Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $28,710 (Base Model: $18,485)
Seating Capacity: 4
Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; a temporary spare tire; hillstart assist control system; vehicle stability control system; a tire pressure monitoring system; a forward collision avoidance system; and a lane keep assist system
Standard Equipment Base LX Model: 6-inch wheels; 2.0-liter engine; a 6-speed manual transmission; privacy rear glass; power adjustable exterior mirrors; black front grille; body color accents; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering; no center console armrest and storage; an illuminated glove box; cargo net hooks; cloth seats; manual adjustable front seats; 60/40 split folding rear seat; polyurethane gearshift knob; and a 7-inch infotainment screen
Standard Equipment GT Model: 18-inch wheels; 2.0-liter engine; variable automatic transmission; a start and stop gas feature; sporty front and rear fascia; integrated fog lights on front grille; gloss black side mirrors; a racing-like leather steering wheel and gearshift knob; premium cloth seats; remote keyless entry system; panic alarm key with trunk opener; front center console and armrest; and cruise control
(Test Vehicle) Standard Equipment GT Model with 1.6-liter Turbo Engine: 1.6-liter turbo engine/201-horsepower; a 7-speed dual clutch transmission; heated exterior mirrors; LED headlights lights; power sunroof with sunshade; rear center armrest with cupholders; Sofino and cloth trim; power driver’s seat with lumbar support; heated front seats; front passenger seat back pocket; a heated steering wheel; outside mirrors with one-touch triple indicator; a dual automatic temperature control; a 10-inch infotainment screen; a navigation system; a Harman Kardon premium audio system with speakers and a subwoofer; audio speaker lights; a wireless charging system; Bluetooth with voice recognition; 12-volt power outlet in the cargo area; a push button ignition starter system; keyless entry (doors and trunk); a forward collision avoidance system with pedestrian detection; a lane change assist system; a blind spot collision warning system; a rear traffic collision avoidance assist system; a radar-activated cruise control system; and a heads up display system
Other Trims:
S
X-Line
EX
Optional Features On Test Vehicle: one cargo floor mats and cargo tray
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM
Android Auto/Apple CarPlay: Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
USB Connectivity: Yes
Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder/147-hp
Recommended Fuel: Unleaded
Standard Fuel Mileage: 27-city/32-hwy
What’s New: The brand’s second-generation cube-like crossover has been reworked inside and out. An all-new 2.0-liter engine joins Kia’s powertrains.
Why:
The second-generation Soul has evolved with a fresh and more modern look as it
continues to adorn its box like styling.
The
Soul is available in six trims, ranging from the base S model to the higher end
EX Designer Collection.
Beyond
the reinterpreted styling, which still looks like the model it replaces, the
new Soul adds a number of new features which enhances the overall experience.
Due
to the new styling the front door openings are larger, the front fenders are
beefier and the roof rack now has mounting points. The design team also
improved the opening of the rear liftgate, making it wider and lower. They also
added a dual level cargo board too, making it easier to accommodate larger
items too.
Inside
the vehicle, this year’s infotainment screen expands to 10.25-inches, making it
easier to use and read, while searching for directions, a satellite channel or using
the back-up camera. An optional HUD (heads up display) is available, a wireless
charging pad, a rocking 640-watt Harman Kardon audio system, too.
Under
the hood, the Soul is powered by two powertrains, a 2.0-liter and an all-new
1.6-liter turbo charge engine, which produces 147 and 201-horspower,
respectively. The 2.0-liter engine is offered in a manual, while the peppier
engine is only available in an automatic transmission.
The
Soul, with is upright seating and car-like ride, is available in a new
sportier-looking GT trim. The vehicle we reviewed was outfitted with this
package. This trim distinguished itself from the Soul’s line up with its
18-inch wheels, gloss black side mirrors, exterior badging, distinguishable
fascia and leather wrapped sports steering wheel. A chrome tip exhaust, larger
disc brakes and a sport-tuned suspension can be added to the iconic vehicle.
Lastly,
the Soul is available with the latest safety driving aids, depending upon the
trim. They can range from a forward collision assist system to automatic high
beam headlights to a radar activated cruise control system.
But:
While the Soul GT, with the optional 201-horsepower engine, has the look of
being a road runner, it’s not. With the sports mode, we’re were expecting a
more engaging driving experience in terms of both the suspension system and
steering capabilities. The car is more about show than performance, although we
appreciated the additional horsepower, when compared to the base engine.
Also,
we wish the interior designers would consider adding a sliding front center
armrest to the vehicle. This would be great for height-challenged occupants.
Lastly,
Kia has been known for adding ventilated fronts seats in their vehicles. Why is
it that this Kia doesn’t offer the feature?
Verdict:
The lone ranger,
Kia’s Soul, was once in good company with other quirky models like Scion’s Xb
and Nissan’s Cube. However, while the others have faded away, the Soul has
outlasted both micro cars due its fresh design and broader appeal. Kia’s design
team did an excellent job of reinterpreting a vehicle that was once associated
with mice in its popular playful ads.
The
Soul, which is outselling last year’s model, based upon CYTD sales continues to
be a hit for the brand, appealing to all age demographics. The vehicle
continues to be affordable, expressive and seemingly well built. In an industry
with a lot of ‘me-too- designs in the compact crossover segment, Kia has
produced another winner in a segment that really doesn’t have any competitors
that looks quite like it.
Premium Competitors: MINI
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