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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  cool car - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Chris - May 11 - 8:30 pm

  This a very fun car to drive and be seen in. It handles great and I am averaging about 26 miles to the gallon. I took on a trip out of town recently in an unforeseen early spring snow storm and it performed at a level that left myself and my entire family at ease the entire trip. The engine has plenty of zip in it and the body looks like no other. The only minor downfall is that there are no cup holders for the rear seat only bottle holders in the doors. My kids also wished that it came with a free hamster, but I think they will get over it.

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  First KIA - 2010 Kia Soul
  By GJ2420 - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Soul SE GHOST for about a week now and I have to say it is a real winner! Lots of comments from everyone about the looks especially the black alloy wheels and low profile tires.I shopped for 2 months and really just walked into the dealer after reading some reviews and made the purchase on the same day. Two other couples were looking at this beauty at the same time so I purchased the same day. Also really appreciate it is a limited edition with approx 1100 on the road so that is a plus for me. Drives great, looks great and handles very well coming off the freeway onto the exit ramps, really sticks to the road in the corners. Lots of us boomers are driving this car, way to go KIA.

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  Im A Soul Man! - 2012 Kia Soul
  By black_soul_man - April 18 - 9:26 pm

  Its a great car for the money.. I purchased a base soul with the 1.6 automatic 6 speed ac power windows Cruz and a very nice stereo system. I still cant believe that you would get so many accessories with only buying a base model car. Back in the old days you where lucky enough to get a cigarette lighter. they claim to get 26/35 mpgs so far I have been getting 38 with mixed driving city/ hwy. Again Im Not a lead footed driver. all I can say is Wow I fell in love with this car.. it handles like a dream This had been my fifth new car purchased in the last 30 years and after buying those American made cars fords & chevys I always had regrets afterwords. but not with this car.....

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  It is, what it is - 2010 Kia Soul
  By PK - April 13 - 7:20 am

  Bought mine a month ago. Scores hi marks as to value. Lot of features for the money. Real good build quality considering the low price. Easy and fun to drive. The car has good visibility and you can park it anywhere. Good ground clearance, has lots of room for driver and passengers. If you are looking for lots of cargo space with room for 4 pass., this might not work for you-I rarely have rear seat passengers- folding down the rear seats works for me. Dont confuse the phrase "fun to drive" to imply that this is a performance vehicle--its not. The Soul is a capable people mover-fun to drive, with a good amt of features, and when considering the price, should put a smile on your face.

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  Love the Soul Sport - 2010 Kia Soul
  By SiouxCitySoul - April 11 - 5:13 am

  I have had my Soul for a few weeks now. It was my first new car purchase. It is definitely a change from my previous Pontiac Grand Prix, but thus far I am really enjoying the vehicle! Im not sure if it is just my vehicle, but one complaint is that I cannot use the automatic shutoff device on the gas station pumps, as they shut off about 1 second late, and about a cup of gas will overflow from the Souls tank each time. It was something that never happened with my old vehicle, but it consistently happening at EVERY station Ive filled. I definitely recommend the Kia Soul!

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  Catch one if you can - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Gary Marzolf - March 24 - 2:29 am

  Much better car then i expected.

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  Soulfull - 2010 Kia Soul
  By papascar - March 17 - 8:23 am

  I started looking for a new car in Oct. 2008 and bought my SOUL! IN May 2009. I was in no rush to buy so I test drove Nissan, Chevy, Dodge, Jeep, VW, Suzuki and what I didnt test drive I research and talk to owners of the cars i was interested in. I first went to my dealer to look at and test drive a Suzuki sx4.(a great car) but it was a little small for my needs. Thats when my dealer so me the Kia Soul. I test drove the Soul at three different dealers each on different road conditions (I was not gentle and was please how the car responded in each situation I put it in. I been approach by many people who are impress with the room and design of the Soul. I to am impress.

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  Love this car - 2010 Kia Soul
  By bkl1 - February 24 - 3:20 pm

  Bought a Kia Soul a few weeks ago and have to say this is the most fun weve had with a vehicle! So far the gas mileage is great, and all the little extras like the blue tooth capabilities, usb plug in for the radio and the satellite radio have made it a joy to drive. We originally looked at this car because of the safety features and gas mileage, which is great for a vehicle this size, but we were truly wowed by all of the extras. I especially like the seats, its very difficult to get comfortable in a bucket style seat if youre tall, the support and adjustability on these seats and steering wheel make it a really comfortable drive. Not to mention having the radio controls on the wheel-A+

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  A fun , practical commuter ! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By thekevman - January 22 - 7:13 pm

  Ive owned it for a couple of weeks, and Im very happy with the car! Great combination of agility , ride height giving good sight lines in city traffic, economy and roominess. American car makers are behind the curve designing big box economy cars.I looked at Cube , XB , and Elantra Touring - the Soul beat em all !

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  Fun AND Value - 2012 Kia Soul
  By kevster63 - January 17 - 5:08 am

  I have had my Soul for about 9 months now, and have 11K miles on her. I find it way too fun to drive, and as a daily driver I find my commute a far better experience than it once was. It has great performance considering the 2.0 liter engine (I also own a Hemi...), and scoots along just fine. The biggest issue is its lack of aerodynamics (but the BOX is cute!) so its mileage suffers on the highway if you are travelling faster than 65-70mph. Below 65mph it gets GREAT mileage, so I can easily average 30 mpg on my daily commute (20/80 city/hwy). Comfy seats, Awesome UVO sound system, bluetooth features, and more, make it fun! I have had absolutely NO reliability issues! 11K miles and HAPPY!