Kia Soul EV
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for an electric car that stands out from the crowd? The Kia Soul EV might be exactly what you need. This quirky, box-shaped electric crossover combines distinctive styling with impressive practicality and surprisingly good electric range. It’s perfect for drivers who want to go electric without sacrificing personality or space.

The Soul EV takes everything that made the petrol version popular and adds efficient electric power. Its bold, upright design makes it instantly recognisable on the road, while the spacious interior offers more room than you’d expect from its compact footprint. Unlike many bland electric cars, the Soul EV has real character. The high driving position gives you great visibility, and the generous interior space makes it genuinely practical for families or anyone who needs to carry lots of stuff.

What really sets the Soul EV apart is how it makes electric driving feel effortless and fun. The instant torque delivery makes city driving a joy, while the decent range means you won’t be constantly worried about finding charging points. It proves that electric cars don’t have to be boring or compromised. While rivals like the Nissan Leaf focus purely on efficiency, the Soul EV adds a dose of style and practicality that makes it genuinely desirable.

What's the Kia Soul EV Like to Drive?

The Kia Soul EV delivers the instant, smooth acceleration that makes electric cars so appealing. The electric motor produces around 201 horsepower and gets you from 0-60 mph in about 7.6 seconds. That’s quick enough to make overtaking safe and city driving genuinely fun. The throttle response is immediate, giving you that satisfying push back into your seat every time you accelerate from traffic lights.

Where the Soul EV really impresses is in its real world usability. The regenerative braking system is well calibrated, allowing you to drive mostly with one pedal in town. The steering is light and precise, making parking easy despite the crossover dimensions. The suspension does a great job of smoothing out bumps while keeping body roll under control. Road noise is minimal thanks to the lack of engine noise, creating a serene driving environment that makes every journey more relaxing.

How Comfortable Is the Kia Soul EV?

Step inside the Soul EV and you’re greeted by a surprisingly spacious and well designed cabin. The dashboard is clean and modern, with a large touchscreen infotainment system taking centre stage. The materials feel solid and durable, though not quite premium. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with good adjustment range to help you find the perfect driving position. The high roofline creates an airy feeling that makes the cabin feel bigger than it actually is.

The real star is the spaciousness. Thanks to the upright design and clever packaging, there’s generous headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats are genuinely usable for adults on longer journeys, which isn’t always the case with compact crossovers. Standard equipment includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and climate control. The infotainment system is responsive and easy to use, with clear graphics showing your remaining range and charging status. Higher spec models add heated seats and a premium sound system that enhances the refined driving experience.

The Kia Soul EV is a compelling choice for anyone considering their first electric car. It successfully combines distinctive styling with genuine practicality and impressive electric range. The interior is spacious and well equipped, while the driving experience is smooth and refined. The 280 mile range is more than adequate for most users, and the charging capability is competitive with newer electric cars.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Kia Soul EV?

As an electric car, the Soul EV offers excellent running costs that make it very appealing for daily use. Charging at home overnight costs just a few pounds for a full battery, giving you around 280 miles of range. Even using public rapid chargers is significantly cheaper than filling up with petrol. Road tax is currently free for electric vehicles, and many areas offer free parking or congestion charge exemptions for electric cars.

The main consideration is the purchase price, which is higher than equivalent petrol cars. However, this is offset by much lower running costs and potential government grants. Insurance costs are reasonable for an electric vehicle. Servicing requirements are minimal compared to petrol cars, with no oil changes needed and fewer moving parts to maintain. car finance options can help spread the cost, making the transition to electric more affordable. The Soul EV also holds its value well, making it a sensible choice for those looking to try electric driving without a massive financial commitment.

Kia Soul EV Practicality & Boot Space

The Soul EV excels in practical everyday use thanks to its clever packaging and thoughtful design. The 315 litre boot is a decent size and the low loading lip makes it easy to load heavy items. The rear seats fold down to create a large, flat loading area when you need to carry bigger items. Inside the cabin, you’ll find plenty of storage spaces including door pockets, cup holders, and a useful area under the centre console.

The high driving position and large windows give excellent all round visibility, making the Soul EV easy to drive in traffic and simple to park. The compact dimensions mean it fits into tight parking spaces, while the upright shape maximises interior room. It’s an ideal choice for small families or anyone who values space and practicality. Compared to other used Kia cars, the Soul EV offers a unique combination of electric efficiency and genuine practicality that few rivals can match.

The Kia Soul EV stands out in the growing electric car market by offering something genuinely different. It combines distinctive, love it or hate it styling with impressive practicality and competitive electric range. The spacious interior, smooth electric drivetrain, and well judged ride quality make it an excellent choice for daily driving and longer journeys.

You choose the Soul EV because you want an electric car with personality that doesn’t compromise on space or usability. Its upright design maximises interior room while the electric powertrain delivers smooth, quiet, and efficient performance. For drivers looking to go electric without sacrificing practicality or character, the Soul EV represents excellent value, especially with cars under £10,000 options available on the used market.