The Kia Soul is a subcompact crossover SUV produced by the South Korean manufacturer Kia Motors since 2008. It is designed to be a compact, fuel-efficient vehicle that offers ample interior space and innovative features.
Design and Features
The Kia Soul has a unique boxy design with a flat roofline, giving it a distinctive appearance on the road. Its exterior dimensions are 166 inches (4,207 mm) in length, 70.3 inches (1,789 mm) in width, and 61.2 inches (1,554 mm) in height. The Soul's interior features a spacious cabin with plenty of legroom for passengers and cargo space behind the rear seats.
Standard features on the Kia Soul include:
- 6-way adjustable driver's seat
- 4-way adjustable passenger seat
- Cloth or leather-trimmed seats (depending on trim level)
- UVO infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen display
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming
Trim Levels
The Kia Soul is available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and GT-Line.
- The LX is the base model, featuring a 1.6L engine, manual transmission, and basic amenities.
- The S adds a 7-inch touchscreen display, rearview camera, and additional safety features like blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning.
- The EX upgrades to a 2.0L engine, automatic transmission, and advanced safety features like forward collision avoidance and driver attention monitor.
- The GT-Line is the top-of-the-line trim, featuring a sport-tuned suspension, unique exterior styling, and premium interior amenities.
Powertrain
The Kia Soul is powered by two engines: a 1.6L inline-4 and a 2.0L inline-4. The 1.6L engine produces 130 horsepower, while the 2.0L engine delivers 161 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a manual or automatic transmission.
Safety Features
The Kia Soul has an excellent safety record, earning top marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a 5-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features include:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rearview camera
Fuel Economy
The Kia Soul has an estimated EPA fuel economy of up to 26 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined. The 2.0L engine is slightly more efficient than the 1.6L engine.
Competitors
The Kia Soul competes with other subcompact crossover SUVs like the Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, and Nissan Kicks.
