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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  Completely Satisfied - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Satisfied - October 15 - 3:46 am

  The vehicle is awesome to drive and a pleasure to own. I couldnt have asked for a better deal as well as incentives for a purchase of a new vehicle. Yes. Interior is cheap but for the price I cannot complain. Extremely satisfied in my purchase and will use kia again in the future!

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  Not as good as you would think - 2011 Kia Soul
  By kc411 - October 9 - 12:21 pm

  Bought this in Oct. 2011 now with 60,000 miles on it. No problem with reliability, but would not do it again. Seats stain easily interior scratches easily. Not enough space behind the rear seat. You cant even get 2 average suitcases to fit. Only 25 mpg, lost of road noise and engine noise. If you hit a rough road hold on because there is no telling what way you will go. Not good in rainy conditions either. The resale value is not good. Even Kia will not give more then $10,000 on trade in with 60,000 miles. Kia has moved up, but I fill the car is over priced for what you get. Bought for close to $18,000 but got a $14,000 car. For the price there are better quality cars to pick from.

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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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  Soul in need of Divine intervention!!!! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Hazegray - July 17 - 8:46 am

  This car rides like an empty gravel truck!!! Roughest ride Ive ever had - - totally unexpected and unacceptable!!! I even lowered the tire pressure to see if I could soften the ride --no appreciable differance. Ill be trying to palm it off as soon as I can find a sucker to buy it. It is loud, thirsty, and uncomfortable. Ive put 4xxx miles on it in the first month, so I have enough seat time to make an accurate evaluation. Lots of hard surfaces in interior - nothing is padded or even a little soft. When the seat belt retracts, it mars the hard plastic door panel. Biggest mistake Ive ever made in buying a vehicle. Test drive over rough road before buying!!!

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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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  Ideal for a tight budget - 2013 Kia Soul
  By MW - July 5 - 3:52 am

  Last winter I had to part ways with my beautiful 2004 orange Pontiac GTP. I loved that car ~ but I could not keep up with repairs after the electrical started to fail (bought used, had more problems than I was aware of at the time). So after car shopping for months (because I was reluctant to let go of a beautiful car) I settled upon a Kia Soul+. I knew a couple of people that had one and never complained about it. So let me tell you the perks of owning one. Seating is comfortable, for both drivers and passengers. Visibility is great - unlike my Pontiac Ive yet to encounter a blind spot while driving. Steering is sensitive, acceleration is nice - though Im not impressed with the noise (sounds like a fart car compared to my Pontiac). Out of all the vehicles I test drove, I felt comfortable behind the wheel and actually felt the car was from this galaxy when I checked out the entertainment bit. You have a usb port, a jack, two lighter sockets, and the controls on the steering (volume, blue tooth call, etc) are easy to learn. Millage is good - if you have proper tires, and filled properly, and use your cruise control and dont drive like youre in the Daytona 500 you may get more millage than you expect. Im getting about 30 in the city, and 32 on the highway. Now for the cons... Its not a fan of bumps. Youll feel them unfortunately. I once went over a bump so hard I nearly popped out of my seat! If youre in the US, youre missing out on the rear parcel shelf - its a hard top that doubles as a privacy shield to hide your things in your trunk. Google it and buy one - dont waste your time with the flimsy canvas stores and dealerships try to sell you. The wheel; its nice, but if youre used to a larger wheel size it can take some getting use to. I once hit what I thought was my horn in the parking lot to alert a distracted driver and instead hit my blue tooth call button. Speaking of blue tooth, it syncs better with an iPhone. I have an android and even though Im able to sync for calling, it doesnt sync/provide volume for when I try using my phone for maps or music. Lastly.... THE TIRES! THE TIRES ARE TERRIBLE. Theyre fine at a 16" for snowy weather, but the brand they have on their is TERRIBLE. If it comes with Nexen - ditch the wheels straight away. I tried driving on them in my Pontiac and they were not suited for winter, despite saying all season tires. Hankooks are a little better but I still wouldnt recommend it - buy yourself some proper tires. If your dealership tries to sell you something other wise, take it to a trusted mechanic for better tires or google what the best tires for a Kia Soul would be. Lastly.... if youre thinking about getting a Soul Base - dont do it, at least if you live in a snowy climate like I do. The wheel size is smaller as is the engine. Spend the extra cash and get yourself a Kia+!

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  soul good - 2014 Kia Soul
  By kathleen regan - June 15 - 6:05 am

  I love my Kia Soul there are just a few things I would change. Make the steering wheel a little longer and able to tilt up higher. Auto lights with definite auto turn off when you turn car off. Watch out when you buy one as the 2014 may have a headlight problem I think my does also and it is not on a recall altho I cant imagine why not. Other than that I am very happy with my purchase.