Overview & Reviews

The 2012 Kia Soul arrives with a number of notable upgrades, including more powerful and fuel-efficient engines, new six-speed transmissions and revised steering. Styling has been updated inside and out, and there are a number of new technology options.

• Long warranty.
• Ample passenger space
• Funky style
• User-friendly controls
• Loads of available features
• Low price
• Top crash scores

• Noisy and busy highway ride.
• Limited cargo room versus competitors

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 41.00

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  Great Fuel Economy, and Fun! - 2012 Kia Soul
  By kamiller1991 - August 30 - 8:06 pm

  I fell in love with this car when I saw it on the commercials, and to actual find out that its fun to drive and gets great gas mileage when I actual went to look at it was AWESOME! It has plenty of room in the trunk for my two dogs (Labrador and a Pug) so I dont have to worry about fur on the seats. It also has plenty of room to load of the baby and the husband! I have been able to get up to 41mpg on the highway (going 55mph, not really highway, high speed back roads) and anywhere from 32mpg-35mpg city. The only thing I do not like about the car is the clutch stick when youre on a hill, I tend to gun it because I forget it kicks in. Other than that, GREAT car!

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  Love the Soul! - 2012 Kia Soul
  By cheat - July 17 - 1:39 am

  I bought my 2012 Kia Soul Base new in July 2012. I tried out Audis, VWs, Volvos, Chevrolets, and the Soul hands-down won me over. I LOVE the high stance (just wish they had an AWD option), quirky exterior, and modern interior. Even with the base model (auto, btw) its loaded with features - Bluetooth (which is awesome!), power everything except mirrors, cruise control, USB and AUX ports, you get the point. I have had no issues with my Soul, and have since put about 20,000 on it in less than a year, and love every mile Ive driven it. It really has some get-up-and-go for a 1.8 L 4 cyl. Ive added my own unique features to the car, such as a red carbon fiber interior/exterior kit.

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  I love my 2012 Kia Soul Base Automatic w/options - 2012 Kia Soul
  By sprchrgrguy - March 7 - 10:59 am

  I bought my new 2012 Soul base automatic in mid September. BRIGHT SILVER. I Love Love it! I was going to settle for the base base manual but once I drove the automatic base I fell in love. Its not over loaded but just loaded enough. Cruise, sports matic, side blinkers, bluetooth, steering wheel controls and ECO. I am sure their is more.This is my fourth Kia and so happy with KIA. All their cars are great! Even though it only has the hubcaps it sure looks great. I already have 3300 miles on it. and looking forward to many many more.

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  My happy Soul - 2012 Kia Soul
  By Debbie - January 16 - 5:20 pm

  This was by far the best choice we have ever made in a car. We looked at a Prius n other similar cars but we are a tall family n the Prius was too low in the back for my grandchildren n adult children. This car fits everyone well n is solidly built. (You can here it when you close the door.). I have a friend who has one n was hit from behind at a tremendous impact but the car took it n was able to be repaired without damage to its core frame. The body shop man was amazed n said that it took one h*ll of a hit but was ok. Really protected the riders that day. We have now owned this car almost 5 yrs and as our other vehicles "die" we will be visiting the Kia store to add more to our family.

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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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  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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  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!

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  we actually got a 2014 Soul ! - 2012 Kia Soul
  By Suzanne Matousek - August 17 - 12:02 am

  We bought it used from Heritage Hyundai. The salesperson was great Mr. Hamm. We will go there again to purchase our next vehicle.

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  Great "Around Town" Car - 2012 Kia Soul
  By jra8 - June 9 - 8:30 pm

  Definately a fun car to drive. Bought as companion to Chrysler Van, whose capacity I need about 20% of the time. The Soul is perfect fo the 80% of the time it is 1 or 2 people, and a brief case or gym bag. I am getting 31-33 MPG around town (1.6lengine,automatic). I use ECO mode about half the time. Love how quick and agile it is. Interesting that highway mileage has been well below estimates. At 70 MPH, RPMs are 2800. Need to be at about 55 to get advertised MPG. Overall, very happy after 1000 miles.

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  We LOVE this car!! - 2012 Kia Soul
  By chevegan - May 13 - 2:59 pm

  This car is a dream. Weve owned (all new) Honda: accord, civic, Pilot, Toyota Camry, Subaru Legacy, PT cruiser (loser), as well as an 08 Kia spectra, and currently a family owned since new 97 mbz e420. Of ALL those cars, Barring maybe the 09 legacy this car trumps them all in being an all around beauty and performer. With the seats down its a workhorse, with a car seat 2 adults can fit in the back seat. The back with optional tray is exceptionally organized and has plenty of room for your day to day runs. I have severe nerve damage to back and leg and this thing pulls off an outstandingly comfortable ride, note the exclaim model has better ride comfort