Kia Soul Overview

The Kia Soul has exceeded sales expectations, offering a good mix of utility and unique exterior and interior styling, plus a high degree of standard features often missing in this segment. Four trim levels add progressively upscale features: Soul, Soul +, Soul !, and Soul sport. The base model uses a 122-hp 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. All other trims are equipped with a 142-hp 2.0-liter four cylinder. The Soul + shares the 5-speed manual with an optional 4-speed automatic. The Soul ! and Soul sport come exclusively with the automatic.

Very welcome standard safety features include six airbags, electronic stability and traction control systems, new-for-2011 standard 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, active front head restraints, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The attractive if basic interior features ambient lighting, including illuminating trim around the front speakers that pulses in time with music. Though the Soul features a little more cargo and interior room than most similar-sized vehicles, its fuel economy is below average for the segment.