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 this car!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2011 Kia Soul
  By avapink16 - November 15 - 12:35 am

  I love this car one of my friends got this car like 8 months ago I loved it so much that i bought one. It runs great it looks even better which is really important to me because i just turned 16 and this is my first car so looks were just as important as safty and gas milage.

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  Great value, size...Eye Catching - 2010 Kia Soul
  By bx - November 10 - 9:46 pm

  After reading many of the 92 other reviews...my conclusion is that the Soul is very well equipped, great looking, with a great audio system. The quality and quantity of features in the Soul are amazing for a vehicle that tops out at $18000. The "18s" are beautiful with excellent spec tires. The fuel economy is as advertised, 25 mixed driving, and 31- 32+ on the highway. This vehicle has bluetooth, satellite radio, wonderful audio system, most power options, and very stylish looks inside and out. The fit and finish are excellent. At highway speeds the internal noise level is comfortable. This is a very "cool" ride.

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  Hood released while driving - 2011 Kia Soul
  By UB - November 3 - 6:10 pm

  2011 Soul driving 55 mph hood released flew back hitting roof, denting roof, denting hood, damaging both fenders. Why hasnt this problem been published? Why didnt the safety latch work?

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  Excellent Economy Package - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Stanley D. - November 3 - 1:03 am

  With about 3,400 miles since August, our Kia Soul Plus has been reliable and economical. Gas mileage is about 26 mpg in suburban driving. The Soul is nimble and has a small turning radius. Interior space is excellent with room for five adults. Controls are easy to find and use. The Soul is well equipped for a modest price.

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  What kind of meds are the hamsters on? - 2013 Kia Soul
  By John Ranous - October 20 - 12:36 pm

  The Soul is a vehicle with great potential. Good looks. Nice interior. Lots of room (Im 64"). Good entertainment system in my base model. BUT, with just 12000 miles on the odometer, Ive got a rattle in the front suspension AND the steering column. The big negative for the Soul is the suspension. Everyone describes it as firm. Id say brutally, and unnecessarily stiff. If you are fortunate enough to drive nothing but new pavement, you will love this vehicle. Real world roads bring out the worst in the Souls road manners. I drive 22 miles to work, and Ive been introduced to every pavement fault along the route. You soon learn to avoid the big ones, or suffer the bone jarring consequences. But, even the small irregularities are magnified to uncomfortable proportions. Lots of road noise...suspension rumbles...now I know why the hamsters have the music cranked up. If you are considering a Soul, give it a good real world test drive, or rent one for a weekend.

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  Driving my Soul! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Dean - October 16 - 4:56 am

  I am enjoying driving my new Soul. It handles well and has a lot more room and features than most people can imagine. I originally had a Prius and no one thought I would ever switch to a Kia Soul. At this point I have no complaints.

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  Soul Man - 2010 Kia Soul
  By MSCLCAR - October 14 - 11:13 am

  Ill just say this. We have a 1969 Mustang that we take to car shows around Phoenix. This car is no slouch (high 10s in the quarter mile). We also have a Denim Soul. It just happened that both cars wound up at the same show. Parked next to each other. We received more comments and questions about the Soul then we ever received on the Mustang! We also own an Optima and Spectra 5. Kia,Thats it!

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  Dont buy this car. - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Soul Stinks - October 13 - 12:56 am

  I think Kia thought that people would buy this car just for its styling. Well I bought it just for that reason and I couldnt have been more dissapointed. The fuel economy isnt what they say it is, I get 15mpg in the city. I dont know how this could possibly be. The interior and exterior are amazing but, the interior material quality is dismal at best. The ride is jumpy and jolty and no fun at all. I thought that since I got the sport model with the manuel it would be fun but, I was sadly mistaken. The stick shifter is mushy and un precise. Also, just from the poor quality of materials I dont bealive this car is going to last me that long at all.

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  Its Ok - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Juano - October 10 - 5:33 am

  Great interior space and a bunch of standard features. Excellent light clutch, braking and steering. Nice fuel economy (30 City/30.5 Hwy @70- 75mph), but I believe it could do better HWY with a 6th gear. (3000RPM @ 60mph) Very noisy at speeds over 60mph. Plenty of air bags and excellent warranty. Great value.

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  First Impression - 2013 Kia Soul
  By donmack - October 2 - 9:40 am

  I have a 2013 + (plus) with 2 liter automatic. Its a pretty nice car, well built, not too cheap on the fit and finish. Its really big on the inside. visibility is good except for the rear corners. The pillar is kind of thick. The car is short, about 10" shorter than my Honda Civic, but it is really tall.