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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  Bless My Soul, What A GREAT car! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By jack from the plains - December 11 - 1:53 pm

  Im not the demographic at 50ish years old. Or a hamster (see commercial). But I wanted a comfortable, safe, well- designed car with a great warranty and price. I did the research, test drove others and after 90 days of ownership am still THRILLED with the choice I made. Great city drive and for a highway that doesnt have bumps.

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  My wife loves it! - 2013 Kia Soul
  By soulman5 - December 4 - 2:09 pm

  I bought 2013 white Kia Soul+ 2.0L 6A for my wife, who is a teacher in my county school system. Before, she had 2002 Honda Civic LX. We initially looked into Honda CR-V or KIA Sportage. In the end, she chose this one by sight. We could have gone for 2014 model a month later, but she really liked the 2013 model design and size. It drives very sturdy with that 2.0L engine. Its loaded,with Antilock Brake System, Auto Traction Control System (On/Off controllable).... and 8 Airbags! Braking seems excellent. The gas mileage is not good as I expected, but Ive heard that it gets better with mileage. So Im crossing my fingers.

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  Amazing - I never thought twice - 2010 Kia Soul
  By tyhollis - November 18 - 2:03 am

  I went to the dealership to buy the new, trendy Kia Forte Koup. The salesman finally convinced me to test- drive a dune-colored Soul. All I can say is - test drive it!!! What a fun car to drive. Loaded - sunroof, bluetooth, Mp3 CD, USB/iPod jacks, steering wheel control buttons to everything, herringbone seats, speakers that strobe with my music, satellite radio...my friends love this car, I love this car, and most of all, I love hearing "that car is so you". Because it is - its different and it catches eyes. I also thing its a lot sleeker that its Scion / Cube counterparts. Trust me...just test-drive it.

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  My Review - 2013 Kia Soul
  By Bill Bartlett - November 15 - 7:36 pm

  I love this auto. So very roomy inside it really surprised me. So comfortable to get inside and out. I owned a 1960 Austin Healey 3000. I always compare this autos steering to that car. It handles beautifully. My friends are always very surprised at the comfort. The large engine is really zippy. I just have no complaints against this auto.

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  I love driving this car - 2010 Kia Soul
  By 1Linda - November 13 - 4:13 am

  I love driving this car. I love the room and not visiting the gas station as often anymore. I do recommend this car. It is small on the outside but big on the inside.

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  Love my Soul - 2010 Kia Soul
  By tk8840 - September 27 - 6:10 am

  I bought the KIA Soul almost three weeks ago, and am truly enjoying it. I drove a Jeep Grand Cherokee for many years and needed to finally replace it. My brother suggested looking at a KIA, and went with me to the dealership. He was really impressed with the Soul over the Sportage - I liked both equally, but took his advice on the Soul, and dont regret it for one second! Living in AZ, the tinted windows are a huge plus. It is much smaller than the Jeep, but feel just as comfortable. Maybe its just my Soul, but must say its a QUIET ride. Feels solid, handles great. For what you get with the price-its definitely a bargain. No regrets!

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  16,000 miles and no problems - 2012 Kia Soul
  By hamsterman1 - September 25 - 4:16 am

  This car is awesom. I have owned two Scion XBs. One was a 2005 and the other a 2006. Dont get me wrong it is a good car, but the Kia Soul beats the xb in every way. six speed is fun. features are awesome. I dont need all of the extra junk on the higher priced models. I average 36 miles to a gallon going 75mph 130 miles a day. I have put over 16,000 on this car with no problems. All I do is change the oil. Im six foot and my son is 6 foot. even with the car loaded down (more cago than the xb) I still have plenty of power and tons of room. I bought this car because of price and the warranty cant be beat. If you want a good car at a great price. Then this is the car for you. Love u Kia!

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  Fun Family Ride - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Fabulous - August 13 - 8:43 am

  Love this car...or is it an SUV? Drives like a car, but you are up higher and off the road which is nice. Super versatile, tons of room, my kids have long long legs and they love the extra leg room. I like the visibility from the drivers side and its so cute and fun to drive! My daughter hopes she gets to drive it when she turns 16 in a few more years...Great family runabout vehicle.

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  Soul Love - 2010 Kia Soul
  By KIA love - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Just traded in my cobalt for a Soul and I love every minute of driving it. It is a big small car. Looking at it from the outside you would never think there could be so much space. I have the audio upgrade and auto dimming rear view mirror I highly recommend both. It is everything you could want a car to be. If she treats me right I may be loyal to Kia for life. I get a lot of compliments on it. Get the ipod cable its worth it.

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  Just what I was looking for - 2011 Kia Soul
  By raven66 - August 12 - 2:23 am

  After putting 110,000 miles on a 2006 Kia Rio, I decided last November to take a look at a new 2011 Kia Soul. I was looking for something with more cargo room and easier to get in and out of. I was also hoping for at least similar gas mileage as the Rio. The Soul fit the bill perfectly. I also like the greater ground clearance and better visibility afforded by the extra overall height. It does ride more truck-like than the Rio, but that is fine with me: I feel Im in more control and in tune with the road. With a mix of highway and in-town driving, Im getting on average 32 to 35 mpg with the Soul, which was unexpected. A great car for the price, with all the standard perks.