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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  Amazing ! - 2014 Kia Soul
  By doug142 - May 31 - 7:03 pm

  I was looking for a second car,to save miles on my 14 Scion Tc, I already had 11,000 miles in 6 mos. I saw a commercial for 2014 Souls for $10,900. from a local dealer. I ended up paying $11,300, because I did not qualify for the military discount. I did not even drive it ! The color is amazing, Latte Brown. I had owned one of the first 10 Soul sport models in 09, so I had an idea of what to expect. Boy was I in for a shock ! When I left the dealership I was speechless. The car was so quiet and it drove so nicely. The interior was so upscale, and the features shocked me. Nice stereo, Satellite radio, power heated mirrors, p.windows, p.locks,bluetooth streaming, adj. p.steering ,nice ride.

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  worth the money and the time - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Cman - April 14 - 11:03 pm

  first I was skeptical about the whole buy a KIA thing but when i sat inside it I thought I was in a Honda or Toyota then i looked at the price and realized that i was inside the KIA Soul. Great ride handling really cool designed interior and next generation type features I got the auto soul ! and the best warranty ive ever seen.

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  SOUL IS THE BEST - 2010 Kia Soul
  By TwinsPlusOne - April 3 - 9:03 am

  I never thought I would write a review on a car, but I must say that I would recommend this car to ANYONE! I was a little afraid of how it would handle in bad weather and got stuck in BAD weather last night and the car handled better than any car I have ever owned. (about 30 different cars). Even next to MACK trucks in horrible rain, this little car was truly AMAZING and you would have never known it was such bad weather! I really do love this car and I am so happy with my choice to get it!

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  Best car Ive owned - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Mary - March 28 - 3:50 am

  Fun and roomy car with lots of features for the money. The Plus with 16" wheels rides a little better than the larger wheels with low profile tires. This is a great little car to drive. Seating is great. Cargo area with rear seats down is very good. A very safe car for the money. I would buy this one again with not a thought.

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  Gotta Love IT - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Casey - March 27 - 7:30 am

  When I went looking for a car I was in the market for used. My husband and I saw the Soul and my husband feel in love. It was new so I was a little leary but he talked me into it. I it has awesome features and it is great value for the price. I have driven other new cars that have had very cheap interior. The Souls interior may be cheap but it is much nicer than some of the other new makes I have test drove. I think that the performance is also up to par with the price. It is not luxury but it is nicer enough. This is a perfect car to release with the current economical situation. Just remember that you are buying a KIA not a BMW.

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  I love my 2012 Kia Soul Base Automatic w/options - 2012 Kia Soul
  By sprchrgrguy - March 7 - 10:59 am

  I bought my new 2012 Soul base automatic in mid September. BRIGHT SILVER. I Love Love it! I was going to settle for the base base manual but once I drove the automatic base I fell in love. Its not over loaded but just loaded enough. Cruise, sports matic, side blinkers, bluetooth, steering wheel controls and ECO. I am sure their is more.This is my fourth Kia and so happy with KIA. All their cars are great! Even though it only has the hubcaps it sure looks great. I already have 3300 miles on it. and looking forward to many many more.

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  MPG - 2010 Kia Soul
  By kylesplash - January 23 - 7:10 pm

  I own the base, On the highway I can easily hit 37MPG. Great car, have to love getting a vehicle for under 13K

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  Kia Soul - 2013 Kia Soul
  By candycandela - January 20 - 1:27 am

  I have recently purchased a 2013 Kia Soul. So far I have no complaints. The car is gas efficient which is key for me. The interior is very nice as well. Its my first experience buying a brand new car. { I have only purchased used cars in the past } so I can totally say buying a new car is wonderful. As far as the car, I just love it.

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  My happy Soul - 2012 Kia Soul
  By Debbie - January 16 - 5:20 pm

  This was by far the best choice we have ever made in a car. We looked at a Prius n other similar cars but we are a tall family n the Prius was too low in the back for my grandchildren n adult children. This car fits everyone well n is solidly built. (You can here it when you close the door.). I have a friend who has one n was hit from behind at a tremendous impact but the car took it n was able to be repaired without damage to its core frame. The body shop man was amazed n said that it took one h*ll of a hit but was ok. Really protected the riders that day. We have now owned this car almost 5 yrs and as our other vehicles "die" we will be visiting the Kia store to add more to our family.

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  Fun pickup truck - 2013 Kia Soul
  By Frank Aber - January 16 - 1:05 am

  This little car goes to Lowes and Home depot and handles everything I put in it including 2" x4"s x 8-0 long.