Kia Soul
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a small car that stands out from the crowd? The Kia Soul might be exactly what you need. This distinctive crossover combines funky styling with surprising practicality, making it perfect for drivers who want something different without sacrificing everyday usability. With its boxy design and higher driving position, the Soul offers a unique alternative to traditional hatchbacks.

The Soul has carved out its own niche in the competitive small car market. While rivals like the Honda Jazz and Nissan Qashqai focus on conventional styling, the Soul dares to be different. Its hamster-inspired advertising campaigns and quirky character have made it a cult favourite. The spacious interior feels much bigger than the car’s footprint suggests, and the elevated seating position gives you a commanding view of the road ahead.

What makes the Soul special is its ability to blend personality with practicality. The funky exterior design turns heads wherever you go, while the surprisingly roomy cabin and decent boot make it genuinely useful for families. Available in both petrol and electric versions, there’s a Soul to suit different needs and budgets. While it may not be the cheapest option in its class, the Soul’s character, seven year warranty, and proven reliability make it a compelling choice for anyone wanting to escape the ordinary.

What's the Kia Soul Like to Drive?

The Kia Soul offers a choice of petrol engines designed for smooth urban driving rather than outright speed. The 1.6-litre petrol engine produces around 130 horsepower, providing adequate performance for most situations. It handles city traffic with ease and has enough power for comfortable motorway cruising. The 0-60 mph time of around 10 seconds won’t set any records, but it feels perfectly adequate for real world driving. The electric Soul EV variant offers instant torque and near silent running.

Where the Soul really impresses is in its driving comfort and refinement. The higher seating position gives you excellent visibility, making it feel more like a small SUV than a traditional hatchback. The suspension does a great job of smoothing out bumps and potholes, while the steering is light and responsive around town. Road noise is well controlled, creating a calm and relaxing cabin environment. The Soul prioritises comfort over sportiness, which suits its character perfectly and makes every journey more pleasant.

Inside the Kia Soul: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Soul and you’re greeted by one of the most spacious cabins in its class. The tall, airy interior feels genuinely roomy, with excellent headroom front and rear thanks to the upright design. The dashboard layout is clean and functional, with all controls within easy reach. Material quality is good for the price point, with soft touch surfaces in key areas and robust build quality throughout. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, making smartphone integration seamless.

The front seats are supportive and comfortable, offering a good driving position with plenty of adjustment. Rear passengers benefit from generous legroom and headroom, making the Soul surprisingly practical for families. One of the Soul’s standout features is how quiet the cabin is at speed. Kia has done excellent work with sound insulation, creating a refined environment that feels more upmarket than the price suggests. Storage solutions throughout the cabin are clever and well thought out, with numerous cubbies and compartments for everyday items.

The Kia Soul succeeds in being genuinely different in a crowded marketplace. Its distinctive styling, spacious interior, and refined driving experience make it a compelling alternative to conventional hatchbacks. The seven year warranty and Kia’s improving reputation for reliability add to the appeal. While it’s not the most exciting car to drive, it excels at making everyday journeys comfortable and stress free.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Kia Soul?

The Soul represents solid value when it comes to running costs, especially considering its spacious interior and unique styling. The petrol engine returns around 45 mpg in real world driving, which is competitive for the class. Insurance groups are reasonable, typically falling into groups 10-15 depending on the trim level. The electric Soul EV offers even lower running costs, with cheap home charging and exemption from congestion charges in most cities.

Kia’s seven year warranty is a major selling point, providing peace of mind and potentially reducing maintenance costs. This comprehensive coverage is one of the best in the industry and demonstrates Kia’s confidence in their build quality. While the initial purchase price is higher than some mainstream rivals, car finance options make the Soul accessible to most budgets. Residual values are stable, and the unique styling helps the Soul hold its value better than more conventional alternatives.

Kia Soul Practicality & Boot Space

For a compact crossover, the Soul punches well above its weight in terms of practicality. The 315-litre boot is a decent size for the class and features a low loading lip, making it easy to load heavy items. The rear seats fold flat to create a useful extended cargo area, perfect for larger items or weekend trips. Inside the cabin, storage solutions are thoughtfully designed with plenty of places for phones, drinks, and other everyday essentials.

The Soul’s tall body style creates a surprisingly spacious interior that rivals much larger cars. Four adults can travel in reasonable comfort, making it ideal for small families or couples who occasionally need extra space. Compared to other used Kia cars, the Soul offers excellent value for interior space. The higher seating position also makes getting in and out easier for older passengers, while the wide door openings provide good access to both front and rear seats.

The Kia Soul stands apart in the competitive small cars vs hatchbacks market by offering something genuinely different. It combines eye catching styling with impressive practicality, creating a car that’s both distinctive and genuinely useful. The spacious interior, comfortable ride, and excellent warranty make it a smart choice for buyers who want to stand out from the crowd.

Choose the Soul if you want a small car that doesn’t feel like a compromise on space or comfort. Its unique character, proven reliability, and comprehensive warranty make it an appealing alternative to more conventional rivals. Whether you opt for the efficient petrol version or the zero emission electric model, the Soul delivers a refreshingly different take on small car ownership that’s perfectly suited to modern life.