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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  Good Value - 2011 Kia Soul
  By Soul_Owner - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a 2011 Soul+ 5sp for a couple months and a few thousand miles now. It is a good value overall. Mechanically, it is a basic 4 cylinder economy car. The body design, roomy SUV-like seating position, and a generous feature list are what make the car attractive. Two consistent complaints with the 2010 model - rough ride/poor suspension and door panels that scratch up easily - have been addressed with the 2011 model. One shortcoming that remains is the final gear isnt tall enough so that you have high RPM at highway speeds (3,000 rpm @ 70 mph). MPG is good. I consistently get 26-28 mpg in mixed driving and got over 31 mpg on a purely highway trip.

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  IM THE FUNKIEST DRIVER IN CLIFTON PARK! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Casey - July 1 - 9:03 pm

  I just purchased my alien green Kia Soul ! and LOVE IT! Everyone at my complex loves the looks and equipment too. Its a smooth drive, plenty roomy, many fun options (especially those mood lights!) Visibility is great. I dont know what some of the reviews mean by excessive road noise over 60 mph - I dont notice anything significant and neither does anyone who has ridden with me. Good handling, quick to respond and excellent brakes! My dog, Abe, has plenty of room to stretch out and relax too - who would have thought when I adopted him that one day my dog would have a Soul? (Ha.) Id recommend this car to anyone!

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  Im a Soul Man - 2010 Kia Soul
  By NightTrain - June 26 - 2:50 pm

  I took advantage of the cash for clunkers and I went from a 98 Grand Caravan to the coolest ride - a 2010 Soul+ in Alien green. I love it. It attracts as much positive attention as would an expensive European car. Im 64" tall with long legs and I cannot believe the room inside the car. I want to wash this car often because I am happy to be seen driving it. You have to love a car when youre making payments. My wife offers to drive when we go out - thats a benefit I never had! Advertised city MPG is 25 but I average 23 MPG as a careful driver in Eco mode.

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  One week to decide - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Scott - June 23 - 12:00 pm

  First, I liked the fact that the sales person at the dealership was the only one to respect my request for initial information via e-mail. Im not a small guy, however I fit in the Soul with room to spare. My wife likes the satellite radio enough that I wish there was a speaker jack for her pleasure. After three week, Ive got 3000 miles on the car due to a trip to Wisconsin. Car road well on highway. So far so good.

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  Love my soul - 2010 Kia Soul
  By eatapeach7 - June 7 - 8:26 am

  I love this car..unfortunately since I bought it in August it has been in the shop 4 times for blown heater hoses ...I think I have a lemon but Kia is looking into the problem..its a fun car

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  The Soul is unique, stands out in a crowd, and a great value! - 2013 Kia Soul
  By mazda5forme - June 7 - 8:25 am

  Kia and Hyundai are the same company, and both build great, value packed vehicles. The KIAs are more targeted towards people who like sporty and stand out styling in their daily drivers. I love my 2013 KIA Soul Exclaim..and after more than a year after purchase has proven to be reliable, extremely well made and overall a fun car. The standard level of equipment is astonishing for what you pay. The powerful 8 speaker Infinity sound system for example is the best Ive heard in ANY car. It even includes a separate powered sub-woofer! 8 speakers in total!

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  Love our little gas sipper - 2011 Kia Soul
  By tysmeme - May 23 - 7:53 pm

  We have had our Kia Soul since Jan 12 and it is a 2012 model. So far we are more than pleased with this car. The fuel economy is good , there is ample leg room, the ride is not bad. Do wish it had an arm rest but this is a small thing. I love the idea of all the air bags it has. It gets lots of attention !

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  Fun to drive with style! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By GMLLC - April 21 - 6:16 am

  Bought for my son as a high school graduation gift. He drove the Cube & xB & the Soul was by far his fave. Great style, fun to drive, very roomy inside & fantastic features standard in this model. Build quality is excellent. Stereo system rocks. Ipod connectivity works great. No complaints so far. Add the great warranty & you have a winner compared to the Nissan or Scion. Got 1.9% APR financing as well as a great deal. Nice job, Kia!

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  We Got Soul! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By 1hcetih - April 16 - 6:03 pm

  What a ride handles great w/sport suspension a little harsh the ride on very rough rodes. 2litre engine is packed with get up and go from exit ramp to hiway speed 65 is very impressive. The interior seating and overall roomines is excellent. Again Sport suspension has its pluses when cornering Soul is sure footed no body roll around corners @ 45 + mph. VEry well equipped we added LED interior lighting and in rear cargo the factory light is poor we added strip Led lightinging to the left and right side along the upper and lower seam where the rear panels meet. 3k + miles and enjoy driving our Soul everyday. Soul is a Great CUV.

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  A new way to roll; and yes, its no mini, but thats GOOD. - 2011 Kia Soul
  By joe331 - April 13 - 9:37 am

  My previous car was a mini. Everything about this car is better as far as I am concerned with few exceptions. Its not fast, but, its still a lot of fun to drive and its plenty fast enough. It is easier to get in and out of than the mini, it holds 4 big adults comfortably, everything works well, The base stereoe sounds way better than the minis. Gas is a trade off, mine got a little better mileage but the soul burns regular. It shifts just fine with the manual trans; I have no idea what all the fuss about vague shifting is about ... I never miss a gear, the clutch is light and easy, shifting is effortless. A great car, looks good, engine even sounds better than the mini.