2010 Kia Soul
- Used Kia Soul
Based on analysis of 29 Soul reviews and test drives.
Kia Soul - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Kia Soul ranks 10 out of 29 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 29 published reviews and test drives of the Kia Soul, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Soul is Kia's brand-new car-based hatchback, though it does sport some SUV-like styling. It's about the same length as the Kia Rio compact and competes with other small hatchbacks including the Scion xB. Initial test drives show the Soul boasts more than just a sporty, fun exterior - its sporty driving dynamics give it an edge over direct competitors.
On the outside, the Soul has a boxy shape similar to the Scion xB -- and like the funky Scion, its style and affordable price target younger buyers. In a comparison test with the xB and new Nissan Cube, Popular Mechanics picks the Soul as the winner, noting, "[T]his time, the edge goes to Kia. The speed, both in a straight line and on a windy road, the efficiency and the overall grin-inducing persona of the Soul Sport made it our favorite." While reviewers love the Soul's bright, grin-inducing interior and high level of standard features, they don't like its small cargo area and quirky manual transmission.
The Soul comes in four well-equipped trim levels -- a base edition, the Soul Plus (+), Soul Exclaim (!), and Soul Sport.
- "What we have here is the first Kia that people will buy for reasons other than price, although the price is mighty attractive, too. I liked this funky little box far more than I expected." -- Automobile Magazine
- "The 2010 Kia Soul Exclaim is a practical transportation option that is fun to drive within stylish packaging." -- San Francisco Chronicle
- "With the Soul Sport's sub-$18K sticker price, recent grads will appreciate the funky styling and impressive tech lineup (iPod, sat radio, Bluetooth). More mature shoppers will likely be swayed by the comfortable seating position and full-coverage warranty." -- Edmunds
- "Nothing about the Soul suggests it can't hold its own with more familiar competitors for even less cash. Considering Kia's lengthy warranty, Soul could hit spot-on its Gen-Y target." -- New Car Test Drive
- "It's nice to see a manufacturer that's doing something right in this slumping economy. And with the launch of its 2010 Soul, Kia is definitely doing something right." -- Chicago Sun-Times
- "The Soul's style, attitude, and charm come with the economy and value Kia is known for, but for young buyers, this has to be the most appealing car Kia has ever made." -- Truck Trend
- "Okay, so in the end, this Kia is less about sporty performance and more about sporty attitude. But in its class, the Soul is definitely among the most entertaining offerings. It's got a unique look, a long list of features, a ridiculously long warranty (10 years/100,000 miles), and it is genuinely fun to grab by the scruff when equipped with a manual transmission." -- Autoblog
Soul Performance - 7.1 (Good)
Most reviewers have lukewarm opinions about the 2010 Kia Soul's performance. On the plus side, it's more fun to drive than many of its competitors. "It isn't a performance car, but does feel sportier than basic cars in this size and price category," says Truck Trend. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, "Accleration is not blistering but is adequate to get the job done with a little spirit thrown in." However, some writers say the Soul's performance has its downsides, including an underpowered engine, an unpredictable manual transmission and a sometimes choppy ride. Read More
Soul Exterior - 8.6 (Very Good)
The all-new Soul's exterior is proof that the quirky hatchback it lives up to its name. Reviewers love its boxy, fun look - even if it does look a bit like the Scion xB and all-new Nissan Cube. "First things first, the car looks great," says Automobile Magazine. "It's obvious that Kia is trying to imitate Scion with the Soul's styling, but who cares? It's cool." For an even more unique look, Kia's offers plenty of fun colors and a multitude of exterior add-ons. Read More
Soul Interior - 8.6 (Very Good)
The Kia Soul's interior packs in just as much punch as its stylish profile. "Overall, the interior is one of Soul's strengths," writes New Car Test Drive. "The dashboard features a prominent center pod with large knobs for the climate controls and audio system, and there are several storage spots available to front-seat passengers. The finish doesn't seem cheap, either. In general, the plastics and fabrics look good." In addition to nice materials, the Soul boasts a snazzy look complete with red accents on the Sport model. However, a downside is its small cargo space. Read More
Soul Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
The 2010 Kia Soul does well in federal government crash tests, but does not yet have safety ratings from the insurance industry. However, its high level of safety equipment is reassuring. Read More
Soul Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2010 Kia Soul reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2010 Kia Soul comes with a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. Read More
