Top Five Reasons To Buy a 2010 Audi A4
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2010 Kia Soul Safety Review

April 24, 2009

SAFETY | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Not yet tested
IIHS

Not yet tested
NHTSA

Comes standard with dual front, front-seat-mounted, and full-length side-curtain airbags
Motor Trend

Neither the IIHS nor NHTSA is particularly quick in testing the latest models, and very few 2010 vehicles, like the Soul Kia, have received the crash-test treatment from either agency. However, the 2010 Kia Soul does offer a wide range of safety features and affords drivers good visibility.

The automotive experts surveyed by TheCarConnection.com are impressed by the level of standard safety equipment found on the 2010 Kia Soul, which far exceeds the typical fare on cars in this price range. Motor Trend states that the Kia 2010 Soul lineup "comes standard with dual front, front-seat-mounted, and full-length side-curtain airbags." Autoblog gives "major kudos" to Kia for "making every safety feature it offers on the Soul [Kia] standard across the range," as all 2010 Kia Souls "come with standard four-wheel disc brakes that include anti-lock- and electronic stability control." Cars.com reviewers round out the safety list by noting the inclusion of "active head restraints for the front seats" on the Kia 2010 Soul.

One of the most important factors in preventing an accident on the road is driver visibility, and despite the unorthodox styling of the 2010 Kia Soul, reviewers find that visibility is pretty good. Edmunds goes so far as to say that, "thanks to the higher seating position and large greenhouse, overall visibility is excellent" from within the Soul Kia. Autoblog agrees, finding that "visibility is generally very good, though the D-pillar does leave a blind spot that warrants extra care."

Conclusion

We'll wait on the crash-test ratings to post a final verdict, but preliminary indications are positive regarding the 2010 Kia Soul's safety credentials.

SAFETY | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Not yet testedIIHSNot yet testedNHTSAComes standard with dual front, front-seat-mounted, and full-length side-curtain airbagsMotor Trend Neither the IIHS nor NHTSA is particularly quick in testing the latest models, and very few 2010 vehicles, like the Soul Kia, have received the crash-test treatment from either agency. However, the 2010 Kia Soul does offer a wide range of safety features and affords drivers good visibility. The automotive experts surveyed by TheCarConnection.com are impressed by the level of standard safety equipment found on the 2010 Kia Soul, which far exceeds the typical fare on cars in this price range. Motor Trend states that the Kia 2010 Soul lineup "comes standard with dual front, front-seat-mounted, and full-length side-curtain airbags." Autoblog gives "major kudos" to Kia for "making every safety feature it offers on the Soul [Kia] standard across the range," as all 2010 Kia Souls "come with standard four-wheel disc brakes that include anti-lock- and electronic stability control." Cars.com reviewers round out the safety list by noting the inclusion of "active head restraints for the front seats" on the Kia 2010 Soul. One of the most important factors in preventing an accident on the road is driver visibility, and despite the unorthodox styling of the 2010 Kia Soul, reviewers find that visibility is pretty good. Edmunds goes so far as to say that, "thanks to the higher seating position and large greenhouse, overall visibility is excellent" from within the Soul Kia. Autoblog agrees, finding that "visibility is generally very good, though the D-pillar does leave a blind spot that warrants extra care." ConclusionWe'll wait on the crash-test ratings to post a final verdict, but preliminary indications are positive regarding the 2010 Kia Soul's safety credentials. 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.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2010 Kia Soul from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2010 Kia Soul

Check Financing Rates

for the 2010 Kia Soul

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2010 Kia Soul near you

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.

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy