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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  Great Car - 2012 Kia Soul
  By kipper1975 - November 7 - 6:33 pm

  I was looking at the base model, but ended up getting the +Auto. I got 66 miles on my Soul and already love it. I am 6 1", 215lbs, and I have good leg room, head room and the seats are comfortable. For a 2.0L engine, it has alot of pep, you cant race it but, I was doing 90MPH before I knew it. Side by side it is the size of my wifes Jeep. They have Infinty system that sounds really good, with lights around the front speakers. Very good little car, so far awsome gas milage, have tok a road trip yet, but in the city driving so far so good. Windows up radio on very little road noise....I wanted the ! at first but the only difference was GPS, I have a portable GPS so didnt need it.

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  Practical, good styling, great gas mileage, awesome base features - 2010 Kia Soul
  By deftdrummer - November 1 - 10:11 pm

  Ive had my base model 2010 Kia Soul in White for about a week and a half now. This isnt really the best time to be writing a review so Ill keep it brief. Thus far the car has been a commuter for me with about 20 miles round trip daily driving to work. I just love this car! I have all the features I wanted (most of them) at the base model. I picked mine up in white with a manual for $10,999 at a Fiat dealership. Great warranty on this vehicle. Some down sides are that the engine noise inside the cabin can be a bit loud at low RPM, and also Im not too fond of the back seats not being able to go a fully flat position. Also the interior plastics are a bit on the cheap side.

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  Sheet metal in cold weather - 2011 Kia Soul
  By srssr - September 13 - 3:01 pm

  This is the first winter in upstate New York for our Soul. The first cold snap, 30 degrees and lower, I noticed that the rear hatch had quite a bit of distortion, warped sheet metal and all four doors had creases in them. When temps rose the warpage went away. I watched this and other Souls all winter and the results were the same.. The only thing with ours now it takes until temps hit 50 to 60 degree range to go away, in the beginning they went away in the 40s. I went to my local dealer and had the Kia rep look at my car but wouldnt you know it we had freak weather that topped 78 and no wrinkles. All of my pictures and internet info from Kia Soul Forums has been put in a file for me.

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  Transmission Failure - 2010 Kia Soul
  By twolf - August 14 - 9:53 am

  Vehicle would be fine if it wasnt always in the shop being fixed. I had a transmission failure at 9,000 miles. The wont warranty wont cover it because the vehicle leaked its transmission fluid. Which is also the fault of the dealership. The vehicles are being sent with low fluids, and dealerships arent checking them. The vehicle has minimal power even with larger engine. Best part of the vehicle is the looks.

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  Mostly Lovin It - 2010 Kia Soul
  By 1st time new car buy - August 8 - 2:00 am

  As soon as I saw this car, I wanted it. I love driving it. but interior is strange. Cant be cleaned. I opened the door in the rain and it stained the inside of the door. Ive tried several products to clean it, but it comes back. Dont know what else to use. Interior also scratches really easy. At first, fuel was really good - about 320 miles to a full tank. But recently, its gone down to about 250 miles or so to a full tank. This is not stop and go traffic either.At lower speeds, about 15-20 mph, car lurches when given gas. Does not like going slowly. Brakes are super sensitive. Bumps are hard. People say bluetooth is not clear. But I still love it!

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  Beware the Tires - 2012 Kia Soul
  By smartshopper99 - August 5 - 10:41 am

  A good fun car. Good gas mileage. Lots of room. Easy to maneuver. Nice visibility. Service is horrible. No spare tire! Tires are lousy. I dont think theyre safe. Two flats in less than six months normal driving. Set $600 back to put decent tires on, wont believe how it improves the ride.

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  Soul Lover but Blue Tooth Problems - 2010 Kia Soul
  By dianimal - May 21 - 11:50 pm

  Got in some very hard rain/wind & car handled better than any car I have ever owned. Exterior is cute, inside fits my 5" 7" size & my husbands 6" 1". The car handles very well, very responsive to stops and turns. No problems getting up to speed or merging on highways. Fun to drive for this 54 year old. Head rest pushes head forward. To much engine noise at higher speeds/rougher highways. Bluetooth-I can hear people perfect unless driving at faster speed or on rougher paved highway-then the engine noise takes over-the volume wont go loud enough. People on other end of blue tooth often say my voice to soft/not loud enough or they hear static/ or their voice echos back to them.

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  Worth your consideration - 2011 Kia Soul
  By Soul_Driver - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I have a M/T+ with the audio upgrade. I like the roomy, SUV-like seating, while still getting good MPG and a low price tag. The interior is nice, though some plastics are easily scratched (but not as bad as 2010 Soul). The engine and transmission are older technology making driving performance just OK (i think this is how they kept the price so low). However, steering feel and braking are nice. I get exactly the EPA rating of 26-28mpg in mixed driving. I got a little over 31mpg on a purely highway trip. The feel of the manual shifter is not too good, but this can be easily upgraded aftermarket. My biggest complaint is 5th gear is not tall enough making RPM noticeably high above 70 mph.

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  Almost Perfect - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Shadow Racer - April 20 - 9:53 pm

  I bought my wife the Shadow Soul+ Auto w/ upgraded audio. Enjoyed the ride in the + over the sport, still a bit rough, but very responsive and she loves it. Dealer lied to us and said a statewide inventory search found only 1 Alien Green Soul+ in the state and it was a 5 speed. We found 7 exact matches at one dealership today. Two days after we bought this car I was rear ended in my Impala and my car was totaled. I am highly considering picking up the Ghost SE!

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  Fun, but lacking - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Myfurf - March 2 - 10:23 am

  My Sport is a fun vehicle to drive , but is gutless in the engine. The shifter is tricky at best. It is nice that it is fully loaded with options, but lacking in functional necessities. Under the hood, the engine cover is not there along with an insulation blanket on the hood and hood struts. Did they want the engine to be noisy on purpose? There is only a hold-open rod for the hood, mounted on the hood. The mood lighting in the speakers is a fun novelty, when they work. It seems that buyers in Canada get much more options for the buck that are not available on U.S. models, as well as different names for the variants.