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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  The BEST bang for the BUCK you can BUY!!! - 2011 Kia Soul
  By steve520 - March 31 - 12:42 am

  I bought my Kia and have never been happier in my 56 years with any car I have ever owned. I was treated like the most important customer in the world and have never had a vehicle that had the get up and go, and all the feature this little wagon offered at an absolutely AMAZING price. I absolutely LOVE this car and would recommend it to anyone looking for comfort,reliability, features and Zip. This is one GREAT car and in my opinion the BEST use car anyone could own. The balance of the 5 year 60,000 mile warranty was a HUGE plus. And I wouldnt consider anything else in my future purchase. I am a KIA man for LIFE and the way Vision treated me was the best experience I ever had buying a car

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  Love my KiaPet - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Smackmaster - March 29 - 2:46 am

  The wife and I were looking at all kinds of different vehicles and since it was going to be "her" car she was fixated on a Toyota Matrix. There was one at the local Kia dealer and we went to look at it. While she was test driving I went and looked at the Soul !. I asked her to test drive it on a whim and the next thing I know were driving off the lot with our new Kia! She loves this cruck. Its not a car and not a truck so weve dubbed it a "cruck". Some people dont like the wind noise on the highway. Thats why they put such an awesome stereo in this cruck. Turn it up, drive on and watch the MINIs stare!!! BUY THIS RIDE!!!

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  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.

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  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.

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  First KIA purchase - 2016 Kia Soul
  By Phil Smith - February 9 - 2:55 pm

  over all this is a great car it may seam small on the outside but inside it feels roomy. The telescoping wheel is a great feature with my long legs I can sit comfortably with the wheel close to me so my arms are not stretched out straight. My friends have commented on the amount of leg room they have in the back seat as well. the acceleration is a tad slow but with a 1.6 liter engine that should be expected. I opted for the manual transmission by choice, I love shifting on long car rides to help keep me awake. With that being said the shift knob is less than uncomfortable imagine a cue ball mounted on top because thats basically what they give you. The palm of my hand will start to hurt wile Im stuck in traffic. I have purchased an aftermarket shift knob to replace it. The EPA rated gas mileage at 31 highway, but with good shifting and keeping with the 65mph speed limit Im getting 34.5 mpg commuting 100 miles round trip to work and back each day. I do very little city driving, the highway is about 2 miles from my house and my work is about 7 miles from the exit so most of the miles I put on the car are true highway miles.

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  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!

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  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.

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  Great Little Car - 2013 Kia Soul
  By loversoul - January 13 - 10:24 am

  We got a Soul+ with the 1.6L and are glad that we did. The over all ride is good. If you can, like I did, take off the factory tires and get a good set of tires like good year or such it will make the ride even better the tires that are on them are what they call hard tires and make for a bit of a bumpy ride not bad but it is there. Also you should understand that there are blind spots that are really bad that is cause of the back pilards are so thick. The shifting when down shifting in the auto can be a bit jerky. 1.6L has good amount of horse power enough to get you going when you need to. The real test for us anyway is the back seat lots and lots of room for tall people

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  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.

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  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.