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 First Kia - 2014 Kia Soul
  By bikeropa - March 11 - 12:03 am

  My first Kia, although Ive driven my brothers Soul (a 2011, I believe) a few hundred miles. This one is a big improvement in ride quality and noise! Its peppy enough for normal driving and my first tank returned 26 mpg in city driving. Im impressed with the number of features for the price (power locks, cruise, power windows, selectable steering control, Sirius, Bluetooth, etc.) on a base model. The one thing that I havent figured out yet is how to get the headrest further back (I usually wear a brimmed hat), as the adjustment shown in the manual gives very limited movement. Overall, though, Im very impressed!

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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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  Road trip review - 2010 Kia Soul
  By wsteinhauer - February 9 - 8:33 am

  We just returned from a 2500 mile road trip in our new Soul+. Car handles really well on interstate and winding 2 lane roads. Great directional stability. Reminds me of a slot car! Short wheel base does result in jarring ride on bumpy roads, but not a deal breaker. got anywhere from 28 to 34 mpg, doing 70-75 with air on. Our + has the black interior, and it does tend to scuff up pretty quick. First car I have had in many years that allows you to see the ground when you look in the engine compartment! Lots of room in the interior and you sit up higher than a sedan. even higher than the PT Cruiser we traded in. Plenty of power for normal drivers.

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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.

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  7 days of rental fun - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Owen - January 8 - 8:00 pm

  We spent about 1,000 miles driving mostly in Bozeman, Yellowstone National Park and Gardiner, MT, where roads can be very steep and very rough. The Soul accommodated ordinary luggage for two and handled all the terrain we encountered with ease. It also was peppy enough to give me no concerns on Interstates, including long hauls on grades. The looks are great and the handling is very good. Comfort was never an issue on the long haul from Bozeman to Yellowstone. I thought the fuel economy was a tad disappointing, considering the size of the vehicle. I think it should get at least 32 on highway, but it got about 27. Still, I am now considering buying a Soul.

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  Fun Car - Too Many Problems - 2010 Kia Soul
  By soul glo - January 4 - 8:23 am

  Bought my Alien Soul + the day after thanksgiving. Been in the shop twice. ABS problems, shifter problems and on Monday morning the heat didnt work and it overheated. Towed in and they added coolant and are replacing the thermostat. Its very unfortunate that KIA still does not have sufficient quality control in their products despite all of the great reviews. I really like the car but am unsure how long I will keep it now.

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  Cute little car - 2010 Kia Soul
  By daniel - December 28 - 5:50 pm

  I bought. It definitely worth its money but doesnt meet to my expectations. Almost everything meets my expectations except quality. Engine great styling is my fave. I wish it had more accessories thats all leather seats stuff for better comfort. The car is very sporty love it. But not for quality !