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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It is a good Soul - 2011 Kia Soul
By miriz01 - March 23 - 11:59 pmAll the "Soul" jokes aside, this is an awesome car. Ive had mine about a month and a half and have put over 7,000 miles on it including 1 trip from Tulsa to Corpus Christi and 2 trips from Tulsa to Waco. The Soul is lots of fun and handles very well. Running the AC at full blast contstantly all summer (it has been well over 100deg) I am getting about 26mpg average. My 2 sons love the roomy back and I have found that there is really a lot of room. We did install an aftermarket roof rack for extra cargo space too. This car is perfect for lugging the kids around town with all their sports gear. The front seat comfort wasnt quite as good as my Jetta GLX, but this is still very nice.
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EXCELLENT VALUE - 2011 Kia Soul
By datzunzcar - March 8 - 12:03 pmI bought my Kia on 8/01/11 and have put over 2700 miles on it. I have averaged 31 mpg on every tank of gas and am extremely pleased with my purchase. From the moment I purchased this car it has been easy to just get in and take off driving. Me and my three kids love it and they have plenty of room to stretch out and be comfortable. I never thought about owning a Kia until this car came out and I like the design and roominess inside. The price is excellent at only $13500 and the 10/100,000 mile warranty makes it even better. If you are looking for a quality automobile for a great price and standard features of higher priced cars look no further than the KIA SOUL as you will not be disappointed
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great cars! - 2010 Kia Soul
By Two Souls - February 20 - 5:36 pmBought a special edition Ignition in Dec. 2009 . Really like the car! So far everything works great & 30+ mpg ! Other car with 184k started having problems in Feb. 2010 . Traded it in on another Soul special edition , the Shadow Dragon version! Like it better than the Ignition because of the heated leather seats! Drive 200 miles a day to-from work . So far Great !
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Versatile, economical and fun car - 2011 Kia Soul
By Nick - February 15 - 2:00 amThis is a great car for someone who wants a compact but doesnt want to be crammed into some small, rickety piece of junk. The Soul is incredibly roomy inside and with the rear seats folded down it has cargo room comparable to any wagon... Ive always been hesitant with Kia but they seem to have hit the mark with this one. For $16,000, this car seems to be put together well and has features like ABS, traction control, Bluetooth, and 4-wheel disc brakes that are missing in other cars. I would prefer the manual transmission model; the automatic is an outdated 4-speed and it feels like it was definitely tuned for economy rather than sporty driving but what can one expect for under $16k?
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OUTSTANDING car!!!! - 2012 Kia Soul
By soulgal12 - February 10 - 3:06 pmI have owned a lot of different vehicles in my lifetime -- from sport cars to Full-size 4x4 trucks to economy-minded transportation. I can honestly say that by far this little 2012 Kia Soul + is my FAVORITE vehicle I have owned!! I purchased my Soul + new in October, 2012 and have put over 20,000 miles on it. I can not say there is one thing that I do NOT love about this car! The handling is outstanding for how high the profile of the vehicle is. The wide stance of the car allows it to handle amazing! The storage capabilities are outstanding as well! With the rear seats folded down you can haul an amazing amount of stuff!! Plus its roomy enough that you can fit 5 adults in it!
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Delighted with zippy yellow mini box! - 2016 Kia Soul
By Craig Koch - January 16 - 5:25 amThis is a replacement for my under powered original 2006 Scion xB. Dont get me wrong, loved the xB but the Soul+ has the power the xB lacked and is just plain fun to drive! $19K price was delivered, i.e. included tags, tax, and title costs....everything!
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FUN! SPORTY! - 2010 Kia Soul
By Mikeyt1818 - January 8 - 1:03 amAwesome features, peppy engine, awesome looks, I am 6"4 and fit very well and seat isnt even all the way back
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Snazzy ride - 2010 Kia Soul
By Wolfie - December 20 - 4:53 pmThe vehicle is noisy on the open road, but handles fairly well. Gas mileage is good. I had a Suzuki Vitara and it is more comfortable and only a few inches lower. My granddaughter loves it and says that it is more comfortable. Nice features.
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Soul is more than value for the dollar - 2014 Kia Soul
By balkanattitude - November 26 - 10:40 amThis is my second Kia Soul. I truly appreciate the quality of the vehicle, the handling of the vehicle, and the excellent fuel mileage. I have consistently exceeded the factory fuel mileage ratings. In addition, the Kia Soul has so many standard features that truly increase the value for the dollar. Many other cars would provided the Souls standard equipment as options to be purchased.
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The Best Boxie Sedan EVER! - 2012 Kia Soul
By fiftydimes89 - October 18 - 10:06 amWell I like to start these off with the bad news. Unfortunately I have nothing negitive to say. I purchased my 2012 Kia Soul from Nationwide Kia, in Lutherville, MD. Those guys did an amazing job of showing me everything and informing me about the Soul. The deal I got was amazing even tho the inventory is low on these at the moment . Would reccomend the car to any and everyone .
