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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  TOO MUCH PLASTIC - 2010 Kia Soul
  By bud - May 29 - 1:20 am

  Although the exterior is a plus, the interior has way too much plastic. There is no cushioning on the arm rest or console, Wish the window sill was wider to rest you elbow and arm. Lastly, I get a strong reflection from the dash on the windshield and in sunny Arizona it is quite a distraction. Driving with sunglasses makes it hard to see the instrument cluster which is recessed quite a bit. Otherwise it is a neat little car. Time will tell about reliability.

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  Unhappy Owner - 2012 Kia Soul
  By kmcars123 - May 25 - 1:38 am

  Car hesitates and kills when stopping. Have owned for 9 months and Kia is still trying to get it fixed. Have been assigned Kia rep by corporate offices, but they dont really seem to care and are almost impossible to get a hold of. Since car is in shop again for last 3 weeks...will be filing Lemon Law, and hopefully we will get some results.

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  MY KIA - 2010 Kia Soul
  By juliette - May 19 - 10:00 am

  We left ride away for a long trip with our new Kia Soul. Drove to Alaska. Round trip more than 12,000 miles. Fuel was amazing. Even loaded we done better mileage than suppose too. Not once we got out of the car because it was uncomfortable. After hours of driving always felt rested. We had NO problem at all. During the trip, we done 3 oil change. That was all we needed to do. Alaska was my longest driving trip. So glad we done it with such a comfortable reliable and economic car. Love it

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  My 2 year 56k mile review - 2014 Kia Soul
  By Hunter - May 3 - 12:30 pm

  I bought my lovely 2014 Latte Soul Base A/T back in March 2014. Had a whole 31 miles on it! (guess from other test drives) Got it for $14,222 with a few extras like mudflaps, SOUL floor mats, and maybe a few other dealer add-ons. No real mods besides my Amp and 2 12s I pulled from my 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Still running great! She has been to Tennessee (Only once) My Jeep went to Tennessee 100 times haha, South Carolina, and Virginia / VA Beach so far. About 4 Virginia trips to VA Beach so far (In a few weeks it will be going back I have took numerous photos of my soul, along with one I took in the fall of 2015, has been shared and spread across several dealer websites AND was posted by KIA Motors America on their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media accounts last month! Here is the link to their Twitter Post, https://twitter.com/Kia/status/697901801337720832 Also Ill post a link below with some of my favs Ive taken. My Soul now has 56,000 miles, I had a check engine light at 21,000 were a sensor on the transmission threw a code, but fixed it self, but dealership replaced it anyway, along with the few recalls thats came out. I do currently have 2 issues and 2 concerns. 1st main issue is the sun glasses holder, at random times it has a rattle like something broke off in it and is rattling around, but noticeable only really on roads that are not as smooth but is very annoying at times. Sometimes it makes noise sometimes it does not. 2nd is what sounds like coming from the back when going slowly over speed bumps or really bumpy roads like its the suspension but not sure. My 2 concerns is when turning off my car I hear a bubbling gurgling noise, I just recently recalled hearing it again since having to use AC. 2nd concern is my AC sometimes has a mildew smell but usually goes away after 30 seconds. Almost forgot somewhere around 30k my Poor rear passenger side window got shattered ohhh the glass everywhere, I think it was my dads fault as we suspect a rock may have flung up from the lawn mower, he felt bad and bought me a replacement from a wreaked Soul in Texas. (he owns a body shop) Picture in my gallery below. My Soul soon will need new tires, still running on the stock tires. My Soul made me proud last month, we had a Ice storm really bad here in NC, So many wreaks even right in front of me I seen people loose control of there vehicle but being safe my Soul got me through everything safely. - Video from my Dash Cam https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jmv_6cChc_s Local media used this video. Overall I love my Soul and hope she makes it to 200k+ She might in the near future get registered in the State of Virginia in a few weeks will be spending some extended time there. Here are all the pictures Posted Here (The ones I like anyway) And a recent one from today! - http://hunterspad.com/?page_id=99

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  2015 Soul 1.6 automatic=GREAT car! - 2015 Kia Soul
  By smsorange - April 22 - 7:26 am

  Have had the 2015 Soul a few days now. Im totally impressed. It has a shockingly spacious interior, great headroom, and stylish looks. The car has had no issues zipping down the highway even with its small 1.5, but 130 HP engine. I love the options that come standard in the Base model, including AC, Sirius XM, Bluetooth, heated mirrors, steering wheel volume/bluetooth controls, different driving modes (normal, comfort and sport) and cargo dividers under the back area. Mine is white with two-tone seats and it looks really sharp. For the money, I couldnt ask for more. Love it.

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  Fun dependable vehicle - 2012 Kia Soul
  By lovestalaugh - April 9 - 12:46 pm

  I bought my Kia Soul a year ago. I love driving it and find it good on gas. The inside is much larger than it looks. You can really fit alot in there. I have had no problems at all except for a blown fuse which the dealership took care of no problem. It is a great car for the price . I bought mine at Commonwealth Motors in Lawrence Mass and def recommend them, they are easy to deal with, have good prices and are not pushy. I go there for all my maintenance needs.

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  Kia Soul! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By SoulChick - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my update from about two months ago (7/12/2010). I now have 4106 miles on my Soul!. I still get about 26 mpg depending on my driving. My plastic doesnt seem to mar except for the areas with the controls. The one complaint I have is with the stereo. My original unit was bad and was replaced; however now we are on the 2nd replacement because the unit they put in "shorted itself out". I tend to think the dealer doesnt know how to install stereo equip. Now my two rear speakers and sub are crackling (possibly blown) and the bluetooth feature doesnt work. Hopefully when I get my new unit this will be the last I hear of this problem. Also, had my 1st recall repair; wiring harness

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  It is a good Soul - 2011 Kia Soul
  By miriz01 - March 23 - 11:59 pm

  All the "Soul" jokes aside, this is an awesome car. Ive had mine about a month and a half and have put over 7,000 miles on it including 1 trip from Tulsa to Corpus Christi and 2 trips from Tulsa to Waco. The Soul is lots of fun and handles very well. Running the AC at full blast contstantly all summer (it has been well over 100deg) I am getting about 26mpg average. My 2 sons love the roomy back and I have found that there is really a lot of room. We did install an aftermarket roof rack for extra cargo space too. This car is perfect for lugging the kids around town with all their sports gear. The front seat comfort wasnt quite as good as my Jetta GLX, but this is still very nice.

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  EXCELLENT VALUE - 2011 Kia Soul
  By datzunzcar - March 8 - 12:03 pm

  I bought my Kia on 8/01/11 and have put over 2700 miles on it. I have averaged 31 mpg on every tank of gas and am extremely pleased with my purchase. From the moment I purchased this car it has been easy to just get in and take off driving. Me and my three kids love it and they have plenty of room to stretch out and be comfortable. I never thought about owning a Kia until this car came out and I like the design and roominess inside. The price is excellent at only $13500 and the 10/100,000 mile warranty makes it even better. If you are looking for a quality automobile for a great price and standard features of higher priced cars look no further than the KIA SOUL as you will not be disappointed

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  great cars! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Two Souls - February 20 - 5:36 pm

  Bought a special edition Ignition in Dec. 2009 . Really like the car! So far everything works great & 30+ mpg ! Other car with 184k started having problems in Feb. 2010 . Traded it in on another Soul special edition , the Shadow Dragon version! Like it better than the Ignition because of the heated leather seats! Drive 200 miles a day to-from work . So far Great !