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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  I love my new SOUL + - 2011 Kia Soul
  By mvickersla - May 21 - 11:03 pm

  I just bought this car on 7/24/11, and I love it! I just want to drive it all day long. Its so much fun! My meter keeps saying that Im only getting 17.9 MPG, but Im still good on gas, and Ive been driving mostly in traffic so far.

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  We LOVE this car!! - 2012 Kia Soul
  By chevegan - May 13 - 2:59 pm

  This car is a dream. Weve owned (all new) Honda: accord, civic, Pilot, Toyota Camry, Subaru Legacy, PT cruiser (loser), as well as an 08 Kia spectra, and currently a family owned since new 97 mbz e420. Of ALL those cars, Barring maybe the 09 legacy this car trumps them all in being an all around beauty and performer. With the seats down its a workhorse, with a car seat 2 adults can fit in the back seat. The back with optional tray is exceptionally organized and has plenty of room for your day to day runs. I have severe nerve damage to back and leg and this thing pulls off an outstandingly comfortable ride, note the exclaim model has better ride comfort

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  Definitely a Soulman - 2013 Kia Soul
  By Soulman44 - May 10 - 4:26 pm

  The Kia Soul is the best of the econoboxes, and its not really that close. I took a very hard look at the Scion XB, as Im a fan of most things Toyota (particularly the original MR2), but it was an odd combination of too quirky yet too heavy and grown up. The Honda Element is all of the same traits amplified, but with worse still gas mileage. The Nissan Cube is quirky too, but very light and efficient with great gas mileage. However, its not large enough for passengers, at least not in comparison to the Soul. The Cube also has poor visibility out and an uncomfortable seating position, IMO. Then comes the Kia Soul, which simply does everything right while looking great and driving sweetly. One can opt for the 2.0 liter with a manual for a healthy dose of sport, but I prefer the better mpg of the 1.6. It still accelerates strongly due to its low weight, but keep it out of the revs and you can return 31 mpg in Suburbia-type traffic with lots of stop and go. This is my first manual with 6+ forward gears, and the Soul really makes the most of them. I havent done any 60 mph highway drives, but I would fully expect this to get 40 mpg in true highway driving. What else? The stereo with Aux in, USB for charging (or a billion songs on a thumb drive), bluetooth for phone audio or calls, great ergonomics, a huge glovebox, great visibility all around, and a very comfortable drive. I also do my own maintenance and repairs, and was blown away the first time I popped the hood. Room! Room galore for hands and wrenches. The only criticism I can imagine is that there is some road noise, but no more than my wifes very comfortable Odyssey. Some of that is likely tire noise, but you can tell that they left off some noise dampening to keep the weight and price down. Its not bad by any means, but its the only thing I can think of that is less than ideal with the Soul, even with the base. Ebay has sheets of sound deadening material for sale, and Im doing that next. This car is highly recommended. Ill be shocked if I dont have at least one Soul in our driveway 10 years from now.

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  Spunky Soul is great fun - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Soulman Bob - April 29 - 4:30 pm

  My wife and I were looking initially at the Kia Forte, but liked the roominess and ride height of the Soul(previously we owned a Jeep Cherokee). We both like the great number of safety features standard on the Soul. Unlike the Soul Sport that Edmunds was provided, ours does have the tire pressure sensor system included. I really prefer leaving the electronic stability feature on - it makes the ride and cornering much smoother and tight. I do some city delivery work with the Soul, and with the AC on and a lot of stop and go, were still averaging 24 mpg or so. We havent had it long, so well see how it handles the snow and ice of Nebraska. Also, Ill be interested in its reliability

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  Cant wait to Drive - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Soultastic - April 26 - 3:50 am

  I am a Kia Loyalist! My first car was a 02 Spectra and I drove the car everywhere! I bought it at a Kia which is gone now but I felt it was too small. Then I saw the Commercials for this car with the light up speakers and I was hooked! A year later around my birthday I bought a brand New Soul! I wish I would have been able to get the Sport but this works great. I went from only holding 2 of my friends to 5 and everyone loves the space! the ride is pretty smooth but the sun roof and sound over come any of that road noise. The handling is nice once you put snow tires on your good! I cant wait for the Hybrid 2015!

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  in my soul - 2012 Kia Soul
  By Jeffrey - April 19 - 9:10 am

  I bought this car for my wife and like every other car, I end up with it when she outgrows it. I am a car guy, owning a chevelle convertible, camaros and a nova, this is not a car I would go looking for. But I like it. It is easy to work on. I changed the brakes before noon last Saturday. The oil and filter are right up front. It drives tight with a nice build of torque through the low to mid range. Mine is the + model which has every useful piece of tech in it but no screen, which in my opinion is far worse than a physical nob. The false speaker in the middle is a terrible design since it is a focal point of the dash, I will figure out something creative to do with that. Good car.

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  Fun to Drive - 2013 Kia Soul
  By kiasoulite - March 23 - 11:09 am

  The manual transmission on the Kia Soul is quite fun to drive. It is easy to switch gears there is even an indicator to tell you when to switch gears. I find it to be the right size. I am able to haul around groceries or large items. Its compact size makes it easy to park and navigate narrower streets.

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  2014 kia soul exclaim with whole shabang package - 2014 Kia Soul
  By Frank E - March 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle on Halloween 2015. It was time to upgrade vehicles. Researched over dozen vehicles for months. Finally narrowed search to soul or scion xb. But fell in love with a white soul exclaim with whole shabang package. It was in perfect condition with 13,600 miles. Negotiated hard for 2 weeks. Finally got my price 16,998. It has been a dream to drive no negatives here at all. Its like driving a Korean Bentley lol. Only thing I warn you. If your buying a USED soul or any Kia. Make sure its from a kia dealer and certified. Otherwise you lose the 10 yr 100,000 mile power train warranty. I bought mine from a mazda dealer. Hope to see you on the road! Update!!! Nearly 5 months of ownership. Still loving my soul !. No issues to report. Have 19119 miles now. Only minor issue is every time you start car up. Navigation always asks for permission needing 2 taps on screen to get you to use navigation or radio. Nothing serious, just little irritating lol. Still recommend this vehicle to those who want great value, space & comfort. Still Loving my Soul 23 months into it!

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  Pleasantly Surprized - 2011 Kia Soul
  By Bullish on Soul - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Traded in my beloved 2004 BMW X3 because she was very expensive to maintain and had a drinking problem. I decided to go greener and after much research I chose the Kia Soul,surprising family and friends. So far I am very impressed with just about every aspect of this little 4 banger. Interior passenger space, A/C and interior aesthetics are actually superior to the X3. The Soul feels firm and well built, its got a sprightly tossable fun to drive feel. While it doesnt have near the pure power of the Bimmer it DOES have plenty of pep. Fine on the highway too.

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  Soul So Far - 2010 Kia Soul
  By kansascity - February 6 - 4:16 am

  I have been looking at cars and researching for almost a year. It was a very tough call between the soul and the cube. Ultimately the cube won (thank god!) mostly because the design (in and out) was so much more appealing, and didnt seem so bland as the cube did. Overall this car has been fantastic with just a few minor (and often mentioned) flaws. But for the price tag, and a brand new vehicle, I couldnt be happier. The night I bought my vehicle I noticed a crack growing from the bottom of my windshield. By the next day it doubled. Luckily the dealership agreed to replace it at no cost to me. And again, the interior door (directly under the side Windows) does scratch easily