Kia Soul

Introduction

The Kia Soul is a subcompact crossover SUV that was first introduced in 2008 as a 2009 model year vehicle. It is manufactured by the South Korean automaker Kia and is known for its distinctive boxy shape and fun, funky styling.

The first generation of the Kia Soul was in production from 2008 to 2013, while the second generation was produced from 2014 to 2019. The current, third-generation model was introduced for the 2020 model year and features a more refined exterior design, a spacious and comfortable cabin, and a host of advanced features and technologies.

The Kia Soul is available with a range of gasoline and electric powertrain options, including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, and an electric motor with a range of up to 243 miles. It also offers a variety of trim levels, from the base LX to the fully-loaded GT-Line Turbo, and comes with a range of standard and available features, such as a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, driver-assistance technologies, and more.

Overall, the Kia Soul is a versatile and practical vehicle that offers a unique combination of style, functionality, and value.

Performance

The Kia Soul is known for its nimble and agile handling, making it a fun car to drive. The performance of the Kia Soul varies depending on the engine and transmission options chosen. Here are some details on the different powertrain options available:

1.6-liter four-cylinder engine: The base model of the Kia Soul comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 130 horsepower and 118 lb-ft of torque. It comes with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.

2.0-liter four-cylinder engine: The more powerful engine option is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that offers smooth and efficient shifting.

1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine: For drivers who want a sportier performance, the Kia Soul offers a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that provides quick and responsive shifts.

Electric motor: The Kia Soul also offers an all-electric powertrain option with a 64 kWh battery pack that delivers an EPA-estimated range of up to 243 miles on a single charge. The electric motor produces 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque, making the Soul EV quick and responsive.

Overall, the Kia Soul offers a variety of powertrain options to suit different driving needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a fuel-efficient commuter or a sporty and fun-to-drive car, the Soul has something to offer.

Fuel Efficiency

The Kia Soul is known for its fuel efficiency, with most of its powertrain options offering impressive gas mileage. Here are the estimated fuel economy ratings for the different engine and transmission combinations available:

A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission: EPA-estimated fuel economy is 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed automatic transmission: EPA-estimated fuel economy is 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with continuously variable transmission (CVT): EPA-estimated fuel economy is 29 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.

A 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission: EPA-estimated fuel economy is 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.

Electric motor: The Kia Soul EV offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 243 miles on a single charge. Its electric motor is rated at 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque, and its MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) rating is 127 city and 101 highway.

Overall, the Kia Soul offers excellent fuel efficiency for a vehicle in its class, making it a great choice for drivers who want to save on gas costs. The electric powertrain option provides an even more efficient and environmentally friendly driving experience.

Comfort and Convenience

The Kia Soul is known for offering a comfortable and convenient driving experience, with a range of features designed to enhance passenger comfort and convenience. Here are some of the features that make the Kia Soul a comfortable and convenient vehicle:

1. Spacious and comfortable cabin: The Kia Soul offers a roomy cabin that can comfortably seat up to five passengers. The seats are supportive and comfortable, and there is plenty of headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats.
2. Advanced infotainment system: The Kia Soul comes with an advanced infotainment system that includes a touchscreen display, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trim levels also offer features like a premium Harman Kardon audio system, a larger touchscreen display, and a wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones.
3. Climate control system: The Kia Soul comes with a climate control system that allows passengers to adjust the temperature and airflow to their liking. Higher trim levels also offer features like heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and automatic climate control.
4. Driver-assistance technologies: The Kia Soul offers a range of driver-assistance technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels also offer features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display.
5. Cargo space: The Kia Soul offers a generous amount of cargo space, with 24.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and up to 62.1 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down. This makes it easy to transport luggage, groceries, or other large items.

Overall, the Kia Soul offers a comfortable and convenient driving experience, with a range of features designed to enhance passenger comfort and convenience. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or taking a road trip, the Kia Soul has everything you need to make the journey more enjoyable.

Interior and Exterior Design

The Kia Soul has a unique and recognizable design that sets it apart from other cars in its class. Its interior and exterior are both designed with a focus on functionality, style, and comfort. Here’s a closer look at the design of the Kia Soul:

Exterior Design:

• Bold and distinctive exterior styling: The Kia Soul has a boxy and angular design with a tall roofline, making it instantly recognizable on the road. It also features a distinctive front grille and sleek headlights, giving it a modern and edgy look.
• Available two-tone color options: The Soul offers a range of available two-tone color options, with contrasting roof and body colors that give it a fun and playful look.
• Large and bold wheels: The Kia Soul’s wheels are larger than many cars in its class, adding to its unique and sporty appearance.
• Standard LED lighting: The Soul comes standard with LED lighting, including headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights. This provides better visibility and a more modern look.

Interior Design:

• Roomy and functional cabin: The Kia Soul’s cabin is designed to be spacious and comfortable, with ample headroom and legroom for passengers. It also features functional storage solutions throughout the interior, including a large center console and door pockets.
• Unique design elements: The Soul features a variety of unique design elements, such as circular air vents, a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel, and an available 10.25-inch touchscreen display. This gives the interior a modern and upscale feel.
• Premium materials: The Kia Soul is available with a range of premium materials, including leather upholstery and soft-touch materials on the dash and door panels. This adds to the vehicle’s overall comfort and refinement.

Overall, the Kia Soul’s interior and exterior design are both standout features of the vehicle. Its boxy and angular exterior gives it a modern and edgy look, while its roomy and functional cabin offers a comfortable and stylish driving experience.

Safety

The Kia Soul has a variety of safety features that are designed to protect passengers and help prevent accidents. Here are some of the safety features available in the Kia Soul:

1. Advanced airbag system: The Kia Soul comes with a comprehensive airbag system that includes dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, and full-length side-curtain airbags.
2. Active safety features: The Kia Soul offers a range of active safety features, including electronic stability control, traction control, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels also offer features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
3. Advanced braking system: The Kia Soul features an advanced braking system that includes anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist. Higher trim levels also offer features like smart cruise control with stop and go, which can automatically adjust your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
4. Structural safety features: The Kia Soul is designed with a strong and rigid body structure that is engineered to absorb and distribute impact forces in the event of a collision. The vehicle also features a range of crumple zones and reinforced steel beams to help protect passengers in the event of an accident.
5. Child safety features: The Kia Soul is designed with a range of child safety features, including child seat anchors and tethers, rear door child safety locks, and a rear seat reminder system. These features can help ensure that children are properly secured and protected while riding in the vehicle.

Overall, the Kia Soul is a safe and reliable vehicle that is designed to protect passengers and help prevent accidents. Whether you’re driving around town or taking a road trip, the Kia Soul has everything you need to stay safe and secure on the road.

Reliability

The Kia Soul has a reputation for reliability, with a strong track record of dependability and durability. Kia has been consistently ranked high in reliability by respected third-party organizations, such as J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. Here are some of the factors that contribute to the Kia Soul’s reliability:

1. Warranty: Kia offers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is one of the longest and most comprehensive in the industry. This provides owners with added peace of mind and helps to ensure that the vehicle is covered for a longer period of time.
2. Quality manufacturing: Kia has invested heavily in improving the quality of its manufacturing processes, which has resulted in a significant improvement in reliability over the years. The company uses high-quality materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques to ensure that each vehicle is built to the highest standards.
3. Regular maintenance: Like any vehicle, the Kia Soul requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly and prevent breakdowns. However, the Soul’s maintenance needs are relatively low, with fewer required service intervals and lower overall maintenance costs compared to some other vehicles in its class.
4. Low cost of ownership: The Kia Soul’s reliability and low maintenance costs contribute to a lower overall cost of ownership compared to many other vehicles in its class. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable and affordable vehicle.

Overall, the Kia Soul’s reliability is one of its standout features. With a long warranty, quality manufacturing, and low maintenance costs, the Soul is a vehicle that you can depend on for years to come.

Value for money

The Kia Soul is widely regarded as an excellent value for the money, thanks to its combination of affordability, quality, and features. Here are some of the factors that make the Kia Soul a great value:

1. Affordability: The Kia Soul is priced competitively compared to other vehicles in its class, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious buyers. It also has a low cost of ownership, with relatively low maintenance costs and good fuel economy.
2. Quality: Despite its affordable price, the Kia Soul is built with high-quality materials and manufacturing processes, resulting in a durable and reliable vehicle. It also comes with a long warranty, giving buyers added peace of mind.
3. Features: The Kia Soul is packed with features, including advanced safety and technology features that are often only available on more expensive vehicles. Even the base model comes with features like a touchscreen infotainment system and a rearview camera.
4. Practicality: The boxy shape of the Kia Soul provides ample interior space for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for daily use or road trips.
5. Fun factor: The Kia Soul has a unique and eye-catching design that sets it apart from other vehicles in its class. It’s also available with a range of fun and playful color options and has a comfortable and stylish interior.

Overall, the Kia Soul is an excellent value for the money, with a combination of affordability, quality, features, and practicality that make it an attractive option for a wide range of buyers.

Conclusion

The Kia Soul is a unique and practical vehicle that is a great choice for a wide range of buyers. It has a long list of features, including advanced safety and technology features, that are often only available on more expensive vehicles. Its boxy shape provides ample interior space for passengers and cargo, and it has a fun and playful design that sets it apart from other vehicles in its class.