Is a Kia Soul an SUV? The Complete Answer

Yes, but it’s a small one – the Kia Soul is an SUV, specifically a subcompact crossover SUV. This classification comes from its design, features, and how Kia itself markets the vehicle to buyers looking for that type of car.

It sits higher than a regular car. You get more headroom and cargo space too. The look is boxy and tough, like many SUVs. But it drives more like a small car, which is nice in the city.

People love it for its style and practicality. It fits into a crowded parking spot easily. Yet it can haul a lot of stuff with the seats folded down.

What Makes a Car an SUV?

Let’s break down what an SUV really is. The term means Sport Utility Vehicle.

These cars mix features from trucks and regular passenger cars. They usually have a higher ride height. You sit up higher to see the road better.

They often have all-wheel drive as an option. This helps with bad weather or light off-road use. The body is designed to be more rugged.

Cargo space is a big deal for an SUV. The back area is made to carry lots of gear. The seats often fold flat for bigger items.

So, is a Kia Soul an SUV? It checks many of these boxes. It has the high stance, the boxy shape for cargo, and available all-wheel drive.

It may not go rock crawling, but most modern SUVs don’t. The Kia Soul fits the everyday definition perfectly.

The Kia Soul’s Design and SUV Traits

The Kia Soul’s look is its biggest clue. That tall, boxy shape is a classic SUV design cue.

This shape is not just for style. It creates a ton of interior room. Passengers get more head and leg space.

The cargo area is surprisingly big. You can fit several large suitcases back there. Fold the seats, and you have a small moving van.

The ground clearance is higher than a sedan’s. This means you can handle rough driveways better. You won’t scrape the bottom as easily.

Available all-wheel drive is a key SUV feature. Some Kia Soul models offer this. It gives you more grip on wet or snowy roads.

When you see one, its SUV intentions are clear. The design shouts utility and space. So, asking “is a Kia Soul an SUV?” makes sense given its look.

How Kia Markets the Soul

Car companies tell us what a car is. Kia’s own words matter here.

Visit the Kia website or a dealership. You will see the Soul listed with their SUVs. It sits right next to the Seltos and Sportage.

Their ads focus on its versatility and room. These are SUV selling points. They talk about its ability to carry active lifestyles.

Reviewers and car sites also group it as a subcompact SUV. This is its standard category. It competes with cars like the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Kona.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) classifies it as a “Small Sport Utility Vehicle.” That’s official government talk for SUV.

So, is a Kia Soul an SUV according to the maker? Absolutely. Kia positions it that way from the start.

Comparing the Soul to Other SUV Types

Not all SUVs are the same. Think of it like sizes of drinks.

You have subcompact, compact, midsize, and full-size SUVs. The Kia Soul is a subcompact. It’s the smallest common SUV size.

A Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV. It’s a bit bigger. A Chevy Tahoe is a full-size, which is huge.

The Soul gives you SUV benefits in a smaller package. You get the high seat and cargo room. But you keep easy parking and good gas mileage.

Some people call it a crossover. That’s just a type of SUV built on a car platform. Most small SUVs today are crossovers.

So, is a Kia Soul an SUV in the smallest category? Yes, it’s a prime example of a subcompact crossover SUV.

It proves you don’t need a giant vehicle to get SUV perks.

What the Experts and Data Say

Let’s look at facts from outside sources. These help settle the debate.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Fuel Economy site lists it as a “Small Sport Utility Vehicle.” They use this for their mileage tests and ratings.

Major car review sites like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book put it in the “Subcompact SUV” class. They compare it directly to other small SUVs.

Insurance companies often rate it as an SUV. This can affect your insurance cost. They see its design and use case.

Safety tests from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) group it with other small SUVs. Its crash ratings are compared to vehicles like it.

All this expert data points one way. The consensus is clear. So, is a Kia Soul an SUV based on expert classification? The answer is a consistent yes.

Common Misconceptions About the Soul

Some people get confused. They see its unique style and wonder.

One myth is that it’s just a tall hatchback. It’s true it has hatchback doors. But its overall design and intent go further.

Its size is another point of confusion. Because it’s small, some think it can’t be an SUV. But SUV now covers a wide range of sizes.

The driving feel is car-like. This makes people question its ruggedness. Most modern crossovers drive like cars, though. That’s by design.

It doesn’t have a low-range gearbox for serious off-roading. But neither do most compact and subcompact SUVs sold today. That’s not a requirement anymore.

When you look past these surface issues, the truth is clear. So, is a Kia Soul an SUV despite these myths? Yes, it fits the modern definition perfectly.

Benefits of the Soul as a Small SUV

Choosing the Soul as your SUV has real perks. It’s a smart pick for many folks.

You get great fuel economy for an SUV. The smaller size and efficient engines help a lot. This saves you money at the pump.

Maneuverability is a huge plus. It’s easy to drive in tight city streets. Parking is a breeze compared to a larger SUV.

The cost is lower than bigger SUVs. The starting price is very friendly. You get SUV utility without the big price tag.

It’s packed with features for the money. You often get tech and safety stuff standard. This value is a key part of its appeal.

The interior feels spacious and open. The boxy shape means more glass area. It doesn’t feel cramped inside.

All these benefits come from its smart design. So, is a Kia Soul an SUV that’s practical for daily life? It’s one of the most practical choices out there.

Who Should Consider a Kia Soul?

This car is perfect for certain drivers. Think about your own needs.

City dwellers will love it. Its small footprint is ideal for urban life. You can zip through traffic and fit in small spots.

First-time car buyers get a lot for their money. It’s affordable, safe, and efficient. The fun style is a bonus.

Small families or pet owners need the cargo space. The rear hatch makes loading dogs or gear simple. The back seat has good room for kids.

People who want a high seating position but hate big trucks will like it. You get the command view without the bulk.

Anyone who values personality in a car will enjoy it. The Soul has more character than many bland SUVs. It stands out in a good way.

If this sounds like you, then the Soul could be a great fit. So, is a Kia Soul an SUV for your life? For many, the answer is a resounding yes.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

No car is perfect for everyone. The Soul has a few trade-offs.

It’s not a powerhouse for towing. Don’t expect to pull a big trailer. That’s true of most subcompact SUVs, though.

The ride can be a bit firm. This is due to its shorter wheelbase. You might feel bumps more than in a larger, heavier SUV.

Engine options are focused on efficiency, not speed. Acceleration is adequate but not thrilling. It’s made for getting around town, not racing.

While cargo space is great for its size, it has limits. A midsize SUV like a Honda CR-V will hold more. You trade some space for easier parking.

These are just things to think about. They don’t change its classification. So, is a Kia Soul an SUV with some compromises? Sure, but every vehicle has them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Kia Soul an SUV or a hatchback?

It is classified as a subcompact SUV. It has hatchback-style doors, but its overall design, higher ride height, and marketing place it firmly in the SUV category.

Is the Kia Soul good in snow?

Models with available all-wheel drive handle snow quite well. Front-wheel drive models with good snow tires are also capable. The National Weather Service always recommends caution, but the Soul’s SUV design helps.

How much cargo space does the Kia Soul have?

It has about 24 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Fold the seats down, and you get over 60 cubic feet. This is very good for a subcompact SUV.

Is a Kia Soul an SUV that gets good gas mileage?

Yes, one of its best features is fuel efficiency. You can expect around 30 miles per gallon combined. This is better than many larger SUVs.

What other cars are like the Kia Soul?

It competes with other subcompact SUVs like the Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Venue, and Chevrolet Trax. They all offer a similar mix of size, utility, and efficiency.

Is the Kia Soul a safe SUV?

It has earned good safety scores. The IIHS gave it top marks in several crash tests. Modern safety features are available, making it a safe choice in its class.

Conclusion

So, is a Kia Soul an SUV? The final answer is definitely yes. It is a subcompact crossover SUV through and through.

Its design, marketing, and expert classifications all agree. It gives you the high seating, practical cargo space, and available all-wheel drive that define the modern SUV. You get these benefits in a small, efficient, and affordable package.

If you want SUV utility without the bulk and cost of a larger model, the Kia Soul is a fantastic option. It proves that the question “is a Kia Soul an SUV?” has a simple and positive answer for smart car shoppers.