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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  I have to admit, I like this car - 2011 Kia Soul
  By kaz411 - July 22 - 11:14 am

  This is my first Kia, kind of bought it on a whim and had some buyers remorse initially but it has worn off. Miles were very low, and the car still runs and looks new. I drive for UBER on the weekends and live in AZ, so this car has had some wear and tear on it and has done very well so far. My passengers like the car, they say a lot its roomier than it looks and it is a fairly comfortable ride, even at higher freeway speeds. I do agree the shocks and struts should be a little stronger but most passengers say its a smooth ride. Ice cold a/c, large console area and glove box to keep my goodies in, pockets behind seats hold water, etc.

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  Not what we expected - 2010 Kia Soul
  By chick_poo - July 6 - 7:41 am

  We purchased our Soul ! used from a dealer with 33,000 miles. We bought this car because of the reviews in regards to gas mileage. This Soul is terrible in regards to mpg. I have written to Kia and I am waiting for a reply before I proceed further. I drive 60 miles a day (highway) to work, set my cruise on 70 (posted speed limit) and the best gas mileage I have gotten is 25.9 mpg. The advertised gas mileage is the main reason we bought our Soul. While it is very fun to drive, the gas mileage and the exterior quality (lack of) will not keep us a Kia customer. Paint chips very easily. Very sad because this is a fun car to drive and is very roomy.

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  Winning Car, Wishing for More - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Richmond Guy - June 24 - 8:33 am

  The Soul is a huge hit. Fit and finish are flawless. The neat features and electronics give it a unique personality. Headroom is outstanding. Where it misses: Not enough cup holders and pockets to store things usefully. Mileage is not what I hoped (averaging around 26). But front seat is too small and unsupportive. If you are above average in height or build, front seat will be painful for anything but very short trips. But car is FUN and so well built.

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  2016 Kia Soul, big car ride in a smaller package ! - 2016 Kia Soul
  By Mr Bill - June 23 - 2:28 am

  If you are looking for a smaller vehicle that rides like a big SUV but want something more economical, the Kia Soul may be for you. I did not want to pay 25 or 30 thousand for a conventional SUV. I was on a trip and rented a Soul for a week. After flying back home and getting into my car I realized how much I enjoyed and missed the Kia Soul. Very roomy with a smooth ride. Great storage especially when you fold down the rear seat. Paid a bit over 17 K. You cannot beat the Kia warranty. Vehicle quality is top notch, very solid vehicle, oh, they call it a wagon. I have the 1.6 L engine, I would suggest going with the 2.0 L engine if you live in a mountainous or hilly region of the country. If I keep it around 2000 rpm my mileage has been about 33 mpg on a regular basis. Overall, love the Soul, it is a fun and surprising vehicle to own.

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  Love it all but.... - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Soooooouuuuulllllll - May 30 - 2:10 pm

  I just recently bought this vehicle to replace a dying 15 year old Pontiac. Like everyone else, I have complaints about the scuffing on the interior and how easy that is. Otherwise I think its pretty neat so far. However, I live in Michigan and we get a lot of snow. The Soul does not do well climbing out of two inches of snow, which is disappointing considering the size and the lift of the vehicle. Have a set of chains or a shovel ready. :

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  Simple Quality with a little style - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Gregg - May 24 - 5:26 pm

  I was shocked that I bought a Kia, but a friend said to test drive one and I was done shopping. Fit and Finish equal or better than Toyota. Price thousands less for more car. I own a restaurant and needed more space to haul catering orders than my MINI could fit.

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  Its early, but so far so good. - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Soul man - April 1 - 6:43 am

  I was shopping for a 2006 Scion xB(the newer one grew way too big and milage sux), but it was hard to find a good one where I live, so I checked out the Soul. For only about $1,000.00 more than a used 2005-2006 xB I got a 2010 Soul with the great warranty. This box on wheels is a bit longer than the xB with a tad more room behind the rear seats and a longer hood. It is ugly with far to "busy" exterior styling. I prefer the early xB or the Cube for looks but the interior is laid out better in the Soul with the instrument cluster in front of the driver for easier visual access. I wanted the best gas mileage so I chose the base model, 1.6 L engine with no automatic transmission available.

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  First KIA purchase - 2016 Kia Soul
  By Phil Smith - February 9 - 2:55 pm

  over all this is a great car it may seam small on the outside but inside it feels roomy. The telescoping wheel is a great feature with my long legs I can sit comfortably with the wheel close to me so my arms are not stretched out straight. My friends have commented on the amount of leg room they have in the back seat as well. the acceleration is a tad slow but with a 1.6 liter engine that should be expected. I opted for the manual transmission by choice, I love shifting on long car rides to help keep me awake. With that being said the shift knob is less than uncomfortable imagine a cue ball mounted on top because thats basically what they give you. The palm of my hand will start to hurt wile Im stuck in traffic. I have purchased an aftermarket shift knob to replace it. The EPA rated gas mileage at 31 highway, but with good shifting and keeping with the 65mph speed limit Im getting 34.5 mpg commuting 100 miles round trip to work and back each day. I do very little city driving, the highway is about 2 miles from my house and my work is about 7 miles from the exit so most of the miles I put on the car are true highway miles.

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  Great Little Car - 2013 Kia Soul
  By loversoul - January 13 - 10:24 am

  We got a Soul+ with the 1.6L and are glad that we did. The over all ride is good. If you can, like I did, take off the factory tires and get a good set of tires like good year or such it will make the ride even better the tires that are on them are what they call hard tires and make for a bit of a bumpy ride not bad but it is there. Also you should understand that there are blind spots that are really bad that is cause of the back pilards are so thick. The shifting when down shifting in the auto can be a bit jerky. 1.6L has good amount of horse power enough to get you going when you need to. The real test for us anyway is the back seat lots and lots of room for tall people

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  Fun car to drive - 2010 Kia Soul
  By globalreset - December 9 - 9:33 am

  Just replaced my wifes car with this vehicle. Its a very fun car and it has a unique look. I think it looks sportier than the other boxes. Extremely roomy, especially compared to other cars in its class, with headroom enough to keep your cowboy hat on. Stereo, with sirius, and bluetooth features are well executed. Build quality is not so great. Center console, especially the armrest with storage, feels very cheap. Im really worried about the hinge on the armrest wearing down. Seats are not as comfortable as the ones in my SUV, but they are on par with the seats in the Jetta we replaced.