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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  You get what you pay for - 2010 Kia Soul
  By coloskibum - December 3 - 12:03 am

  Fun for the price, drives like what it is, a fancified econobox. Good sound system, nifty bluetooth. Seats not very comfy for short or tall drivers in our family. The fancy stereo distracts you from the VERY plain and basic everything else.

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  So-So - 2011 Kia Soul
  By aguywhowrite - December 2 - 7:37 pm

  Pros: Styling (it grows on you). Price. That really good Kia 4 cylinder engine. Very maneuverable. Its probably pretty durable. Cons: Handling is not a Kia strong point--tippy feeling on the highway, Not much of a ride. Hard seats. Bit of a blind spot. Hard to believe this is best in its class--You buy this car on price and value. 28 mpg on highway at 75-80 mph.

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  Its wonderful - 2013 Kia Soul
  By kellymo719 - November 29 - 10:27 pm

  I traded in a 2005 Honda Civic for the 2013 Kia Plus, and I am in love! It is exactly what I was looking for in a car - its small, but spacious; the back seats fold down and offer a ton of room in the back. I am able to take my bike or my two yellow labs in the car with me no problem! Its got great response when I step on the gas, excellent brakes (and I love the brake assist). Also, mine came with an extra feature to turn on the car from outside, so I can warm it up in the mornings or start the AC, and it stays locked and running, and if someone tries to take it, it will automatically shut off without the keys. Its seriously WONDERFUL!

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  Feels good! - 2012 Kia Soul
  By goodstuff35 - November 20 - 2:03 am

  I purchased mine new from Lee Johnson Kia in Kirkland Wa. The experience there was excellent. I have almost 700 Miles on the Soul now. The Good: Lots of well laid out Bells and whistles. The Factory Sat radio/CD/USB/bluetooth works nicely and the sound is great for stock. The interior feels much more roomy than you would think. The 2.0L engine is very peppy and the 6 speed auto shifts smoothly. My Soul hasnt been broken in entirely yet but Im getting 22 in stop and go traffic to work and 31 on the freeway. I like the MPG display on the dash. Speaking of the dash the white and red lighting is clear in the sun and easy on the eyes at night. Big improvements in the road noise for the 2012!

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  Great commuter ride. - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Ms.Teacher - November 10 - 12:00 am

  Purchased Base Soul after much research. Perfect choice for me - 50 yr old driver with 120 mile roundtrip commute. Great view of road. Gas mileage is 31-33mpg consistently, Ive checked after every fill-up. Comfortable for tall family of 4.My son is 64" and rides in front or back.Comfortable seat design and leg room. Wide door access. Storage is slightly small for my needs,but gives extra space for passengers. Great AC for Southern humidity. Easy reach to all accessories. Safety, solidness & maneuverability feel great! Wide stance and extra front engine space make me feel safe in small auto on highway. 3,000+ fun miles in 5 weeks! Catches lots of attention!

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  Great Car - 2012 Kia Soul
  By kipper1975 - November 7 - 6:33 pm

  I was looking at the base model, but ended up getting the +Auto. I got 66 miles on my Soul and already love it. I am 6 1", 215lbs, and I have good leg room, head room and the seats are comfortable. For a 2.0L engine, it has alot of pep, you cant race it but, I was doing 90MPH before I knew it. Side by side it is the size of my wifes Jeep. They have Infinty system that sounds really good, with lights around the front speakers. Very good little car, so far awsome gas milage, have tok a road trip yet, but in the city driving so far so good. Windows up radio on very little road noise....I wanted the ! at first but the only difference was GPS, I have a portable GPS so didnt need it.

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  I love it but - 2010 Kia Soul
  By flutepilot - November 6 - 2:13 pm

  I have had my Soul for just over a month and agree with nearly everything written previously. It has more than adequate power, handles very well, but is a bit busy in the ride. It is extremely comfortable, especially for larger people. I had a 63", 300+ pounder in the car and the car basically said "So?". Gas mileage with air on nearly constantly has been about 27 overall. The Soul has the BEST steering wheel mounted cruise control controls anywhere. Same with the radio controls. This is my first experience with Bluetooth and I love it! The only real negative is the interior plastic which shows scratches if you look at it sideways. I would definitely buy it again.

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  Practical, good styling, great gas mileage, awesome base features - 2010 Kia Soul
  By deftdrummer - November 1 - 10:11 pm

  Ive had my base model 2010 Kia Soul in White for about a week and a half now. This isnt really the best time to be writing a review so Ill keep it brief. Thus far the car has been a commuter for me with about 20 miles round trip daily driving to work. I just love this car! I have all the features I wanted (most of them) at the base model. I picked mine up in white with a manual for $10,999 at a Fiat dealership. Great warranty on this vehicle. Some down sides are that the engine noise inside the cabin can be a bit loud at low RPM, and also Im not too fond of the back seats not being able to go a fully flat position. Also the interior plastics are a bit on the cheap side.

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  Fun little Hampster Car! - 2016 Kia Soul
  By Christine Stuart - October 29 - 8:03 am

  This car for the money is a great little car. I wish it had a little better handling and braking but overall for the price we really like the Soul. We had a MINI COOPER that was taking us to the poor house in repairs, and we wanted something a little bigger. The Navi system is one of the best love the picture that shows the EXIT . The seats are very comfortable and the leather is really nice love that smell when you get in.

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  Sheet metal in cold weather - 2011 Kia Soul
  By srssr - September 13 - 3:01 pm

  This is the first winter in upstate New York for our Soul. The first cold snap, 30 degrees and lower, I noticed that the rear hatch had quite a bit of distortion, warped sheet metal and all four doors had creases in them. When temps rose the warpage went away. I watched this and other Souls all winter and the results were the same.. The only thing with ours now it takes until temps hit 50 to 60 degree range to go away, in the beginning they went away in the 40s. I went to my local dealer and had the Kia rep look at my car but wouldnt you know it we had freak weather that topped 78 and no wrinkles. All of my pictures and internet info from Kia Soul Forums has been put in a file for me.