Kia Soul

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Kia Soul
2020 Kia Soul GT-Line 2.0L front (2) 5.31.19.jpg
2020 Kia Soul GT Line (US)
Overview
ManufacturerKia
Production2008–present
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact crossover SUV
Body style5-door SUV
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive

The Kia Soul is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed worldwide by Kia.[1]

Designed at Kia's design center in California, the Soul debuted at the 2008 Paris Motor Show and is manufactured in South Korea. Since 2014, Kia has marketed an electric variant as the Soul EV in North and Central America as well as Europe.

First generation (AM; 2008)[]

First generation (AM)
2010 Kia Soul Base.jpg
Pre-facelift Kia Soul (US)
Overview
Production2008–2013
Model years2009–2013 (Asia)
2010–2013 (other markets)
Assembly
DesignerMike Torpey (2005)
Body and chassis
PlatformHyundai-Kia PB
Related
Powertrain
Engine
  • 1.6 L Gamma MPI I4 (petrol)
  • 1.6 L Gamma GDI I4 (petrol)
  • 2.0 L Beta II I4 (petrol)
  • 2.0 L Nu MPI I4 (petrol)
  • 2.0 L Nu GDI I4 (petrol)
  • 1.6 L U II CRDI I4 (diesel)
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,550 mm (100.4 in)
Length4,105 mm (161.6 in) (2009–2011)
4,120 mm (162.2 in) (2012–2013)
Width1,785 mm (70.3 in)
Height1,610 mm (63.4 in)
Curb weight1,170–1,336 kg (2,579–2,945 lb)

The Soul concept was styled by Mike Torpey in early 2005. As a new member of Kia's Design Team in Irvine, California, Torpey was sent to Kia Korea to brainstorm a new vehicle. After seeing a television documentary on wild boars and learning of their importance in Korean culture, Torpey sketched a caricature of a boar wearing a backpack. The New York Times reported "the boar's attitude of strength and capability was the image [Torpey] wanted for a new model aimed at hip urban youths."[3]

The Soul bares inspiration from a cancelled Volkswagen SUV proposal based on the Volkswagen Fox platform designed under the supervision of Peter Schreyer, who would become Kia's chief designer in 2006 and incorporate the design into the Soul.[4][5]

According to the Automotive News, the Soul had been criticized for a "plasticky" interior and a harsh ride.[6] Both the ride quality and interior were upgraded during the first year of production.[citation needed]

Features[]

The interior features two front bucket seats and a rear flat-folding bench seat that can adjust to prioritize passenger or cargo volume.[7]

Interior
Pre-facelift Kia Soul CRDi (UK)

The first generation was marketed with a six-speaker stereo system that includes a CD player, a USB port for iPod connection, and Sirius Satellite Radio. Additional features available for upgrade included additional speakers, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and Bluetooth for hands-free connectivity.[8]

Options included themed special editions as well as 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, racing stripes, "dragon" and "houndstooth" graphics, and LED turn indicators.[8]

For 2011, the Kia Soul was updated with more conventional pull-out door handles, standard metallic interior trim, redesigned instrument cluster, leather shift boot, and switchblade style fold-in integrated key and remote, with an optional Smart Key available in the Exclaim ("!") trim.

2012 Kia Soul 1.6 (UK)

For model year 2012, the Soul received revised exterior and interior styling and new powertrains. In North America the updated 1.6 liter engine, featuring direct injection, makes 138 hp/123 lb-ft; the 2.0 liter engine makes 164 hp/148 lb-ft of torque. The 1.6 now delivers 25–26 mpg in the city and 30–31 on the highway. The 2.0 returns 23–24 in the city and 28–29 on the highway.[9] New features included navigation, UVO infotainment, leather and heated seats and automatic climate control.[10]

As part of the 2012 upgrades, European models were fitted with new 1.6-liter GDI gasoline or 1.6 CRDi diesel engines, both of which can be specified with an automatic gearbox or a new six-speed manual gearbox, replacing the five-speed unit in the old version. As a result, the gasoline offers a 14 bhp uplift in power compared to its predecessor, while returning improved fuel economy. The modified 1.6 CRDi diesel returns 57.6 mpg and has cut its CO2 emissions from 138  g/km to 129g/km – particularly important for the European market where taxation is based on carbon emissions.[11]

The 2013 North American Kia Soul received upgrades including 3 new colors, a bulged hood, revised grille with black chrome accents, LED red tail lights, LED amber front turn signals under the headlights and white LED running lights under the front turn signals. The exterior Kia badges became now smooth instead of raised lettering. Inside, audio controls were relocated to the steering wheel and Bluetooth became standard across the range. Upper trims included power folding heated mirrors with turn signal repeaters. The center display for sound system was previously red LED and was revised to include a full color range. The Kia Soul will be a mini SUV after 2013 in its second generation which the Kia Track'ster will succeed the first generation Kia Soul.

Special editions[]

Kia Soul Denim (2010)

The Denim is a limited (1200 units) version of 2010 Kia Soul Soul+ for the US market. Appearing in June 2009, it features a blue body color with white racing stripes, white painted side-view mirrors, and white, 18-inch, alloy wheels.[12][13]

Kia Soul Dragon (2010)

The Shadow Dragon edition is based on the Soul trim line and was limited to about 1900 units. Exterior details include shadow black paint with matte-black dragon graphics on its hood and tailgate, gloss-black bumper inserts, a body-color rear wing and 18 inch black alloy wheels. The interior features heated, black leather trimmed seats. MSRP for Shadow Dragon Soul starts at $18,195 with a five speed manual transmission or $19,195 with the available four-speed automatic.[14]

The Kia Soul Tiger (2010)

The Soul White Tiger Special Edition comes with features such as Clear White with Grey exterior graphics, body colored bumpers, sport rear spoiler, black 18-inch alloy wheels, black fender vents with side marker repeater, rear bumper applique, alloy fuel door, black leather seat trim, heated front seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, push button start with smart key, illuminated sill plates, automatic climate control and front fog lights.

Soul Flex (2010)

Kia presented the Soul Flex at the 2010 São Paulo International Auto Show. The Soul Flex is the first Korean flexible-fuel vehicle capable of running on any blend from E20-E25 gasoline (mandatory Brazilian blend) to E100 (neat ethanol). The new Soul Flex delivers a 44% improvement in fuel efficiency compared with the existing gasoline model, as well as superior power and torque.[15]

Powertrain[]

The North American version of the Soul was initially available in 2010 and 2011 with one of two inline four-cylinder gasoline engines. The base model is powered by a 1.6-liter unit producing 122 bhp (91 kW) and mated exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission.[16] Higher trims feature a 2.0-liter unit producing 142 bhp (106 kW) connected to a standard five-speed manual transmission with a four-speed automatic available as a stand-alone option.[17] A 1.6-liter diesel engine producing 126 bhp (94 kW) and 260 N⋅m (192 lb⋅ft) torque is offered in European models instead of the 2.0-liter gas, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

For the 2012 model, the Soul received two new transmissions and a new engine: 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions replaced the old choices, and the new 2.0-liter Nu engine replacing the old Beta engine; the 1.6-liter Gamma engine remained as the base model choice. The Gamma 1.6 gets a new dual variable valve timing (128 HP), and in some countries, gets a direct injection fuel system.[18]

Specs hide
Model Years Transmission Power@rpm Torque@rpm 0–100 km/h
(0–62 mph)
(Official)		 Top Speed
1.6 Gamma II MPi 2008–2011 5-speed manual
4-speed automatic		 126 PS (93 kW; 124 hp) @ 6,300 rpm 15.9 kg⋅m (156 N⋅m; 115 lbf⋅ft) @ 4,200 rpm 11.0s (Manual) 177 km/h (110 mph) (Manual)
162 km/h (101 mph) (Automatic)
2012–2013 6-speed manual
6-speed automatic		 129 PS (95 kW; 127 hp) @ 6,300 rpm 16 kg⋅m (157 N⋅m; 116 lbf⋅ft) @ 4,850 rpm
1.6 Gamma II GDi 2012–2013 6-speed manual
6-speed automatic		 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) @ 6,300 rpm 17 kg⋅m (167 N⋅m; 123 lbf⋅ft) @ 4,850 rpm 10.4s (Manual)
10.9s (Automatic)		 180 km/h (112 mph)
2.0 Beta II 2008–2011 5-speed manual
4-speed automatic		 142 PS (104 kW; 140 hp) @ 6,000 rpm 19 kg⋅m (186 N⋅m; 137 lbf⋅ft) @ 4,600 rpm
2.0 Nu MPi 2012–2013 6-speed manual 166 PS (122 kW; 164 hp) @ 6,500 rpm 20.5 kg⋅m (201 N⋅m; 148 lbf⋅ft) @ 4,800 rpm
1.6 U II CRDi 2008–2011 5-speed manual
4-speed automatic		 128 PS (94 kW; 126 hp) @ 4,000 rpm 26.5 kg⋅m (260 N⋅m; 192 lbf⋅ft) @ 1,900–2,750 rpm 11.3s (Manual)
11.9s (Automatic)		 182 km/h (113 mph) (Manual)
176 km/h (109 mph) (Automatic)
2011–2013 6-speed manual
6-speed automatic		 10.7s (Manual)
11.7s (Automatic)		 180 km/h (112 mph) (Manual)
177 km/h (110 mph) (Automatic)

Safety[]

Kia Soul earned a maximum five star safety rating from Euro NCAP.[19][full citation needed] In 2009, According to Euro NCAP, the five star safety rating places Kia Soul among the safest B-segment family cars in the world.[20] The Soul was awarded the maximum five star safety rating by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), but only on the New Zealand version. Australian versions get 4 out of 5 stars.

IIHS scores[21]
Moderate overlap frontal offset Good
Small overlap frontal offset Poor
Side impact Good
Roof strength Good
Head restraints & seats Good

Euro NCAP test results for a LHD, 5-door hatchback variant on a 2009 registration:

Euro NCAP test results
Kia Soul (2009)[22]
Test Points %
Overall: 5 /5 stars
Adult occupant: 31.2 75%
Child occupant: 42 86%
Pedestrian: 13.9 39%
Safety assist: 6 86%

Concepts[]

  • Kia Soul Diva concept

  • Kia Soul Burner concept

  • Kia Eco-Soul concept

  • Kia Soul'ster concept at the 2010 Montreal Show

Kia Soul Concept (2006)
Kia Soul Concept
Kia Soul Concept (Montreal).jpg
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact crossover SUV
Body style5-door SUV
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
RelatedKia Mesa
Powertrain
Engine2.0 L I4
Transmission5-speed automatic

The design was based on the Kia Mesa concept and it was initially introduced as a compact crossover with a 5-door SUV body styling with 5 seats and suicide doors. It included a 2.0 L I4 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability and adaptive cruise control.

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.[23]

By late 2008, Kia announced it would put the car into production as a 2009 model.[24]

Kia Soul Burner, Diva, Searcher (2008)

The Kia Soul Burner, Diva, and Searcher are concept vehicles, created by Kia's European design team, under the guidance of Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.[25]

The Soul Diva was created as a fashion accessory for a style-conscious young-at-heart woman, who regards her car to be as important as her entire outfit. It included a white, gold and black color scheme, full-length tinted glass panoramic roof, glossy black imitation leather, using 'quilted' stitching and trimmed to look like sofas, and black long-pile 'Pony-hide' carpet.

The Soul Burner was described as the 'bad boy' of Soul concepts.[citation needed] It included a solid roof panel and no roof rails, 245/40R19 tires, 4 bucket seats,[26] and L-shaped day-light LED driving lamps around the outer edges. At the rear, two vertical exhaust pipes were placed at the extremes of the bumper.

Kia's Soul Searcher was designed to capture the spirit of Korean and Far Eastern culture, with a focus on achieving personal inner peace and creating a calm cocoon for the occupants. It included an old leather finish on the bonnet, powered folding roof, tailgate panel, dashboard, door panels and steering wheel rim, plus gray-beige felt floor and seats.

The Soul Hamstar Edition, introduced in 2011, featured body colored bumpers, rear sport spoiler, black 18-inch wheels, black fender vents w/side marker repeater, rear bumper applique, matte alloy fuel door, hamstar exterior graphics, black leather seating, heated seats, hamstar edition floor mats, smart key push button starting, automatic climate control, fog lights, and leather steering wheel and shift knob.

The vehicles were unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.[27] The Soul Burner later appeared at the 2008 SEMA show.[28]

Kia Soul Hybrid (2008)

The Soul Hybrid/Eco-Soul is a concept vehicle with Gamma 1.6L gasoline engine, an electric motor rated 15 kW (20 PS; 20 hp) and 105 N⋅m (77 lbf⋅ft), continuously variable transmission, ISG (Idle Stop&Go), regenerative braking.

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show[29][30] and later at Auto Shanghai[31] and later at the Canadian International Auto Show.

Kia Soul'ster Concept (2009)

The Soul'ster is a concept vehicle which is a subcompact crossover SUV with a 2-door, 4-seater cabriolet SUV body styling with an open roof over the rear seats. It includes dual chrome exhaust, polished aluminum exhaust tips featuring carbon-fiber interior sleeves, and 19-inch 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. It is similar to the Jeep Wrangler. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 NAIAS.

The production version includes a choice of 1.6L I4 rated at 120 hp (89 kW) with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 2.0L I4 rated at 120 hp (89 kW) with a 5-speed manual transmission.[32] It went on sale in 2010.[33]

Marketing[]

Kia Soul exhibit at the 2009 SEMA auto show in Las Vegas.

After the Soul's release, Kia USA launched commercials in a campaign titled "A new way to roll", created by Los Angeles-based ad agency David&Goliath,[34] and featuring city streets with animated hamsters on stationary hamster wheels. The commercials have attracted popularity on video-sharing sites[35] and were awarded "Automotive Ad of the Year" at the Nielsen Automotive Advertising Awards.[36]

Featured songs include "Do What You Do" by Marz, "Fort Knox" by Goldfish, "Junkyard" by The Potbelleez, "colors" by Calvin Harris, "The Choice Is Yours (Revisited)" by Black Sheep, "Applause" by Lady Gaga and, during the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO.

A 2013 Soul commercial, released August 2012, featured the song "In My Mind (Axwell Remix)" by Ivan Gough, Feenixpawl and Georgi Kay[37] with hamsters at an 18th-century opera house to the song.

In October 2011, the Kia Soul Hamsters were inducted into the Madison Avenue Walk of Fame, advertising industry's equivalent of Hollywood and Vine.[citation needed] As of 2011, Kia is also the only car manufacturer to be inducted. From 2010 to 2012, Kia released a series of commercials for the Soul featuring professional golfer Michelle Wie.[38][39]

As an April Fool's Day joke, Kia published a press release on a new environmentally friendly concept based on the Soul in 2010, called the Air Propulsion and Retardation Installation Line. The concept used sensors on the bumpers and retractable panels to harness the flow of wind.[40]

Reviews and awards[]

The Kia Soul earned a red dot design award in 2009.[41] In a Popular Mechanics comparison, the Kia Soul surpassed the Nissan Cube and the Scion xB.[42] Fifth Gear gave it a 4/5 rating,[43] as did The Times[44] and WhatCar?.[45] Kia Soul was named to the Kelley Blue Book's '5 Great Deals' List,[46] and recognized by the Texas Auto Writers Association as 'Best Value'.[47]

The Kia Soul was recognized on 'Coolest New Cars Under US $18,000' List by Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com in 2009.[48] The Kia Soul'ster was also awarded 2009 Concept Truck of the Year[49] and named to 'Top 10 Back-to-School Cars' List by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.[50] Kia Soul was named "Best Car 2009" by the Chilean daily newspaper La Tercera, and Kia Motors Chile was also selected as "Best Maker of the Year 2009" in Chile.[51]

The Soul's residual value after three years was valued at 56 percent of the original value to take the top place in its segment in the Automotive Lease Guide's latest report. It surpassed the Nissan Cube and the Scion xB.[52]

In 2010, the Kia Soul Named to Time's 'Most Exciting Cars of 2010' List.[53] Also that year, the car was named one of '10 Great And Safe Rides For Teens' by Autoweek magazine,[54] and was given the '2010 Automotive Excellence Award' By Popular Mechanics.[55] In 2010, Kia Soul was named 'Small Car of the Year' by FAMA Magazine[56] and 'Best Hatchback of 2010' by Cars.com.[57] Edmunds.com named Kia Soul as one of the “Top Recommended” Vehicles for 2010.[58]

Second generation (PS; 2013)[]

Second generation (PS)
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Dream-Team Edition (II) – Frontansicht, 24. Juni 2017, Düsseldorf.jpg
Overview
Production2013–2019
Model years2014–2019
Assembly
DesignerPeter Schreyer
Body and chassis
Related
Powertrain
Engine
  • 1.6 L Gamma II MPI I4 (petrol)
  • 1.6 L Gamma II GDI I4 (petrol)
  • 2.0 L Nu MPI I4 (petrol)
  • 2.0 L Nu GDI I4 (petrol)
  • 1.6 L U II CRDi I4 (diesel)
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,570 mm (101.2 in)
Length4,140 mm (163.0 in)
Width1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Height1,600 mm (63.0 in)
Curb weight1,264–1,426 kg (2,787–3,144 lb)

Unveiled at the 2013 New York[59] and Frankfurt auto shows,[60] the second generation Soul is based on Kia's Track'ster concept,[citation needed] and offers an increase in torsional rigidity of 28.7%, wheelbase increased to 2,570 mm (101.2 in), width increased to 1,800 mm (70.9 in) and the same overall height of 1,600 mm (63.0 in). The redesign features a wraparound greenhouse, high-mounted tail lights, large trapezoidal lower air intake and "floating" body color panel set into the liftgate.

The U.S. model went on sale as 2014 model year vehicle, and early models included a choice of 1.6 liter Gamma GDI or 2.0 liter Nu GDI engines, mated to 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions. Trim levels included base, + (Plus), and ! (Exclaim) models.[61]

2015 Kia Soul 1.6 EX (Chile)

The European model was set to go on sale in early 2014, with UK launch in Spring 2014. Early models include a choice of 1.6 liter GDi gasoline or CRDi diesel engines (from the previous generation Kia Soul), six-speed manual or automatic transmission, three different roof colors (black, white, and red), a choice of 11 body colors. Korean market models received the same two engines, with the 2.0 liter gasoline engine currently reserved for North American buyers.

Overview[]

The second-generation Kia Soul shares its platform with the second generation Kia Cee'd hatchback. Sixty six percent of the chassis utilizes either Ultra High Strength Steel (35 percent) or High Strength Steel (31 percent). The front subframe uses four bushings (the first generation has none) and the shock absorbers on the rear torsion beam axle are now mounted vertically allowing for more suspension travel.

Kia Track'ster concept (2012)
2012 Kia Track'ster concept

This is a 3-door concept subcompact crossover SUV which presaged the second generation Soul. It is now having a subcompact crossover SUV-like styling and it abandons the compact crossover SUV-like styling, it has custom 19-inch wheels designed by Kia's California design team and HRE, 14-inch Brembo vented and cross-drilled front disc brakes with six-piston calipers, 13.6-inch rear brake discs with four-piston calipers, angled roof accented with Inferno Orange, lengthened front door with smooth billet push-style handles, carbon fiber lower side valances in Inferno Orange and incorporate functional rear-brake cooling ducts, back hatch incorporates a horizontal Inferno Orange "backpack" panel five inches wider than a production Soul, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 250 hp (186 kW; 253 PS), electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system, short-throw six-speed manual transmission with a stubby spherical shift lever, Inferno Orange suede-covered racing seats, Granite Gray leather upholstery, Granite Gray suede wraps the sport steering wheel and door panels, red-glowing nacelles, rear seats removed and replaced with a fully integrated equipment tray and spare-tire well, paneled bins in Inferno Orange behind seats, custom rear strut brace incorporates a quick-release handle to allow for fast wheel changes.

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.[62]

Facelift (2017)

For model year 2017, Kia Soul underwent a facelift. Included in the changes are some minor body trim changes, new paint colors, and new headlight options.[63] The biggest change comes at the top trim level, in which the old 2.0-liter Nu engine is replaced by the 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine, which adds 40 hp (30 kW) and 45 lb⋅ft (61 N⋅m) of torque over the outgoing model.[64] The engine is mated to a 7-speed Dual-clutch transmission, replacing the 6-speed automatic. The powertrain change resulted in the car being one of the fastest in its class.[65]

In 2018, reports linked a large number of fires to the Kia Soul in the United States.[66][67] The Center for Auto Safety subsequently demanded Kia recall all Kia Souls from 2010 through 2015 for fire hazard.[68][69] Kia initiated a voluntary recall for fire risk on January 11, 2019, but the Kia Soul was not included in the recall.[70]

  • Facelift (2017)

  • Facelift (2017)

Special editions[]

"Red Line" edition (2014–)

It is a limited (2000 units) version of 2014 Kia Soul Plus with white body color, body kit with red accents, redesigned grille, front and rear fascias, and side skirts; custom 18-inch alloy wheels, 2.0-liter gasoline direct injected (GDI) four-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission, black cloth seats with red stitching, leather steering wheel, black-leather dash hood with red stitching, black carpeted floor mats with red piping, sport pedals; shift knob ring, air vent ring, dash speakers and console tray trim in red.[71]

Kia Soul EV (2015)
Main article: Kia Soul EV
Kia Soul EV

In 2013, Kia started testing prototype versions of a Soul electric vehicle. In November 2013, Kia announced they would be producing the Soul EV and it would go on sale in 2014. The Soul EV would be based on the second generation Kia Soul. Powered by a 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, the Soul EV has a target range of over 120 mi (190 km) and fast charging capability of 100 kW DC via a CHAdeMO connection.[72] Its motor is rated at 109 bhp (81 kW; 111 PS) and 285 N⋅m (210 lb⋅ft) of torque.[73]

The vehicle was first showcased at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2014[74] where Kia said the Soul EV will be offered in California, Oregon, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland. Kia is targeting regions with the largest EV markets and infrastructure, and plans to offer the Soul EV in other markets in the near future.[75]

Kia Soul Autonomous Vehicle (2016)

Kia demonstrated their upcoming "Drive Wise" sub-brand at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show with a Kia Soul EV modified with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology.[76]

Powertrain[]

Specs hide
Model Years Transmission Power@rpm Torque@rpm 0–100 km/h
(0–62 mph)
(Official)		 Top Speed
Petrol
1.6 Gamma II MPi 2013–2019 6-speed manual
6-speed automatic		 124 PS (91 kW; 122 hp) @ 6,300 rpm 15.9 kg⋅m (156 N⋅m; 115 lbf⋅ft) @ 4,200 rpm
1.6 Gamma II GDi 132 PS (97 kW; 130 hp) @ 6,300 rpm 16.4 kg⋅m (161 N⋅m; 119 lbf⋅ft) @ 4,850 rpm 11.0s (Manual) 185 km/h (115 mph) (Manual)
1.6 Gamma II T-GDi 2016–2019 7-speed dual clutch 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp) @ 6,000 rpm 26.5 kg⋅m (260 N⋅m; 192 lbf⋅ft) @ 1,500-4,500 rpm 7.8s 196 km/h (122 mph)
2.0 Nu MPi 2013–2019 6-speed manual
6-speed automatic		 153 PS (113 kW; 151 hp) @ 6,000 rpm 19 kg⋅m (186 N⋅m; 137 lbf⋅ft) @ 4,800 rpm
2.0 Nu GDi 166 PS (122 kW; 164 hp) @ 6,500 rpm 20.5 kg⋅m (201 N⋅m; 148 lbf⋅ft) @ 4,800 rpm
Diesel
1.6 U II CRDi 2013–2014 6-speed manual
6-speed automatic		 128 PS (94 kW; 126 hp) @ 4,000 rpm 26.5 kg⋅m (260 N⋅m; 192 lbf⋅ft) @ 1,900–2,750 rpm 11.2s (Manual)
12.2s (Automatic)		 180 km/h (112 mph) (Manual)
177 km/h (110 mph) (Automatic)
2014–2019 6-speed manual
7-speed dual clutch		 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) @ 4,000 rpm 30.6 kg⋅m (300 N⋅m; 221 lbf⋅ft) @ 1,750–2,500 rpm 11.2s (Manual)
11.1s (DCT)		 180 km/h (112 mph) (Manual)
182 km/h (113 mph) (DCT)

Safety[]

IIHS scores[21]
Moderate overlap frontal offset Good
Small overlap frontal offset: Driver side – 2015–2019 Good
Small overlap frontal offset: Driver side – 2015–2019 Acceptable
Side impact Good
Roof strength Good

Euro NCAP test results for a LHD, 5-door hatchback variant on a 2014 registration:

Euro NCAP test results
Kia Soul (2014)[77]
Test Points %
Overall: 4 /5 stars
Adult occupant: 28.6 75%
Child occupant: 40.7 82%
Pedestrian: 21.3 59%
Safety assist: 7.3 56%

Marketing[]

Kia Motors once again teamed up with David&Goliath to promote the Soul using anthropomorphic hamster characters. The most recent commercial was for the Turbo model, featuring the Motörhead song "Ace of Spades".[78]

Awards[]

The Soul won the 2014 Red Dot Award for Passenger Car Design[79] and the iF Design Award for Discipline: Product in 2014 and Discipline: Communication in 2016.[80][81]

Third generation (SK3; 2019)[]

Third generation (SK3)
2020 Kia Soul S, front 9.4.19.jpg
Overview
Production2019–present
Model years2020–present
AssemblySouth Korea: Gwangju (Gwangju Plant)
Powertrain
Engine
  • Petrol:
  • 1.6 L Gamma II MPi I4
  • 1.6 L Gamma II T-GDi I4
  • 2.0 L Nu MPi I4
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,600 mm (102.4 in)
Length4,195 mm (165.2 in)
Width1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Height1,600 mm (63.0 in)
Curb weight1,270–1,375 kg (2,800–3,031 lb)

On November 21, 2018, Kia Motors released teaser pictures of the new Soul. In addition, it was confirmed that the Soul will be offered with a 2.0 L I4 or a 1.6 L turbo-four engine. A rugged X-Line trim will also be added to the Soul's trim options.[83] According to Kia, this version of the Soul will have two options for four-cylinder engines. There is a turbocharged 1.6 liter engine and a naturally aspirated 2.0 liter engine.[84] It will be both a gasoline model and an electric vehicle, with a "toughened chassis" for accidents.[85] Unlike earlier models, it has thin lights as headlights, with the large grille remaining.[86]

Kia Motors unveiled the third generation Soul and Soul EV (e-Soul in some markets, codenamed SK3) at the 2018 LA Auto Show. The 2020 Soul and Soul EV are slated for release in North America in the second quarter of 2019.[87] In the US, Kia postponed the launch of the Soul EV to 2021. The Kia Soul now shares a platform with the Hyundai Kona.[84]

The Soul EV is the only version sold in Europe.[88] Distinguished with the name "Soul Booster,"[85] the 2020 Kia Soul shares a 64-kWh battery pack and powertrain with the Niro.[89]

The 6-speed manual was discontinued in the United States for the 2022 model year, it was only offered on the base LX model.[90]

Rear view
Electric motor

Engines[]

hide
Model Years Type/code Transmission Power Torque
1.6 Gamma II MPi 2019–present 1,591 cc (97.1 cu in) I4 6-speed automatic 123 PS (90 kW; 121 hp) @ 6,300 rpm 15.3 kg⋅m (150 N⋅m; 111 lbf⋅ft) @ 4,850 rpm
2.0 Nu MPi 1,999 cc (122.0 cu in) I4 6-speed manual
CVT		 149 PS (110 kW; 147 hp) @ 6,200 rpm 18.3 kg⋅m (179 N⋅m; 132 lbf⋅ft) @ 4,500 rpm
1.6 Gamma II T-GDi 1,591 cc (97.1 cu in) Turbo I4 7-speed DCT 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp) @ 6,000 rpm 27 kg⋅m (265 N⋅m; 195 lbf⋅ft) @ 1,500-4,500 rpm
electric e-Soul direct drive 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp) 40.3 kg⋅m (395 N⋅m; 291 lbf⋅ft)

Marketing[]

Kia Motors collaborated with K-pop singer Hyolyn to promote the Soul.[91]

Safety[]

IIHS scores[21]
Moderate overlap frontal offset Good
Small overlap frontal offset: Driver side Good
Small overlap frontal offset: Driver side Good
Side impact Good
Roof strength Good

Sales[]

As of 2015, Kia has produced over a million units of the Soul.[92] In the United States, over 100,000 units have been sold each year from 2011 to 2018, becoming the best-selling subcompact car ahead of the Nissan Versa.

Calendar year United States[93] Canada[94] Global
2009 31,621 8,489
2010 67,110 9,857
2011 102,267 11,651
2012 115,778 7,560
2013 118,079 7,618
2014 145,316 9,944[95]
2015 147,133 13,335[96] 203,518[97]
2016 145,768 12,672 195,802[98]
2017 115,712 11,691
2018 104,709 11,129
2019 98,033 11,868
2020 71,862 9,869

References[]

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External links[]

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See also: List of Kia vehicles
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Kia North American road car timeline, 1994–present
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4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2
Subcompact Rio Rio Rio Rio
Compact car Sephia Sephia
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Mid-size car Optima/Magentis Optima/Magentis Optima Optima K5
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Full-size car Amanti Cadenza Cadenza
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Soul Soul Soul
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Compact SUV Sportage Sorento
Mid-size SUV Borrego*
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* only available in Canada since 2010.
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