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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  JAVA Kia Soul ! Rocks - 2010 Kia Soul
  By CS2Nana - June 11 - 1:20 pm

  I have spent 2 years looking at other cars when I came across the KIA Soul! I am a retired Engineer, so you bet I want to look at the Specs! I found the dealership very accommodating. I drove a "loaner" for 3 days. It was the KIA Soul basic. Yes, it was stiff, I didnt like the colors, and it was loaded up. HOWEVER, when I received my JAVA KIA SOUL! I, immediately, not only saw the differences but felt the differences in the drive. I took the car out on a 350 mile trip. It handled well, did not veer, gas consumption was economic, there were no vibrations or shakes, braked easily. It has been a joy to drive. The funny part, young kids seem to like this car BUT older drive it!

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  Id never even considered a Kia Soul ! - 2016 Kia Soul
  By Alec Little - June 2 - 12:12 pm

  I bought my Kia Soul ! about a month ago. My wife has always driven larger SUVs and Ive driven a 4-door Pickup truck for the past 10-years. I fully expected the Soul to have sluggish pickup and I expected to be bounced around like in any lightweight economy vehicle. Let me tell you, this car is comfortable, it has plenty of pep (2.0L) and is fun to drive. Im particularly pleased with the quality of the materials and workmanship in the car. Plus this Soul! has more electronics than I have ever had in my previous luxury vehicles. I was so impressed that I purchased the extended bumper-to-bumper warranty which I have never done before. I had driven my pickup for 10-years and if my impressions prove correct, Ill be driving this just as long.

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  2012 Kia Soul + - 2012 Kia Soul
  By jimrn - May 18 - 4:10 pm

  I bought the 2012 Kia Soul + with audio package a week ago. I have put on almost 500 miles so far and am loving it. I do a lot of open road driving and average about 34.5 MPG. It is quiet and comfortable on the road. The backup camera is great, and love the UVO system!

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  Never expected to love this car... - 2014 Kia Soul
  By daisyp - May 5 - 5:35 pm

  I have had my Kia soul for a week and I love everything about it. I spent months researching and at the end of my search I ended up disappointed because all the cars in the price range I was looking (under 25k) seemed boring and missing that certain something. I fell in love with the Range Rover Evoque (70k) because it comes with a completely black interior and a huge panoramic sunroof but I cant afford that and as I decided to settle, I heard about the new Soul with all its goodies, panoramic sunroof and complete black interior, this car was not even on my list and after hearing so many awesome reviews I went to the Kia dealer and bought it that same day.

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  love my Kia - 2010 Kia Soul
  By over 40 and love it! - April 28 - 8:40 am

  I just bought my Kia sport yesterday in the Molten. I bought the automatic, it seems to have plenty of pick up and go. It has plenty of head and leg room..even in the back seat. It is so cute! It is a head turner. I have the only one in my town so far. The ride is good and smooth, I dont hear road noise at any speed. I traded my 2007 focus ses in, The Focus had more road noise for sure. The stereo is very nice, excellent sound. The interior is awesome..love the red and the mood lights. The sales lady said this car was geared toward 40 and under, I told her I am 45 and proud to be a new Kia Soul owner!!!!

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  Great so far. - 2010 Kia Soul
  By McDaddy - April 26 - 5:20 pm

  I am 6 2" and was very surprised by the room inside. We bought the ! Soul with the 2.0 auto and it has plenty of power. The Soul fits it the garage right next to my Nissan Sentra and is just a bit shorter, but has much more room inside. I really think the styling of the Soul is just right. The rear hatch styling alone really helped make the decision. It is unique and fun without being goofy.

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  I lOvE mY nEw CaR - 2010 Kia Soul
  By kgodbold - March 1 - 6:19 pm

  This car is amazing the minute i saw it and drove it i fell in love with it. I couldnt be more happier with This Kia Soul it is fun to drive and its small enough for just me and a couple of friends and family members.

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  Small car Big car features - 2014 Kia Soul
  By harry robertson - February 5 - 7:31 am

  Extremely easy to get in and out of ev3n the rear seat, well made well thought out vehicle

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  Fun, sporty and very safe - 2013 Kia Soul
  By aldrich977 - January 20 - 9:22 pm

  I had reservations about owning a Soul or any Kia for that matter. I owned a Rio Cinco back when they first came to the US and hated it. But I bought a 2010 model Soul and fell in love. Unfortunately, I rolled it four times after having a seizure and totaled it. I did break my back, neck and my foot, but considering what could have happened...I think the Soul saved my life. Having to buy a new car, I knew exactly what I had to have...another Soul. Having found a new 2013 model with only a few thousand miles I jumped at the chance. I knew if I have another accident my life will be in good hands. The power and pep it offers are remarkable considering what Kia started with years ago!

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  Kia Soul, feel the bumps, but good buy! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Deanna - January 15 - 7:50 pm

  Only had my Soul for a couple of weeks and I cant argue with the styling and standard features, many of which are optional on other cars. Love the controls on the steering wheels, bluetooth, was worth buying the upgraded audio system, plenty of room and nice styling. Its the perfect size for passengers and hauling stuff home from the garage sale!