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2010 Kia Soul Bottom Line

April 24, 2009

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

TheCarConnection.com's car experts researched Web reviews for the 2010 Kia Soul to compile this full review. TheCarConnection.com's editors also drove the 2010 Kia Soul in order to sort through the opinions they found on the Web, to find a consensus among online car-review Web sites, and to get to the truth where reviewers had differing opinions.

Likes:

  • Adorable, angular shape
  • Fun and spacious interior
  • Standard safety equipment
  • Well-equipped, even in base trim

Dislikes:

  • Manual shifter has long travel
  • Drivetrain thrum at highway speed
  • Not quick

Buying Tips:


Kia promises that a range of performance options are being studied for the 2010 Soul; if it's not quick enough for you now, the future may hold turbochargers, suspension bits and pieces, and more performance-minded accessories.

The 2010 Kia Soul brings a new attitude to the Korean automaker's lineup. A far cry from the likes of the stuffy Amanti sedan, the Soul is a five-door urban wagon that neatly outsmarts the likes of the Scion xB and the Nissan Cube with a catchy style; a sharp, roomy, and well-fitted cabin; and a comprehensive list of safety and fun features.

The 2010 Soul wins on styling, hands-down. The reverse boomerang of the rear end reminds some of the In-N-Out burger logo; to others, it's simply a crisp, rakish shape with a little bit of busy detailing up front. The front wears the new Kia corporate grille and friendly-feeling headlamps; the rear is less tidy, but the square, tall taillamps frame a light and lofty hatchback that's nearly vertical—a nice punctuation to the Soul's casual leaning stance. Inside, it's a refined blend of round shapes and embossed plastics—and a variety of colors and textures if you like, from red plastic covering the dash to houndstooth-check material swathing the seats.

Two engines and two transmissions give Soulsters agreeable choices for city driving, if not much beyond that. The base Soul comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder making 122 horsepower and 115 pound-feet of torque. With the sole transmission, a five-speed manual, it's rated at 26/31 mpg. TheCarConnection.com did not have the opportunity to drive this model; Kia estimates only 5 percent of shoppers will order it, anyway.

Most 2010 Soul wagons will sport a four-cylinder engine with 2.0 liters of displacement, 142 horsepower, and 137 pound-feet of torque. With either the light but long-throw manual shifter or the smooth-shifting four-speed automatic, this combination delivers 24/30 mpg. It's the standard powertrain on the three top Soul models: the typographically challenging Soul+, Soul!, and Soul Sport. Kia doesn't provide performance estimates, but at a few hundred pounds less than the similarly sized Scion xB, 0-60 mph times of less than 9 seconds seem possible. That moderate acceleration comes with an engine note that develops a bit of thrum at higher highway speeds.

All Souls ride atop a conventional MacPherson strut front and torsion-beam rear suspension, and they have four-wheel disc brakes. Base and mid-line Souls wear 15- and 16-inch wheels. The Soul Sport leads the performance pack with 18-inch wheels and different suspension tuning. Across the board, handling is as tidy as any compact's, though most testers find that the 18-inch wheels on the Sport make the ride less comfortable on city streets. Ride quality and steering feel are otherwise the highlights of this conventional small-car package.

The 2010 Soul interior has seats for five adults, Kia stresses. In front, the driver finds easy-to-use controls at hand and cheery gauges framed by the steering wheel—which is not the case with the Scion, for example. Knee and legroom are good, seat comfort is good, and headroom is great—even in the backseat, where the middle passenger may be compressed for shoulder room. The second-row seats fold forward to boost cargo area over 53 cubic feet, and the cargo floor lifts to expose more storage area; an optional compressed-foam cargo organizer also fits in there. The Soul also has a two-tier glove box capable of holding a 15-inch laptop, a center console, an iPod-sized bin atop its center stack, and lots of cup holders. Dimensionally it checks in at 161.6 inches overall, 70.3 inches wide, 63.4 inches high, and it has a 100.4-inch wheelbase.

In terms of safety, the 2010 Kia Soul exceeds the class standard with six airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, and tire pressure monitors. Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has tested the Soul, but Kia hopes to receive five stars for all relevant crash tests. This section will be updated as test results are made available.

The 2010 Soul also handily beats its older competitors in standard and optional features, with only the Scion xB nearing its offerings. Standard features on the base $13,300 Soul include tilt steering, air conditioning, Sirius Satellite Radio (the first three months of service are free), USB and auxiliary inputs for music players, and power windows. Lacking on all models are auto-up power windows and telescoping steering. The $14,950 Soul+ adds cruise control, steering-wheel audio switches, Bluetooth connectivity, and dual 12V outlets. The $16,950 Soul! gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a tan-and-houndstooth interior trim package, and a 315-watt audio system with speaker lighting, which illuminates according to music beat or "mood." The $16,950 Soul Sport has the same features as the Soul! but adds 18-inch wheels, sport suspension, metal pedals, and a red-on-black interior scheme. Options on various Soul models include a sunroof, the 315-watt audio system, and more than 60 accessories, from styling add-ons to interior trim. A navigation system isn't offered, nor is a hard-drive-based audio system, a notable omission. Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty extends to the Soul.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2010 Kia Soul, also consider:

Reason Why:

The 2010 Kia Soul takes on a trio of popular, hip-styled wagons and one just arriving in showrooms. The Chrysler PT Cruiser and Chevrolet HHR are kissing American cousins, both offering four-cylinder engines and formerly nifty retro styling that has simply not aged well. The PT Cruiser has been cancelled, so deals are exceptional. The Scion xB is the newer version of the compact wagon that launched Toyota's youth brand; the current version has sold more slowly, as it's grown larger and heavier and lost its Japanese flair. The Nissan Cube is the other newbie in the group; with a smaller overall size, a less functional interior, and an unusual tailgate shape, its appeal lies mostly in its softer, feminine style.

The Bottom Line:

The 2010 Kia Soul outsmarts fun urban wagons like the Scion xB and Nissan Cube with uniquely kicky styling, more room, and an easygoing attitude.

TheCarConnection.com's car experts researched Web reviews for the 2010 Kia Soul to compile this full review. TheCarConnection.com's editors also drove the 2010 Kia Soul in order to sort through the opinions they found on the Web, to find a consensus among online car-review Web sites, and to get to the truth where reviewers had differing opinions. Likes:Adorable, angular shapeFun and spacious interiorStandard safety equipmentWell-equipped, even in base trimDislikes:Manual shifter has long travelDrivetrain thrum at highway speedNot quickBuying Tips: Kia promises that a range of performance options are being studied for the 2010 Soul; if it's not quick enough for you now, the future may hold turbochargers, suspension bits and pieces, and more performance-minded accessories. The 2010 Kia Soul brings a new attitude to the Korean automaker's lineup. A far cry from the likes of the stuffy Amanti sedan, the Soul is a five-door urban wagon that neatly outsmarts the likes of the Scion xB and the Nissan Cube with a catchy style; a sharp, roomy, and well-fitted cabin; and a comprehensive list of safety and fun features. The 2010 Soul wins on styling, hands-down. The reverse boomerang of the rear end reminds some of the In-N-Out burger logo; to others, it's simply a crisp, rakish shape with a little bit of busy detailing up front. The front wears the new Kia corporate grille and friendly-feeling headlamps; the rear is less tidy, but the square, tall taillamps frame a light and lofty hatchback that's nearly vertical—a nice punctuation to the Soul's casual leaning stance. Inside, it's a refined blend of round shapes and embossed plastics—and a variety of colors and textures if you like, from red plastic covering the dash to houndstooth-check material swathing the seats. Two engines and two transmissions give Soulsters agreeable choices for city driving, if not much beyond that. The base Soul comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder making 122 horsepower and 115 pound-feet of torque. With the sole transmission, a five-speed manual, it's rated at 26/31 mpg. TheCarConnection.com did not have the opportunity to drive this model; Kia estimates only 5 percent of shoppers will order it, anyway. Most 2010 Soul wagons will sport a four-cylinder engine with 2.0 liters of displacement, 142 horsepower, and 137 pound-feet of torque. With either the light but long-throw manual shifter or the smooth-shifting four-speed automatic, this combination delivers 24/30 mpg. It's the standard powertrain on the three top Soul models: the typographically challenging Soul+, Soul!, and Soul Sport. Kia doesn't provide performance estimates, but at a few hundred pounds less than the similarly sized Scion xB, 0-60 mph times of less than 9 seconds seem possible. That moderate acceleration comes with an engine note that develops a bit of thrum at higher highway speeds. All Souls ride atop a conventional MacPherson strut front and torsion-beam rear suspension, and they have four-wheel disc brakes. Base and mid-line Souls wear 15- and 16-inch wheels. The Soul Sport leads the performance pack with 18-inch wheels and different suspension tuning. Across the board, handling is as tidy as any compact's, though most testers find that the 18-inch wheels on the Sport make the ride less comfortable on city streets. Ride quality and steering feel are otherwise the highlights of this conventional small-car package. The 2010 Soul interior has seats for five adults, Kia stresses. In front, the driver finds easy-to-use controls at hand and cheery gauges framed by the steering wheel—which is not the case with the Scion, for example. Knee and legroom are good, seat comfort is good, and headroom is great—even in the backseat, where the middle passenger may be compressed for shoulder room. The second-row seats fold forward to boost cargo area over 53 cubic feet, and the cargo floor lifts to expose more storage area; an optional compressed-foam cargo organizer also fits in there. The Soul also has a two-tier glove box capable of holding a 15-inch laptop, a center console, an iPod-sized bin atop its center stack, and lots of cup holders. Dimensionally it checks in at 161.6 inches overall, 70.3 inches wide, 63.4 inches high, and it has a 100.4-inch wheelbase. In terms of safety, the 2010 Kia Soul exceeds the class standard with six airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, and tire pressure monitors. Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has tested the Soul, but Kia hopes to receive five stars for all relevant crash tests. This section will be updated as test results are made available. The 2010 Soul also handily beats its older competitors in standard and optional features, with only the Scion xB nearing its offerings. Standard features on the base $13,300 Soul include tilt steering, air conditioning, Sirius Satellite Radio (the first three months of service are free), USB and auxiliary inputs for music players, and power windows. Lacking on all models are auto-up power windows and telescoping steering. The $14,950 Soul+ adds cruise control, steering-wheel audio switches, Bluetooth connectivity, and dual 12V outlets. The $16,950 Soul! gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a tan-and-houndstooth interior trim package, and a 315-watt audio system with speaker lighting, which illuminates according to music beat or "mood." The $16,950 Soul Sport has the same features as the Soul! but adds 18-inch wheels, sport suspension, metal pedals, and a red-on-black interior scheme. Options on various Soul models include a sunroof, the 315-watt audio system, and more than 60 accessories, from styling add-ons to interior trim. A navigation system isn't offered, nor is a hard-drive-based audio system, a notable omission. Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty extends to the Soul. Other Choices:If you like the 2010 Kia Soul, also consider:Nissan CubeScion xBChevrolet HHRChrysler PT CruiserReason Why:The 2010 Kia Soul takes on a trio of popular, hip-styled wagons and one just arriving in showrooms. The Chrysler PT Cruiser and Chevrolet HHR are kissing American cousins, both offering four-cylinder engines and formerly nifty retro styling that has simply not aged well. The PT Cruiser has been cancelled, so deals are exceptional. The Scion xB is the newer version of the compact wagon that launched Toyota's youth brand; the current version has sold more slowly, as it's grown larger and heavier and lost its Japanese flair. The Nissan Cube is the other newbie in the group; with a smaller overall size, a less functional interior, and an unusual tailgate shape, its appeal lies mostly in its softer, feminine style. The Bottom Line:The 2010 Kia Soul outsmarts fun urban wagons like the Scion xB and Nissan Cube with uniquely kicky styling, more room, and an easygoing attitude. TheCarConnection.com's car experts researched Web reviews for the 2010 Kia Soul to compile this full review. TheCarConnection.com's editors also drove the 2010 Kia Soul in order to sort through the opinions they found on the Web, to find a consensus among online car-review Web sites, and to ...

Other Choices:

The 2010 Kia Soul takes on a trio of popular, hip-styled wagons and one just arriving in showrooms. The Chrysler PT Cruiser and Chevrolet HHR are kissing American cousins, both offering four-cylinder engines and formerly nifty retro styling that has simply not aged well. The PT Cruiser has been cancelled, so deals are exceptional. The Scion xB is the newer version of the compact wagon that launched Toyota's youth brand; the current version has sold more slowly, as it's grown larger and heavier and lost its Japanese flair. The Nissan Cube is the other newbie in the group; with a smaller overall size, a less functional interior, and an unusual tailgate shape, its appeal lies mostly in its softer, feminine style.

Next Steps:

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for a 2010 Kia Soul near you

See the Kia Soul in Other Years:

2010

Comments (12 total)

  1. By DUKE SNIDER #1, Posted: 8/3/2009

    I bought a KIA Soul on 7/27/09. I had it about a week. At 11:00pm on 8/02/09 with less than 500 miles on it it had to be towed to the dealership with an engine light and oil warning light. The motor knocked and it was apparent it was holding low oil pressure. A total internal failure and yes - the dipstick said it was full of oil. I've asked for a new vehicle and not a repair. I'm getting grief and expect this thing to be a series of problems now the vehicle engine is screwed as no dealership I've seen has the ability to put a motor back in and get it to factory specifications.
    It's junk that does not live up to the mileage claims as well. Look for something else.

  2. By Melisa #2, Posted: 8/8/2009

    This is my first new car. The manager say's that I am the first one in the entire U.S. that have it when I bought it.. It's already five months old now and I'm still enjoying it. I am very happy with the Kia Southwest sevice and of course with kia's performance, very quiet, drives smooth and very comfortable to drive. The only bad thing with this is it don't comes with it's own floor mats. But everything else is great!

  3. By LAdy gaga #3, Posted: 8/8/2009

    THis is my first brand new car (KIASOUL2010). I am very happy with it. It drives smooth and its very quiet. I am happy with Kia's customer service and off-course kias performance. the only bad thing with this is , it don't comes with its own floor mats. But everything else was great!

  4. By Mark #4, Posted: 8/12/2009

    Bought my Kia Soul Aug 1st from Cowboy Kia of Conroe, two weeks (840 miles)go by and the check engine light comes on. The Dealership hours of operation for service are such that I would have to take a day off, looked for assistance from another dearler they recommended I tighten the gas cap and see if that solves the problem because they would charge a diagnostic fee if it was related to the gas cap. I have tighted the gas cap and will monitor the light. You think they (the dealers) would support the Kia Soul better since it is the first year out. Disappointed with dealers (2) started to have second thoughts about KIa!

  5. By Mark #5, Posted: 8/27/2009

    8/27 1972 miles and the check engine light has come on again. The last time the dealer indicated it was a "P0457 - Evap. Emission System-Leak detected(tank cap loose/off)" the next time I bring it in with that code result he is going to charge me a diagnostic fee! Funny after all these years I have not yet learned how to tighten a gas cap.

  6. By david #6, Posted: 9/1/2009

    Don't blame the car for the check engine light coming on. Blame your own stupidness. ANY car made within the last 15 years will illuminate the check engine light if the gas cap is not clicked at least 5 times. Typical car owner.....has no clue how to operate the vehicle they bought but are the first to condem the dealer or manufacturer of making a poor product or shitty service. READ YOUR OWNERS/OPERATORS MANUAL. THATS WHAT THE DAMN THING IS FOR!!!!!!!!!!!!

  7. By Matt #7, Posted: 9/1/2009

    Having driven off in a 2009 SUV with the petrol cap open, I can assure you David you are 100% wrong with your engine light comment. Get ducks in a row before posting next time.

  8. By whatever david #8, Posted: 9/3/2009

    I don't think the gas cap counts the number of clicks. David must own a dealership.
    I've read the manual and continue to have this problem - even after the "at least 5 clicks" that were suggested. Also, the last time this happened the check engine and tires lights came on a few days right after I had my 10k mile checkup at which time the tires were checked and rotated. Next time I'm getting them to completely replace the gas cap. We'll see if that works.very disappointed in the dealership.

  9. By sucker #9, Posted: 9/30/2009

    I bought this Soul! 5 months ago and am attempting to trade now. I had an old 96 Suzuki X90 that I was given $3,500 for. Yeah, Wow! I was surprised too. So with the sticker price of over $21,500, I took the trade and bought it for around $19k. However, now it's 5 months later and nearly everywhere I've gone to trade this for something else, anything else... this thing is only bringing $11-13,000!!!!! The vehicle works and drives fine. I've just lost $7,000 in a few short months. NEVER BUY A NEW KIA!!!!

  10. By joey #10, Posted: 10/6/2009

    I test drove this car before buying a mazda 3. I fully intended to buy the soul before comparison shopping because the cool factor is so high. However, the manual transmission shifts like a dump truck and the fit and finish in the passanger compartment is not up to japanese standards. The engine makes a shrill raspy noise at highway speeds. Make sure you thorughly test drive the soul and the civic, xc, sentra, and mazda 3 before buying.

  11. By Tim #11, Posted: 10/8/2009

    Transmission failure at 9000 miles! We took it in at around 7500 miles with transmission issues. They said there was no problem. Month later the transmission goes out, and they won't cover under the warranty. Don't buy Kia!

  12. By rainelle #12, Posted: 10/15/2009

    My dad and I just bought the KIA soul yesterday and so far we love it.....you get way more options for you money and not to mention it is very classy!!!!

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