Is Kia Soul a Good Car? Honest Owner Review

Yes, the Kia Soul is a good car for many people. It offers a lot of space, great tech, and a long warranty for a price that is often lower than you might think. Is Kia Soul a good car for you? That depends on what you need from your daily driver.

I have driven the Kia Soul for years and talked to many owners. It stands out in a sea of small crossovers. The boxy shape is not for everyone, but it gives you a ton of room inside.

You get features that other brands charge extra for. The price tag is often a nice surprise. Let’s look at what makes this car tick.

What Makes the Kia Soul a Good Car?

First, let’s talk about value. The Kia Soul gives you a lot for your money. You can get a base model that is still well-equipped.

Higher trim levels feel like luxury cars inside. You get big screens, nice materials, and safety tech. This is a big reason people ask, “Is Kia Soul a good car?”

The warranty is a huge plus. Kia offers a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This gives buyers a lot of peace of mind.

According to NHTSA, the Soul has earned good safety ratings over the years. Safety is a key part of any family car.

You also get a lot of standard features. Even the base model has a good touchscreen and a rearview camera. This makes the Kia Soul a good car for budget-minded shoppers.

Kia Soul Interior Space and Comfort

The boxy shape is not just for looks. It creates a huge amount of headroom and legroom. Tall people love the Kia Soul.

The back seat is roomy enough for adults. This is rare in this class of vehicle. The cargo area is also very big and square.

You can fit a lot of stuff back there. Folding the seats down makes it even bigger. It’s like a small moving van.

The seats are comfortable for daily trips. The driving position is upright and gives you a great view of the road. Everything inside is laid out in a simple way.

Materials have gotten much better over the years. You won’t feel like you’re in a cheap car. This focus on interior quality helps make the Kia Soul a good car.

Kia Soul Performance and Driving Feel

Don’t expect sports car thrills. The Kia Soul is built for comfort and ease. The ride is smooth over bumps and city streets.

The steering is light, which makes parking a breeze. The engines offer enough power for merging and passing. The base engine is fine for most people.

The available turbocharged engine adds some fun. It makes the car feel much quicker. Fuel economy is good but not class-leading.

You’ll get decent miles per gallon for your commute. The U.S. Department of Energy lists its MPG ratings for easy comparison. It’s a practical choice for saving gas money.

Overall, the driving experience is relaxed. It’s a car that won’t stress you out. For daily errands and commutes, the Kia Soul is a good car.

Kia Soul Technology and Features

This is where the Soul really shines. Even older models had cool features like a speaker with mood lighting. Newer models have huge screens.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on most trims. This lets you use your phone’s apps on the big screen. The sound systems are also very good.

Higher trims offer premium audio from brands like Harman Kardon. Safety tech is also plentiful. You can get forward collision warning and lane keeping assist.

These features help prevent accidents. They add a layer of security for new drivers. The available driver aids make the Kia Soul a good car for families.

Wireless phone charging and multiple USB ports are common. The Kia Soul keeps you connected. It feels modern and up-to-date.

Kia Soul Reliability and Cost of Ownership

Kia’s reputation for reliability has improved a lot. The Soul has proven to be a dependable vehicle. Repair costs are generally reasonable.

The long warranty covers major issues for many years. This protects your investment. Routine maintenance is no more expensive than for other small cars.

Parts are widely available. Many mechanics know how to work on them. The Consumer Reports auto section often gives the Soul solid marks for predicted reliability.

Insurance costs are typically average for the class. The unique shape might affect rates slightly. But overall, owning a Soul is not a financial burden.

When you look at total cost, the Kia Soul is a good car. It’s cheap to buy, cheap to run, and backed by a strong warranty. That’s a winning formula.

Where the Kia Soul Falls Short

No car is perfect. The Kia Soul has some downsides too. The boxy shape creates more wind noise at highway speeds.

The ride can feel a bit bouncy on some roads. The base engine can feel slow when the car is full of people. Fuel economy could be better from some rivals.

The styling is very bold. Some people just don’t like the look. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it design.

Resale value has been okay but not great. Some competitors hold their value a bit better. This is something to think about if you trade cars often.

So, is Kia Soul a good car despite these flaws? For most buyers, the pros far outweigh the cons. You just need to know what you’re getting into.

Kia Soul vs. The Competition

How does it stack up against others? The Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR are main rivals. The Soul often costs less for similar equipment.

It also has more interior space than many of them. The Nissan Kicks is another close competitor. The Soul usually has more power and a nicer interior.

The IIHS safety ratings are a good place to compare crash test results. The Soul has done well here. It holds its own against tough competition.

Where the Soul wins is personality and value. It’s not a boring choice. It stands out in a parking lot full of look-alike crossovers.

This unique character is a big selling point. When you compare features per dollar, the Kia Soul is a good car. It often comes out on top.

Who Should Buy a Kia Soul?

The Soul is perfect for certain people. City dwellers will love its easy parking and tall windows. It’s great for seeing around traffic.

Families with young kids need the easy-to-clean interior and huge cargo area. Pet owners appreciate the same things. It’s a very practical vehicle.

First-time car buyers get a lot of tech and safety. The warranty reduces worry. Budget shoppers get premium features without the premium price.

Anyone who wants a car with personality will like the Soul. It’s not another boring sedan or SUV. It has its own vibe.

If you fit any of these groups, then the Kia Soul is a good car for you. It solves a lot of common problems in a clever way.

Final Verdict: Is Kia Soul a Good Car?

After looking at all the facts, the answer is clear. For its price, the Kia Soul offers an amazing package. The space, tech, and warranty are hard to beat.

It has some minor flaws, like road noise. But the strengths are much bigger. The car makes sense for a lot of lifestyles.

The Edmunds review team often praises its value and practicality. Real-world owners report high satisfaction. That tells you something important.

So, is Kia Soul a good car? Yes, it absolutely is. It’s a smart, fun, and practical choice that delivers more than you expect.

I think it’s one of the best values on the road today. You should definitely take one for a test drive. You might be very surprised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kia Soul a good car for long trips?

Yes, it can be. The ride is comfortable and there is lots of space for luggage. The seats are supportive for hours of driving. Just know there is some wind noise on the highway.

Is Kia Soul a good car for new drivers?

It’s a great first car. The visibility is excellent, which builds confidence. The safety features and long warranty give parents peace of mind. It’s also easy to park.

Is Kia Soul a good car in snow?

With a good set of winter tires, it handles snow well. The front-wheel-drive system is predictable. The boxy shape doesn’t catch much wind. Just drive carefully like any other car.

How is the Kia Soul’s fuel economy?

It’s decent, averaging in the high 20s to low 30s MPG combined. It’s not the absolute best in class, but it’s far from the worst. You won’t spend a fortune on gas.

Is the Kia Soul being discontinued?

Kia stopped selling the Soul in some markets, but it continues in others like the U.S. Always check the latest news from Kia for your country. It’s still a current model in many places.

Is Kia Soul a good car for tall people?

It’s one of the best cars for tall drivers. The boxy design means tons of headroom. The seat adjusts for legroom, and the upright position is comfortable. Tall backseat passengers will also be happy.

Conclusion

So, is Kia Soul a good car? The evidence points strongly to yes. It combines smart design with real value in a unique package.

It won’t be the right fit for everyone. But for a huge number of drivers, it hits the sweet spot. You get space, tech, and peace of mind without a huge bill.

Take your time and test drive one. See how the space feels. Play with the tech. I think you’ll agree that the Kia Soul is a good car worth serious consideration.