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:

• 

  Love this car - 2010 Kia Soul
  By lillian - March 12 - 3:16 am

  I am very satisfied with this car. I have a 45 minute minute commute to work and love the satellite radio during that time. Lots of interior room for my tall son. I get lots of compliments on this car from Young people. I know this car is marketed to the Young but I liked it and I am over 50. Since I bought mine, there are several more in my neighborhood. This car is selling very fast in my town: lots of standard features for not so much money. I would buy it again.

• 

  Luvin my hamster ride! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By gmom - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I did a lot of research before I decided on the Kia Soul. I am LOVING IT! Ive had it six weeks and already have a little over 3800 miles on it. Its fun to drive. My picky husband even likes to drive it. We are in our late 40s and we see more people our age driving the Soul. Not just for the 20 somethings.

• 

  Major FUN FACTOR to drive - 2010 Kia Soul
  By MikeyMike - February 1 - 4:30 am

  My parents bought a Kia Sorento and let me drive it and I was highly impressed with the quality and "solid" feeling of the auto. My Dad mentioned seeing the Kia Soul at the dealership and instantly thought of me. I was driving a 2009 Black Corolla and had buyers remorse. It just didnt have the gusto and zip I so desired. Even the inside felt cheap and flimsy. So on a whim I went and test drove the Kia Soul only to instantly fall in love with the zippy responsive ride. The Soul is the funnest auto Ive ever driven. Everything from the outside to the inside of this auto has been well designed. I actually look forward to driving again and am planning roadtrips with my friends now. DRIVE ONE!

• 

  Great car with some funkiness to it! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Slamm215 - January 19 - 5:33 am

  I bought the base Soul with the 1.6L engine and 15" wheels. I added my own custom 17" wheels to it and Im very happy with the result. The engine isnt going to win you any races but its more than adequate with the 5- speed manual. Looks are very sharp and the interior is above average for this price point. Ive only had the car for a couple weeks but Im very please so far. Would definitely recommend for anyone on a budget who wants something with style instead of the usual bland offerings.

• 

  SOUL(D)! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Zach - January 8 - 12:03 am

  OK I love this car (my new car). I bought a soul! AT about a week ago and I love this car. I get looks and complements all the time on it. (your driving the hampster car) lol It has everything I wanted and needed in it for the best price ever. I highly suggest this car to any parent looking for a great car for there children that is safe, reliable, and has a sporty look, but yet it great on gas. This is the car.

• 

  I love it!! - 2013 Kia Soul
  By haystfang - December 31 - 1:14 am

  I bought my Kia Soul ! In white back in November of 2013 and I have never been happier with a vehicle. Everywhere I went for the first year I owned it I received nothing but compliments from friends, coworkers and even strangers at gas stations and other places. The look from the outside made me think that the car was extremely small but when I stepped inside I realized I was wrong. Nearly 2 years later Ive only had a problem with the spoiler and the aux input, which my dealership fixed for free and also washed, waxed, changed my oil and rotated my tires for free as well. Needless to say, its a tiny car that packs a punch, I love to drive it everywhere and I will def choose Kia again.

• 

  Best Little Compact Station Wagon For Your Money - 2012 Kia Soul
  By lovemysoul1 - December 23 - 11:11 am

  I bought my 2012 Kia Soul Exclaim 2 weeks ago and have driven it over 800 miles without any issues. My Exclaim is loaded and for the value, coming in at apprx. $23,000--it cant be beat. I test drove the Scion XD, XB, Nissan Cube and the Honda Element-- no comparison. The Kia Soul beat all of them hands down. My family gave me a very hard time about being a Kia, stating the quality would be horrible. This might have been true several years ago, but Kia has since brought in German engineering and the car is fabulous for the money. Plus a blast to drive-- just love it--Also the sunroof and leather seats are totally worth the extra $$ if you are used to having a nicer vehicle. Two thumbs up!

• 

  I love this car! - 2017 Kia Soul
  By Jeff - November 10 - 1:35 pm

  This car has most of the things I wanted in a vehicle all put into one. I had been searching and test drove quite a few vehicles and walked away from each disappointed about something. That was not the case with this one. The ride is smooth and the EXCLAIM is very quick. I used to drive a smaller hatchback and got tired of having essentially fall into my car. With the soul, the seats are at waist height and I quite literally just walk into my seat. Just yesterday, I took a friend out in it who owns a truck and he mentioned this very thing. He was saying he has to climb up into his truck and loves that you can just walk into the seat. I said the same thing regarding my golf (as you just read). I also got the Tech Package and I am very pleased with the sound system. It is superb. Definitely not a miss there. The audio controls actually make sense and is very easy to navigate. I test drove some cars that were just way too complicated (looking at you Honda). We dont want complicated while were driving. I want to push 2 buttons max to get where I want and do what I want. The fuel economy is actually lower than advertised, and thats kind of a bummer. I drive mostly (thats 90%) interstate and am lucky if I break 28 overall. The A/C unit is not what Id call amazing. There are definitely better A/C units out there. Other than that... very comfortable. Drives great. Turns on a dime (better than my Hatchback did, but the hatchback handled like a dream... cuz its a hatchback). I am not at all disappointed and would highly recommend it. Also, Kias warranty kind of tells a story of a company whos not afraid to offer a high warranty because they have faith in their product. Seriously, their warranty is twice as good as anyone elses.

• 

  Lived thru crash - 2014 Kia Soul
  By stan morley - October 21 - 2:33 pm

  Blacked out, drove off road @ 50mph into ditch rolled over slid into elec pole .. side airbags deployed .. never got a scatch

• 

  Love my car but - 2010 Kia Soul
  By filickar - October 5 - 10:13 pm

  Love my car. Interior skuffs easily. At 15300 km I found a bulge in my tire. Dealership claims it is my driving, the tire store says the belt has shifted. The tire is a Nexen CP662 P225/45R18. Anyone else finding the same problem??