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2010 Kia Soul Quality Review

April 24, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Front and rear rows are surprisingly roomy
Motor Trend

We like the cargo area's surprisingly deep sub-floor well
Autoblog

Surfaces are way above average for a car of this price
Car and Driver

For a compact car, the 2010 Kia Soul offers a voluminous interior that affords both good passenger and cargo space. Road noise at highway speeds is the only consistent complaint from reviewers, who love the Soul’s interior space and apparent quality.

Inside the Kia 2010 Soul, Cars.com says you'll find "seating for up to five with its front bucket seats and rear bench seat." Unlike with some compacts, which offer five seat belts but no realistic way of fitting five adults inside, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show there is a very usable amount of passenger space within Kia's new econobox. Motor Trend says that the Soul Kia's "front and rear rows are surprisingly roomy, but long-legged passengers should try to get the front seat." Car and Driver, however, doesn't mind the rear seats on the 2010 Kia Soul, finding that they are "comfortably upright, with terrific legroom and headroom for two." Edmunds agrees, noting that "legroom is adequate even for rear-seat occupants, with much appreciated toe space under the front seats." Up front, Autoblog observes "good usable interior space, with spacious accommodations for two."

Despite the wealth of passenger space, the 2010 Kia Soul still manages to devote an impressive amount of interior volume to storage, at least when the rear seats are in place. Car and Driver states that, "with the rear seats up and down, cargo volume is 19 and 53 cubic feet, respectively, versus the xB's cargo room of 22 and 70 cubic feet." Other reviewers point out that the xB offers significantly more space with the seats folded, but Autoblog says the Soul Kia still "offers a good amount of space for all your hipper-than-thou lifestyle accessories." Automobile Magazine also appreciates that "the folding rear seats create a flat load floor, and there's additional hidden storage in back as well," while Edmunds contends that the cabin offers "adequate" storage and the "split-level glovebox is surprisingly deep."

Kia seems to win over the majority of reviewers with the materials and build quality on the 2010 Kia Soul, despite the fact that its list price is so low. Automobile Magazine is probably the harshest critic, and the extent of their criticism is that the interior is "glossy and hard but functional and inoffensive." Autoblog points out that, "while plastics are of the hard variety, they are all nicely grained and free of cheap-looking shine." Car and Driver loves the "expensive-looking instrument panel" on this Kia 2010 model, while Edmunds feels that "Kia has done a fine job of creating the impression of more expensive materials." In terms of build quality, Edmunds reports that "panel gaps on the Soul's dash are impressively tight," and Autoblog confirms that "the interior seems to be well constructed."

One of the usual benefits of solid build quality is a quiet driving environment, but unfortunately the Soul Kia's above-average construction doesn't translate into a low-decibel cabin. Automobile Magazine warns that "engine and road noise [can] be intrusive" while driving the 2010 Kia Soul, and Edmunds agrees that the Kia Soul exhibits "intrusive road-surface noise."

Conclusion

The 2010 Kia Soul is comfortable and attractive inside, but the intrusive road noise can wear on long drives.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Front and rear rows are surprisingly roomyMotor TrendWe like the cargo area's surprisingly deep sub-floor wellAutoblogSurfaces are way above average for a car of this priceCar and Driver For a compact car, the 2010 Kia Soul offers a voluminous interior that affords both good passenger and cargo space. Road noise at highway speeds is the only consistent complaint from reviewers, who love the Soul’s interior space and apparent quality. Inside the Kia 2010 Soul, Cars.com says you'll find "seating for up to five with its front bucket seats and rear bench seat." Unlike with some compacts, which offer five seat belts but no realistic way of fitting five adults inside, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show there is a very usable amount of passenger space within Kia's new econobox. Motor Trend says that the Soul Kia's "front and rear rows are surprisingly roomy, but long-legged passengers should try to get the front seat." Car and Driver, however, doesn't mind the rear seats on the 2010 Kia Soul, finding that they are "comfortably upright, with terrific legroom and headroom for two." Edmunds agrees, noting that "legroom is adequate even for rear-seat occupants, with much appreciated toe space under the front seats." Up front, Autoblog observes "good usable interior space, with spacious accommodations for two." Despite the wealth of passenger space, the 2010 Kia Soul still manages to devote an impressive amount of interior volume to storage, at least when the rear seats are in place. Car and Driver states that, "with the rear seats up and down, cargo volume is 19 and 53 cubic feet, respectively, versus the xB's cargo room of 22 and 70 cubic feet." Other reviewers point out that the xB offers significantly more space with the seats folded, but Autoblog says the Soul Kia still "offers a good amount of space for all your hipper-than-thou lifestyle accessories." Automobile Magazine also appreciates that "the folding rear seats create a flat load floor, and there's additional hidden storage in back as well," while Edmunds contends that the cabin offers "adequate" storage and the "split-level glovebox is surprisingly deep." Kia seems to win over the majority of reviewers with the materials and build quality on the 2010 Kia Soul, despite the fact that its list price is so low. Automobile Magazine is probably the harshest critic, and the extent of their criticism is that the interior is "glossy and hard but functional and inoffensive." Autoblog points out that, "while plastics are of the hard variety, they are all nicely grained and free of cheap-looking shine." Car and Driver loves the "expensive-looking instrument panel" on this Kia 2010 model, while Edmunds feels that "Kia has done a fine job of creating the impression of more expensive materials." In terms of build quality, Edmunds reports that "panel gaps on the Soul's dash are impressively tight," and Autoblog confirms that "the interior seems to be well constructed." One of the usual benefits of solid build quality is a quiet driving environment, but unfortunately the Soul Kia's above-average construction doesn't translate into a low-decibel cabin. Automobile Magazine warns that "engine and road noise [can] be intrusive" while driving the 2010 Kia Soul, and Edmunds agrees that the Kia Soul exhibits "intrusive road-surface noise." ConclusionThe 2010 Kia Soul is comfortable and attractive inside, but the intrusive road noise can wear on long drives. 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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