2013 Kia Soul Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.18/5 Average
38 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

For 2013, the Kia Soul sees just a handful of minor changes, which include newly standard Bluetooth connectivity for the manual-transmission base model, power-folding outside mirrors for the "!" trim level and revised Kia badges for all.

Pros:
  • Long warranty.
  • Ample passenger space
  • Funky style
  • User-friendly controls
  • Loads of available features
  • Low price
Cons:
  • Stiff ride with 18-inch wheels.
  • Limited cargo room versus a few competitors

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 38.00
  • Definitely a Soulman - 2013 Kia Soul
    By -

    The Kia Soul is the best of the econoboxes, and its not really that close. I took a very hard look at the Scion XB, as Im a fan of most things Toyota (particularly the original MR2), but it was an odd combination of too quirky yet too heavy and grown up. The Honda Element is all of the same traits amplified, but with worse still gas mileage. The Nissan Cube is quirky too, but very light and efficient with great gas mileage. However, its not large enough for passengers, at least not in comparison to the Soul. The Cube also has poor visibility out and an uncomfortable seating position, IMO. Then comes the Kia Soul, which simply does everything right while looking great and driving sweetly. One can opt for the 2.0 liter with a manual for a healthy dose of sport, but I prefer the better mpg of the 1.6. It still accelerates strongly due to its low weight, but keep it out of the revs and you can return 31 mpg in Suburbia-type traffic with lots of stop and go. This is my first manual with 6+ forward gears, and the Soul really makes the most of them. I havent done any 60 mph highway drives, but I would fully expect this to get 40 mpg in true highway driving. What else? The stereo with Aux in, USB for charging (or a billion songs on a thumb drive), bluetooth for phone audio or calls, great ergonomics, a huge glovebox, great visibility all around, and a very comfortable drive. I also do my own maintenance and repairs, and was blown away the first time I popped the hood. Room! Room galore for hands and wrenches. The only criticism I can imagine is that there is some road noise, but no more than my wifes very comfortable Odyssey. Some of that is likely tire noise, but you can tell that they left off some noise dampening to keep the weight and price down. Its not bad by any means, but its the only thing I can think of that is less than ideal with the Soul, even with the base. Ebay has sheets of sound deadening material for sale, and Im doing that next. This car is highly recommended. Ill be shocked if I dont have at least one Soul in our driveway 10 years from now.

  • Fun to Drive - 2013 Kia Soul
    By -

    The manual transmission on the Kia Soul is quite fun to drive. It is easy to switch gears there is even an indicator to tell you when to switch gears. I find it to be the right size. I am able to haul around groceries or large items. Its compact size makes it easy to park and navigate narrower streets.

  • My wife loves it! - 2013 Kia Soul
    By -

    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.

  • My Review - 2013 Kia Soul
    By -

    I love this auto. So very roomy inside it really surprised me. So comfortable to get inside and out. I owned a 1960 Austin Healey 3000. I always compare this autos steering to that car. It handles beautifully. My friends are always very surprised at the comfort. The large engine is really zippy. I just have no complaints against this auto.

  • It loves gas stations - 2013 Kia Soul
    By -

    Believe me, if you decide on the 2.0 engine...think again unless you love putting out money for gas. When I fill the tank, it shows only a range of 250 miles. Iam constantly filling it up. Terrible terrible gas mileage. I love the car but I sure will be trading it in before too long due to the gas mileage

  • Kia Sould New Owner - 2013 Kia Soul
    By -

    Great a little car so far but not perfect. I guess no car is perfect. Problem one. The car is equipped with 2 DC outlets just behind the transmission stick. We had a cell phone charger plugged in. When pulling out the charger, the whole housing came out of the dash. It is not broken but it is made of cheap plastic. Problem two. We have owned several vehicles over the years and never had a black interior. Bad move. The black interior shows dirt right away and requires more cleaning. Having said all that, we really like the vehicle.

  • I love my car - 2013 Kia Soul
    By -

    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!

  • Very pleased with this car! - 2013 Kia Soul
    By -

    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.

  • No Soul Better Than An Old Soul - 2013 Kia Soul
    By -

    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.

  • I wish I wouldnt have - 2013 Kia Soul
    By -

    So I bought my 2013 soul new and have had issues with too many things, mostly it handles terrible the radio had to be replaced, (never got my free Sirius as promised) knock sensor has now gone bad twice, have the same wiper issue as others, when turning the wheel one way or the other out of the driveway and such it clicks, and it rattles when I accelerate under the hood somewhere, acceleration leaves me more likely to hit the brakes and wait my turn when merging ..and the blind spot are awful, not to mention the noise if back window is down.

Kia Soul Reviews By Year:
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