Kia Soul Review: Affordable, Stylish, and Surprisingly Spacious

The Everyday Hero in a Boxy Suit

When it comes to finding a compact car that merges utility, affordability, and personality, the Kia Soul stands out as an underrated champion. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, city commuter, or someone seeking practicality without sacrificing style, the Soul delivers in spades.

Many car shoppers want an economical vehicle that also brings comfort, technology, and a dose of fun. And when people ask which new car checks all those boxes, the Soul consistently tops the recommendation list — especially after its major update.

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What’s New: Refined but Familiar

At first glance, the redesigned Kia Soul may seem like a subtle evolution. Its trademark boxy silhouette remains intact — a nod to loyal fans who appreciate its unmistakable shape. However, under that familiar exterior lies a completely new platform with significant upgrades.

The 2020-and-later Soul boasts a longer wheelbase, which translates to better ride quality, increased interior room, and enhanced stability. The model lineup has expanded, offering five distinctive trims that cater to a variety of driving preferences and lifestyle needs.

Trim Levels Tailored to You

From the efficient LX to the sportier GT-Line Turbo, Kia ensures there’s a Soul for every type of driver. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• LX: Base model with solid essentials and an accessible price point.
• S: Enhanced safety and convenience features.
• EX: Upscale interior amenities and tech upgrades.
• GT-Line: Sporty aesthetics and performance-inspired design.
• GT-Line Turbo: Packs a punch with a turbocharged engine and premium features.

Whether you value economy, technology, or sporty flair, the Soul’s diverse trim offerings ensure a personalized fit.

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Powertrain Options That Work

Under the hood, most Souls are powered by a capable 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower. This engine strikes a balance between zippy urban responsiveness and highway composure. It's available with either a six-speed manual or Kia’s refined Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).

For thrill-seekers, the GT-Line Turbo features a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine generating 201 horsepower, paired with a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It’s an unexpectedly fun setup in a compact package.

Fuel Efficiency That Pays Off

One of the Soul’s strongest suits is its fuel economy. The 2.0-liter engine combined with the IVT achieves an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined. In real-world usage, this means fewer stops at the pump and more miles between fill-ups — a key consideration for budget-conscious drivers.

Even with the turbocharged variant, fuel efficiency remains respectable, making the Soul an economical companion for both city and highway adventures.

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Interior Comfort and Versatility

Step inside the Soul and you’re greeted by an airy cabin with generous headroom and clever use of space. Despite its compact exterior, the Soul delivers interior dimensions that rival larger vehicles in the segment.

The cargo area is equally impressive, with 24.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and up to 62.1 cubic feet with them folded — ideal for weekend getaways, daily errands, or pet-friendly travel.

Tech That Keeps You Connected

Kia equips the Soul with an intuitive infotainment system that features a 7- or 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available navigation. Higher trims add premium touches like wireless charging, a Harman Kardon audio system, and ambient interior lighting.

Whether you're streaming playlists, navigating city streets, or making hands-free calls, the Soul keeps you digitally connected without distraction.

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Safety Comes Standard

Kia continues its tradition of emphasizing safety with the Soul. Most trims come with Kia’s Drive Wise safety suite, which includes:

• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist
• LKA (Lane Keeping Assist)
• Driver Attention Warning
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance

These features help make the Soul not just a smart purchase, but a safe one too — especially for families or first-time car buyers.

Driving Experience: Smooth and Composed

Though it’s not marketed as a performance car, the Kia Soul surprises with a refined, comfortable ride and precise handling. It’s agile in city traffic, stable on highways, and easy to park — a perfect daily driver for both new and experienced motorists.

Steering feedback is light yet confident, and the suspension soaks up bumps effectively. The Soul manages to deliver a balanced ride that prioritizes comfort without feeling dull or disconnected.

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Quirky Character That Grows on You

Beyond specs and features, the Kia Soul’s charm lies in its unapologetic personality. The unique design, available vibrant color palette, and expressive details like LED lighting and floating rooflines give it a distinctive presence in a sea of bland crossovers.

This individuality resonates with buyers looking to stand out — making the Soul a vehicle that not only meets needs but reflects identity.

Affordability That Makes Sense

With a competitive starting price and an extensive list of standard features, the Kia Soul delivers remarkable value. Buyers get modern design, spaciousness, and advanced technology without stretching their budget.

When compared to rivals like the Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, or Nissan Kicks, the Soul remains a front-runner in terms of practicality and price-to-feature ratio.

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Why MotorVero Recommends the Kia Soul

At MotorVero, we focus on highlighting vehicles that offer reliability, usability, and standout design — and the Kia Soul checks all three. Whether you're a student, a growing family, or a value-savvy commuter, the Soul’s blend of personality and purpose makes it a top recommendation.

With its new underpinnings, expanded trims, and improved tech, this compact crossover punches well above its weight class.

Final Verdict: Practicality Meets Personality

The Kia Soul remains a standout in a crowded compact segment by staying true to its roots while embracing modern improvements. It’s proof that you don’t have to choose between affordability and personality, space and style, or tech and simplicity.

For drivers seeking an everyday vehicle that makes every day better, the Kia Soul is a compelling and confident choice.