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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  Very pleased with this car! - 2013 Kia Soul
  By ghostboo - July 7 - 3:24 am

  I have always owned large 4X4 quad-cab trucks but got sick of dumping money in gas. I wanted a vehicle that was easy on gas, fun to drive, fit in my garage, and loaded with options. I researched for a few months and narrowed it down to about six finalists. I test drove them and narrowed it to two, the Hyundai Elantra and the Soul Exclaim. I love both vehicles but the Soul won me over because of the cargo capacity and ease of access. The Soul is fun to drive and I like the high seating position. It doesnt feel like Im down in a go cart. Visibility is outstanding and the interior is perfect. My gas mileage is very good. I average 24 city, 31 highway and 35 on long country drives.

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  Not Expected - 2010 Kia Soul
  By jbjtkbw00 - May 30 - 9:23 pm

  Ive had mine for just about 3 weeks now. I LOVE this car. Has about as much room as my Jeep Liberty does in the interior (seating wise). Comfortable seats and driving position. Handles nicely on the interstate and has a little punch to it when needed. The standard features on this model are fantastic. From the 315 watt stereo w/bluetooth to the sunroof and then 18" rims, my Molten (red) Soul garners a lot of attention and keeps them asking questions while at the pump. I havent gotten this much attention in a car since my Crossfire.

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  Love It - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Lisa - May 22 - 6:20 pm

  Ive had my Kia Soul since April and absolutely love it. Ive driven from Toronto to Nfld eastern U.S. and back not one issue. So far has been as reliable as my last Kia (05 Spectra) Ive also discovered that the rear stow and go (being made of hard foam) makes a perfect cooler when traveling. Just throw in some ice packs,drinks and your set or a couple of days!! Very versatile car great in the city and long drives. Hae not experienced any issues with highway noise. Lots of great extras for the price. My only 1 bug is with the Front seatbelts. They release quickly & if not carful will cause small scratches to the plastic on the doors. I know Ill enjoy this car for many years to come.

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  SIMPLY WOW - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Jeffrey N - May 21 - 4:36 pm

  I had my heart set on a Mini, and let me just say this car completely surpassed my expectation. Its a Mini on Steroids... I drive 100 miles a day back and forth to work, everyday I find something new about the car that wows me. I was at a light and a Scion xB stopped at the light next to me, the driver looked at the Soul, put his car in reverse to backed up to see what kind of car I was driving. Every where I go, people stop me to ask what kind of car it is and ask what they call the color (Alien). This car is an amazing buy... it is amazing what is in it for the money. Love it, Love it, Love it...

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  No Soul Better Than An Old Soul - 2013 Kia Soul
  By soulman30 - April 7 - 5:52 am

  Best bang for the buck. The Soul was made for the young and the young at heart. Entry and Exit is great for us that are starting to show our age. The young drivers really take notice of my ride and always stop me and comment that they think it is super cool.

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  just bought it - 2014 Kia Soul
  By Joseph - April 1 - 6:30 am

  Great car for the value i bought mine used with 40k miles and it is rather nice. i am normally a truck guy but got this for longer commuets to a new job. It handles well and has great gas mileage and it is super comfy inside.

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  Awesome zippy little car! - 2011 Kia Soul
  By saems78 - March 25 - 7:43 am

  So i recently bought the 2011 Kia soul a week ago. All I have to say it is absolutly amazing! The avg mpg stats 24 as a base around town, well i get nothing under 29.5 mpg around town, and 39.9 highway! With the way these gas prices are, that is very helpful to say the least! It rides very nice, and is very very roomy, I absolutly love this car. If you are looking for a well built, stylish car, look no further, you have found it with the soul, and so have I!

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  I AM IMPRESSED - 2010 Kia Soul
  By DOUGLAS LOWER - March 19 - 3:30 am

  I bought this vehicle in August.I just turned 4000 miles.I traded in a 09 Honda Fit for the Soul.I was very unsatisfied with the Fit,it was cheaply made.The Soul grabbed me with its style.It also felt safer,I was accurate with that impression,it just passed the all new 2010 safety IIHS tests with the best ratings in all four categories.The handling is fantastic and safe.There is always a trade off with great handling,a firmer ride.If you do not like a firm ride get the Plus model.It does not have the Sport suspension and 18in low profile tires.I love the red ext and red and black int.I love all the features.I turned on the rear defrost and realized I had heated mirrors also.Stereo rocks.

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  first car for daughter - 2011 Kia Soul
  By Joe C. - March 10 - 12:59 pm

  not the best mileage out there, but a safe, fun entry level car, never been in the shop except for service. Would buy another in a heartbeat!

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  Letting my Soul Shine - 2016 Kia Soul
  By Sharyn - March 9 - 12:30 pm

  I have been driving my Soul for almost 2 weeks. My husband & I both love it! It handles well & has been easy to maneuver on our busy highways North of Boston. I have had no problem with speed while pulling out & merging with traffic. The drivers side seat electronic seat adjustments have helped me with my visibility as I am on the shorter side. Also, the space under the drivers seat is perfect to stash my bag while driving. The heated/ventilated seats in the front are fabulous & recently sat in the heated comfortable backseat. I have not experienced driving in snow as of yet, but have driven in rain & at night. The ride has been smooth on all occasions. The ECO button gave me a nice 29mpg for my highway driving.