Are Kia Souls good cars? The Kia Soul is a popular subcompact SUV that has been turning heads since its introduction in 2009. With its unique boxy design and affordable price point, the Soul has become a favorite among car buyers looking for a practical and stylish vehicle. In this comprehensive overview, our helpful sales team at Huffines Kia Corinth takes an in-depth look at the Kia Soul’s performance, features, and overall value to help you determine if it’s the right car for you.
Performance
The Kia Soul offers a range of engine options, depending on the model year and trim level. Most recent models have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides adequate power for daily driving and merging onto highways around Corinth. For those seeking a more spirited driving experience, some model years offer a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
Regarding fuel efficiency, the Kia Soul performs well for its class. The 2.0-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine gets 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the road. These figures are competitive with other subcompact SUVs on the market.
The Soul’s handling is generally praised for its responsiveness and maneuverability, making navigating city streets and tight parking spaces easy. The ride quality is comfortable, but some reviewers note it can feel firm on rough roads.
Design and Features
A distinctive feature of the Kia Soul is its boxy exterior design. This unique styling sets it apart from other subcompact SUVs and gives it a fun, youthful vibe. The Soul’s tall roof and wide stance provide ample headroom and legroom for your passengers and a spacious cargo area.
The Soul offers a well-designed and comfortable interior. The supportive seats can be upholstered in various materials, including cloth, leather, or synthetic leather. Higher trim levels offer heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a sunroof.
The Soul’s infotainment system is user-friendly and intuitive, with a touch-screen display that ranges from 7 to 10.25 inches, depending on the trim level. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are available, allowing you to easily connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps and music.
Safety Features
Safety is a priority in the Kia Soul, with a range of standard and available features. These include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Soul has performed well in crash tests, earning a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in specific model years.
The Kia Soul also offers advanced safety technologies such as tire pressure monitoring, stability control, and anti-lock brakes. Dual front and side airbags protect you and your passengers in a collision.
Reliability and Ownership Costs
Kia is renowned for producing reliable vehicles; the Soul is no exception. According to J.D. Power, the Soul has consistently earned above-average reliability ratings, with few reported issues from owners. Common problems are minor and typically related to the infotainment system or interior accessories.
Maintenance and repair costs for the Kia Soul are reasonable, with many owners reporting lower-than-average expenses than other vehicles in its class. Kia offers a comprehensive package, including a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, providing additional peace of mind.
The Soul’s resale value is competitive, with many models retaining a good portion of their original value after several years of ownership because of the Soul’s popularity, reliability, and unique design.
Customer Reviews and Satisfaction
Kia Soul owners generally report high levels of satisfaction with their vehicles. Many praise the Soul’s spacious interior, comfortable ride, and easy-to-use features. The Soul’s unique styling and customization options are frequently cited as reasons for purchasing the vehicle.
Expert reviews of the Kia Soul are mainly positive, with many noting its excellent value, practicality, and fun-to-drive nature. The Soul consistently earns high marks for its interior space, safety features, and infotainment system.
Some potential drawbacks mentioned by owners and reviewers include the Soul’s occasionally firm ride quality, limited engine options in specific model years, and the polarizing exterior design, which may not appeal to everyone.
Comparison With Competitors
The Kia Soul competes in the crowded subcompact SUV segment, which includes popular models like the Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, and Nissan Kicks. Compared to these competitors, the Soul stands out with its unique styling, spacious interior, and excellent value.
In terms of features and performance, the Soul is well-matched with its rivals, offering similar engine options, fuel efficiency, and safety features. The Soul’s boxy design allows for more interior space and cargo room than many competitors.
Price-wise, the Kia Soul is often more affordable than its rivals, especially considering the number of standard features included. This combination of value, space, and style makes the Soul a compelling choice in the subcompact SUV market.
The Kia Soul is a good car that offers a unique blend of style, practicality, and value. Its spacious interior, competitive fuel efficiency, and strong reliability ratings make it an attractive choice if you’re looking for a subcompact SUV. With a range of standard features and a comprehensive warranty, the Soul provides peace of mind and excellent value for its price point.
Experience the Kia Soul at Huffines Kia Corinth
If you’re considering a Kia Soul, we encourage you to visit Huffines Kia Corinth to explore our inventory and take a test drive. Our knowledgeable staff will happily answer any questions and help you find the perfect Kia Soul to fit your needs and budget. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information or to schedule a visit to our dealership.