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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LOVE THIS CAR! - 2014 Kia Soul
By Em Cer - July 8 - 8:34 ambest first car to buy ever! im so happy with my decision.
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My Soul - 2010 Kia Soul
By EricP - July 5 - 3:43 pmI just purchased a new 2010 Kia Soul and was used to driving a 2001 BMW X5. I am totally amazed at the performance and fully loaded system the ! (Exclaim) model offers! I love my 18" stylish wheels and low profile tires, mood lighting speakers, and overall look. I never suspected my little gal would get so many neck breaking looks!!! I selected Titanium for the color and totally love it! I never thought I would own a Kia, but when GM and Ford wouldnt deal with me on trade in, I took Head Motor Company up on their offer of giving more for a trade in, no hype there, totally amazing facts!!!
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Best buy! - 2011 Kia Soul
By wjmt316 - June 29 - 9:26 pmI have been doing research on the Kia Soul for the past few months. I decided last week to stop at the local KIA dealership and test drive one. Once I test drove one I was hooked! I bought it! I must say this is a GREAT car! The features that come with this car are amazing! Cannot wait to take it one my trip next month. BTW I am averaging 28.5 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. I always pay attention the the ECO light on the dash to make sure I am maximizing my fuel.
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Love it overall - 2010 Kia Soul
By Rose Mary - June 22 - 12:20 pmI purchased my 2010 Soul in July of 09 and love it mostly overall. Lots of interior room, lots of outside style and very comfortable to drive.
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Want lots of attention? - 2010 Kia Soul
By luisruvi - May 17 - 6:10 amWe have had a great time so far in this car. Very comfortable and fun. Great style and lots of people notice us in the Molten Red model. Moved my wife from an 07 Explorer and was worried about size change but she is falling in love with the soul.
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We get lots of attention. - 2010 Kia Soul
By luisruvi - May 7 - 9:26 pmSo far so good. Was great on our first day trip. I am super impressed with my Hyundai and Kia and I think I will be a loyal customer.
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Best car I have ever Driven - 2010 Kia Soul
By purechaos109 - May 3 - 12:56 pmI bought my car a month ago and it is the first brand new car I have ever owned! I have driven a lot of newer cars but none of them even compare to how this drives!! I have the Base Model! Which means I dont have any upgraded features! But I didnt want to "upgrade" because I wanted the Manual Transmission!! It really drives like a dream! Any movement in your hands and the car reacts!
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Kia Soul is Practical and Peppy! - 2010 Kia Soul
By Val - April 18 - 7:13 pmIm about 59 and Ive always had small, compact cars. The Kia Soul is a unique, mini-suv (really) with more leg room than any compact car offers. Safety features, long warranty, Kias roadside assistance service, impressive STANDARD features, as well as EPA and IIS accolades sold me on this car. For the price and everything you get STANDARD, this car is a good investment. I recently noticed the blind spot everyone mentions, but; that is easily fixed by purchasing "blind-spot" mirrors at a local auto parts store.
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Fun Car - 2010 Kia Soul
By Soul Transportation - March 16 - 12:53 pmI was not planning on replacing my car. I came across a Soul during some random window shopping. I have had it about three weeks and I like everything about it. It is comfortable. It drives well. It has enough cargo space for my favorite toys.
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The best small car - 2010 Kia Soul
By star - March 15 - 9:06 amThe hottest car in the world. I love the exterior and interior and everything in it. The best car I have driven.
