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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  Thats Normal for this Car - 2013 Kia Soul
  By sadjudy - December 19 - 5:35 pm

  Just got this car 2wks ago. During a rain storm I noticed condensation in front headlight. When the sun came out it cleared up. In order for it to be fixed, Kia has to examine it and they will not except the photo I took. Posted this and pic on Kia Soul Facebook. Had several responses, they have the same problem and Kia told them this is normal for that car. My 1st car hesitated at lights and turns. again several Soul owners said Normal for this car. I was proud to be a Soul owner, but not now. This is a small problem, and if my car was a couple years old it wouldnt bother me, but again this is a new car. And Kia wont do anything to satisfy a customer. This is my 2nd Soul & last 1.

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  2010 Soul for Mom - 2010 Kia Soul
  By H-Battery - December 13 - 2:13 pm

  We bought the Soul as a 3rd car ( teenager got the older car) for mom to drive. She puts quite a few miles on a car per year so we wanted something w/ decent fuel economy. We chose the Soul over Honda CRV, Toyota Rav4, Kia Sportage & Subaru Forester.

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  Front, Back, Side-to-Side - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Im a Soul Man - December 8 - 9:40 am

  My gf and I drive the Soul Igntion Edition which is so attention grabbing. I gotta say I have a smile every time I drive it. We drove down to Philly last week and really got to see how great of a car is. We had no issues parking, the cruise control is so easy, gas mileage was superb, sound system is so crisp regardless if your listening to satellite or your Zune. Love the seats and the height. The throttle is so responsive although the brakes are a bit of a learning curve but will stop on a dime in no time. The bluetooth is so cool, it automatically connects you when you enter the car and it downloads all your numbers so all you have to do is press the bluetooth button and say the name!

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  Wheres the five speed auto and navi? - 2010 Kia Soul
  By so_cali - November 27 - 8:23 pm

  Kia has come SO close, but how could they offer an ancient four speed auto - this vehicle crys out for another gear an no navigation, while they were able to include speakers that light up? The red Sport interior trim is garish as well. Other wise this is a great vehicle, but these are two glaring ommisions.

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  Solid little car - 2010 Kia Soul
  By JavaSoul - November 24 - 5:16 pm

  I like the Soul because it has the positive qualities of a small and larger vehicle. It has the fuel economy of small car but he interior space of a small SUV. It is fairly sporty like a smaller car but has enough ground clearance to not bottom out in all the snow we have received recently.

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  Not a good MPG - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Northland Driver - November 11 - 11:46 am

  When we love the looks and the fun ride, the reason why we got it was: 1) the roomy back (which is very good compared to others) 2) the miles-per- gallon (MPG). We are yet to see the advertised 26 or higher. We are lucky if we get close to 24. In addition to front seat is way too stiff. This is definitely a city commuter and nothing more. Yes, a fun ride, but a bit uncomfortable and not as economic as promised (in the city). Not to be negative, but more of a reality check. The glare on the front glass is very uncomfortable. The light brown reflects the entire dash into the front window. I have seen this in other small cars I have rented. Sound system? Back speakers are NOT good at all.

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  Fun to Look At and Drive - 2011 Kia Soul
  By nursediesel - November 11 - 7:03 am

  Ive wanted a Soul since they came out last year, but wanted to wait until they had the 1st year quirks ironed out. Once I drove one, I was convinced. First impression: Its tight, build quality seems excellent, no rattles, very solid sounding when you open/close doors and hatch. Brakes are soft-touch sensitive, steering is responsive, best of all I got 27 M.P.G. in the city on my first tank of gas (sticker says 24/30), but I must admit I drive pretty conservatively. 2.0 seems pretty peppy, gets up to hwy. speeds quickly and cruises comfortably. I researched and looked at a lot of other cars in this class and found they were either too pricy, got bad reviews, or were just too tiny.

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  Soul could become an icon like the Mini - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Mike Gordon - November 1 - 4:00 pm

  Our plus automatic is a month old. Its a small car which drives like a much bigger car or a SUV. Interior space is amazing. Engine is quick enough for California traffic, and the transmission is well made but 4 speeds are not enough. If they would place the 2.4 liter engine and a 6-speed auto with paddle shifters in the Soul, it could become an icon among "hot hatches" like the Mini Cooper, Mazda Speed 3, or he VW GTI. I enjoy driving it more than our V6 Accord. As a former Honda tech I think the engine bay has lots of space and it should be easy to work on. I can do an oil change on the Soul at home without raising it with a jack. And it doesnt have the drive-by-wire throttle - no runaway.

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  So many pluses! - 2014 Kia Soul
  By SkinnyLinny - October 18 - 5:49 pm

  I had two Honda Elements, but as everyone knows, the Element is no longer made (huge mistake, Honda). Well the Kia Soul took the place of the Element. IT doesnt have the amount of room that the Element had, but its better looking, better mileage, Quieter, handles better, turning radius is unreal, parking a breeze. The steering wheel is about the same size as our Lexus CT200H, fits like a glove. The doors open very wide and the visibility out the front window is great. Most vehicles have a small front window, not the Soul. Love the fact that I dont have to take the headrests off to have the rear seats fold. Its really nice having a 4 door hatchback (wagon). I bought the bare bones Soul with the 6 speed manual shift. It shifts very, very smooth. Clutch feels Great and the mileage is really great.

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  I LOVE MY KIA SOUL - 2010 Kia Soul
  By marcgeorge - October 16 - 8:16 pm

  I never thought I would break away from the domestic / Ford models. WOW I didnt realize what I was missing !! KIA is amazing. Their build quality and craftsmanship is much better and the warranty is far better. On top of that, what a GREAT value for the price. The SOUL is a blast to drive. It is a great looking car, very comfortable, I am 64 and I have plenty of room. The power is good and the gas mileage is very good. I have never been so excited to have a new car that I REALLY love. KIA has sold me--I will be watching for what they bring out next---if its like the SOUL,they will have another winner and a customer for life. I am a very proud new KIA owner