The Soul lives in that increasingly gray area between hatchbacks and SUVs. A boxy, upright design gives it abundant interior space and super-easy access. You sit up high in chairlike seats, surrounded by an ample glass area for good visibility. Overall, it feels like driving a small SUV, but one that's lower to the ground. But unlike a true SUV, the Soul is available only with front-wheel drive.
Distinctiveness remains another part of the Soul's appeal. The quirky styling reminds some of a surfer dude with wraparound shades. Special edition color packages add to the levity. There is also a generous list of options, many seemingly more fitting to a luxury sedan than a boxy econocar, including features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats.
Three different engines are available. Most will have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. Power delivery was just adequate; some of us wanted more gusto when merging or going uphill. Fuel economy averaged 26 mpg, which is good but not outstanding, especially given the modest power.
We suspect the less powerful 1.6-liter four-cylinder base engine would also be wanting for oomph. Buyers seeking a swifter Soul can opt for the Exclaim trim, which starting in 2017, has a turbocharged 1.6-liter four cylinder that makes 201 hp. There is also the electric Soul EV, which has a claimed 93-mile range.
Cabin noise is typical for the class, with modest levels of engine boom and road hiss. Even though the Soul's small size makes it easy to park and maneuver, the overall driving experience is nothing special. Handling is secure when pushed but not inspiring during everyday jaunts, mostly due to vague steering. And the ride is stiff and jiggly, which can become fatiguing on a long ride.
Inside, there's generous room. The low floor, tall roof line, and square door openings make getting in and out extremely easy. Very little ducking is required. The supportive leather front seats are much more comfortable than those in most lower-priced cars, helped by available power adjustments. The spacious rear seat is comfortable for two adults, but those taller than 6 feet may find scant head room. Three can squeeze in, though they may be a bit too close for comfort. There's not much trunk room when the backseat is up.
Controls are refreshingly simple to use. The base radio has large buttons for common functions and an easy-to-read display. The top-level navigation system has an 8-inch touch screen with large fonts and on-screen buttons, and a simple menu. Upper trims also include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in later years.
A big draw is Kia's long list of available features. Loaded versions include appealing items such as a push-button start, automatic climate system, heated steering wheel, heated front and rear leather seats, panoramic sunroof, backup camera, and a touch-screen navigation system.
But adding advanced safety equipment gets expensive. The only way to get forward-collision warning is getting the Plus model with the Primo package, which stickers for around $27,000. No automatic emergency braking is available. Blind-spot monitoring is also limited to fully loaded versions.
Ultimately the Soul winds up being more than the sum of its parts. Basically a modest inexpensive subcompact at heart, its unique looks and packaging and array of deluxe features give it an appeal that transcends its humble roots.
The base Soul is a great deal if you can live with the less powerful engine. We'd go for the + trim, which gets the larger engine and automatic transmission.
Changes from previous generation
Compared to the 2010-2013 Soul, the second-generation car is considerably roomier and more refined. While the ride remained stiff, it did improve somewhat and the interior is quieter. The 2014 redesign followed Kia's trend toward offering lots of upscale luxury features; the previous model was much more basic. Fuel economy was one mpg better, even though this edition of the Soul is quicker and heavier. Available features for 2016 included forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems. 2017 brought available blind spot monitoring and a turbocharged engine for the Exclaim trim.