Kia Soul Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.49/5 Average
424 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 211 through 220 of 424.00
  • Overall pretty disappointed - 2011 Kia Soul
    By -

    I bought my 11 kia soul plus in a manual trans in june-11 At first it was a nice car, loved it..until driving it everyday it began to annoy me. The door panels were easily scratched, and stained by water which you had to SCRUB to get the marks off..opened the door in the rain and theres now water marks on the seat from RAIN.But my biggest bother is how noisy the car is, road noise and mostly ENGINE noise, it WHINES VERY LOUDLY on the highway or anything over 40mph and makes it difficult to enjoy the drive. Not a zippy car at all, boring to drive. Trading it in for an 11 optima or something a little more worth its value for what ide like, comfort, style, and fun to drive..

  • Versatile, economical and fun car - 2011 Kia Soul
    By -

    This is a great car for someone who wants a compact but doesnt want to be crammed into some small, rickety piece of junk. The Soul is incredibly roomy inside and with the rear seats folded down it has cargo room comparable to any wagon... Ive always been hesitant with Kia but they seem to have hit the mark with this one. For $16,000, this car seems to be put together well and has features like ABS, traction control, Bluetooth, and 4-wheel disc brakes that are missing in other cars. I would prefer the manual transmission model; the automatic is an outdated 4-speed and it feels like it was definitely tuned for economy rather than sporty driving but what can one expect for under $16k?

  • OUTSTANDING car!!!! - 2012 Kia Soul
    By -

    I have owned a lot of different vehicles in my lifetime -- from sport cars to Full-size 4x4 trucks to economy-minded transportation. I can honestly say that by far this little 2012 Kia Soul + is my FAVORITE vehicle I have owned!! I purchased my Soul + new in October, 2012 and have put over 20,000 miles on it. I can not say there is one thing that I do NOT love about this car! The handling is outstanding for how high the profile of the vehicle is. The wide stance of the car allows it to handle amazing! The storage capabilities are outstanding as well! With the rear seats folded down you can haul an amazing amount of stuff!! Plus its roomy enough that you can fit 5 adults in it!

  • Very Happy Soul - 2011 Kia Soul
    By -

    Bought my Soul + July 16, 2011 and two weeks later took it on 12 day vacation. Drove to Florida and back. NOT one problem. Soul handled the highway very well, handling, acceleration, steering. We got just under 30 mpg most of the time but our average speed was closer to 70 than 55 & the AC was almost always on. The interior space was great, The Soul swallowed our suitcases. Things did start to get tight at the end of the trip. The girlfriend loves to buy souvenirs. I am still trilled by the bells & whistles, the bluetooth, USB port & radio work perfectly together. The girlfriend is much less of a Honda fan now.

  • Delighted with zippy yellow mini box! - 2016 Kia Soul
    By -

    This is a replacement for my under powered original 2006 Scion xB. Dont get me wrong, loved the xB but the Soul+ has the power the xB lacked and is just plain fun to drive! $19K price was delivered, i.e. included tags, tax, and title costs....everything!

  • 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

  • FUN! SPORTY! - 2010 Kia Soul
    By -

    Awesome features, peppy engine, awesome looks, I am 6"4 and fit very well and seat isnt even all the way back

  • Snazzy ride - 2010 Kia Soul
    By -

    The vehicle is noisy on the open road, but handles fairly well. Gas mileage is good. I had a Suzuki Vitara and it is more comfortable and only a few inches lower. My granddaughter loves it and says that it is more comfortable. Nice features.

  • rental blues - 2010 Kia Soul
    By -

    my van was hit while parked. thought i would try a soul rental. driven it for two months, now. the worst car i have ever driven; hard flat seats, hard painful ride, noisy 2 liter engine. one of the ugliest cars on the road. good space and headroom inside, although not up to the standard of the competition, as i have read.

  • Soul is more than value for the dollar - 2014 Kia Soul
    By -

    This is my second Kia Soul. I truly appreciate the quality of the vehicle, the handling of the vehicle, and the excellent fuel mileage. I have consistently exceeded the factory fuel mileage ratings. In addition, the Kia Soul has so many standard features that truly increase the value for the dollar. Many other cars would provided the Souls standard equipment as options to be purchased.

Kia Soul Reviews By Year:
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