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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  Everyone Needs a Titanium Soul (Now & Then) - 2011 Kia Soul
  By cooksley007 - February 6 - 12:59 pm

  I purposefully ordered a 2010 “plus” model with a myriad of options because the criticism of the “exclaim” model for highway noise and rattly ride (due to the larger diameter rims) was proved out in my test drives. I Love this car! I smile every time I see it parked or in my driveway (and not because of the hamster commercials). Although I view it as my mid-life, commuter, anti-sports car, it handles surprisingly well and has plenty of zip when merging onto some of our (Philadelphia area) white-knuckle highways. Interior has plenty of room for a teen, a tween, and a hockey bag !lenty of room for a teen and a tween and a hockey bag.

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  Great little compact utility, paint sucks - 2011 Kia Soul
  By dewdrinker87 - January 24 - 2:34 pm

  This is exactly what I was looking for. I got tired of sitting on the floor in little cars but didnt want to drop a fortune on an SUV. I get decent gas mileage (see suggested improvements). The engine is surprising zippy for what it is especially having a four speed. The interior is quite comfy, the seats are firm which I like. The only small issue I have had is the drivers side door plastic has begun to rattle but Im going to get that fixed next oil change under warranty. Compared to my old vehicle (2006 Chevy Cobalt) its so much better as far as quality goes. I use to look at the uneven door gaps on the Cobalt and just grimace. Huge negative is the paint. Poor durability... Rock Chips!

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  HAPPY WITH SOUL - 2010 Kia Soul
  By doc - January 9 - 11:56 am

  Ive been driving cushy Volvos for the last 13 yrs. So this is different for me. Cushy its not. The seats are quite firm. Being a beefy guy, I find the seat bottom width a tad too narrow. Then again, Im used to very wide leather seats. Other than that, fit seems to be very good. Much peppier than I had thought. No problems getting up to speed or merging on highways. Controls are very good and easy to use "intuitive". Looked at the Scion XB. Way too much money. The cube is just wierd. My kids love this car. I think the lighted speaker is dumb. Am I supposed to dance to it? Maybe at 56 Im just too old to get it. So far very pleased with my decision.

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  the jurys still out - 2010 Kia Soul
  By newman - December 23 - 7:33 am

  After searching and researching for a small car for several months I got a soul +. Had it a week and the car was pulling to the right, took it to the dealership for repair and they gave me the run around, took it back in a week same problem rotated the tires; which seems to have helped (till the tires wear) bought accessories from dealership and they didnt fit the model had them install them. Attached a bike rack on the back and that was not good, car doesnt seem to be that strongly built ( for bike rack @least). Im not sure if I might have made a mistake or just gotten a lemon by buying this car before getting the bugs out. Thus the jurys still out.......

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  Not an all weather vehicle - 2011 Kia Soul
  By jermany1104 - December 21 - 9:01 am

  Ive had my Kia Soul + for almost one year. Being 6 ft tall, there is plenty of head & leg room. The car has great pick up & passing & merging are never a problem. I love how the back seats go down for extra storage. However it hadnt snowed since I got the car & Im not happy with how it attempts to drive in the snow. The car would not drive up my hill, wound up sideways & had to be backed down the hill. Driving on the flat surface wasnt any better. I was told that the tires may be sport tires & may need to be changed, but I hate to change tires on a new car already. Im pretty disappointed with this, since I live in an area where it snows in the winter.

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  scratches driving me to drink - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Steve Luciow - September 27 - 3:03 pm

  I love this little car. Ive had it for 6 months but the interior looks like its 10 years old. you cant breath on these doors without scratching them. Its got 9000 miles on it,and I only had to replace the fuel pump. I have a case pending on the door problem since January and the problem is still not resolved, they keep telling me theyre working on it. Good luck to anybody who has kids and buys this car, the interior will look 10 years old in 1 week!

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  Kia Soul MPG - 2011 Kia Soul
  By cohen2011 - September 24 - 1:00 pm

  KIA Soul the real MPG usage is 21 MPG I just bought the car and drove with it 1,500 miles. I drive 50% in highway and 50% in the city. The current average of mile per gallons is 21. Yes, the average is 21mpg !!! so it is not efficient as it says ....I did not make any mistake I am finance person who deeply want to understand his spending !!!

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  I got SOUL - 2010 Kia Soul
  By reivilo - August 7 - 2:43 pm

  After owning the car for 9 months i can say I am still in love with this vehicle. Im 63" and fit very comfortably in here. All the gadgets are a blast to use.

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  Im falling in love with this little Kia - 2012 Kia Soul
  By Justin - July 15 - 11:31 pm

  Ive always hated the "boxy" wagons(Scion, Cube, Element, etc), but the only one Ive liked was the Soul. Couldnt really give a reason they just looked cute. So naturally when we needed a 2nd car, I bought a 2012 Exclaim model. Im gonna start with the few things I dont care for. Its kinda harsh NVH when accelerating anything more than softly. Not sure if this is just an unavoidable 4cyl econobox(pun intended) trait, but just saying its more noticeable than other vehicles Ive had. Second gripe, the inside door panel sills are so thin you cant rest your forearm on them when the windows are up. No big deal, just a quirk Im not a fan of. Third, the damn sunroof doesnt tilt up like almost every other car. Fourth, the car has a backup camera but the screen is really small and the lines dont move with the steering wheel. All those small things aside, I still love this car. Its a dream to park, I average 29.6/33.6 mpg city/hwy. It has a great Infinity sound system w Bluetooth, Sat radio, and subwoofer. Its punchy from a stop(but only about average once youre out of 1st gear). Its damn cute and just all around excellent for a small family. Its like the perfect combination of cargo space, fuel economy, passenger space, and just an excellent city car. I highly recommend it if you get a good price(they dont have super resale value).

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  TOO MUCH PLASTIC - 2010 Kia Soul
  By bud - May 29 - 1:20 am

  Although the exterior is a plus, the interior has way too much plastic. There is no cushioning on the arm rest or console, Wish the window sill was wider to rest you elbow and arm. Lastly, I get a strong reflection from the dash on the windshield and in sunny Arizona it is quite a distraction. Driving with sunglasses makes it hard to see the instrument cluster which is recessed quite a bit. Otherwise it is a neat little car. Time will tell about reliability.