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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  I love my Kia Soul!!!!!!! - 2011 Kia Soul
  By jax223 - January 18 - 1:31 am

  I love my Kia Soul. Its sporty and has a lot of pick up. You can really feel it gain momentum as you go up a hill- but thats not a bad thing. Its pretty roomy and the ac/heat works really well. Bluetooth is very easy to use. Very easy to drive except handles poorly over speed bumps. I am only getting 19 mpg, but I only need to fill up 1-2 times a month. I have had my soul for 2 months, and have only filled up twice.

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  Bless My Soul+ - 2010 Kia Soul
  By shumbody - December 6 - 8:56 pm

  Moved from a 1987 Grand Wagoneer via CFC into a Molten Red Soul+ manual. Bought it sight unseen after driving an automatic at the dealer, and waited two weeks for delivery. Glad I took the risk - love the pep, the room (Im 63", 265), the visibility and especially love shifting again! Wasnt my first color choice, but was one of only two 5-speeds available - now I really like it. "+" trim level offers best ratio of price to features. Under the hood very easy to see where everything is. Whole family loves the car - Im a "cool dad" at 50! Would love a sixth gear for highway speeds. No issue with wind or road noise at present. "Masking" of headlight beam is odd, especially on a bumpy road.

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  A most excellent and fun little car - 2016 Kia Soul
  By Paul Wilson - December 4 - 2:33 pm

  I am 6 5" tall and over 300 pounds. I have trouble finding cars I can be comfortable in. My spouse of course is a little gal at 5 2" so we needed to find something we could agree on. This is not my first Kia or even my first Soul. We originally bought a 2000 Rio which our daughter drove into the ground. We also bought a 2011 Soul 1600cc with 5 speed manual. That was a very fun car but it had two big issues. Cruise control was not available even in aftermarket for that year and it was too loud on the freeway. The engine noise restricted it to being an around town car. No way were you going to drive 1,000 miles to visit your in-laws. So we traded the 2011 in for the 2016 base with 1600 engine and 6 speed automatic. You’re sitting there thinking “but it’s no bigger.” Well, it isn’t and then it is. The interior is a little roomier, but more importantly the gear ratio is very different and this has a lot more get up and go because of the gearing. It has cruise control and has great sound deadening which the original did not have. This car has many other features the 2011 Soul did not. It has selectable steering, sort of a drive by wire system. It has an ECO engine mode which provides optimal acceleration for economy driving. The stereo is easy to use and includes satellite as well as USB and Aux jack. I plug my smartphone in and play music by way of Pandora. Unlimited channels and cheaper too, plus I can reject songs I don’t care for. Try that SeriusXM. The 1600 engine has been around for a long time and runs like a Swiss watch. My base model also has auto on/off headlights, electric windows, as well as keyless remote for doors and trunk lid. Perhaps the best feature was the price. It was $16,635. One thing I like is the heat and air. Simple to use and you don’t have to constantly tweak the temperature setting. Fog on windshield disappears almost instantly. Kia did a lot to improve the Soul. Soul’s are tight well built cars that are fun to drive.

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  Its wonderful - 2013 Kia Soul
  By kellymo719 - November 29 - 10:27 pm

  I traded in a 2005 Honda Civic for the 2013 Kia Plus, and I am in love! It is exactly what I was looking for in a car - its small, but spacious; the back seats fold down and offer a ton of room in the back. I am able to take my bike or my two yellow labs in the car with me no problem! Its got great response when I step on the gas, excellent brakes (and I love the brake assist). Also, mine came with an extra feature to turn on the car from outside, so I can warm it up in the mornings or start the AC, and it stays locked and running, and if someone tries to take it, it will automatically shut off without the keys. Its seriously WONDERFUL!

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  Great commuter ride. - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Ms.Teacher - November 10 - 12:00 am

  Purchased Base Soul after much research. Perfect choice for me - 50 yr old driver with 120 mile roundtrip commute. Great view of road. Gas mileage is 31-33mpg consistently, Ive checked after every fill-up. Comfortable for tall family of 4.My son is 64" and rides in front or back.Comfortable seat design and leg room. Wide door access. Storage is slightly small for my needs,but gives extra space for passengers. Great AC for Southern humidity. Easy reach to all accessories. Safety, solidness & maneuverability feel great! Wide stance and extra front engine space make me feel safe in small auto on highway. 3,000+ fun miles in 5 weeks! Catches lots of attention!

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  I love it but - 2010 Kia Soul
  By flutepilot - November 6 - 2:13 pm

  I have had my Soul for just over a month and agree with nearly everything written previously. It has more than adequate power, handles very well, but is a bit busy in the ride. It is extremely comfortable, especially for larger people. I had a 63", 300+ pounder in the car and the car basically said "So?". Gas mileage with air on nearly constantly has been about 27 overall. The Soul has the BEST steering wheel mounted cruise control controls anywhere. Same with the radio controls. This is my first experience with Bluetooth and I love it! The only real negative is the interior plastic which shows scratches if you look at it sideways. I would definitely buy it again.

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  Fun little Hampster Car! - 2016 Kia Soul
  By Christine Stuart - October 29 - 8:03 am

  This car for the money is a great little car. I wish it had a little better handling and braking but overall for the price we really like the Soul. We had a MINI COOPER that was taking us to the poor house in repairs, and we wanted something a little bigger. The Navi system is one of the best love the picture that shows the EXIT . The seats are very comfortable and the leather is really nice love that smell when you get in.

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  Get what you pay for. - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Harry Morrison - August 26 - 11:16 pm

  My wife and I LOVE this "mini-wagon". This is the first new car for both of us. Between the two of us, weve had alot of different cars and trucks. But this is the greatest, most fun, weve had with any vehicle. Some talk about the "road noise", not sure what they are comparing it to, but we dont feel its an issue. We set the radio to 5 and have no problem hearing it at highway speed. With the A/C up to max, thanks to the 100 + temps here in Texas, thats the only time we turn up the radio. To get over the fan noise. BUT THATS NOT A COMPLAINT. A/C is a MUST.

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  Fell in Love before I even bought it.... - 2010 Kia Soul
  By queen - August 24 - 2:50 am

  I saw this car online and I fell in love with it before I even test drove it. I have driven few cars in the past and I dont believe in spending too much money for a car. This car meets all my demand, great design, great car, great mileage, great features, great safety features...cant beat the airbags in this car. I never thought I would buy a box car but the Soul won me over. I never liked the Scion and the new Nissan Cube is too ugly to even mention. I bought my car a month ago and I have nothing to complain about. For the features and the great price.....this car can not be beat. I had to drive 3 hours to get the car and it was more than worth it.

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  best car Ive owned - 2010 Kia Soul
  By huser20 - August 10 - 6:38 am

  I bought my car with 5 miles on it and Ive owned it for 3.5 years now...42,000 miles on it now and Ive never had one thing wrong with it. Best car Ive owned and I truly dont have one complaint. Just do regular maintenance youre good to go!!