The Kia Soul is a compact crossover with unique, boxy styling reminiscent of the original Scion xB. With solid fuel economy and a long list of standard and optional features, it represents a good value for those looking to escape the styling doldrums of the entry-level automotive segment.
Outside, the Soul is distinguished by a wide stance and an angled window line, along with a rounded noise and a beltline that rises from the front wheel arch to create a gentle wedge shape. The stylish look continues in the interior, where a distinctive and ergonomically friendly center stack can be set off by available body-color seats and trim pieces. Overall cabin space is a generous 102.3 cubic feet, while cargo volume is a useful 19.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up or a whopping 53.4 cubic feet with them folded down.
The Soul is available in three trim levels. The unimaginatively named Soul base model is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that produces 138 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. As with all Souls, a six-speed manual transmission comes standard while a six-speed auto is an extra-cost option; fuel economy with either transmission is 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Despite one of the lowest prices of any new car ($13,900), the most basic Soul comes with air conditioning, power locks, windows and mirrors and front and rear disc brakes.
Stepping up to the mid-range Soul+ nets a 2.0-liter four-pot with 164 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque and fuel economy just one mpg worse than the smaller engine in both city and highway cycles. The standard equipment list swells to include remote keyless entry, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control and 16-inch alloy wheels (base models get 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps). Additionally, buyers get the chance to choose between several optional features not available on the base Soul: a 350-watt Infinity sound system (packaged with a rearview camera), a power sunroof and front fog lamps.
Finally, the range-topping Soul! makes the Infinity sound system, rearview camera, sunroof and fog lamps standard, while also adding 18-inch alloy wheels, LED taillamps, a 4.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment display and HD radio technology. An available premium package includes heated front seats, leather seat trim, automatic climate control, a navigation system, and push button start with a smart key.
Buyers looking to eke out extra efficiency can opt for the Eco Package, which comes only with the automatic transmission incorporates stop/start technology that shuts down the engine when the car comes to a rest to save fuel, then automatically starts the motor once the driver hits the gas pedal. Low-rolling resistance tires are also included. With the package, fuel economy is rated at 29/36 mpg for the 1.6-liter and 27/35 for the 2.0-liter.
Safety features abound in the Soul, including duel front airbags, front seat-mounted and full-length side curtain airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, electronic brake distribution, a tire pressure monitoring system and a hill-start assist control system that holds the brake for two seconds on manual-transmission equipped models when the driver releases the brake from rest on an incline.
All of Kia’s offerings include a 10-year / 100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, a 5-year / 60,000 mile limited basic warranty, 5-year / 100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty and a 5-year / 60,000 mile 24-hour roadside assistance.
Key Competitors
Those looking for an spacious, fuel-efficient compact with a little character can consider alternatives to the Soul such as the asymmetrical Nissan Cube, the hip-to-be-square Scion xB and the Toyota Matrix.