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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  Love my Soul - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Sara - September 10 - 5:23 pm

  I love my "Little Big" Soul. It looks small but has great room inside. I love the fact it is "different" looking than most cars on the road. Handles great.

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  The Ghost... - 2010 Kia Soul
  By RandR - September 2 - 10:00 am

  My husband & I chose this car on a whim We first noticed the leather seats & color, later found out it was a special edition "Ghost". After learning about the 100 mile/10 yr warranty & Kia reputation plus safety record we said lets do it & bought it. My hubby drives it & all his buddies are impressed with how much room it has and the look. He carries his tools, golf clubs very comfortably. We like the features its fully loaded, bluetooth, sunroof, awesome stereo, etc. Drives great, he uses for work & has to drive often to sites for work, gas has been pretty good, its smaller tank than our Equinox, but mileage is fair. The ride is smooth & its a fun car for us 40+ folks.

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  I <3 My New Soul! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By CorgiAmok - August 30 - 9:00 pm

  I just bought a 2010 Soul, I love it!! It is so cute & fun. I have driven all over the place & have not yet had to fill the gas tank. Everyone at work has gone to look at it, several people have mentioned going to look at them! My Malamute, Corgi & Giant Mutt all fit inside!

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  Great Fuel Economy, and Fun! - 2012 Kia Soul
  By kamiller1991 - August 30 - 8:06 pm

  I fell in love with this car when I saw it on the commercials, and to actual find out that its fun to drive and gets great gas mileage when I actual went to look at it was AWESOME! It has plenty of room in the trunk for my two dogs (Labrador and a Pug) so I dont have to worry about fur on the seats. It also has plenty of room to load of the baby and the husband! I have been able to get up to 41mpg on the highway (going 55mph, not really highway, high speed back roads) and anywhere from 32mpg-35mpg city. The only thing I do not like about the car is the clutch stick when youre on a hill, I tend to gun it because I forget it kicks in. Other than that, GREAT car!

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  Lived a crazy life in SoCal - 2011 Kia Soul
  By Harry - August 29 - 3:19 pm

  I used to own a 2011 Soul + in Shadow Black with grey/black cloth interior. I purchased in 1/2011 and sold it on 2/2016 so I owned it for 5 years. It was probably one of the most fun cars Ive ever driven. Despite having a 4-Speed automatic while everyone else was putting in 6-Speed in the newer models. In the coarse of 5 years Its had LED fog lights, full sound system, lowering springs, 3 sets of tires, plastidip on the factory 16 and other LED interior lighting. Ive used it to drive on the canyons and beat on my buddies with sports cars proving that a box on wheels and keep up with a fr-s or bmw. But like all cars Ive driven the poor thing very hard. Tons of scratches and door dings by the time I sold it but I made sure it had the proper service taken care of at the Kia dealer. Switched to 5W-30 synthetic blend at 80K and replaced the timing belt and other belts during that time. Replaced the front rotors and pads ONCE for the front axle and the rears were still on the stock rotors since there was quite of life left in them. I guess that sad thing is that all 103,8xx miles. It has never left the state of California. 100% orange county driven. I eventually sold it carmax for $5k at that mileage and I bought a new car. Overall I recommend this car for anyone learning how to drive or just a basic city car. Its not the fastest but it will get the job done.

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  Great vehicle, very happy - 2016 Kia Soul
  By Scott F - August 26 - 12:16 pm

  We just purchased a 2016 Kia Soul.. After giving several makes and models much consideration and alot of research we test drove the Soul. My wife and I love it.. Why ? For one this car has a great smooth ride for such a short wheelbase. Its surprisingly quiet as well. We traded a 2011 Hyundai Sonata for this and although it never gave us any trouble this Kia out performed the Sonata in ride and noise level. The base model which we bought has alot of great features for the money. The visiblity out of the windows is nice. Your a little higher off the ground than the new sedans out there. As for the storage space there is plenty for a little car. No, your not going to haul lumber home with it but the rear storage compartment is well thought out. My wife has back problems and the vehicle height is just right. You dont have to get "down into it". or climb up either. The seats are firm yet comfortable. It comes with a great warranty as well. Acceleration- Its no speed demon unless you floor it but we werent looking for that . At take off its a little slow at first but does well just the same. The braking is responsive and handling is nice too. There are three levels of steering sensitivity you can control with one button while your driving. Comfort, which gives the steering wheel a more luxury car feeling,, medium,, and sport for a quicker response. It has bluetooth and a ton of nice features in the radio. Im 54 and have owned everything from 70s Cadillac land yachts to pickup trucks and I have to say that in initial quality and and all around comfort the Kia Soul is suprisingly smooth and comfortable. Its just plain fun and economical to drive..

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  36000 miles - 2010 Kia Soul
  By doc - August 17 - 3:06 am

  Best econo-box on the road. Love everything except: front seats too narrow and firm. Bad blind spot at rear small window. Almost got two accidents. And Im a great driver. VERY disappointing gas mileage. This was a surprise. Still best bang for the buck.

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  HOT! HOT! HOT! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By SF Bay Area Hottie - August 16 - 5:36 am

  Its HOT! Got 1st RED Sport in SF bay area. So many stares & people coming up to me in parking lots, etc. Everybody wants to know what it is & where they can get it. For a while, I just handed out the dealers business card! So fun to drive!Overall visibility is good cuz you sit a little higher up. Fits tall people-- had a 66 passenger & still more head room! Great at turns & U-turns-- no more 3-point turns for me! Audio system is the bomb-CD/Ipod/USB (just plug in USB flash drive & have TONS of music)and interior LIGHTS that pulse to music(yes, gimmicky & a little juvenile, but so very fun.)Go up steep hills & accelerate like a champ(turn off the econ-over-drive for more power.) I LOVE IT!

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  Wow!! What fun!! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By mikeyt - July 26 - 9:33 am

  I love this car. Best features, great sporty ride, engine has some nice pep to it, stands out in a crowd!

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  Love the Soul! - 2012 Kia Soul
  By cheat - July 17 - 1:39 am

  I bought my 2012 Kia Soul Base new in July 2012. I tried out Audis, VWs, Volvos, Chevrolets, and the Soul hands-down won me over. I LOVE the high stance (just wish they had an AWD option), quirky exterior, and modern interior. Even with the base model (auto, btw) its loaded with features - Bluetooth (which is awesome!), power everything except mirrors, cruise control, USB and AUX ports, you get the point. I have had no issues with my Soul, and have since put about 20,000 on it in less than a year, and love every mile Ive driven it. It really has some get-up-and-go for a 1.8 L 4 cyl. Ive added my own unique features to the car, such as a red carbon fiber interior/exterior kit.