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:

• 

  Mixed Reviews on the Soul + - 2012 Kia Soul
  By kunadave - October 26 - 7:39 pm

  I have a mixed review of the 2012 Kia Soul. The positive points are that the car was inexpensive to buy, very space efficient and produces excellent fuel economy. I have a handicapped girlfriend and the seat is the right height for her to slide out of her scooter and into the seat. I can also fold the scooter and fit it into the back. This is good. The fuel economy guide tells me that the car is rated at 27/35 mpg. I only use this car for commuting 20-miles each way. My fuel economy average has always between 32 and 34 mpg in normal urban driving. This too is good. The negatives are that the car has really annoying characteristics. The key fob is too big to fit into my pants pocket without leaving a bulge. I tried to find a normal key just to open the door but goofy Kia changed the size of the key blank (for 2012). I can’t find a locksmith with the right size anyway. The car also turns off the radio and then yells at me to coordinate my cell phone with its Bluetooth system. My phone is too old to for bluetooth so I get yelled at twice a week forever? The car probably learned to yell from Kia Customer Service people; they yell too. The car has no spare tire but it does have an emergency inflator. I live at the end of civilization in Idaho and there is often no cell phone service when I go fishing/hunting. I can’t be sure that I can get roadside assistance if the car has a flat outside the cell phone service area. And I have to carry a cell phone? I would think that adding a spare tire is cheaper than paying the crabby customer service people. Overall, the car is very good at what it does; efficiently moving people at low cost. It is just so annoying in operation that I will not buy a Kia again. I’ll buy another new full-sized pickup and pay the extra fuel costs with the money I save from the truck’s lower purchase cost and lower insurance cost Kuna Dave

• 

  3 years later - 2010 Kia Soul
  By abuffardi77 - April 16 - 7:53 pm

  Initially, was overwhelmed by style and appearance at first thinking this vehicle had everything I wanted, 18" rims, two tone interior, great audio, and even pretty good MPG. Was hoping it would turn my nightmarish 100 mile commute into something fun. Now, I dislike the Soul quite a bit. Its too big for me, 18" are too wide for superior snow, wet, and mud traction, ride too rough, road noise too loud, MPG is not up to par, seats are uncomfortable, the interior is cheaply made, not enough power, 4 speed auto transmission is horrible, and even the dealership was shady.

• 

  updated trade in - 2017 Kia Soul
  By drewp - November 5 - 7:16 pm

  had a 2012 soul and traded in for a 2017 model. Not many changes between the years, except 2017 does not come with a cd player standard. Still no spare tire. new car has the nitrogen filled tires. I like the car for the handling, and overall comfort. but its overpriced.

• 

  Not so happy Kia owner - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Jenn - November 5 - 4:40 pm

  Purchased the Soul after getting info about high gas mileage - but never got over 25 mpg at any time which was a huge disappointment. My Ford which was 9 years old gave 28 mpg and I never intended to give up mpg. The road noise is heavy - although I paid extra for some kind of noise reduction something. Also been in the dealership a few times for an unknown noise - if I park with hand brakes up, when I am reversing, I get a knocking sound. No one at the dealership could tell me anything about the noise - except to not use the hand brakes. I seriously thought the car had hand brakes so it could be used - my mistake. The car is cute and all but Kia again- I really dont think so.

• 

  Thats Normal for this Car - 2013 Kia Soul
  By sadjudy - December 19 - 5:35 pm

  Just got this car 2wks ago. During a rain storm I noticed condensation in front headlight. When the sun came out it cleared up. In order for it to be fixed, Kia has to examine it and they will not except the photo I took. Posted this and pic on Kia Soul Facebook. Had several responses, they have the same problem and Kia told them this is normal for that car. My 1st car hesitated at lights and turns. again several Soul owners said Normal for this car. I was proud to be a Soul owner, but not now. This is a small problem, and if my car was a couple years old it wouldnt bother me, but again this is a new car. And Kia wont do anything to satisfy a customer. This is my 2nd Soul & last 1.

• 

  Soul in need of Divine intervention!!!! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Hazegray - July 17 - 8:46 am

  This car rides like an empty gravel truck!!! Roughest ride Ive ever had - - totally unexpected and unacceptable!!! I even lowered the tire pressure to see if I could soften the ride --no appreciable differance. Ill be trying to palm it off as soon as I can find a sucker to buy it. It is loud, thirsty, and uncomfortable. Ive put 4xxx miles on it in the first month, so I have enough seat time to make an accurate evaluation. Lots of hard surfaces in interior - nothing is padded or even a little soft. When the seat belt retracts, it mars the hard plastic door panel. Biggest mistake Ive ever made in buying a vehicle. Test drive over rough road before buying!!!

• 

  Lousy fuel economy... - 2012 Kia Soul
  By dwilson - July 19 - 10:11 am

  I waited for the 2012 due to its supposed improved fuel economy. I had a Honda element AWD which averaged about 25mpg. Much bigger and heavier than the soul. I am averaging about 27 or 28 with this little car... Same type of driving. I figured to save about $700 a year on gas... Actually maybe $150.... I wish I had kept the Honda....

• 

  2 months and already MAJOR issues?? - 2012 Kia Soul
  By rs33983 - July 10 - 11:56 am

  The headrest are EXTREMELY uncomfortable for a 60" person. Less than 2 moths old and in service for 3 different items. A bad vibration on interstate. The power door locks malfunctioning. A rattling noise at warm start up in the engine. Very disappointed.

• 

  looks cool but build quality? - 2010 Kia Soul
  By david - June 4 - 1:30 pm

  Bought this car because of price and features. Both look great on paper. After less than 1000 miles of ownership, the rear suspension started rattling. The dealer took the car for one week of "evaluation and repair" and after replacement of a rear strut gave back the car still rattling with an explanation that "it is a characteristic of this vehicle". Not very reassuring assessment of build quality if the suspension with less than 1000 miles of use is rattling like a New York City cab!!

• 

  Unhappy Owner - 2012 Kia Soul
  By kmcars123 - May 25 - 1:38 am

  Car hesitates and kills when stopping. Have owned for 9 months and Kia is still trying to get it fixed. Have been assigned Kia rep by corporate offices, but they dont really seem to care and are almost impossible to get a hold of. Since car is in shop again for last 3 weeks...will be filing Lemon Law, and hopefully we will get some results.