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2010 Kia Soul Review

April 24, 2009

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

The wackiest thing to come out of Korea since M*A*S*H
Automobile Magazine

Car is cute and instantly likeable
Motor Trend

Funky-yet-intuitive dash complete with a crystal clear display
Jalopnik

Just when you thought funky imports like the Scion lineup, the Nissan Versa, and the Honda Fit couldn't get any stranger, Kia comes along with the 2010 Kia Soul to renew your faith in the ability of the big Asian automakers to churn out an endless array of quirky vehicles. Unlike some of the aforementioned vehicles that received lukewarm receptions, the new Soul Kia seems to strike all the right chords in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com.

The new Kia 2010 Soul is a fun take on the now-popular "urban wagon" theme. The Soul is available in four trim levels, according to Automobile Magazine, which lists the options as "a base edition, the punctuated Soul+ and Soul!, and the top-drawer Soul Sport." While unusual, those punctuated Soul suffixes are worth getting used to, as TheCarConnection.com's editors note that only 5 percent of 2010 Kia Soul models will be in the base trim.

Reviewers simply love the new 2010 Kia Soul, which Automobile Magazine calls "a kimchi-flavored take on the xB and, without question, the wackiest thing to come out of Korea since M*A*S*H." Autoblog reports that, "for a small car, this thing has gobs of character," but they note "most people will probably find the [Kia 2010] Soul either irrepressibly cool or simply fail to 'get' its style altogether." Motor Trend adds that the Kia Soul "is cute and instantly likeable and comes in eleven colors (eight at launch) with names like Alien and Dune." In terms of specific styling elements, Cars.com says the Kia Soul sports "a rounded front end that's reminiscent of a Mini Cooper" and features "short front and rear overhangs and a fairly raked windshield."

Despite the obvious attention that Kia paid to the exterior design of the 2010 Kia Soul, reviewers are pleased to note the interior isn't simply an afterthought. Autoblog highlights the plethora of "funky shapes, patterns, and retina-flambeeing colored plastics" inside, but they add, "like a skate punk that hides a straight-A report card from his mates, there's a practicality streak inside the Soul." Other automotive experts agree. Edmunds points out that the "ergonomic layout within the Soul's cabin is sensible, with all the major controls logically arranged and within easy reach of the driver." Motor Trend is impressed with the Soul Kia's interior as well, finding it "a lot more appealing than a traditional economy car's," and despite the various flamboyant elements, they feel it is "less out-there than the xB's."

Conclusion

Granted, the styling of the 2010 Kia Soul is not for everyone, but don't be surprised to see a lot of thumbs-ups flashed your way if you happen to be driving one.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:The wackiest thing to come out of Korea since M*A*S*HAutomobile MagazineCar is cute and instantly likeableMotor TrendFunky-yet-intuitive dash complete with a crystal clear displayJalopnik Just when you thought funky imports like the Scion lineup, the Nissan Versa, and the Honda Fit couldn't get any stranger, Kia comes along with the 2010 Kia Soul to renew your faith in the ability of the big Asian automakers to churn out an endless array of quirky vehicles. Unlike some of the aforementioned vehicles that received lukewarm receptions, the new Soul Kia seems to strike all the right chords in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. The new Kia 2010 Soul is a fun take on the now-popular "urban wagon" theme. The Soul is available in four trim levels, according to Automobile Magazine, which lists the options as "a base edition, the punctuated Soul+ and Soul!, and the top-drawer Soul Sport." While unusual, those punctuated Soul suffixes are worth getting used to, as TheCarConnection.com's editors note that only 5 percent of 2010 Kia Soul models will be in the base trim. Reviewers simply love the new 2010 Kia Soul, which Automobile Magazine calls "a kimchi-flavored take on the xB and, without question, the wackiest thing to come out of Korea since M*A*S*H." Autoblog reports that, "for a small car, this thing has gobs of character," but they note "most people will probably find the [Kia 2010] Soul either irrepressibly cool or simply fail to 'get' its style altogether." Motor Trend adds that the Kia Soul "is cute and instantly likeable and comes in eleven colors (eight at launch) with names like Alien and Dune." In terms of specific styling elements, Cars.com says the Kia Soul sports "a rounded front end that's reminiscent of a Mini Cooper" and features "short front and rear overhangs and a fairly raked windshield." Despite the obvious attention that Kia paid to the exterior design of the 2010 Kia Soul, reviewers are pleased to note the interior isn't simply an afterthought. Autoblog highlights the plethora of "funky shapes, patterns, and retina-flambeeing colored plastics" inside, but they add, "like a skate punk that hides a straight-A report card from his mates, there's a practicality streak inside the Soul." Other automotive experts agree. Edmunds points out that the "ergonomic layout within the Soul's cabin is sensible, with all the major controls logically arranged and within easy reach of the driver." Motor Trend is impressed with the Soul Kia's interior as well, finding it "a lot more appealing than a traditional economy car's," and despite the various flamboyant elements, they feel it is "less out-there than the xB's." ConclusionGranted, the styling of the 2010 Kia Soul is not for everyone, but don't be surprised to see a lot of thumbs-ups flashed your way if you happen to be driving one. 2010 KIA SOUL STYLING | [8 out of 10] Automobile Magazine: "The wackiest thing to come out of Korea since M*A*S*H" Motor Trend: "Car is cute and instantly likeable" Jalopnik: "Funky-yet-intuitive dash complete with a crystal clear display" Just when you thought funky imports like the ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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.

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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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