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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  "One Smiling Soul" - 2010 Kia Soul
  By S. Jones - November 19 - 7:33 am

  A car you can not help but have fun driving! I wanted a car as fun as my old mazda p5 who recently met her demise. The new mazda 3 looks like one of the "killer Clowns from outer space " one ugly vehicle. I checked out other 5 doors but $ always reared its head. So no brainer on features the Kia won. After the test drive I was hooked. It drives like a little sports car but with room for 3 golfers and their gear. The molten red Sport is a head turner. Every morning now I can not wait to drive with a smile and little more Soul.

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  NOISE - 2010 Kia Soul
  By socalmoe - November 14 - 11:43 am

  OK little car for work. I cannot stand the interior wind noise. I am preparing for a fight w/ the service dept over this. My 03 diesel V8 is quieter than this car. I should of stuck to my original plan to purchase a used Mini instead. $16000 regret!

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  The Best Boxie Sedan EVER! - 2012 Kia Soul
  By fiftydimes89 - October 18 - 10:06 am

  Well I like to start these off with the bad news. Unfortunately I have nothing negitive to say. I purchased my 2012 Kia Soul from Nationwide Kia, in Lutherville, MD. Those guys did an amazing job of showing me everything and informing me about the Soul. The deal I got was amazing even tho the inventory is low on these at the moment . Would reccomend the car to any and everyone .

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  Lotta Soul - 2014 Kia Soul
  By Bo - October 12 - 4:58 am

  Great car, so glad I purchased it! Love everthing about it!

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  Kia Sould New Owner - 2013 Kia Soul
  By kiaowner647 - October 11 - 3:02 pm

  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.

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  Great for a Korean Car - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Kiru - October 11 - 5:13 am

  Put 3200 miles on the car in a month. I do a lot of driving for work all over NJ. Its got great handling and I get 31 mpg on a mix of city and highway, mostly highway. It does significantly better with highway at speeds of 65 mph. It starts to really eat the gas at speeds above 70 or 75. But hey, thats all cars. Design is good with plenty of nifty storage areas. Nice look to interior but yes, it does scuff. Id ask for an interior light directly over the trunk area. Speakers only light up in front seating area. As to engine power it is a little slow to respond sometimes, but completely reasonable for its size. No mechanical problems thus far. Feels pretty solid for Korean. Cheap!

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  Wow! - 2012 Kia Soul
  By fdarcy - October 5 - 9:49 am

  I love my new Kia Soul! I have one child, and this is a perfect little vehicle for my small family to drive in town and in the country. The gas mileage is fabulous for long drives and I can easily park in small parking spots in the city. I have not owned a car I love this much in a very long time. There is plenty of cargo space in the back, and I LOVE the satellite radio! The combination of great features and great gas mileage makes road trips exciting rather than exasperating. We are so pleased to have purchased this car!

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  New SOUL Mate - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Charlie - October 1 - 1:20 am

  In my estimation the Kia Soul is a smart well designed all around versitile fun to drive car. Its Molten Red and its an eye catcher. I really love the machine. Absolutely no complaints,its built well inside and out. Once you drive it you are hooked. My dealer was awesome in helping me with every aspect of buying the Soul. The sound system will blow your socks off. Im getting great mileage 31.5 mpg so far cost to fill at $22.00 Its more value than one would think. Check this puppy out you wont be sorry

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  Shadow Soul Plus - 2010 Kia Soul
  By mike - September 30 - 3:00 am

  I bought this car for a daily round trip commute of 36 miles. Its a good car with adequate gas mileage (28 mpg city/hgwy). Its fun to drive & provides good vision down the road. Does have a right side blind spot that requires one to be aware. It is a good value.

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  Beware of dealer - 2012 Kia Soul
  By thuds - September 22 - 1:28 am

  Quite a few dealers sell KIAs as a secondary model-more of a "cost leader". Some really dont care whether the customer is happy with poor service because its not their "main" brand. If factory mats fail at 7000 miles thats standard due to "cheap" materials. I was disappointed with dealer treatment and with their service department, plus poor followup from their sales department. Had Scions, Mini Coopers, Jetta TDIs and got outstanding service. Not in KIAs case. Mileage not as advertised, but did not expect it to be. All round, I feel the car can be great, just dont expect decent service or followup after the sale.