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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  Lotta Soul - 2014 Kia Soul
  By Bo - October 12 - 4:58 am

  Great car, so glad I purchased it! Love everthing about it!

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  Wow! - 2012 Kia Soul
  By fdarcy - October 5 - 9:49 am

  I love my new Kia Soul! I have one child, and this is a perfect little vehicle for my small family to drive in town and in the country. The gas mileage is fabulous for long drives and I can easily park in small parking spots in the city. I have not owned a car I love this much in a very long time. There is plenty of cargo space in the back, and I LOVE the satellite radio! The combination of great features and great gas mileage makes road trips exciting rather than exasperating. We are so pleased to have purchased this car!

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  New SOUL Mate - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Charlie - October 1 - 1:20 am

  In my estimation the Kia Soul is a smart well designed all around versitile fun to drive car. Its Molten Red and its an eye catcher. I really love the machine. Absolutely no complaints,its built well inside and out. Once you drive it you are hooked. My dealer was awesome in helping me with every aspect of buying the Soul. The sound system will blow your socks off. Im getting great mileage 31.5 mpg so far cost to fill at $22.00 Its more value than one would think. Check this puppy out you wont be sorry

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  LOVE, love this car! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Birgit White - September 19 - 7:03 am

  Awesome dependability. Great both in the city with a tight turning radius and on the highway with its peppy acceleration. Great in the crappy weather. The only issue I have ever had is that the paint chips easily. Have had the car for over 6 years, 130,000 miles.... Have spent less than $3000 maintenance. And thats including tires, brakes, oil changes, timing belt and transmission flush.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2017 Kia Soul
  By Coy - August 29 - 8:32 pm

  Great Vehicle for My Granddaughter.

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  BEST CAR EVER - 2010 Kia Soul
  By ADIZ - July 21 - 5:06 am

  I went looking for a new car for me and my dad and i took one look at the soul and fell in love with it. It will be my first car ever and very happy about the low price. VEry comfortable in side and does not make any sound on the highway the people that said it did are crazy. When i got it every girl in my school came and looked at it. they all wanted a ride. Best car for teen and people that want a party car!!

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  Soul - 2012 Kia Soul
  By anniehall1 - July 19 - 6:47 pm

  Great experience buying newSsoul at Jeff Belzers in Lakeville MN. Working with internet Leasing Consultant Kara Little was great NO Pressure Love the Soul fun with the automatic transmission over ride to manual what a blast

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  Kia Kelly! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Kia Kelly - July 18 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my Kia Soul a few days ago. Love it! My teens love it, too. It has easy to use controls, lots of features, and fun to drive!! So far it seems to do well on gas mileage, but havent had to fill it up yet. I love the car, but the interior quality isnt great. I would still buy it though. It is a great car for the money. It has lots of room for my tall teenage boys. We love the ipod connector and the lighted speakers. Fun, fun, fun

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  Kia/Hyundai in, Honda and Toyota out - 2010 Kia Soul
  By California rugby - July 18 - 10:00 am

  Incredible value! If youre looking for a car in this category, this car is a must see. There are several other good cars that compete with the Soul sport but, when you factor in price, features, and warranty the Kia always comes out on top. Several months into ownership and not one problem at all. If money is not an issue then the Mini Clubman would be my 1st pick solely based on the vehicle itself. Honda and Toyota did not seem to have the "total" package for under $18k. Chevy HHR was same price but didnt like the way it drives nor the interior. My wife has had a Kia sedona for 5 yrs without any problems (buying a new one next week) so I am impressed with reliability.

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  I love my car - 2013 Kia Soul
  By myrtle0562 - July 7 - 11:26 am

  I recently bought my car at Commonwealth Kia in Lawrence MA. I love this car! The dealership was great and I was able to get an awesome deal! I would recommend this car and dealership to all my friends and family!