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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  Great value for the money! - 2014 Kia Soul
  By RAS - December 21 - 2:51 pm

  I purchase a used 2014 Exclaim model; with all the extras. Test drove VW and a few others. Its a great value for the money! loaded with nice tech etc. Buy one at least a year old; its worth it... RAS

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  The All New Soul Is Perhaps the Best Deal out there - 2014 Kia Soul
  By callgeo - November 8 - 2:44 pm

  Purchased in March, and now, with 7,000 current miles, checked MPG and it is over 31 with Mostly Safe Highway Mile Speeds around 60 MPH. The base with automatic price of 16,350 was low and this car has exceeded all expectations. Very quiet. Quiet engine. 3/4 the pricr of my 2014 Jeep Cherokee which is also nice but not as good a price. I am large and 6 feet tall. This car is roomy.

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  Love this car!! - 2011 Kia Soul
  By deeburgess - November 7 - 5:09 pm

  Let me keep it simple! I bought my 2011 Kia Soul about a week ago and so far I am super impressed, though the ride is a little noisey and stiff I can not complain about anything else. I previously owned a 2000 Kia Sportage and after 11 years it was still going strong. This car for the price is an absolute dream I love it and I am very happy!!

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  Fun car and a great value! - 2016 Kia Soul
  By Tim Parker - November 4 - 9:22 pm

  I shopped for a Soul a year ago and ended up buying a Honda Civic instead. No knock on the Civic, but it just wasnt the right car for me, and I found myself still looking. I came back around to the Soul. Kia had special financing, and the dealer was offering a better deal than I could find a year ago, so I took the plunge and bought the 2016 Soul+ with the Audio/Nav package. Wow! Im so glad I bought it! I love the extra driving height and extra headroom. Theres more room in the back seat. Theres more cargo room. Its fun to drive. Acceleration is good with the 2.0 liter engine. Handling is good. Pro reviewers talk about "numb" steering but I dont notice it. It drives and handles fine. That said, its not a sports car so dont buy this if thats what you want. It has lots of creature comforts like a great audio system that thumps you in the chest if you want it to, but can be tamed if desired. The nav system works well. I didnt think I wanted it, but now that I have it I use it often. I like the climate control system. I have it set and never need to touch it. It keeps the cabin comfortable no matter what the outside temp is. It has a large touch screen that is easy to use and pretty intuitive. You can check Kias site for a full breakdown of features. For me the important thing is the features it has all work together to create a fun and comfortable driving experience. Ive only had it a month so I cant comment on long term durability, but so far theres not a squeak, not a rattle, everything works flawlessly, and the materials and workmanship are first rate, especially for a vehicle in this price range. A+ for the Soul!

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  Big enough for the Big Guys - 2010 Kia Soul
  By FMC1 - November 1 - 2:16 pm

  When I first saw the Soul, i loved the appearance of the vehicle, but i was also concerned as i fail to fit in most Kias and i assumed this would be the case again. I test drove one and found that there was plenty of space for a big guy who loves being a big guy...as a 64" 415 lb ex-linebacker, fitment is a challenge for most cars, but since i drive over 20000 miles a year economy is a must. So far gas mileage is good at 28 mpg, considering i set my cruise on 72mph with the windows down and the sunroof open. This is my third Kia and the engines are always very tight for the first 12000 miles, after that they loosen up and the gas mileage gets even better. its a great little car.

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  Fun to Own - 2010 Kia Soul
  By SusanT - November 1 - 7:00 am

  This is my first "foreign car"; Ive been waiting three years for Chevrolet or someone to make a fun car that I wanted to buy and they didnt build one so when I saw the Soul I decided to buy. I have the molten sport with 18" wheels and I really like it. I get as many comments on the Soul as I get when I drive my Mustang Convertable. It is roomy and comfortable. Really like the Bluetooth and steering wheel controls. Ive had it about a month and havent filled the tank yet so cant comment on the fuel economy. I really like this car in every way and recommend it without reservation.

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  Solis car - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Arianna G. - October 28 - 2:32 pm

  We bough a 7 year old 100K and are truly surprised: great interior space, compared to smallsuv like Ford Edge .

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  Weathered the Snowmageddon of 2010 - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Sewdiverse - October 28 - 4:16 am

  I waited for a really good snow driving experience before I reviewed. Our recent "Snowmageddon of 2010" provided more than ample testing and my molten red Soul+ made it every place I decided to go once I dug out of my driveway through 24+ inches. Some areas were like the wild, wild West and we plowed right through. I never skidded going behind several SUVs going sideways in front of me. I have stock tires but years of experience.

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  LOVE my S-O-U-L! Its wonderSOUL! - 2013 Kia Soul
  By mazda5_4me - September 30 - 11:44 pm

  I have had many new cars and trucks over the years, and by far I was the most impressed by the 2013 KIA Soul Exclaim I bought recently. The Exclaim is the top of the line Soul, but even the Base Soul is well loaded and an excellant value. But the Soul is more about value than "just" being inexpensive. I love the standard moon roof on a warn sunny day! It has remarkable quality...perfect paint, very well assembled, top crash test scores, all the safety equipment available, great looking vehicle that stands out compared to the common vanilla Corolla/Civics that you see everywhere. And the 100,000 mile 10 year warranty is just icing on the cake!

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  Soul family - 2010 Kia Soul
  By rob1102 - September 21 - 12:10 pm

  Great little car. Im a big guy I have a ton of room.