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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  Everyone Needs a Titanium Soul (Now & Then) - 2011 Kia Soul
  By cooksley007 - February 6 - 12:59 pm

  I purposefully ordered a 2010 “plus” model with a myriad of options because the criticism of the “exclaim” model for highway noise and rattly ride (due to the larger diameter rims) was proved out in my test drives. I Love this car! I smile every time I see it parked or in my driveway (and not because of the hamster commercials). Although I view it as my mid-life, commuter, anti-sports car, it handles surprisingly well and has plenty of zip when merging onto some of our (Philadelphia area) white-knuckle highways. Interior has plenty of room for a teen, a tween, and a hockey bag !lenty of room for a teen and a tween and a hockey bag.

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  Soul So Far - 2010 Kia Soul
  By kansascity - February 6 - 4:16 am

  I have been looking at cars and researching for almost a year. It was a very tough call between the soul and the cube. Ultimately the cube won (thank god!) mostly because the design (in and out) was so much more appealing, and didnt seem so bland as the cube did. Overall this car has been fantastic with just a few minor (and often mentioned) flaws. But for the price tag, and a brand new vehicle, I couldnt be happier. The night I bought my vehicle I noticed a crack growing from the bottom of my windshield. By the next day it doubled. Luckily the dealership agreed to replace it at no cost to me. And again, the interior door (directly under the side Windows) does scratch easily

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  kia------>>> killed in action.. - 2010 Kia Soul
  By jeepers20 - January 31 - 1:30 am

  bought a used 2010 kia soul, had major engine troubles. high revving jerking.. had back to the dealership ,changed tsc units, still had trouble.. called kias consumer affairs ..may i say ,the worst consumer affairs out there!1 eight phone calls to them, never returned one terrible!!..

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  Great little compact utility, paint sucks - 2011 Kia Soul
  By dewdrinker87 - January 24 - 2:34 pm

  This is exactly what I was looking for. I got tired of sitting on the floor in little cars but didnt want to drop a fortune on an SUV. I get decent gas mileage (see suggested improvements). The engine is surprising zippy for what it is especially having a four speed. The interior is quite comfy, the seats are firm which I like. The only small issue I have had is the drivers side door plastic has begun to rattle but Im going to get that fixed next oil change under warranty. Compared to my old vehicle (2006 Chevy Cobalt) its so much better as far as quality goes. I use to look at the uneven door gaps on the Cobalt and just grimace. Huge negative is the paint. Poor durability... Rock Chips!

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  HAPPY WITH SOUL - 2010 Kia Soul
  By doc - January 9 - 11:56 am

  Ive been driving cushy Volvos for the last 13 yrs. So this is different for me. Cushy its not. The seats are quite firm. Being a beefy guy, I find the seat bottom width a tad too narrow. Then again, Im used to very wide leather seats. Other than that, fit seems to be very good. Much peppier than I had thought. No problems getting up to speed or merging on highways. Controls are very good and easy to use "intuitive". Looked at the Scion XB. Way too much money. The cube is just wierd. My kids love this car. I think the lighted speaker is dumb. Am I supposed to dance to it? Maybe at 56 Im just too old to get it. So far very pleased with my decision.

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  the jurys still out - 2010 Kia Soul
  By newman - December 23 - 7:33 am

  After searching and researching for a small car for several months I got a soul +. Had it a week and the car was pulling to the right, took it to the dealership for repair and they gave me the run around, took it back in a week same problem rotated the tires; which seems to have helped (till the tires wear) bought accessories from dealership and they didnt fit the model had them install them. Attached a bike rack on the back and that was not good, car doesnt seem to be that strongly built ( for bike rack @least). Im not sure if I might have made a mistake or just gotten a lemon by buying this car before getting the bugs out. Thus the jurys still out.......

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  Not an all weather vehicle - 2011 Kia Soul
  By jermany1104 - December 21 - 9:01 am

  Ive had my Kia Soul + for almost one year. Being 6 ft tall, there is plenty of head & leg room. The car has great pick up & passing & merging are never a problem. I love how the back seats go down for extra storage. However it hadnt snowed since I got the car & Im not happy with how it attempts to drive in the snow. The car would not drive up my hill, wound up sideways & had to be backed down the hill. Driving on the flat surface wasnt any better. I was told that the tires may be sport tires & may need to be changed, but I hate to change tires on a new car already. Im pretty disappointed with this, since I live in an area where it snows in the winter.

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  Bless My Soul, What A GREAT car! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By jack from the plains - December 11 - 1:53 pm

  Im not the demographic at 50ish years old. Or a hamster (see commercial). But I wanted a comfortable, safe, well- designed car with a great warranty and price. I did the research, test drove others and after 90 days of ownership am still THRILLED with the choice I made. Great city drive and for a highway that doesnt have bumps.

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  My wife loves it! - 2013 Kia Soul
  By soulman5 - December 4 - 2:09 pm

  I bought 2013 white Kia Soul+ 2.0L 6A for my wife, who is a teacher in my county school system. Before, she had 2002 Honda Civic LX. We initially looked into Honda CR-V or KIA Sportage. In the end, she chose this one by sight. We could have gone for 2014 model a month later, but she really liked the 2013 model design and size. It drives very sturdy with that 2.0L engine. Its loaded,with Antilock Brake System, Auto Traction Control System (On/Off controllable).... and 8 Airbags! Braking seems excellent. The gas mileage is not good as I expected, but Ive heard that it gets better with mileage. So Im crossing my fingers.

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  Amazing - I never thought twice - 2010 Kia Soul
  By tyhollis - November 18 - 2:03 am

  I went to the dealership to buy the new, trendy Kia Forte Koup. The salesman finally convinced me to test- drive a dune-colored Soul. All I can say is - test drive it!!! What a fun car to drive. Loaded - sunroof, bluetooth, Mp3 CD, USB/iPod jacks, steering wheel control buttons to everything, herringbone seats, speakers that strobe with my music, satellite radio...my friends love this car, I love this car, and most of all, I love hearing "that car is so you". Because it is - its different and it catches eyes. I also thing its a lot sleeker that its Scion / Cube counterparts. Trust me...just test-drive it.