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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  Get what you pay for. - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Harry Morrison - August 26 - 11:16 pm

  My wife and I LOVE this "mini-wagon". This is the first new car for both of us. Between the two of us, weve had alot of different cars and trucks. But this is the greatest, most fun, weve had with any vehicle. Some talk about the "road noise", not sure what they are comparing it to, but we dont feel its an issue. We set the radio to 5 and have no problem hearing it at highway speed. With the A/C up to max, thanks to the 100 + temps here in Texas, thats the only time we turn up the radio. To get over the fan noise. BUT THATS NOT A COMPLAINT. A/C is a MUST.

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  Fell in Love before I even bought it.... - 2010 Kia Soul
  By queen - August 24 - 2:50 am

  I saw this car online and I fell in love with it before I even test drove it. I have driven few cars in the past and I dont believe in spending too much money for a car. This car meets all my demand, great design, great car, great mileage, great features, great safety features...cant beat the airbags in this car. I never thought I would buy a box car but the Soul won me over. I never liked the Scion and the new Nissan Cube is too ugly to even mention. I bought my car a month ago and I have nothing to complain about. For the features and the great price.....this car can not be beat. I had to drive 3 hours to get the car and it was more than worth it.

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  Transmission Failure - 2010 Kia Soul
  By twolf - August 14 - 9:53 am

  Vehicle would be fine if it wasnt always in the shop being fixed. I had a transmission failure at 9,000 miles. The wont warranty wont cover it because the vehicle leaked its transmission fluid. Which is also the fault of the dealership. The vehicles are being sent with low fluids, and dealerships arent checking them. The vehicle has minimal power even with larger engine. Best part of the vehicle is the looks.

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  best car Ive owned - 2010 Kia Soul
  By huser20 - August 10 - 6:38 am

  I bought my car with 5 miles on it and Ive owned it for 3.5 years now...42,000 miles on it now and Ive never had one thing wrong with it. Best car Ive owned and I truly dont have one complaint. Just do regular maintenance youre good to go!!

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  Mostly Lovin It - 2010 Kia Soul
  By 1st time new car buy - August 8 - 2:00 am

  As soon as I saw this car, I wanted it. I love driving it. but interior is strange. Cant be cleaned. I opened the door in the rain and it stained the inside of the door. Ive tried several products to clean it, but it comes back. Dont know what else to use. Interior also scratches really easy. At first, fuel was really good - about 320 miles to a full tank. But recently, its gone down to about 250 miles or so to a full tank. This is not stop and go traffic either.At lower speeds, about 15-20 mph, car lurches when given gas. Does not like going slowly. Brakes are super sensitive. Bumps are hard. People say bluetooth is not clear. But I still love it!

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  Beware the Tires - 2012 Kia Soul
  By smartshopper99 - August 5 - 10:41 am

  A good fun car. Good gas mileage. Lots of room. Easy to maneuver. Nice visibility. Service is horrible. No spare tire! Tires are lousy. I dont think theyre safe. Two flats in less than six months normal driving. Set $600 back to put decent tires on, wont believe how it improves the ride.

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  JAVA Kia Soul ! Rocks - 2010 Kia Soul
  By CS2Nana - June 11 - 1:20 pm

  I have spent 2 years looking at other cars when I came across the KIA Soul! I am a retired Engineer, so you bet I want to look at the Specs! I found the dealership very accommodating. I drove a "loaner" for 3 days. It was the KIA Soul basic. Yes, it was stiff, I didnt like the colors, and it was loaded up. HOWEVER, when I received my JAVA KIA SOUL! I, immediately, not only saw the differences but felt the differences in the drive. I took the car out on a 350 mile trip. It handled well, did not veer, gas consumption was economic, there were no vibrations or shakes, braked easily. It has been a joy to drive. The funny part, young kids seem to like this car BUT older drive it!

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  Id never even considered a Kia Soul ! - 2016 Kia Soul
  By Alec Little - June 2 - 12:12 pm

  I bought my Kia Soul ! about a month ago. My wife has always driven larger SUVs and Ive driven a 4-door Pickup truck for the past 10-years. I fully expected the Soul to have sluggish pickup and I expected to be bounced around like in any lightweight economy vehicle. Let me tell you, this car is comfortable, it has plenty of pep (2.0L) and is fun to drive. Im particularly pleased with the quality of the materials and workmanship in the car. Plus this Soul! has more electronics than I have ever had in my previous luxury vehicles. I was so impressed that I purchased the extended bumper-to-bumper warranty which I have never done before. I had driven my pickup for 10-years and if my impressions prove correct, Ill be driving this just as long.

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  Soul Lover but Blue Tooth Problems - 2010 Kia Soul
  By dianimal - May 21 - 11:50 pm

  Got in some very hard rain/wind & car handled better than any car I have ever owned. Exterior is cute, inside fits my 5" 7" size & my husbands 6" 1". The car handles very well, very responsive to stops and turns. No problems getting up to speed or merging on highways. Fun to drive for this 54 year old. Head rest pushes head forward. To much engine noise at higher speeds/rougher highways. Bluetooth-I can hear people perfect unless driving at faster speed or on rougher paved highway-then the engine noise takes over-the volume wont go loud enough. People on other end of blue tooth often say my voice to soft/not loud enough or they hear static/ or their voice echos back to them.

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  tremendously disappointed - 2013 Kia Soul
  By jenese2004 - May 21 - 5:33 am

  Ironically I had a kia soul plus, one that I got in 2010 and I had no complaints with it. I had a wreck in December of 2012 and had to get another car. I chose to upgrade and get another soul exclaim, premium package. BIG MISTAKE!! It is an extremely bumpy ride and my kia plus wasnt like that so I was confused by this!!! The leather seats are so hard I had to get a cushion to place on the seats. Whenever I clean my seats or sit on them, lent is always left on them. No matter what I do, lent is always left!!!! Plus i have nothing but problems with the Bluetooth!! The mpg is acceptable I guess and the wheel turns nicely. Those are the redeeming qualities. ALL in all im disappointed.