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2010 Kia Soul Performance Review

April 24, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Soul exhibited reasonable pep
Automobile Magazine

Wish the clutch felt a bit less spongy
Autoblog

Some may not like the amount of bumps and road irregularities transmitted into the cabin
Motor Trend

The 2010 Kia Soul is, first and foremost, a practical and stylish economy car. As such, performance doesn't rank high up on the priority list, but reviews read by TheCarConnection.com still manage to uncover some redeeming performance qualities on this boxlike Kia 2010 model.

According to reviewers at Automobile Magazine, the base Soul Kia "gets a 122-hp, 1.6-liter in-line four and a five-speed manual; the rest of the range gets a 142-hp, 2.0-liter four with the stick shift or a four-speed automatic." If you're dying to get your hands on the 1.6-liter version of the 2010 Kia Soul, prepare for a lengthy search, as Kia expects only 5 percent of Kia 2010 Soul models to be so equipped. Reviews of the 1.6-liter are unavailable, since Kia didn't make any accessible to the press, but the Soul Kia's 2.0-liter "provides plenty of power for a vehicle this size," according to Motor Trend. For those of you who want some acceleration numbers to put the power in perspective, Jalopnik says that, "with the five-speed, 2.0-liter fourbanger and a little luck or skill you can achieve a 0-to-60 mph time in the low eight-second range." While the Kia Soul's engine numbers are perfectly adequate for typical city driving, reviewers don't recommend you push the engine too hard, since Car and Driver warns you'll find significant "engine thrash," and Automobile Magazine reports that "all you really get is noise" if you try and "rev it to the moon."

While reviewers were only available to test the larger engine on the 2010 Kia Soul, Kia did make both transmissions available for the press, though neither left a very positive impression. Automobile Magazine reports that "the five-speed manual gearbox has [a] vague feel," while Car and Driver laments the "recalcitrant shifter" available on the Soul Kia. Although Motor Trend reviewers "expect the automatic transmission to be perfectly acceptable," reviewers at Autoblog simply "can't recommend it, as its lack of a manumatic override and reluctance to let the engine rev puts the kibosh on fun." However, given the engine's poor high-rev performance, you might not be missing much.

With its rather light curb weight and smallish engines, the 2010 Kia Soul is able to return class-competitive gas mileage. According to the official EPA estimates, Kia 2010 Soul drivers can expect to see 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway—not world-class figures, but certainly not anything that would upset the Sierra Club.

Professional reviews of the 2010 Kia Soul's road manners are quite mixed, with the exception of ride quality, which is universally panned. Motor Trend says that the firm suspension leads to better handling, but "some may not like the amount of bumps and road irregularities transmitted into the cabin." Automobile Magazine lodges similar comments, noting "the Soul's cost-saving conception inflicts it with road manners that aren't too far removed from those of the fairly uncouth Rio," which means that the Kia Soul's "ride can verge on cruel over imperfect pavement." When it comes to navigating city streets and mountain switchbacks, Jalopnik finds that the Kia Soul boasts "quicker-than-expected steering and less-than-expected lean." However, Edmunds points out that the Kia Soul suffers from a "darty freeway ride," while Motor Trend adds they "did notice that, in turns, the Soul exhibited a bit more body roll than expected." On the positive side, Edmunds praises the "solid braking numbers," observing that the 2010 Kia Soul stopped "from 60 mph in 128 feet."

Conclusion

The 2010 Kia Soul's engine can provide a bit of fun, but the ride on Sport models is unduly harsh.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Soul exhibited reasonable pepAutomobile MagazineWish the clutch felt a bit less spongyAutoblogSome may not like the amount of bumps and road irregularities transmitted into the cabinMotor Trend The 2010 Kia Soul is, first and foremost, a practical and stylish economy car. As such, performance doesn't rank high up on the priority list, but reviews read by TheCarConnection.com still manage to uncover some redeeming performance qualities on this boxlike Kia 2010 model. According to reviewers at Automobile Magazine, the base Soul Kia "gets a 122-hp, 1.6-liter in-line four and a five-speed manual; the rest of the range gets a 142-hp, 2.0-liter four with the stick shift or a four-speed automatic." If you're dying to get your hands on the 1.6-liter version of the 2010 Kia Soul, prepare for a lengthy search, as Kia expects only 5 percent of Kia 2010 Soul models to be so equipped. Reviews of the 1.6-liter are unavailable, since Kia didn't make any accessible to the press, but the Soul Kia's 2.0-liter "provides plenty of power for a vehicle this size," according to Motor Trend. For those of you who want some acceleration numbers to put the power in perspective, Jalopnik says that, "with the five-speed, 2.0-liter fourbanger and a little luck or skill you can achieve a 0-to-60 mph time in the low eight-second range." While the Kia Soul's engine numbers are perfectly adequate for typical city driving, reviewers don't recommend you push the engine too hard, since Car and Driver warns you'll find significant "engine thrash," and Automobile Magazine reports that "all you really get is noise" if you try and "rev it to the moon." While reviewers were only available to test the larger engine on the 2010 Kia Soul, Kia did make both transmissions available for the press, though neither left a very positive impression. Automobile Magazine reports that "the five-speed manual gearbox has [a] vague feel," while Car and Driver laments the "recalcitrant shifter" available on the Soul Kia. Although Motor Trend reviewers "expect the automatic transmission to be perfectly acceptable," reviewers at Autoblog simply "can't recommend it, as its lack of a manumatic override and reluctance to let the engine rev puts the kibosh on fun." However, given the engine's poor high-rev performance, you might not be missing much. With its rather light curb weight and smallish engines, the 2010 Kia Soul is able to return class-competitive gas mileage. According to the official EPA estimates, Kia 2010 Soul drivers can expect to see 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway—not world-class figures, but certainly not anything that would upset the Sierra Club. Professional reviews of the 2010 Kia Soul's road manners are quite mixed, with the exception of ride quality, which is universally panned. Motor Trend says that the firm suspension leads to better handling, but "some may not like the amount of bumps and road irregularities transmitted into the cabin." Automobile Magazine lodges similar comments, noting "the Soul's cost-saving conception inflicts it with road manners that aren't too far removed from those of the fairly uncouth Rio," which means that the Kia Soul's "ride can verge on cruel over imperfect pavement." When it comes to navigating city streets and mountain switchbacks, Jalopnik finds that the Kia Soul boasts "quicker-than-expected steering and less-than-expected lean." However, Edmunds points out that the Kia Soul suffers from a "darty freeway ride," while Motor Trend adds they "did notice that, in turns, the Soul exhibited a bit more body roll than expected." On the positive side, Edmunds praises the "solid braking numbers," observing that the 2010 Kia Soul stopped "from 60 mph in 128 feet." ConclusionThe 2010 Kia Soul's engine can provide a bit of fun, but the ride on Sport models is unduly harsh. 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 (13 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!!!!

  13. By CuriousYello #13, Posted: 11/18/2009

    Post # 11 Tim - Why would a bad transmission not be covered under warranty??? A big part of the Kia appeal is the long term and wide coverage of their warranty. Hope you stop back to explain why such a major issue was not covered on a new vehicle.

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