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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  Great value, size...Eye Catching - 2010 Kia Soul
  By bx - November 10 - 9:46 pm

  After reading many of the 92 other reviews...my conclusion is that the Soul is very well equipped, great looking, with a great audio system. The quality and quantity of features in the Soul are amazing for a vehicle that tops out at $18000. The "18s" are beautiful with excellent spec tires. The fuel economy is as advertised, 25 mixed driving, and 31- 32+ on the highway. This vehicle has bluetooth, satellite radio, wonderful audio system, most power options, and very stylish looks inside and out. The fit and finish are excellent. At highway speeds the internal noise level is comfortable. This is a very "cool" ride.

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  Excellent Economy Package - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Stanley D. - November 3 - 1:03 am

  With about 3,400 miles since August, our Kia Soul Plus has been reliable and economical. Gas mileage is about 26 mpg in suburban driving. The Soul is nimble and has a small turning radius. Interior space is excellent with room for five adults. Controls are easy to find and use. The Soul is well equipped for a modest price.

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  Its Ok - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Juano - October 10 - 5:33 am

  Great interior space and a bunch of standard features. Excellent light clutch, braking and steering. Nice fuel economy (30 City/30.5 Hwy @70- 75mph), but I believe it could do better HWY with a 6th gear. (3000RPM @ 60mph) Very noisy at speeds over 60mph. Plenty of air bags and excellent warranty. Great value.

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  First Impression - 2013 Kia Soul
  By donmack - October 2 - 9:40 am

  I have a 2013 + (plus) with 2 liter automatic. Its a pretty nice car, well built, not too cheap on the fit and finish. Its really big on the inside. visibility is good except for the rear corners. The pillar is kind of thick. The car is short, about 10" shorter than my Honda Civic, but it is really tall.

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  Ive had 9 brand new cars in my life...my Soul beats them all! Hands down! - 2013 Kia Soul
  By mazda5forme - October 1 - 9:06 pm

  Reliability would be a 6 or higher if the Edmunds ratings went that high! Build quality also. Ive owned brand new Hondas, Toyotas, Fords, a FIAT, Prius, Chevrolets, a 308 GTS Frerrari, a Mercedes....etc. All my family started trading in their cars for brand new KIAs in 2011. Including mine (2013 Soul), my wifes (2013 Sorento), my Daughters 2013 Sportage, my son and daughter-in-laws 2 Fortes, and the list goes on. No lemons, no issues, perfect build quality, great mileage, awsum paint jobs, a crazy amount of standard equipment that is unexpected in cars at this price...and a 100,000 mile drive train warranty is icing on the KIA cake!

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  I love my little Alien Soul.... - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Alley S. - September 19 - 4:36 pm

  I just love my little alien colored soul. It handles like a dream. I went from a chevy s-10 which was only getting about 12 mpg in city. I have heard about the road noise but after being in a pickup for the last 10 years, I havent noticed any at all... This is a really cute car, rides great and so far really good gas mileage.

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  Exceeding expectations! - 2014 Kia Soul
  By Margarets Dad - September 12 - 1:51 pm

  I bought my 2014 Soul with 32,000 miles on it and have driven it almost 1,000 miles, and it really is a remarkable car. If youre looking for a small car, you cant do any better than this. I live in Brooklyn, and finding parking is a major issue for me, so the shorter the car the better. The Soul is only 163" long, just 4" longer than the 2009 Hyundai Accent I traded in, and 3" longer than the Honda Fit. But the amount of room inside is incredible. The back seat is limousine-like, so theres no problem carrying four 6-foot adults in comfort. Theres even a generous amount of room behind the rear seat--enough for at least four good-sized duffel bags--as well as a large, deep tray under the rear cargo area for carrying all kinds of other stuff. Instrumentation and controls on the base model are intuitive and straightforward. And its fun to drive! Others have complained about a lack of power in the base model, but I havent found that at all. Theres more than enough power for doing whatever you need the car to do in everyday driving. And Ive been getting fantastic mileage: about 36 mpg in mixed driving on the highway, in the city, and along country roads. (Thats calculated by hand, not going by the on-board mpg calculator, which is usually about 2-3 mpg high.) Honestly, I dont understand why the mpg ratings for this car are so low and how it is that so many other reviewers are getting mpgs in the mid-20s. I dont drive like Mario Andretti, but I sure dont drive like a granny either, and mpg has exceeded my expectations by a longshot.

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  Dont know yet - 2016 Kia Soul
  By jack chaffee - August 19 - 12:36 am

  too early to give a good evaluation, but quite happy so far.

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  I love my Soul - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Ari - August 12 - 8:20 am

  I got the Soul because I wanted something different. I was about to lease my fourth Altima when I decided to get something unique; the Soul is certainly unique. I ended up with an upgraded sound system because the dealer didnt have the color I wanted. I plug-in my iPhone and blast Slacker radio so loud, I can be heard inside my house from the curb.

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  Fun little car - 2014 Kia Soul
  By Stephen Gannon - August 7 - 4:09 am

  Our 2014 Kia soul is a plus model with 18" wheels and sorry red accents. Its fun to drive and head more room that one we of expect, especially when the rear seats are down. My diameter loves the car so- home run. We purchased this from carvana and cant say enough good things about their service a d how easy it is to buy a car from them. Im a big fan and will certainly but from them again.