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 the 5-speed - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Honda Guy - September 23 - 7:56 pm

  Weve had our Kia Sport, 5 speed manual, with sunroof for about a week. I also have a Civic and Cube so I qualified for the $1,000 "competitive bonus". I paid $16,700 for this car and have to say so far it looks like its a steal. The transmission is high-revving and take off is quick. Handling in traffic is a breeze, and it looks very cool. We got it in white, due to limited availability of manual transmissions. My wife and I are 47 and we both love driving this. It reminds me of my 1986 Honda CRX Si, but with a back seat. If you want something cheap and lots of fun, this is the car. Our car came with blue tooth and a year of Sat Radio how did I ever live without those? Stereo!

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  Most people believe they have a soul...but I have a SOUL! - 2011 Kia Soul
  By mazda5forme - September 21 - 10:54 pm

  And I truely love my Soul! Mine is a 2013 KIA Soul Exclaim..which is the top of th line Soul, loaded up with an unbeliveable (for this price range) amount of standard equipment not often found on this price range. All of this includes terrific quality...solid construction and stand out looks. The 10 year 100,000 mile warranty is just Icing on the cake! And the Soul has more than that going for it. Youll note that love it or hate it...people notice te Soul...and even check it out when they see one. Unlike the usual cars filling the mall parking lot...the Toyota/Honda/Prius/Nissan clones...the Soul actually stands out! And its fun to drive, handles well, has a KILLER stereo system too.

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  Kia has officially blown me away - 2016 Kia Soul
  By Brian - September 19 - 2:59 pm

  Let me preface this review with the fact that my daily driver is a BMW X5, and my previous vehicles were Infiniti JX and 2 Lexus GX470s. So I tend to be very harsh when reviewing non-luxury cars (I absolutely cant stand my wifes Toyota Sienna, but then again, I dont have to drive it). We purchased this car primarily as a third family vehicle now that our son is driving. My goal was to find a nicely equipped vehicle with excellent safety and great visibility. Honestly, I wasnt too concerned with interior quality, fit/finish or ride quality. My goal was a decent car for around $20k. We looked at quite a few different cars: Mazda 3, VW Golf, Honda Fit, Honda Civic, and Toyota Corolla. After test driving the snot out of all the above named cars, we kept comparing everything to the Kia Soul. We ended up purchasing a 2016 Soul + with the audio and primo pkgs and some add ons (MSRP $25,550) for $21,325. We actually had an offer from a dealer that was 3 hours away for $20,680 but I didnt really feel like driving 6 hours round trip to save a few hundred dollars. What floored me is the fact that the Kia Soul absolutely blows away the competition for what you get for the money. The interior is excellent at this price point: Leather seating, a mixture of soft touch, hard touch surfaces and a very intuitive navigation/entertainment system with a feature called Evo that allows you to set notifications on various parameters such as traveling outside of a certain geographic radius, driving over a designated speed or driving past a set curfew (all of which are excellent for keeping track of your young drivers), plus the feeling of a spacious cabin. The ride is firm yet comfortable and cabin noise is far better then expected and the fact that for $21k you get auto on/off headlights, leather, navigation, keyless remote entry and keyless engine start, remote start, panoramic sunroof, upgraded audio system with subwoofer (that is actually pretty darn good), fog lights, LED interior lighting, speaker lighting, homelink rear view mirror, rear view camera, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, leather wrapped steering wheel, etc. Simply put, the Kia Soul was far better equipped for the selling price vs. all of the other cars we considered (the VW Golf was close to $30k for similar equipment and still didnt include cooled seats or heated rear seats). My only complaint is the cheap Nexen tires that came on the vehicle. They are pretty bad. Within the first week, we had a pretty light rain and I was spinning the tires from a stop. Needless to say, I took off the Nexen and put on Pirellis and the difference in performance is not only night and day, but the road noise has improved as has the ride quality. The point of my review is that Kia was never on my radar screen, but my wife thought that the Soul was cute and quirky so I drove it expecting to quickly cross it off the list. I never expected this type of quality from a car that only cost $21,000. I remember sitting in an MBA class about 5 years ago with a fellow student doing an analysis of Kia and thinking to myself that "Kia will never be able to compete with the major automobile companies because they make cheap crap." Well, today Im eating crow.... gladly. Theyve given us a very nice vehicle for a reasonable amount of money. Great job, Kia.

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  Greatest Bang for the Buck - 2010 Kia Soul
  By JavaSoulOwner - September 2 - 2:43 am

  Its been 7 days and 500 miles since I bought my Soul and it has been a blast to drive. It is roomy on the inside yet maintains a very tidy size on the outside. It has an outstanding turning circle, is very easy to maneuver on city streets, and parks in any tight compact space. Everywhere I go I get a million questions and looks (yes, even the Honda Fit & Scion drivers are staring). The bluetooth interface is better than the one in my other car, an Acura TSX. The sightlines from the drivers seat is outstanding and I love how it happily zips around town. I just recently took my Soul on a 300-mile road trip with various hill climbs and it averaged 28.8 mpg.

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  In Love with the Soul - 2010 Kia Soul
  By smm7 - August 15 - 3:40 pm

  I cant say enough good things about this car! By far the best Ive ever owned. Ive always preferred small cars, but this is the best because its roomy on the inside, which is important since I have 2 kids to drive around. Getting a car seat in and out is no problem, it sips gas, I can commute all over town and save way more $$ than I did with my suv! I have previously owned an Optima, and then a Rio, both were good cars, but this one is the best, and I would buy another!

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  IM THE FUNKIEST DRIVER IN CLIFTON PARK! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Casey - July 1 - 9:03 pm

  I just purchased my alien green Kia Soul ! and LOVE IT! Everyone at my complex loves the looks and equipment too. Its a smooth drive, plenty roomy, many fun options (especially those mood lights!) Visibility is great. I dont know what some of the reviews mean by excessive road noise over 60 mph - I dont notice anything significant and neither does anyone who has ridden with me. Good handling, quick to respond and excellent brakes! My dog, Abe, has plenty of room to stretch out and relax too - who would have thought when I adopted him that one day my dog would have a Soul? (Ha.) Id recommend this car to anyone!

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  Im a Soul Man - 2010 Kia Soul
  By NightTrain - June 26 - 2:50 pm

  I took advantage of the cash for clunkers and I went from a 98 Grand Caravan to the coolest ride - a 2010 Soul+ in Alien green. I love it. It attracts as much positive attention as would an expensive European car. Im 64" tall with long legs and I cannot believe the room inside the car. I want to wash this car often because I am happy to be seen driving it. You have to love a car when youre making payments. My wife offers to drive when we go out - thats a benefit I never had! Advertised city MPG is 25 but I average 23 MPG as a careful driver in Eco mode.

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  One week to decide - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Scott - June 23 - 12:00 pm

  First, I liked the fact that the sales person at the dealership was the only one to respect my request for initial information via e-mail. Im not a small guy, however I fit in the Soul with room to spare. My wife likes the satellite radio enough that I wish there was a speaker jack for her pleasure. After three week, Ive got 3000 miles on the car due to a trip to Wisconsin. Car road well on highway. So far so good.

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  Love my soul - 2010 Kia Soul
  By eatapeach7 - June 7 - 8:26 am

  I love this car..unfortunately since I bought it in August it has been in the shop 4 times for blown heater hoses ...I think I have a lemon but Kia is looking into the problem..its a fun car

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  The Soul is unique, stands out in a crowd, and a great value! - 2013 Kia Soul
  By mazda5forme - June 7 - 8:25 am

  Kia and Hyundai are the same company, and both build great, value packed vehicles. The KIAs are more targeted towards people who like sporty and stand out styling in their daily drivers. I love my 2013 KIA Soul Exclaim..and after more than a year after purchase has proven to be reliable, extremely well made and overall a fun car. The standard level of equipment is astonishing for what you pay. The powerful 8 speaker Infinity sound system for example is the best Ive heard in ANY car. It even includes a separate powered sub-woofer! 8 speakers in total!