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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My Soul - 2010 Kia Soul
By EricP - July 5 - 3:43 pmI just purchased a new 2010 Kia Soul and was used to driving a 2001 BMW X5. I am totally amazed at the performance and fully loaded system the ! (Exclaim) model offers! I love my 18" stylish wheels and low profile tires, mood lighting speakers, and overall look. I never suspected my little gal would get so many neck breaking looks!!! I selected Titanium for the color and totally love it! I never thought I would own a Kia, but when GM and Ford wouldnt deal with me on trade in, I took Head Motor Company up on their offer of giving more for a trade in, no hype there, totally amazing facts!!!
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Best buy! - 2011 Kia Soul
By wjmt316 - June 29 - 9:26 pmI have been doing research on the Kia Soul for the past few months. I decided last week to stop at the local KIA dealership and test drive one. Once I test drove one I was hooked! I bought it! I must say this is a GREAT car! The features that come with this car are amazing! Cannot wait to take it one my trip next month. BTW I am averaging 28.5 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. I always pay attention the the ECO light on the dash to make sure I am maximizing my fuel.
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Good For Many.Not So Good For Fat Ole Me - 2011 Kia Soul
By ohahachris - June 28 - 12:23 amI am a big guy who wears 42-waist pants. The drivers seat is about 2" too narrow for all-day comfort. My wife and I have a part-time gig delivering "free pubs" to stores and have lived with this car as a rental replacement for our usual delivery vehicle for a week. Great grocery-getter. Ride, handling, power--all very good at a light load. This would be my short list if I werent fat,and did not use for deliveries. Under load of 115, 25count, bundles of 90-page magazines, the suspension bottoms and the engine sounds pained. Were glad we didnt need the added load of AC. My performance and fun-to-drive ratings should be 3.5. 5 for unloaded 2 for loaded.
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2010 KIA 2.0 Plus - 2010 Kia Soul
By Kathy - June 26 - 12:04 pmBought for 8,000 dollars a few a months ago. 86,0000 miles and 4th owner. Was not thrilled about giving up my 2001 Outback (196,000). this car sits more like a SUV. Its the first year made. Like the fact it is easy to get into. My dog carrier is a good size. I am 52 and it very easy to load and unload items. Wonder if the new ones are more comfortable? Downfall, I feel like Im filling it up every time I turn around. Guess it has a smaller gas tank. Over all, not a bad car.
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Love it overall - 2010 Kia Soul
By Rose Mary - June 22 - 12:20 pmI purchased my 2010 Soul in July of 09 and love it mostly overall. Lots of interior room, lots of outside style and very comfortable to drive.
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Many Problems - 2010 Kia Soul
By Shirley - June 14 - 12:06 pmThe car is pretty but there are problems such as vibration when putting on brakes and wheel veer to left, too much noise with windows down to hear radio, bluetooth dont work with all cell phones, when you complain about the problem they have a answer, as though youre crazy. The prices are higher than advertised. I give it a thumbs up for looks and a thumbs down for smooth ride it hits every bump in the rode.No trunk space I love the Sirius radio but it goes in and out.
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Love our SOUL! - 2010 Kia Soul
By JPotter - June 1 - 3:43 pmWe have had the Soul for little more than a week and we love it. Supposed to cater to the younger set. Well I am in my upper 60s; so guess what? The car may not ride as smoothly as some of your luxury cars but it has all the bells and whistles they have and cost THOUSANDS less. So far no complaints. Also I am a first time foreign car buyer.
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146 miles and already in the shop - 2010 Kia Soul
By 2010kiagirl - May 24 - 1:06 pmI bought the Soul on June 23 after researching many car options. I choose the Soul based on the warranty and owner reviews. When I bought the car it had 20 miles on it. I drove it for 3 days and then the check engine light came on. It has been in the shop over 24 hours and they have no idea what is wrong other than the p0301 cyl. 1 misfire code. When I called the dealer who sold me the car about the fact that I had the car for 3 days and it was in the shop their response was "These are new cars so we dont work on them much so when they break down it takes us longer to fix." Really? After 3 days your cars breakdown?
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Want lots of attention? - 2010 Kia Soul
By luisruvi - May 17 - 6:10 amWe have had a great time so far in this car. Very comfortable and fun. Great style and lots of people notice us in the Molten Red model. Moved my wife from an 07 Explorer and was worried about size change but she is falling in love with the soul.
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We get lots of attention. - 2010 Kia Soul
By luisruvi - May 7 - 9:26 pmSo far so good. Was great on our first day trip. I am super impressed with my Hyundai and Kia and I think I will be a loyal customer.
