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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  2012 Kia Soul + - 2012 Kia Soul
  By jimrn - May 18 - 4:10 pm

  I bought the 2012 Kia Soul + with audio package a week ago. I have put on almost 500 miles so far and am loving it. I do a lot of open road driving and average about 34.5 MPG. It is quiet and comfortable on the road. The backup camera is great, and love the UVO system!

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  Worth your consideration - 2011 Kia Soul
  By Soul_Driver - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I have a M/T+ with the audio upgrade. I like the roomy, SUV-like seating, while still getting good MPG and a low price tag. The interior is nice, though some plastics are easily scratched (but not as bad as 2010 Soul). The engine and transmission are older technology making driving performance just OK (i think this is how they kept the price so low). However, steering feel and braking are nice. I get exactly the EPA rating of 26-28mpg in mixed driving. I got a little over 31mpg on a purely highway trip. The feel of the manual shifter is not too good, but this can be easily upgraded aftermarket. My biggest complaint is 5th gear is not tall enough making RPM noticeably high above 70 mph.

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  junk - 2013 Kia Soul
  By wfergee - May 11 - 10:32 am

  worst car I ever owned.poor mileage, poor quality. already replaced steering column, and injectors

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  Never expected to love this car... - 2014 Kia Soul
  By daisyp - May 5 - 5:35 pm

  I have had my Kia soul for a week and I love everything about it. I spent months researching and at the end of my search I ended up disappointed because all the cars in the price range I was looking (under 25k) seemed boring and missing that certain something. I fell in love with the Range Rover Evoque (70k) because it comes with a completely black interior and a huge panoramic sunroof but I cant afford that and as I decided to settle, I heard about the new Soul with all its goodies, panoramic sunroof and complete black interior, this car was not even on my list and after hearing so many awesome reviews I went to the Kia dealer and bought it that same day.

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  love my Kia - 2010 Kia Soul
  By over 40 and love it! - April 28 - 8:40 am

  I just bought my Kia sport yesterday in the Molten. I bought the automatic, it seems to have plenty of pick up and go. It has plenty of head and leg room..even in the back seat. It is so cute! It is a head turner. I have the only one in my town so far. The ride is good and smooth, I dont hear road noise at any speed. I traded my 2007 focus ses in, The Focus had more road noise for sure. The stereo is very nice, excellent sound. The interior is awesome..love the red and the mood lights. The sales lady said this car was geared toward 40 and under, I told her I am 45 and proud to be a new Kia Soul owner!!!!

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  Great so far. - 2010 Kia Soul
  By McDaddy - April 26 - 5:20 pm

  I am 6 2" and was very surprised by the room inside. We bought the ! Soul with the 2.0 auto and it has plenty of power. The Soul fits it the garage right next to my Nissan Sentra and is just a bit shorter, but has much more room inside. I really think the styling of the Soul is just right. The rear hatch styling alone really helped make the decision. It is unique and fun without being goofy.

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  Almost Perfect - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Shadow Racer - April 20 - 9:53 pm

  I bought my wife the Shadow Soul+ Auto w/ upgraded audio. Enjoyed the ride in the + over the sport, still a bit rough, but very responsive and she loves it. Dealer lied to us and said a statewide inventory search found only 1 Alien Green Soul+ in the state and it was a 5 speed. We found 7 exact matches at one dealership today. Two days after we bought this car I was rear ended in my Impala and my car was totaled. I am highly considering picking up the Ghost SE!

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  Fun, but lacking - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Myfurf - March 2 - 10:23 am

  My Sport is a fun vehicle to drive , but is gutless in the engine. The shifter is tricky at best. It is nice that it is fully loaded with options, but lacking in functional necessities. Under the hood, the engine cover is not there along with an insulation blanket on the hood and hood struts. Did they want the engine to be noisy on purpose? There is only a hold-open rod for the hood, mounted on the hood. The mood lighting in the speakers is a fun novelty, when they work. It seems that buyers in Canada get much more options for the buck that are not available on U.S. models, as well as different names for the variants.

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  I lOvE mY nEw CaR - 2010 Kia Soul
  By kgodbold - March 1 - 6:19 pm

  This car is amazing the minute i saw it and drove it i fell in love with it. I couldnt be more happier with This Kia Soul it is fun to drive and its small enough for just me and a couple of friends and family members.

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  Kia Soul Exclaim - 2012 Kia Soul
  By belleairbear - February 20 - 12:03 pm

  I just got a Red Exclaim with the Navigation System. It does have voice controls for navigation and phone and Radio. It does not have HD Radio. If you are 6ft 3in+ your foot will get very tired for any trips, because the seat will not go back enough.