If you’re shopping for a compact vehicle, you likely want to know is kia soul a good car. The Kia Soul’s distinctive boxy design sets it apart visually in the compact car landscape, but its appeal goes much deeper than its unique look. This article will give you a clear, detailed breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs and budget.
Is Kia Soul A Good Car
Overall, the Kia Soul is a very good car for many drivers, particularly those who prioritize practicality, value, and personality. It offers a surprising amount of interior space, excellent standard technology, and strong warranty coverage. However, it may not be the best choice if you prioritize a sporty driving experience or the highest fuel economy in its class. Let’s examine the key areas that define its quality.
Standout Pros Of The Kia Soul
The Kia Soul excels in several important categories that matter to everyday drivers.
- Exceptional Interior Space: The boxy shape isn’t just for show. It creates a cavernous interior with more headroom and rear-seat legroom than many rivals. Cargo space is also impressive.
- Strong Value Proposition: The Soul typically comes with more standard features for the money than competitors. Even the base model is well-equipped.
- Excellent Warranty: Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is one of the best in the industry, providing long-term peace of mind.
- User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is intuitive, and higher trims offer large touchscreens with smartphone integration standard.
- Confident Driving Position: The tall, upright seating gives you a commanding view of the road, which many drivers prefer.
Considerations And Potential Cons
No car is perfect for everyone. Here are some areas where the Soul might not meet certain expectations.
- Average Fuel Economy: While decent, its EPA ratings often trail those of more aerodynamic competitors, especially on the highway.
- Engine Performance: The standard engine is adequate for city driving but can feel strained during highway merging or passing. The available turbocharged option addresses this.
- Road Noise: At higher speeds, more road and wind noise can enter the cabin compared to some more refined competitors.
- Firm Ride Quality: The suspension is tuned more for stability than plushness, so you might feel more bumps on rough roads.
In-Depth Performance And Driving Experience
Driving the Kia Soul is a unique experience defined by utility and comfort rather than sportiness.
Engine Options And Powertrain
For recent model years, the Soul typically offers two engine choices. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder provides enough power for daily commuting. The available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, found in the GT-Line and X-Line trims, delivers noticeably more pep and makes highway driving more confident. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is smooth but can be noisy under hard acceleration.
Handling And Ride Comfort
The Soul handles predictably. Its steering is light and easy at low speeds, making it great for parking and city maneuvering. The trade-off for its tall body is more body lean in corners than a sedan. The ride is composed but firm; you’ll appreciate it on the highway but notice it on broken pavement.
Fuel Efficiency Ratings
Fuel economy is a mixed bag. The standard engine achieves around 29 MPG combined, which is acceptable but not class-leading. The turbo engine’s efficiency is similar. If maximizing MPG is your top priority, a hybrid or a more traditional compact hatchback might be a better fit.
Interior Design, Space, And Comfort
This is where the Soul truly shines and justifies its design.
Passenger And Cargo Room
The interior feels airy and open. Even tall adults can sit comfortably in the back seat. Cargo space is a major selling point, with over 24 cubic feet behind the rear seats and nearly 63 cubic feet with them folded flat. This rivals many small SUVs.
Material Quality And Seating
Interior materials are durable and appropriate for the price point. Lower trims use more hard plastics, while higher trims add soft-touch surfaces and stylish accents. The seats are generally supportive and comfortable for long trips, with available heated and ventilated options.
Infotainment And Technology Features
Every Soul comes with a touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. Available upgrades include a larger 10.25-inch screen, premium audio systems, and wireless device charging. The physical buttons for climate control are a welcome, user-friendly touch.
Safety Features And Reliability Scores
Safety and dependability are crucial factors for any car buyer.
Standard And Available Safety Tech
Recent Kia Souls come with a good suite of standard driver-assistance features, often including:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Driver Attention Warning
- High Beam Assist
Available features can include Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control, and Surround-View Monitor.
Crash Test Ratings
The Kia Soul has consistently earned good scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), often securing a Top Safety Pick award. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ratings have also been strong, typically four or five stars overall.
Long-Term Reliability And Cost Of Ownership
Kia’s reputation for reliability has improved dramatically. The Soul has shown average to above-average reliability in recent years. The outstanding warranty covers major components for a decade, which significantly reduces long-term financial risk. Routine maintenance costs are in line with other compact cars.
Trim Levels And Value For Money
Understanding the trim levels helps you find the best value.
- LX: The base model is well-equipped with a 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and key safety features.
- S: Adds alloy wheels, upgraded upholstery, and additional convenience features.
- GT-Line: Offers sportier styling and the more powerful turbocharged engine.
- EX: Focuses on luxury with leather seats, a larger screen, and advanced safety tech.
- X-Line: Adds SUV-inspired styling cues and optional all-wheel drive.
The sweet spot for value is often the mid-level S or GT-Line trim, which balances price with desirable features.
Who Is The Kia Soul Best Suited For
The Soul is an ideal choice for specific types of drivers and lifestyles.
- Urban Dwellers and Commuters: Its easy parking, tall seating, and maneuverability are perfect for city life.
- Small Families and Pet Owners: The huge cargo area can fit strollers, gear, or a large dog crate with ease.
- Value-Conscious Buyers: You get a lot of car and features for your money, backed by a strong warranty.
- Drivers Who Want Personality: If you’re tired of anonymous-looking sedans, the Soul offers standout style.
How It Compares To Key Competitors
Let’s see how the Soul stacks up against other popular choices.
Kia Soul vs. Honda HR-V
The HR-V offers similar space and even more clever cargo solutions. It often has a slightly smoother ride and better resale value. However, the Soul typically provides more standard features and technology for a lower starting price, and its interior design is more playful.
Kia Soul vs. Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross is a more traditional small SUV with a reputation for bulletproof reliability and a comfortable ride. It’s a safer, more conservative choice. The Soul fights back with more engaging styling, often a lower price point, and a more youthful interior atmosphere.
Kia Soul vs. Hyundai Kona
The Kona, sharing a platform with the Soul, is more SUV-styled and offers available all-wheel drive. It can feel sportier to drive. The Soul counters with significantly more rear-seat and cargo space, making it the more practical choice for regularly carrying passengers or lots of stuff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kia Soul a reliable car?
Yes, the Kia Soul has demonstrated average to good reliability in recent years. Its strong point is Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is among the best and covers you for major issues for a long time.
What are common problems with the Kia Soul?
Some model years have had reports of issues with the catalytic converter, engine knocking, or premature wear on interior materials. It’s always wise to check the specific reliability history for the model year you’re considering. Regular maintenance is key to avoiding problems.
Is the Kia Soul good on gas?
The Kia Soul gets acceptable fuel economy, but it is not the leader in its class. You can expect around 29 miles per gallon combined with the standard engine. If fuel efficiency is your absolute top priority, you might consider a hybrid vehicle.
Is the Kia Soul being discontinued?
As of this writing, the Kia Soul is still in production for the North American market. There was speculation about its future, but Kia has confirmed it will continue for the forseeable future, often with updates to keep it competitive.
How much does a Kia Soul cost?
The Kia Soul has a very competitive starting price, typically several thousand dollars less than many small SUVs. Pricing varies by trim and options, but it remains one of the most affordable and feature-packed vehicles in its segment, offering strong value.
So, is the Kia Soul a good car? For the right driver, it absolutely is. It delivers a compelling package of space, style, technology, and warranty protection that’s hard to beat at its price point. While it may not excel in sporty driving or silent cruising, its everyday practicality and charming character make it a standout choice. The best way to know for sure is to take one for a test drive with your typical cargo and see if its unique blend of attributes fits your life.