2012 Kia Soul

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  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image
  • 2012 Kia Soul gallery image

Basic Specs

Base Price $13,900
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 2615
City (MPG) 27
Hwy (MPG) 35
Horsepower 138@6300
Torque (lb-ft) 123@4850
Wheelbase 100.4
Length (in.) 162.2
Width (in.) 70.3
Height (in.) 63.4

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.

Similar Cars

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    • General
    • Body Style: Hatchback
    • Size: Compact
    • Market Segment: Economy
    • Weight: 2615 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length: 162.2 in.
    • Width: 70.3 in.
    • Height: 63.4 in.
    • Wheelbase: 100.4 in.
    • Ground Clearance: 6.5 in.
    • Front Track: 61.8 in.
    • Rear Track: 62.5 in.
    • Weight Distribution: 60/40
    • Drag Coefficient: TBD
    • Interior - General
    • Seats: 5
    • Passenger Volume: 102.3 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume: 19.3 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): 53.4 cu. ft.
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 42.1 in.
    • Head Room: 40.2 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 55.2 in.
    • Hip Room: 53.3 in.
    • Interior - Second Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 39.0 in.
    • Head Room: 39.6 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 55.1 in.
    • Hip Room: 52.7 in.
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type: Gas
    • Engine Type: 1.6L I4
    • Power: 138 hp @ 6300 rpm
    • Torque: 123 lb-ft @ 4850 rpm
    • Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
    • Highway Fuel Economy: 35 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy: 27 mpg
    • Forced Induction: None
    • Direct Injection: Yes
    • Chassis
    • Layout: Front Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension: Strut-Type
    • Rear Suspension: Torsion-Beam
    • Wheels
    • Front: 15" Steel
    • Front Tires: 195/65R15
    • Rear: 15" Steel
    • Rear Tires: 195/65R15
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight: TBD
    • Payload: N/A
    • Tongue Weight: TBD

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    Step 1 - Trim

    Style

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      Base

      • Standard 138-HP GDI I4 engine with class-leading fuel economy up to 35 MPH/HWY and six-speed manual or automatic transmission
      • Updated, eye-catching styling inside and out
      • Advanced technology: Standard SiriusXM Satellite Radio and MP3/USB Connectivity
      • Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
      • 2011 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institude for Highway Safety

      Info
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      Soul +

      • Standard 164-HP MPI I4 engine with class-leading fuel economy up to 34 MPG/HWY and six speed manual or automatic transmission
      • Updated, eye catching styling inside and out
      • Advanced technology: SiriusXM Satellite Radio and MP3/USB Connectivity
      • Optional UVO Infotainment System wit hrearview camera
      • Hill-start Assist Control HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
      • 2011 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

      Info
    • Close

      Soul !

      • Standard 164-HP MPI I4 engine with class-leading fuel economy up to 34 MPG/HWY and six-speed automatic transmission
      • Updated, eye-catching stying inside and out with projector beam headlights, LED frotn accent lights and LED taillights
      • Standard UVO infotainment System with rearview camera
      • Available Premium Package with leather trim, heated front seats and voice-activated Navigation System
      • Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
      • 2011 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

      Info

    Engine

    Transmission

    Next
    Total Price:

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    Step 2 - Options

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    Options

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      Carpeted Floor Mats

      • These carpeted mats are custom fit and color-coordinated to match your Soul interior.

      Info
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      Auto-Dimming Mirror w/ Compass & HomeLink

      • N/A

      Info
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      Cargo Cover

      • N/A

      Info
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      Cargo Net

      • N/A

      Info
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      Rear Spoiler

      • N/A

      Info
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      Auto-Dimming Mirror w/ Compass

      • N/A

      Info
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      Rear Bumper Applique

      • N/A

      Info
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      Wheel Locks

      • N/A

      Info
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      16" Alloy Wheel

      • N/A

      Info
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      Interior Lighting

      • N/A

      Info
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