2010 Kia Soul sport

Vital Stats

Engine: 2.0 liter I4 (142HP/137TQ)
Drivetrain Layout: Front engine/Front wheel drive
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Seating Capacity: 5 Passengers
EPA Fuel Economy: 24 city/30 highway
Base MSRP $18,195 + $695 (destination charge)
Recommended Options: Sunroof Package $700

The Basics
Thanks to Toyota’s Scion brand, the US automotive marketplace woke up to the fact that there is a significant market demand for funky, distinct, individualistic, customizable vehicles. The new contenders in this segment are the Kia Soul and Nissan cube (oddly enough the Cube was the originator of this segment in Japan). Of the three Boxes, the Kia Soul is the smallest.

Spiritually, the Kia Soul translates the original Scion xB’s DNA better than the Scion’s own 2^nd gen xB. The Kia Soul is even more distinctive, and has even more of a playful personality than either generation xB’s. The Soul is about the same size as the first xB and is available in 4 trim levels and two available engines. And who can forget about one of the best automotive advertisements in the last decade, the Kia Hamsters!

Highs: Funky and fun exterior and interior design, good handling dynamics, smooth engine, great steering feel
Lows: NVH (noise, harshness vibration) not as good as others, smallish cargo space, can get pricey

Similar Vehicles: Nissan cube, Scion xB, Kia Forte

Exterior (Tae – 9, Andy – 9)
Tae – Dare I say that the Kia Soul has got some soul? From its sloping roofline, rising beltline, the vents on the fenders, the black door moldings and bumper trimmings, headlamps, tail lamps every design element works. It’s funky, fun, distinctive, and sporty. In the current ‘box segment’, the Kia Soul receives a top grade in styling.

Andy – I think the Soul looks great, however, I’ve found that like the other ‘box cars,’ its looks are polarizing. People either seem to love it or hate it. I happen to love it. It’s sportier than the Cube, and more exciting than the xB. I agree with Tae: funky, fun, and sporty.

Interior (Tae – 8.5, Andy – 8)
Tae – Carrying on with superbs of the exterior styling,  the interior design is top notch. The red/black upholstery is sporty and looks to be durable, dash materials are above average, and the fit-and-finish is very good. The storage compartments in the dash and center console are cleverly designed, and the armrest is nicely done as well – doesn’t feel like an afterthought like it does in the Scion xB. As far as any gripes go… the cargo area is small, and if you have tall front seat dwellers, the back seats will be cramped.

Andy – The Soul’s interior is cool, no doubt about it. There is plenty of passenger room and good interior storage. I found the front seats to be a bit stiff, and not quite as supportive as I like. Unlike Tae, I found the center arm rest to be a bit plasticky and uncomfortable. However, these are minor gripes. Overall, you get a lot of interior for your cash including a great stereo and good ergonomics.

Drivetrain (Tae – 7, Andy – 7)
Tae – Although the engine and transmission are smooth and gets the job done, compared to the 2.4 liter unit in the Scion xB, it feels underpowered. The noise levels from the drivetrain are very good, until the very top end of the engines speeds – by then, the engine sounds like it’s struggling. The 2.0 liter engine in the Soul sport is sporty in nature (more power in the higher revs than lower speeds), and feels reasonably refined. The transmission shifts smooth without a discernable shift-jerk, but the shifting action is not as snappy as I would like.

Andy – Unlike Tae, I didn’t think the Soul felt underpowered. I did, however, feel the engine was a little noisy and unrefined compared to the competition; ditto that with the manual transmission, which feels a bit rubbery and not as precise as the Japanese makes. Gearing is good, and the transmission makes good use of the car’s 142 horsepower. The engine does rev well and offers spirited acceleration; it just make a lot of new doing so.

Performance (Tae – 7.5, Andy – 8)
Tae – The straightline performance is pretty average with something like a mid-8 second 0-60MPH times. In the handling department, the Soul sport shines – even moreso than the Scion xB. It corners with predictability and grippy enough for most joy rides.

Andy – The Soul is fun to drive. The combination of good horsepower and torque figures, proper gearing, a stiff suspension, and strong grip lends itself to spirited cornering. Acceleration is above average. There always seems to be enough power on tap for passing, and freeway cruising is handled easily. The Soul is the athlete in this segment.

Ride Quality (Tae – 6.5, Andy – 6.5)
Tae – Maybe it’s due to the fact that it’s got a stiffer suspension, maybe it’s the low profile 18” wheels/tires, or maybe it’s just that this is an economy car – the ride quality is not as refined as some of the competitors. I would say that the Kia Soul is the worst in the ride quality department out of the Box trio (Soul, xB, and Cube), and by no means that the Soul rides terrible – that type of distinction belong to the likes of Smart fortwo, Dodge Calibur, Chevy Aveo, etc…

Andy –  I agree with Tae.  The ride fees overly stiff, almost like it rides on aftermarket lowering/performance springs—but it doesn’t have them. Is this the tradeoff for the good cornering? Perhaps. The Soul is more of a canyon carver than a comfortable cruiser.

Technology (Tae – 8.5, Andy – 9)
Tae – This top-level Soul is stuffed with just about everything under the sun (sunroof is optional), including Bluetooth and iPod/USB connectivity. Things like traction control, 6 airbags, ABS, and other safety equipment is standard also. The audio system is easy to use and sound better than most of its competitors, and c’mon… it’s got speaker lights!

Andy – It’s hard to beat this level of technology for the price. Its Bluetooth is among the best I’ve ever used regardless of price. The iPod/USB connectivity is good, and the 315 watt stereo (with pulsating lights in the speaker grilles—don’t worry, you can turn them off, too) is outstanding. Combine with the safety features Tae mentioned, and you’ve got a car any ‘techie’ would appreciate, especially at this price level.

Value (Tae – 8.5, Andy – 9)
Tae – Compared to the Scion xB, the Kia Soul sport is not as a good of a bargain. However, when you price out the xB with the 18” wheel/tire combo, metal pedals, and Bluetooth you’ll catch up to the Kia’s price. Items like two-tone interior, sports suspension, sunroof, and speaker lighting system are an aftermarket affair for the Scion xB.

Andy – I’m going to contrast Tae and say the Soul is a better bargain than the xB. I feel you get more for your money: More style, more tech, and more performance (especially in the cornering department) and the same or lower price. The only downside is going to be resale value; something Kias still aren’t known for. Also, the Soul’s 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, 5 year/60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper warranty, as well as 5 years/60,000 miles of roadside assistance.

Overall (Tae – 8, Andy – 8.5)
Tae – If you are looking for a vehicle that says I’m different, yet not in a ‘weird’ way, the Kia Soul might be for you. It is an excellent option for students and/or city dwellers. You can carry a lot of junk, has a good sound system, handles good, looks outrageous, and full of great personality.

Andy – I’d agree with Tae on all accounts. There’s a lot of car for the cash with the Soul. Plus, buyers get an impressive warranty. The Soul might not be for everyone, but it’s good car for anyone looking for an above-average level of performance, technology, and style at a good price point.

- KF