The Soul EV by Kia is a five-passenger wagon/hatchback crossover that comes well-equipped, offered in three trims: base, Soul and + trim. The base model features 16” wheels, all-powered accessories, privacy glass in the rear, cloth seating, 60/40-split rear bench, Bluetooth/iPod/USB integration, and a six-speaker audio system. Upgrades will get you signature add-ons that include: 17” premium alloy wheels, automated headlamps, backup camera with 8” touchscreen display and GPS, climate control, fog lights, remote entry/start, leather seating, powered and heated front seats, and upgraded Infinity HD sound system. The EV features a signature front grille and LED lighting that sets it apart from the standard gasoline powered models. The interior offers a white accented trim and the interior composites are made from bio-materials that are environmentally friendly. Powered by an electric motor and a 27-kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery, the Soul EV makes 109 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque, with a 92 mile range and a five-hour charging time. Kia offers a lifetime warranty on the battery pack and a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty on the car.
2015 model year changes
The Kia Soul was redesigned last year, so for this year it's mostly the same save for a few small changes to several options and amenities. The most notable upgrades have been made to Kia's UVO eServices, which feature several updates making the system more robust, with increased app compatibility. Other changes include a new set of interior colors available on 'Exclaim' trimmed Souls.
A new electric-powered Soul arrives for 2015. Powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, it pushes the diminutive Soul for a claimed 92 miles on a charge. The Soul EV will come in both base and Plus (+) trims.
Competitive comparison
Trend-setting style; boxy design opens up lot of passenger space; versatility for cargo; improved ride and handling; a feature set unlike other compact cars
Special features for 2015
The Soul remains one of the more affordable vehicles on the market, priced in line with other compact sedans, very well-equipped and quite fuel-efficient. With the Soul's tiny parking footprint, it's very easy to maneuver and park, still packing impressive interior space thanks to the boxy profile. Adults can fit comfortably in the back seat, which isn't the case with most other vehicles this size.
Safety features also get a boost in the new Soul-- the stronger structure has already been proven with Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick status plus a federal 5-star overall rating.
