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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  2010 Soul for Mom - 2010 Kia Soul
  By H-Battery - December 13 - 2:13 pm

  We bought the Soul as a 3rd car ( teenager got the older car) for mom to drive. She puts quite a few miles on a car per year so we wanted something w/ decent fuel economy. We chose the Soul over Honda CRV, Toyota Rav4, Kia Sportage & Subaru Forester.

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  Not a good MPG - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Northland Driver - November 11 - 11:46 am

  When we love the looks and the fun ride, the reason why we got it was: 1) the roomy back (which is very good compared to others) 2) the miles-per- gallon (MPG). We are yet to see the advertised 26 or higher. We are lucky if we get close to 24. In addition to front seat is way too stiff. This is definitely a city commuter and nothing more. Yes, a fun ride, but a bit uncomfortable and not as economic as promised (in the city). Not to be negative, but more of a reality check. The glare on the front glass is very uncomfortable. The light brown reflects the entire dash into the front window. I have seen this in other small cars I have rented. Sound system? Back speakers are NOT good at all.

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  Soul could become an icon like the Mini - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Mike Gordon - November 1 - 4:00 pm

  Our plus automatic is a month old. Its a small car which drives like a much bigger car or a SUV. Interior space is amazing. Engine is quick enough for California traffic, and the transmission is well made but 4 speeds are not enough. If they would place the 2.4 liter engine and a 6-speed auto with paddle shifters in the Soul, it could become an icon among "hot hatches" like the Mini Cooper, Mazda Speed 3, or he VW GTI. I enjoy driving it more than our V6 Accord. As a former Honda tech I think the engine bay has lots of space and it should be easy to work on. I can do an oil change on the Soul at home without raising it with a jack. And it doesnt have the drive-by-wire throttle - no runaway.

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  Ideal for a tight budget - 2013 Kia Soul
  By MW - July 5 - 3:52 am

  Last winter I had to part ways with my beautiful 2004 orange Pontiac GTP. I loved that car ~ but I could not keep up with repairs after the electrical started to fail (bought used, had more problems than I was aware of at the time). So after car shopping for months (because I was reluctant to let go of a beautiful car) I settled upon a Kia Soul+. I knew a couple of people that had one and never complained about it. So let me tell you the perks of owning one. Seating is comfortable, for both drivers and passengers. Visibility is great - unlike my Pontiac Ive yet to encounter a blind spot while driving. Steering is sensitive, acceleration is nice - though Im not impressed with the noise (sounds like a fart car compared to my Pontiac). Out of all the vehicles I test drove, I felt comfortable behind the wheel and actually felt the car was from this galaxy when I checked out the entertainment bit. You have a usb port, a jack, two lighter sockets, and the controls on the steering (volume, blue tooth call, etc) are easy to learn. Millage is good - if you have proper tires, and filled properly, and use your cruise control and dont drive like youre in the Daytona 500 you may get more millage than you expect. Im getting about 30 in the city, and 32 on the highway. Now for the cons... Its not a fan of bumps. Youll feel them unfortunately. I once went over a bump so hard I nearly popped out of my seat! If youre in the US, youre missing out on the rear parcel shelf - its a hard top that doubles as a privacy shield to hide your things in your trunk. Google it and buy one - dont waste your time with the flimsy canvas stores and dealerships try to sell you. The wheel; its nice, but if youre used to a larger wheel size it can take some getting use to. I once hit what I thought was my horn in the parking lot to alert a distracted driver and instead hit my blue tooth call button. Speaking of blue tooth, it syncs better with an iPhone. I have an android and even though Im able to sync for calling, it doesnt sync/provide volume for when I try using my phone for maps or music. Lastly.... THE TIRES! THE TIRES ARE TERRIBLE. Theyre fine at a 16" for snowy weather, but the brand they have on their is TERRIBLE. If it comes with Nexen - ditch the wheels straight away. I tried driving on them in my Pontiac and they were not suited for winter, despite saying all season tires. Hankooks are a little better but I still wouldnt recommend it - buy yourself some proper tires. If your dealership tries to sell you something other wise, take it to a trusted mechanic for better tires or google what the best tires for a Kia Soul would be. Lastly.... if youre thinking about getting a Soul Base - dont do it, at least if you live in a snowy climate like I do. The wheel size is smaller as is the engine. Spend the extra cash and get yourself a Kia+!

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  soul good - 2014 Kia Soul
  By kathleen regan - June 15 - 6:05 am

  I love my Kia Soul there are just a few things I would change. Make the steering wheel a little longer and able to tilt up higher. Auto lights with definite auto turn off when you turn car off. Watch out when you buy one as the 2014 may have a headlight problem I think my does also and it is not on a recall altho I cant imagine why not. Other than that I am very happy with my purchase.

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  Good car for the price - 2011 Kia Soul
  By jimr91 - May 31 - 7:11 am

  I had this car for almost 3 years and i loved every minute in it. I was extremely comfortable. The seats fit me perfectly and and a lot of head and leg room. It also had great gas mileage. $40 would fill it up and i could go almost 400 miles before i would fill it again. It did have small problems though. I didnt like the steering that much. It felt stiff and Im not a fan of stiff steering. Also the accelerator wasnt very smooth. These tine problems aside I never had any other issues with this car. It was a great car for the money. I put a total of 83000 miles on mine and only did regular maintenance on it. I would recommend getting this car to anybody.

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  Automatic door locks - 2011 Kia Soul
  By tinakaycasteel - May 27 - 12:22 pm

  I am very disapointed that the Soul does not have automatic door locks. If I would have known that up front.....I would not have bought the car. The automatic door locks have been on my cars for the last 18 yrs and with children and a four door car I feal that; that is a must have. I also think that the insides scuff up real easy and its hard to come clean. The 2 cup holders in the middle are useless when you can only use one of them. If you put a 2nd drnik in the cup holder it gets caught on the console and spills all over the place. So your passenger has to hold there drink "fountain drink that is" The middle console is very small and sits to far back. I cant use it for an armrest.

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  nice car, but wish it got better mpg - 2011 Kia Soul
  By seiri - April 25 - 3:50 pm

  Ive had the + for almost a year now and have around 12,000 miles on it. In the CITY I average 23.5mpg and near 27mpg HWY...it is a small tank and usually only costs around $30 to fill up and it lasts around a week and a half. HOWEVER, the cup holders are the worst design ever. There are bottle holders on each door, but for something with a lid and straw there is only one usable spot. The inside is nice, but scuffs up easily and the seats stain easily. There is a HUGE blind spot when backing out of a parking spot. I would not buy again over some of the new choices out there and would strongly consider spending 3-4k more on a slightly better designed car.

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  Safety Latch for Hood Failed - 2011 Kia Soul
  By Gabby - April 10 - 11:20 pm

  I just turned 16 and got a car, red Kia soul, for my birthday. One week later, when driving on a highway at 57mph my hood flew up. My safety latch failed to do anything. My warranty is only a couple miles over. Thankfully my windshield did not crack by I am left with huge and costly dents in roof and hood. Thankfully when this occurred my dad happened to be driving. Being the new driver that I am, I probably would have swerved from the loud and shocking impact and killed myself and others. The damage cost $4,910 and Kia will not help. I had read numerous accounts of this same situation happening to others on other sites and I myself have reported a recall request for the safety latch. Kia needs to do something!! Also, another defect (not as important or major) is that the cigarette lighter and USB port doesnt work. My guess is that it has something to do with the fuse box. Be warned and check your safety latch for rust or any other malfunctions and lubricate properly.

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  KIA, who would have known Id buy one? - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Tess - February 18 - 2:30 pm

  The only thing getting me kinda mad is; when I grab to open the door, there is no grip on the handle and its kinda made for small hands I guess. So if I dont think about it, the door handle always slip out of my grip.. For the rest, this car is full equipped + it has a 5 yrs bumper to bumper warranty, so I say, let it break. But Im sure it wont since its 5 yrs B-to-B.