About the Kia Soul

The Soul was introduced for the 2010 model year, a time when boxy cars like the Honda Element, Nissan Cube, and Scion xB had eked out a small niche in the U.S. market. The Soul has outlasted them all, though. A second-generation Soul was introduced for the 2014 model year, followed by a third-generation version that launched as a 2020 model. The third-generation is still on sale today as an alternative to more traditional small cars and crossovers.

What are the advantages of the Kia Soul?

Stylish design
Spacious
Excellent value for money

What is the best Kia Soul model year?

The Soul has been a fairly good car throughout its production run. However, certain powertrains were only available for a limited time. A 201-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission were available from model years 2020-2023. An all-electric Soul EV was also available as part of the second-generation Soul lineup, albeit only in certain states.

What are the disadvantages of the Kia Soul?

Fairly pedestrian performance
Uncomfortable seats
Advanced safety features are not standard

Comparison: Is the Kia Soul better than the Buick Encore?

The Soul is close in size to the Buick Encore, but has more distinctive styling. Kia also has a better reputation for reliability than Buick, and offers a longer warranty on its new cars. The Encore aspires to be a more premium offering than the Soul, but is still an entry-level model.

Is the Kia Soul a reliable car?

The Soul has received generally good ratings from J.D. Power. The 2023 model was the fifth-ranked small SUV, with a consumer-rating score of 80 points out of a possible 100. Older versions also did well in the J.D. Power rankings. The 2010 Soul received a score of 78 points.

Is the Kia Soul worth the cost?

The Soul offers comparable utility to popular subcompact crossovers (albeit without available all-wheel drive), but without the price premium many of these vehicles command. While not sporty, Soul models have generally been pleasant to drive as well. The Soul is also stylish, while remaining affordable.