Kia Soul (2014 – 2019) Review

Kia Soul (2014 – 2019) At A Glance

3/5
Honest John Overall Rating
An admirably different take on the small car, the Kia Soul is practical, fun and good to drive, even if emissions are on the high side.

+Practical family car. High quality and attractive cabin. Easy to drive. Steers and handles decently. Outstandingly reliable.

-Looks aren’t universally popular. Emissions and economy far from best in class. Larger wheels ruin the ride.

Insurance Groups are between 9–18
On average it achieves 84% of the official MPG figure

The Kia Soul is not a car for shy and retiring types, but that doesn’t mean its bold looks make it any less practical than rivals such as the Citroen C4 Cactus or retro-inspired Fiat 500L. It’s good to drive and has a practical cabin, as you’d expect of a Kia, and it’s also very reliable. But not everyone will get on with the firm ride of models on the larger wheeled options, and carbon dioxide emissions mean you pay out more in road tax than with some competitors. Read on for our full Kia Soul review.

While this second-generation Kia Soul may look similar to the original model, it was much improved under the skin, with significantly better steering, ride and handling.

It’s also more than just style over substance. Get past the rather quirky and boxy appearance and you’ll find a family car that is impressively refined with a very practical and upmarket cabin. 

The Kia Soul is easily big enough for a family of five and features good-quality materials, along with a stylish dashboard layout. Standard equipment levels are generous, and all cars get DAB radio and air-conditioning.

Thanks to the tall, upright cabin, there is a huge amount of headroom even for taller passengers, plus it’s very easy to get in and out of, from both the front and back rows of seats.

Unfortunately, the generous passenger compartment means the boot space suffers a little – but it’s still a reasonable size and more than adequate for everyday use.

There are two engines – a 1.6-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel, the latter of which is available with a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

The diesel delivers lower running costs thanks to its economy of 58.9mpg and 125g/km CO2 emissions. It also offers a decent amount of torque, so it’s the best one to go for unless you’re a low-mileage driver.

That said, it lags behind some key rivals when it comes to economy and emissions – the Renault Captur, its French rival the Peugeot 2008 and the Skoda Yeti are better on this front. 

If you are a keen driver, you will also find the Skoda Yeti superior to drive on a winding road. There is still a lot to like about the Kia Soul, though, as a used car. It’s reasonably well priced, well equipped, impressively built and offers more cabin space than the usual small SUV model.

Read our review of the latest Kia Soul EV here.

Kia Soul (2014 – 2019) handling and engines

Driving Rating
The ride and handling is better than the Kia Soul’s high-sided styling might suggest, but watch the ride on models with larger wheel sizes.

Kia Soul (2014 – 2019): Handling and ride quality

Beneath the tall and boxy exterior styling, the Kia Soul is based on the same platform as the Kia Cee’d from the same period.

That’s good news, as it means the Kia Soul is far more competent than its predecessor, with better roadholding and improved ride quality.

The Kia Soul is a relaxed car on the road, riding over rippled and rough road surfaces comfortably. There’s not much noise from the suspension most of the time – but larger wheels do have an adverse effect on ride quality, particularly on poor roads with noticeable thumping over cracks and potholes.

The steering settings can be changed between Normal, Sport and Eco modes, but the standard setting is good enough, with a nicely weighted and accurate feel.

Corners can be taken with confidence, but the car does feel a little out of its comfort zone on a twisting route with lots of sudden direction changes. This is made worse by the seats, which although very comfortable, don’t offer much in the way of lateral support.

It’s good news for those who drive in town or on the motorway though, where you don’t feel hemmed in by bulky side bolsters.

Kia has worked hard to improve refinement over the previous-generation model and it really shows – there is barely any wind, road or engine noise until you get up to around 70mph, at which point only wind noise becomes noticeable, but unobtrusive.

Kia Soul (2014 – 2019): Engines

The engine range is simple, with a choice of two 1.6-litre engines – one petrol and one diesel. The petrol engine produces 132PS and 161Nm of torque, which makes for a 0-62mph sprint time of 11 seconds.

That’s a little swifter than the 11.2 seconds of the 128PS diesel engine, but the latter has more torque at 260Nm, making it more flexible and useable out of town.

Whichever engine you go for, you’ll get a smooth six-speed manual transmission as standard. It’s a very easy gearbox to get along with thanks to a light change action.

If you need an automatic transmission, then you’ll have to go for the diesel, which is offered with an impressive six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Kia Soul (2014 – 2019): Safety

This generation comes with six airbags as standard, along with traction control, ABS anti-lock brakes and two Isofix child seat mounts in the back seat.

However, there’s no lane keep assist or autonomous emergency braking, even as an option when new, so the Kia Soul does lag behind some newer rivals for safety equipment.

Kia Soul (2014 – 2019): Towing

It might not be the ultimate hauler, but the Kia Soul can pull an unbraked trailer of up to 550kg. Hitch it up to a braked trailer and it will pull a maximum of 1100kg.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
1.6 CRDi 47–59 mpg 10.8–11.8 s 128–158 g/km
1.6 CRDi Automatic 47–57 mpg 10.7–11.8 s 135–158 g/km
1.6 GDi 39–44 mpg 10.6 s 153–170 g/km
1.6T GDi Automatic 41 mpg - 156 g/km
Electric - 10.8 s -

Real MPG average for the Kia Soul (2014 – 2019)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

84%

Real MPG

30–54 mpg

MPGs submitted

82

Kia Soul (2014 – 2019) interior

Interior Rating
The Kia Soul prioritises passenger comfort way ahead of load-carrying ability, so there’s space for five in the well built cabin.
Dimensions
Length 4140 mm
Width 1800–1831 mm
Height 1593–1606 mm
Wheelbase 2570 mm

Full specifications

Kia Soul (2014 – 2019): Practicality

The upright SUV-styling of the exterior gives the Kia Soul an impressively spacious interior, with easily enough space for a family of five. Headroom and legroom are excellent in both the front and back rows.

That does, however, have an effect on the amount of loadspace, but at 351 litres it’s still a good size, plus it can be expanded to 1367 litres by folding the rear seats.

The load area is a good shape, with a very wide opening and an almost flat load deck, plus there’s an underfloor storage area for odds and ends.

The load lip is quite high, which is hard work if you have to lift heavy items in and out. It will also pose problems for some dog owners, especially those with older or smaller pets.

Kia Soul (2014 – 2019): Quality and finish

Compared to the original Kia Soul, the interior is a much more upmarket and inviting place, with a stylish layout and good quality materials, including a generous helping of soft-touch plastic on the door tops and dashboard.

Kia has added some unique touches too, like tweeter speakers integrated within the air vents. The interior colours are designed to complement the exterior finish, so you’ll get a brown dashboard if you pick the coffee-brown exterior paintwork.

You also get illuminated speaker surrounds if you go for a model with the excellent Infinity audio system.

Standard equipment is good, with all models getting DAB radio and air-conditioning. Moving up to mid-spec variants adds some nice extras like alloy wheels, an impressive Infinity audio system and navigation.

Options include advanced technologies such as lane keep assist and automatic parking, along with a huge panoramic sunroof that makes the cabin feel even more open and airy.

Kia Soul (2014 – 2019): Infotainment

The Kia Soul was an early adopter of touchscreen infotainment, and it’s fitted to most versions bar the most basic trims.

It’s an easy-to-use screen, although it’s placed lower in the centre console than is the norm nowadays.

However, it’s simple to navigate, aided by short-cut buttons on either side of the touchscreen, and the sat-nav display is good even by modern standards.

Kia Soul (2014 – 2019) value for money

Value for Money Rating
The Kia Soul is generally cheap to run and own, but beware CO2 emissions that attract higher road tax than is the case with some rivals.

Kia Soul (2014 – 2019): Prices

The Kia Soul is one of those cars that has gained a small, loyal following that means used prices have held up well.

As a result, you will spend from around £7000 for an eight-year-old example in good condition and with only average miles to its credit.

A newer, four-year-old example demands an increase in budget to around £10,000 for a low-mileage, mint version.

Kia Soul (2014 – 2019): Running Costs

You might be surprised by the carbon dioxide emissions of the higher trim petrol versions of the Kia Soul.

These can range up to 170g/km, which means paying £290 per year at current prices for road tax for models registered prior to 1 April 2017.

Cars registered after that date pay a flat £180 rate.

The diesel-fuelled Kia Soul emits a lower 132g/km, so it costs £180 regardless of when it was registered, at the time of writing.

This version is also the most fuel-efficient thanks to its 56.5mpg for the manual and 47.1mpg for the auto. The petrol’s best figure is 41.5mpg.

These official figures are thrown into sharper focus when we look at our Real MPG numbers. They show the diesel managing 46mpg and the petrol around 36mpg.

Servicing a Kia Soul won’t tax your budget and nor will insurance, thanks to this model sitting in groups 9 to 18.

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Kia Soul (2014 – 2019) models and specs

The range began with the Kia Soul Start, which came with 16-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, electric windows, DAB radio and air-conditioning. 

It then moved to the Kia Soul Connect trim that added 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity and a reversing camera. 

A Kia Soul Connect Plus offers the same as Connect trim, but with the addition of satellite navigation and an Infinity audio system.

Choose the Kia Soul Mixx model and it has 18-inch alloy wheels, two-tone paintwork and a styling pack.

At the top of the range sits the Kia Soul Maxx model, which gains leather upholstery, a panoramic glass roof, push button start and keyless entry. 

The company then moved to the Kia Soul 1, 2, 3 and Sport models with trim equivalent to the Connect, Connect Plus, Mixx, and Maxx.

There was also the Kia Soul Urban special edition in 2016 with gloss black front grille and unique black cloth upholstery with yellow edging.

Dimensions
Length 4140 mm
Width 1800–1831 mm
Height 1593–1606 mm
Wheelbase 2570 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1275–1920 kg
Boot Space 354–994 L
Warranty 7 years / 100000 miles
Servicing 10000–20000 miles
Spare Wheel
Standard Space-saving spare wheel
Costs
List Price £12,805–£30,495
Insurance Groups 9–18
Road Tax Bands D–H
Official MPG 38.7–58.8 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall 4

On sale until November 2019

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.6 CRDi 134bhp 2 5dr £18,955 58.8 mpg -
1.6 CRDi 134bhp 2 DCT 5dr £20,455 56.5 mpg -
1.6 CRDi 134bhp 3 5dr £21,355 58.8 mpg -
1.6 CRDi 134bhp 3 DCT 5dr £22,855 56.5 mpg -
1.6 GDI 130bhp 1 5dr £14,725 43.5 mpg -
1.6 GDI 130bhp 2 5dr £17,480 43.5 mpg -
1.6 T-GDi 201bhp Sport DCT 5dr £23,980 40.9 mpg -
EV 81.4KW Electric Motor Auto 5dr £30,495 - -

On sale until July 2017

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
EV 81.4KW Electric Motor Auto 5dr £29,995 - 10.8 s

On sale until April 2017

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.6 CRDi 134 Connect Plus DCT 5dr £19,200 54.3 mpg 10.7 s
1.6 CRDi 134bhp 2 5dr £18,350 58.8 mpg -
1.6 CRDi 134bhp 2 DCT 5dr £19,850 56.5 mpg -
1.6 CRDi 134bhp 3 5dr £20,750 58.8 mpg -
1.6 CRDi 134bhp 3 DCT 5dr £22,250 56.5 mpg -
1.6 CRDi 134bhp Connect 5dr £16,600 58.8 mpg 10.8 s
1.6 CRDi 134bhp Connect DCT 5dr £18,100 54.3 mpg 10.7 s
1.6 CRDi 134bhp Connect Plus 5dr £17,700 58.8 mpg 10.8 s
1.6 CRDi 134bhp Maxx 5dr £21,750 58.8 mpg 10.8 s
1.6 CRDi 134bhp Maxx DCT 5dr £23,250 54.3 mpg 10.7 s
1.6 CRDi 134bhp Mixx 5dr £19,950 58.8 mpg 10.8 s
1.6 CRDi 134bhp Mixx DCT 5dr £21,450 54.3 mpg 10.7 s
1.6 CRDi 134bhp Urban 5dr £17,095 58.8 mpg 10.8 s
1.6 CRDi 134bhp Urban DCT 5dr £18,595 54.3 mpg 10.7 s
1.6 GDI 130bhp 1 5dr £13,995 43.5 mpg -
1.6 GDI 130bhp 2 5dr £16,750 43.5 mpg -
1.6 GDI 130bhp Connect 5dr £15,005 41.5 mpg 10.6 s
1.6 GDI 130bhp Connect Plus 5dr £16,105 41.5 mpg 10.6 s
1.6 GDI 130bhp Start 5dr £12,805 41.5 mpg 10.6 s
1.6 GDI 130bhp Urban 5dr £15,500 41.5 mpg 10.6 s
1.6 T-GDi 201bhp Sport DCT 5dr £23,250 40.9 mpg -

On sale until October 2015

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Connect 1.6 CRDi 126 5dr £16,600 56.5 mpg 10.8 s
Connect 1.6 CRDi 126 Auto5dr £18,100 47.1 mpg 11.8 s
Connect Plus 1.6 CRDi 126 5dr £17,700 56.5 mpg 10.8 s
Connect Plus 1.6 CRDi 126 Auto 5dr £19,200 47.1 mpg 11.8 s
Maxx 1.6 CRDi 126 5dr £21,750 56.5 mpg 10.8 s
Maxx 1.6 CRDi 126 Auto 5dr £23,250 47.1 mpg 11.8 s
Maxx 1.6 GDI 130 5dr £20,150 38.7 mpg 10.6 s
Mixx 1.6 CRDi 126 5dr £19,950 56.5 mpg 10.8 s
Mixx 1.6 CRDi 126 Auto 5dr £21,450 47.1 mpg 11.8 s
Mixx 1.6 GDI 130 5dr £18,350 38.7 mpg 10.6 s

Model History

September 2013

New Kia Soul unveiled

The biggest technical change for the 2014 Soul is the adoption of an all-new platform, based on that of the latest KIA cee'd. The result is greatly improved ride and handling compared with the outgoing model, as well as more mature and refined on-road behaviour.

The second-generation Soul will also be the best in its class for refinement, a result of the car's upgraded suspension, 29 per cent stiffer bodyshell and comprehensive soundproofing. Interior noise levels are reduced by approximately three decibels.

Subtly larger dimensions also mean the new model offers buyers a more practical proposition, with a longer wheelbase and wider track contributing to greater cabin space and cargo capacity. Leg, head and shoulder room are increased for all passengers, while the cargo area is increased by 4 per cent to 354 litres (plus additional underfloor storage) with the rear seats upright.

Environmental performance for the new model is also improved. Buyers will be able to choose between the latest versions of KIA's 1.6-litre GDi petrol and CRDi diesel engines, as well as six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Both engines are carried over from the outgoing model, and feature improved efficiency with lower emissions.

Promising a more rewarding ownership experience, the 2014 Soul will be available in Europe with a range of new premium features (depending on model), including: front LED daytime running lights and rear LED ‘halo' lights, xenon headlights, keyless entry and push-button engine start, automatic climate control, cruise control, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated front and rear seats, panoramic glass sunroof and heated and electrically folding exterior mirrors.

April 2014

Kia Soul launched

Went on sale in the UK at price from £12,600 to £19,000 for the main range and from £18,150 to £21,550 for the high spec Mixx and Maxx versions.

June 2014

Soul EV revealed

Featuring a high-capacity 192-cell 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, 212 km of the Soul EV's drive range is now certified for Europe. The Soul EV also employs regenerative braking to capture and recycle into the battery the kinetic energy generated while the car is coasting and braking.

Power comes from an 110PS electric motor, producing a generous and instantly available 285Nm of torque, driving the front wheels via a single speed constant ratio gear reduction unit.

Acceleration to 60 mph takes 11 seconds, while top speed is 90mph. The battery pack is mounted beneath the cabin, ensuring a low centre of gravity and contributing to the car's accomplished ride, handling and refinement.

Charging is accomplished by plugging the Soul EV into any standard household electricity supply. Recharging times are up to five hours for a fully depleted battery using a 6.6 kW AC slow charger. An 80 per cent charge can be achieved in as little as 25 minutes with a 100 kW charger (if available) or 33 minutes using a 50 kW DC charger.

September 2014

Soul Mixx and Maxx launched

Come with Infinity Premium sound system, urban styling pack and 18-inch wheels come as standard. The Soul Mixx is priced from £18,150 and the Soul Maxx from £19,950.

KIA Soul Mixx has 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tyres, contrasting colour roof and door mirror pods, high-gloss black bumpers, chrome exterior door handles, LED rear combination lamps, rear privacy and solar glass, cooled glovebox, heated front seats, luggage floor undertray. It is also fitted with the urban styling pack consisting of front, side and rear skirts and a wheel-arch garnish.

KIA Soul Maxx has 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tyres, leather upholstery, TFT supervision cluster, panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, smart-entry key and an engine starter button.

November 2014

Soul EV arrived in UK

Priced at £24,995 (assuming Government grant of £5,000). Class-leading range of up to 132 miles. Class-leading energy density of 200 Wh/kg. Innovations that extend the distance the car can travel on a charge. Same seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

The charging ports are hidden behind a panel in the blanked off grille. Owners have the option of recharging the batteries from a standard domestic socket, via the KIA-branded wallbox supplied as standard with the Soul EV or at a public fast charger, or through a public rapid charger. Using a UK 230-volt domestic power supply, the Soul EV can be fully recharged in 10 to 13 hours. With the wallbox or at a public fast-charge point, the time is reduced to around five hours. The Soul EV is supplied with a customised red adapter cable stored in a KIA-branded pouch for this form of charging. Alternatively, through a public rapid charger, the batteries can be topped up to 80 per cent of capacity - the maximum permissible with this type of system - in 33 minutes.

March 2015

Kia Soul EV gained Red Dot Award for outstanding design.

April 2016

Kia Soul Urban launched

Starting with two 6-speed manual gearbox versions, one with the 1.6 GDi petrol and the other Kia’s popular 1.6 CRDi diesel engine. An automatic version of the diesel version is also available when twinned with Kia’s new 7-speed auto DCT gearbox.

The exterior styling of the ‘Urban’ features a striking ‘SUV pack’ alongside black high gloss bumpers and rear and side sills, teamed with chrome inserts which adds to the vehicle’s dynamic and premium character. Also added to this trim are electric folding door mirrors with integrated LED indicators, LED rear combination and high level brake lights alongside front daytime running lights and privacy glass. Adding to the convenience of the vehicle, rear parking sensors come as standard on the ‘Urban’ range.

The Soul ‘Urban’ is available in a choice of one solid and three metallic paint exterior colours. Clear White (solid), Caribbean Blue, Inferno Red and Quartz Black. All models ride on the 17” alloy wheels seen on the Connect and Connect Plus models. In addition the Soul ‘Urban’ can be noticed by its unique ‘Urban’ badging neatly positioned on the usual boot literature, in chromed letters.

On the inside the Soul ‘Urban’ features attractive black woven seats with yellow trim alongside generous use of soft touch materials and black high gloss trim giving a contemporary feel. Also included is an AM/FM radio with DAB radio, Bluetooth, USB port and auxiliary socket.

Variants CO 2 OTR Price
1.6 GDi 130bhp 6-speed manual 153 £15,500
1.6 CRDi 134bhp 6-speed manual 128 £17,095
1.6 CRDi 134bhp 7-speed DCT 135 £18,595

December 2018

3rd generation KIA Soul revealed at Loas Angeles Auto Show. Announcement that in the UK the 3rd gen KIA Soul will be EV only.

September 2019

KIA Soul awarded Best Multimedia Quality in its award segment in the J.D. Power 2019 Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study. The announcement follows KIA’s award as the highest ranked mass market brand in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study for the fifth consecutive year, with the Soul recognized among the top 10 vehicles in the industry.

What does the Kia Soul (2014 – 2019) cost?