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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  Got to get you one! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By YOU HAVE TOGET ONE! - September 14 - 8:26 am

  6200 miles and no problems, fun to drive, awesome look (gets a lot of attention!). We average 28 mpg on the road and 26 in town, with gas so high we love this car! Lots of power for a small car, 70+ on highway with plenty of power to spare! I need a job selling these, too easy, just drive one and you are sold on them! Believe me with the warranty, service (dealer gave me 3 years free oil changes!) and quality you will buy it on the spot! The interior does scuff and scratch easy but I can live with that, moist cars do these days! What else can I say, best car to come out in years, my first new car in 7 years, love it!

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  LOVE IT!!! - 2011 Kia Soul
  By emroozfarda - September 10 - 6:38 am

  I bought this car for my return to college. Peppy off the line, GREAT on gas (280 miles on first tank), suprisingly roomy for passengers, chock full of features for the price. Ive read it noisey at high speeds, NOT TRUE. Very comfortable simply FUN to drive. Definitely get the windows tinted. 95% of the negative comments about this car I did not experience. My previous car was employer provided and much more expensive. The Soul matches and beats it in most areas with the exception of power. The Soul is a 4-banger but gets up to speed when needed. If you are a racer, this car isnt for you. Otherwise this car is absolutely WONDERFUL.

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  Update of previous reveiw - 2014 Kia Soul
  By doug142 - September 9 - 3:54 pm

  It will be 3 months in 2 days, and 3400 miles. I just changed the oil at 3000. What a pleasure to drive ! I still cannot believe it is a base model. It has everything you need. I really enjoy the manual transmission. The mileage estimates are really off for the manual. I keep the RPMs low and get amazing mileage. If you need power down shift. The car is very comfortable and roomy. I feel very safe in this car, the handling is very responsive. I really enjoy the upright windows on the sides it makes it very roomy and airy feeling. Very easy getting in and out, and very comfortable for tall drivers. As long as you realize this is not a race car, you will be extremely happy with it.

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  we actually got a 2014 Soul ! - 2012 Kia Soul
  By Suzanne Matousek - August 17 - 12:02 am

  We bought it used from Heritage Hyundai. The salesperson was great Mr. Hamm. We will go there again to purchase our next vehicle.

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  surprisingly fun and responsive - 2011 Kia Soul
  By ricks52 - July 7 - 4:37 am

  Ive only had the Soul for a couple of weeks but already love this vehicle. It is much more than I expected in performance, comfort and fun-factor. The minute I see it, a smile creeps across my face and Im in a better mood.

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  Great "Around Town" Car - 2012 Kia Soul
  By jra8 - June 9 - 8:30 pm

  Definately a fun car to drive. Bought as companion to Chrysler Van, whose capacity I need about 20% of the time. The Soul is perfect fo the 80% of the time it is 1 or 2 people, and a brief case or gym bag. I am getting 31-33 MPG around town (1.6lengine,automatic). I use ECO mode about half the time. Love how quick and agile it is. Interesting that highway mileage has been well below estimates. At 70 MPH, RPMs are 2800. Need to be at about 55 to get advertised MPG. Overall, very happy after 1000 miles.

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  Great new vehicle - 2010 Kia Soul
  By mddriver - June 8 - 7:23 am

  Just got a Kia Soul ! in Alien and love it. The dealership I was at sold 3 that day. This has to be the most fun I have had driving a car in years. Sound system is amazing and the car has more pickup than the Jeep Liberty I traded in for it (and the Jeep had twice the horsepower). Have not had any problem with the automatic transmission..shifts fine and has not issue passing on the highway. This vehicle will sell fast and it should. There are more amenities in the Soul than any car I know of at that price range. Now I need to keep my kids out of it..its mine..

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  A pleasent Surprise! - 2014 Kia Soul
  By Bob A - May 27 - 4:21 am

  This is my third KIA, First one was a 2011 Sorento, which I put 78000 trouble free miles on. Second was a 2013 Optima Hybrid, A great Car, but my wife is physically handicapped and the passenger seat was so low that it was very hard to enter and get out. So with mixed emotions I traded for a 2014 Soul + which is extremely easy to enter and exit. Shortly after taking delivery we had to make a quick trip across country. This was from Yuma, AZ to New Jersey. (round trip total was 6215 miles.) The weather was torrential rain a good portion of the trip, The Soul proved it self to be outstanding, Through Texas we ran about 85 mph when possible and my fuel average was averaging 28-30 mph. The Soul was quiet and did well in heavy winds. I now have accumulated 8500 miles and have not had one problem. Also the local Dealer here in Yuma is outstanding. KUDOS to KIA

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  AWESOME! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By mountain_kitty - May 25 - 8:11 am

  I love my Soul Plus. Its a blast to drive. Its comfortable. Great sound system and Im getting between 39 and 41mpg.

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  our soul - 2010 Kia Soul
  By john - May 22 - 5:26 am

  we were looking for a fun economical vehicle, this seems to fit our wants at a fairly affordable price, interior is comfortable, ride and handling are good, acceleration off the line is good as well, cargo space is better than expected in a vehicle of this type, as well as comfortable 4 adult seating, incredible sound system for a stock system. rear blind spots take some getting used to, overall we enjoy the vehicle, and have no issues as yet at 7000 miles, only disapointment was advertised fuel rating is 30 mpg, and we are averaging 27-28 consistantly since new, which is still respectable, but disapointing for a vehicle of this size