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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  Best car I have ever Driven - 2010 Kia Soul
  By purechaos109 - May 3 - 12:56 pm

  I bought my car a month ago and it is the first brand new car I have ever owned! I have driven a lot of newer cars but none of them even compare to how this drives!! I have the Base Model! Which means I dont have any upgraded features! But I didnt want to "upgrade" because I wanted the Manual Transmission!! It really drives like a dream! Any movement in your hands and the car reacts!

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  Kia Soul is Practical and Peppy! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Val - April 18 - 7:13 pm

  Im about 59 and Ive always had small, compact cars. The Kia Soul is a unique, mini-suv (really) with more leg room than any compact car offers. Safety features, long warranty, Kias roadside assistance service, impressive STANDARD features, as well as EPA and IIS accolades sold me on this car. For the price and everything you get STANDARD, this car is a good investment. I recently noticed the blind spot everyone mentions, but; that is easily fixed by purchasing "blind-spot" mirrors at a local auto parts store.

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  Kia Soul off the Show Room Floor - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Feleicia - April 6 - 9:03 pm

  Bought Soul off showroom floor @ 46miles. I compared with Scion XB/XD/TC,& the Cube. You get the full package w/the base price for a Soul. Those others were overpriced w/nothing in them. Soul has great design, comfortable & great seating space. I felt spoiled cuz I bought fully loaded Soul Sport & dealership had exterior customized already on showroom floor. Bought for $19,980. I get alot of compliments & people stop at the lights or in middle of traffic just to talk to me about the vehicle. It has all the luxuries I ever wanted in a vehicle - without paying that luxury price. I love my Soul. Bought it 05/01/09 & now has 6,400 miles. Like I said, I LOVE my Soul!!!

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  Fun Car - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Soul Transportation - March 16 - 12:53 pm

  I was not planning on replacing my car. I came across a Soul during some random window shopping. I have had it about three weeks and I like everything about it. It is comfortable. It drives well. It has enough cargo space for my favorite toys.

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  The best small car - 2010 Kia Soul
  By star - March 15 - 9:06 am

  The hottest car in the world. I love the exterior and interior and everything in it. The best car I have driven.

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  OUTSTANDING Vehicle` - 2012 Kia Soul
  By wyowes - March 8 - 8:01 am

  I just purchased a 2012 Kia Soul from Weseloh Kia in Carlsbad, CA. First of all the dealership was outstanding as well as the folks--Elise and Oscar--to took care of me. They were all just amazing. I love my car. This is the 3rd Kia our family has purchased. Together with the quality of the car, the look, and the warranty, and of course all the air bags, I wouldnt get any other model. Also the price is right, too! Thank you to all who are connected with this Car Dealer.

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  Sweet Soul Sister - 2012 Kia Soul
  By Michelle Pennington - March 1 - 11:49 pm

  Do your homework dont overpay particularly for the base auto model. Excellent car

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  Amazing Little Machine - 2011 Kia Soul
  By happy2pappy - March 1 - 3:37 pm

  One month and a thousand miles now, and I couldnt be more pleased. The Soul has exceed my expectations....a high level of refinement, quiet engine, smooth clutch and shifter, good stereo, and very comfortable seats. Its a delight to drive, the little 1.6 litre mill is quite happy at low RPMs resulting in AMAZING mileage that way exceeds the EPA rating. Ive filled up four times so far, about 80% around town driving, and averaged right at 35 MPG! 31 was the low fillup, 37.1 the best. A really sensible car for tooling around town.

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  A neat machine - 2014 Kia Soul
  By Thomas - February 21 - 8:42 pm

  I traded a Lincoln Town car for a 2010 Soul! I was tired of a large, bulky vehicle and decided it was time to "downsize" into something simple, clean and easy to maneuver. I drove it until the 2014 models came out and found many changes had been added since 2010. The navigation system is the best I have ever seen in a car. The radio audio quality is super and the handling is fine. Plenty of room in the rear for whatever you are hauling and, I will never own another car without the backup camera. It has saved me a few times from "bumping" into things that do not need to be bumped. I will buy a 2018 when they come out. It is an amazing car for the value and my dealership (Sunset KIA in Venice, FL) is beyond all in customer satisfaction.

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  I liked my 2013 Soul Exclaim soooo much...that I got a 2014 too! - 2013 Kia Soul
  By mazda5forme - February 7 - 7:52 am

  Im glad I finally found a car brand that doesnt build junk! KIA! Not only did I buy a new 2013 Soul Exclaim for myself...but also my wife got a new Sorento (made at KIAs West Point USA Factory!), my daughter bought a Sportage, my son got a new Forte AND a Soul also! Several great reasons to buy from KIA... 1) Quality. 2nd to none. 2) Perfect paint, well made, all the body panels line up. 3) Crazy level of standard equipment for the price. Bluetooth, steering wheel controls for sound system, backup camera! 4) Even the Dealerships for KIA are professional, clean, friendly and helpful. Im not used to that...I used to have all Fords! 5) The KIA styling is world class...