Video Summary
- The Kia Soul represents a good intersection of style, affordability, and versatility.- 2021 model has even more standard equipment.
- The front exterior does not have the typical tiger nose grill like other Kia models.
- The headlights have a split design with a turn signal, a daytime running light up top, and a main halogen reflector beam unit in the middle. The fully loaded turbo model has LED lights.
- Kia provides each trim level with its own flavor including wheel design. The LX trim features a 16-inch wheel with a hubcap; and the EX trim has a dark finished 17 inch alloy.
- Blind spot monitoring is standard on all but the base trim level and heating is available on the top two trim levels.
- The car has a signature boxy design.
- Tail lights wrap around the rear and are incandescent, but are fully LED with the LED headlights.
- The color of the model in the review is called Undercover Green.
- The seats can be covered in either woven cloth, premium cloth, or leatherette trim depending on the model. Available in black and grey except for the Turbo model which has a black and red combination.
- The upper dashboard contains soft touch plastic, otherwise it is hard touch plastic.
- It has an auto dimming mirror and a power moon roof.
- The cargo space behind the second row is 24.2 cu. ft. and expands to 62.1 cu. ft. with the seats folded down.
- There is 12V outlet and LED lighting in the cargo area.
- Smart entry is standard on the EX trim level and the turbo model.
- The review model has an 8 way power adjusting seat. Turbo has a 10 way and everything else is a 6 way manual.
- Remote start is an added key fob feature on the 2021 model.
- All Kia Soul models will have side of the road safety systems, but they are standard only on the higher end models.
- There is a wireless phone charger.
- There are three different kinds of engine. This one comes equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which generates 147 hp and 132 pound feet of torque.
- Fuel economy for 2.0L CVT: 29/35/31MPG. The Turbo has 27/32/29 MPG.
- On the turbo, the engine generates 201 hp with 195 lb. ft. Torque.
- Has a standard Kia shifter, CVT, or 7-speed dual clutch transmission automatic on GT model, Manual also available.
- Sound insulation is very good. Road sound is quiet.
- Handles well and is stable.
- The X-Line model does not have all-wheel drive. This may cost Soul some potential sales, with this capability being a positive attribute of its rivals.
- Has a very user-friendly infotainment system, and provides standard Android Auto and Apple Carplay functionality.
- This KIA Soul offers a lot of value in terms of luxury, comfort and style.
- MSRP pricing: LX: $17,490 (w/ base manual); S: $20,590; X-Line: $21,690; GT-Line: $21,690; EX: $23,250; GT-Line Turbo: $27,550.
- The as equipped options on the tested EX come out to $24,505.
