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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  Bye-Bye SCION XB - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Joe S - April 26 - 3:40 am

  After comparing the Scion XB and the Kia Soul.There is NO comparison in comfort, finish, style, price or warantee...After seeing both vehicles at Syracuse Auto show, I decided to test drive and compare both vehicles in Spring.The Scion definately has the more powerful engine, but it all ends there. The Soul has a more comfortable driving position, more standard features , bluetooth, better stereo system ,16 inch aluminum alloy wheels, better rear visability,better seats and interior quality, smooth controls, and free satillite radio( 3 mth trial).

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  So fun - 2014 Kia Soul
  By Daisy - April 24 - 2:07 pm

  This car surprises everyone that sees it, when I tell people I have a Kia their reaction is " Ewww a Kia!? " But when they get in it, they say " I cant believe its a Kia " I love everything about this car except the resale value, which is like giving the car away for free right after you drive it. Driving this car is fun yet elegant, its smooth and spacious even though it looks like a small toy from the outside. Ive had this car almost 2 years and I still smile when I walk up to it :)

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  Used to Be a Honda Enthusiast. - 2017 Kia Soul
  By Car Guy - April 11 - 12:50 pm

  I now own two Kia Souls - The first one (2013) was so impressive in build quality I bought a second upon reading the 2017 reviews. When Car and Driver and Road and Track give a 4.5 out of 5 stars - one pays attention. The 2017 I own Is simply amazing in build quality, ride handling and amenities ...... No comparison out there especially considering price.

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  This is a KIA? - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Deathofevangelion - April 6 - 11:53 am

  First time I ever bought a KIA. What took so long? I had a Grand Caravan, needed something smaller. Looked at the Xb, which is nice the Soul is better. While it has a smaller cargo area compared to the Xb, the rest of the vehicle makes up for it ten fold. I have in car blue tooth a kick butt radio, mood lights, and more all for under 17k. Not bad at all. It rides nice, I live in PA where we have a ton of hills, it has more than enough power to navigate. This car is fun, my kids love it. It looks nice. Mine is Molten. I just cant say enough of how great this car is. The fit and finish is great. The warranty is great. If you are worried because its a KIA, dont. Just test it. Youll love it!

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  Kia Soul4u - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Victory - April 1 - 8:03 pm

  Just bought it today, been looking at the Soul for awhile, like the styling, my wife loves it and my 12 year old son. Great sound system, the road noise isnt unbearable, the ride is good, feels solid and is fun to drive and it seems to turn heads not that is a selling factor for me. All in all I think I made a good purchase.

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  New to KIA - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Patti - March 21 - 4:13 pm

  Ive had my Soul! for about a month now. First KIA I have ever owned. Seems to be built solid. Doesnt have the get up and go Im used too, but it will do. Seats are not as comfortable as my last SUV, but thats understandable given the cost of this vehicle. I think KIA has done a great job. The biggest drawback are the lack of accessories available. The dealership shows pictures of everything that is available for the Soul, but they are not available in the US right now!!! I called KIA motors and they didnt even know when and if they would be available. Seems like they got the cart before the horse this time! Still a great fun vehicle though. Would recommend it to anyone.

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  NEW KIA SOUL SPORT - 2010 Kia Soul
  By TERESA801 - March 11 - 11:40 pm

  I have only had my Kia Sport for a few days, but I love it. Sporty, fun to drive and I really like my red interior. Was going to buy the Molten exterior, but once I saw it at the dealership, decided it was too flat a color. I decided on the Titanium, which is metallic and much prettier. I am a 51 year old female, traded in my Honda Element for the Soul.

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  Comfort in a small box! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Mottman - March 11 - 1:13 pm

  I purchased a silver 2010 Kia Soul + about three weeks ago. I have been very pleased thus far; I did much research before buying it and this best met all my desired criteria. Head and leg space is great and ease of entry/exit is good, even for my 65" brother-in-law. Fuel mileage is pretty nice, in the high 20s. It has a lot of options for the price, including MP3 and Bluetooth. I got the optional Audio upgrade and it makes for a great sound system. It even looks nicer than the other "mini-boxes." Cant really comment on reliability or cost of upkeep this early, but so far I am very pleased with this car. Would recommend to others.

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  Love it so far - 2012 Kia Soul
  By rltech07 - February 21 - 7:00 am

  Ive had my Soul+ for exactly 3 days, and Im officially in love. This little car is comfortable, surprisingly spritely to drive, and very economical. We traded a 2002 Jeep Liberty, which is probably the polar opposite of a Kia. We gave up a tiny bit of cargo room and some horsepower. We gained state-of-the-art safety and a vehicle that is a joy to drive - so far. I realize its early days. Something may go wrong, but right now I feel like this is not just a car, its a large, gas sipping pet.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR! - 2016 Kia Soul
  By Chris Hoke - February 16 - 7:25 pm