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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  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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  Mixed Reviews on the Soul + - 2012 Kia Soul
  By kunadave - October 26 - 7:39 pm

  I have a mixed review of the 2012 Kia Soul. The positive points are that the car was inexpensive to buy, very space efficient and produces excellent fuel economy. I have a handicapped girlfriend and the seat is the right height for her to slide out of her scooter and into the seat. I can also fold the scooter and fit it into the back. This is good. The fuel economy guide tells me that the car is rated at 27/35 mpg. I only use this car for commuting 20-miles each way. My fuel economy average has always between 32 and 34 mpg in normal urban driving. This too is good. The negatives are that the car has really annoying characteristics. The key fob is too big to fit into my pants pocket without leaving a bulge. I tried to find a normal key just to open the door but goofy Kia changed the size of the key blank (for 2012). I can’t find a locksmith with the right size anyway. The car also turns off the radio and then yells at me to coordinate my cell phone with its Bluetooth system. My phone is too old to for bluetooth so I get yelled at twice a week forever? The car probably learned to yell from Kia Customer Service people; they yell too. The car has no spare tire but it does have an emergency inflator. I live at the end of civilization in Idaho and there is often no cell phone service when I go fishing/hunting. I can’t be sure that I can get roadside assistance if the car has a flat outside the cell phone service area. And I have to carry a cell phone? I would think that adding a spare tire is cheaper than paying the crabby customer service people. Overall, the car is very good at what it does; efficiently moving people at low cost. It is just so annoying in operation that I will not buy a Kia again. I’ll buy another new full-sized pickup and pay the extra fuel costs with the money I save from the truck’s lower purchase cost and lower insurance cost Kuna Dave

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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.

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  great car - 2010 Kia Soul
  By nacht4 - September 5 - 4:36 am

  I have to admit - Im very pleasantly surprised. Exterior is cute, inside is perfectly built for both a small person like me and my much taller husband. Seats are comfortable and roomy. The car handles very well, very responsive to stops and turns. Lots of room in the back. Its a big hit with my teenagers - from the cute design to the speakers that flash to the beat of the music. Its a lot of car for the price. Much more fun to drive than my old Honda Accord.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2012 Kia Soul
  By kiafan1 - September 1 - 2:12 am

  I never take the time to write reviews, but I made it a point to find the time to give my opinion on this car. Thank you KIA....you have made a GREAT car for an incredible price. Occupy wall street should hail you for doing your part and giving back. I have the car about 6 months now and loving t. My first car is a BMW and I cant wait to get into my KIA SOUL. It is spacious, fun, easy to drive, great on gas, lots of safety features, high tech....and I think I mentioned the value. Love the way it Zips around. What else could u possibly need or want in a car.

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  Most fun and value out there ! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Mikeinphoenix - August 29 - 4:30 pm

  Purchased our Dune Exlaim after 1 year of driving everything in this class. Purchase experience from Joe at Liberty KIA in Prescott was the best. Meets all our needs for space, gas mileage and sound system. Build quality is superior to American cars owned. Love the driving position / visibility and its fun to drive. Glad we did not get the automatic as 5 speed is more fun but takes some time to drive it smoothly. Clutch is very light and easy. Ride is firm but controlled as expected. Love the Dune color and interior design. Controls are in easy and sensible reach. Has all the goodies my Saturn Aura XR had for 1/2 the price. Its not a high speed driving machine but what do you want for 17K.

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  Most bang for your money! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Sightland - August 23 - 4:40 am

  This is first econobox in 20 some years but I have driven many rentals. Soul! is THE most vehicle for your hard earned money. I am saving money on gas, insurance, and tax. All the interior plastics are of good quality and much better visually. textured plastics give much more expensive "feel" and it sure does look better than what I find in my 2010 Lexus-RX350. I have the 03/2010 built date Soul and there may have been revision but I cant see how plastic can scratch anymore than others. This is probably the coolest car around with unique but functional design. I have compared this with xB and Soul is hands down winner. So much technology and safety as standard, I cant believe $18k price.

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  What a deal - 2011 Kia Soul
  By Jim - August 19 - 6:05 pm

  Affordable, relaible, and no problems. Bluetooth, terrific sound system, traction control. Room enough for my wife and I, our two small children and a double stroller in the trunk. I am 6 feet tall and fit comfortably in the front seat. Everyone is always supprised with the ammount of room inside the vehicle.

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  Sweet Pea - 2010 Kia Soul
  By SolRol - August 19 - 7:56 am

  Ive had my Alien Green car whom Ive named Sweet P now since March and cannot stop appreciating all that it has to offer in terms of coolness factor. And apparently those around cant either. It sounds cliche, but with its unique design it seems to turn car experts and novices into believers that you can have everything you want in a vehicle and still make a statement! Ive noticed people who drive expensive vehicles, both foreign and domestic really checking out my recent purchase. Something I wasnt expecting when I bought this attention grabber. Its a fun car to own; it handles well in tight spots, bluetooth is great, the sound system is awesome and its just right for me. Thx Kia!