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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  Best Little Compact Station Wagon For Your Money - 2012 Kia Soul
  By lovemysoul1 - December 23 - 11:11 am

  I bought my 2012 Kia Soul Exclaim 2 weeks ago and have driven it over 800 miles without any issues. My Exclaim is loaded and for the value, coming in at apprx. $23,000--it cant be beat. I test drove the Scion XD, XB, Nissan Cube and the Honda Element-- no comparison. The Kia Soul beat all of them hands down. My family gave me a very hard time about being a Kia, stating the quality would be horrible. This might have been true several years ago, but Kia has since brought in German engineering and the car is fabulous for the money. Plus a blast to drive-- just love it--Also the sunroof and leather seats are totally worth the extra $$ if you are used to having a nicer vehicle. Two thumbs up!

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  Fun car to drive - 2010 Kia Soul
  By globalreset - December 9 - 9:33 am

  Just replaced my wifes car with this vehicle. Its a very fun car and it has a unique look. I think it looks sportier than the other boxes. Extremely roomy, especially compared to other cars in its class, with headroom enough to keep your cowboy hat on. Stereo, with sirius, and bluetooth features are well executed. Build quality is not so great. Center console, especially the armrest with storage, feels very cheap. Im really worried about the hinge on the armrest wearing down. Seats are not as comfortable as the ones in my SUV, but they are on par with the seats in the Jetta we replaced.

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  I love this car! - 2017 Kia Soul
  By Jeff - November 10 - 1:35 pm

  This car has most of the things I wanted in a vehicle all put into one. I had been searching and test drove quite a few vehicles and walked away from each disappointed about something. That was not the case with this one. The ride is smooth and the EXCLAIM is very quick. I used to drive a smaller hatchback and got tired of having essentially fall into my car. With the soul, the seats are at waist height and I quite literally just walk into my seat. Just yesterday, I took a friend out in it who owns a truck and he mentioned this very thing. He was saying he has to climb up into his truck and loves that you can just walk into the seat. I said the same thing regarding my golf (as you just read). I also got the Tech Package and I am very pleased with the sound system. It is superb. Definitely not a miss there. The audio controls actually make sense and is very easy to navigate. I test drove some cars that were just way too complicated (looking at you Honda). We dont want complicated while were driving. I want to push 2 buttons max to get where I want and do what I want. The fuel economy is actually lower than advertised, and thats kind of a bummer. I drive mostly (thats 90%) interstate and am lucky if I break 28 overall. The A/C unit is not what Id call amazing. There are definitely better A/C units out there. Other than that... very comfortable. Drives great. Turns on a dime (better than my Hatchback did, but the hatchback handled like a dream... cuz its a hatchback). I am not at all disappointed and would highly recommend it. Also, Kias warranty kind of tells a story of a company whos not afraid to offer a high warranty because they have faith in their product. Seriously, their warranty is twice as good as anyone elses.

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  The Soul of Seoul - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Chris - November 9 - 11:46 am

  I recently traded my Kia Amanti in on a new Soul+. Although I had tears in my eyes having to leave the Amanti behind (I really did. Not too macho I know), I was happy to be driving home in something that both my wife and kids approved of. Thus far, it has been nothing but fun to drive. It does not have much power but it is after all a 4 cylinder. Great on gas and roomy. I am 64" and was surprised at all the room in the interior. Very sporty and nice. Kia does it again!

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  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.

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  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.

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  Lived thru crash - 2014 Kia Soul
  By stan morley - October 21 - 2:33 pm

  Blacked out, drove off road @ 50mph into ditch rolled over slid into elec pole .. side airbags deployed .. never got a scatch

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  They should have named it Kia Steal - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Jay Sojdelius - October 18 - 6:33 pm

  In terms of what you get for the money, this car is a steal. We wanted to spend around $15K and were resigned to buying a used car until we decided to test-drive the Soul. While initially skeptical of the Kia brand from a quality standpoint, the test-drive completely won us over. Sure, it doesnt ride like a luxury car and some of the materials may not be top-of-the-line, and its certainly no sports car, but we nevertheless found it to be fun and peppy and reasonably comfortable to drive. Its got plenty of room even for taller drivers (Im 64") and the seats are nice and supportive. The features are amazing at this price point (satellite radio, Bluetooth, mp3 jack and a killer sound system)

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  Love my car but - 2010 Kia Soul
  By filickar - October 5 - 10:13 pm

  Love my car. Interior skuffs easily. At 15300 km I found a bulge in my tire. Dealership claims it is my driving, the tire store says the belt has shifted. The tire is a Nexen CP662 P225/45R18. Anyone else finding the same problem??

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  Soul is a Plus - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Kirk - September 30 - 6:50 am

  Ive had my soul + a week. 2.0L automatic has enough pep for me, but then Ive never been a gunner. I really like the vision I have when driving this vehicle. The seat is as high as many of the mid-level SUVs. More space than most of the Japanese wagons/cross-overs in its price range. I would have like to had saved $$$ off the MSRP; but they wouldnt budge. Not a good buying experience; but Im enjoying the car.