February 9 - 8:33 am

  We just returned from a 2500 mile road trip in our new Soul+. Car handles really well on interstate and winding 2 lane roads. Great directional stability. Reminds me of a slot car! Short wheel base does result in jarring ride on bumpy roads, but not a deal breaker. got anywhere from 28 to 34 mpg, doing 70-75 with air on. Our + has the black interior, and it does tend to scuff up pretty quick. First car I have had in many years that allows you to see the ground when you look in the engine compartment! Lots of room in the interior and you sit up higher than a sedan. even higher than the PT Cruiser we traded in. Plenty of power for normal drivers.

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  7 days of rental fun - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Owen - January 8 - 8:00 pm

  We spent about 1,000 miles driving mostly in Bozeman, Yellowstone National Park and Gardiner, MT, where roads can be very steep and very rough. The Soul accommodated ordinary luggage for two and handled all the terrain we encountered with ease. It also was peppy enough to give me no concerns on Interstates, including long hauls on grades. The looks are great and the handling is very good. Comfort was never an issue on the long haul from Bozeman to Yellowstone. I thought the fuel economy was a tad disappointing, considering the size of the vehicle. I think it should get at least 32 on highway, but it got about 27. Still, I am now considering buying a Soul.

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  Fun Car - Too Many Problems - 2010 Kia Soul
  By soul glo - January 4 - 8:23 am

  Bought my Alien Soul + the day after thanksgiving. Been in the shop twice. ABS problems, shifter problems and on Monday morning the heat didnt work and it overheated. Towed in and they added coolant and are replacing the thermostat. Its very unfortunate that KIA still does not have sufficient quality control in their products despite all of the great reviews. I really like the car but am unsure how long I will keep it now.

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  Cute little car - 2010 Kia Soul
  By daniel - December 28 - 5:50 pm

  I bought. It definitely worth its money but doesnt meet to my expectations. Almost everything meets my expectations except quality. Engine great styling is my fave. I wish it had more accessories thats all leather seats stuff for better comfort. The car is very sporty love it. But not for quality !

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  Review Update - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Doc - November 21 - 11:10 am

  This is my second review of my + automatic in titanium. Just over 1k mi. and I really like this car. Yes the seats are still a tad firm but Im getting used to them. BIG omission. There is no light in the large two level glove box! I hate that. Sound system is great. Very happy with my lease.

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  Not without its compromises - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Seth - November 18 - 11:40 pm

  My wife really wanted a Kia Soul, so after a few days of research, we headed down to the Kia dealership. My other car is a MkV Volkswagen GTI, so my standards for the Soul were pretty high. The exterior styling is great, only complaint being the fake fender vents. The interior is attractive, roomy, and extremely well screwed together, but the materials are hard and cheap plastic. Handles well, but straight line acceleration is just acceptable. Not spirited but it keeps up with traffic well enough. The thermostat got stuck open at 700 miles, tripping the check engine light. Car was fixed same-day under warranty, which is all I could ask. Fun to drive despite lack of power.