2013 Kia Soul - Review

The Basics:

The Kia Soul has come into its own, just four years after it was first put on sale. Its punchy attitude has been its foot in the door in a class of cars that depend entirely on kicky looks and athletic appeal--and the Soul's boxy tail, its bulldog nose, and its edgy roofline just work.

It helps that the Soul is more practical, too, than the other style-driven machines in its segment--cars like the Nissan Cube, Hyundai Veloster, and Scion xB.

The base 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine now has 135 horsepower, while the upgraded 2.0-liter has 164 hp. With six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, and a new Eco package (including an engine stop-start system), the Soul's fuel economy should hit a new peak. And with an eager, frisky feel in terms of handling and low-speed responsiveness, the Soul works very well as an urban runabout.

The 2013 Kia Soul doesn't take up any more space than a subcompact car, yet its tall roof and boxy shape promise a lot more usefulness. Inside there's nothing so radical about the design; you'll find a roomy, versatile, almost minivan-like layout; there's enough room for up to five, or plenty of cargo if you fold the rear seats forward.

The Soul has a standout design and fashionable look inside and out, all for a price that's about the same as less exciting small cars. So it's all the more surprising that the Soul's feature list has what it takes to woo shoppers seeking value as well. The Soul's extensive equipment list includes the usual safety gear, and it's been a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. Unfortunately a navigation system still can't be had if you also opt for UVO, Kia's voice-activated control hub for phone and audio. But at about $20,000 for a well-equipped Soul, this is still quite the deal for those who want a little wagon-like utility, but with the driving feel and fuel budget of a small car.