Strengths

Practical, funky "tall car" styling; good fuel economy; lots of customization; great warranty

 

Changes

The 2010 Kia Soul is a small, front-wheel-drive, 4-door hatchback wagon powered by either a 122-horsepower 1.6L inline-4 or an available 142-horsepower 2.0L inline-4. The Soul comes in four trim levels. Eight unique exterior colors are available, including Alien, Java, and Molten. Standard safety features include six airbags, stability control and 4-wheel anti-lock brakes.

 

Value

The 2010 Kia Soul is a departure for the Korean company best known for its inexpensive, well-warranteed cars. The Soul is aimed squarely at the Scion crowd, featuring funky styling, wild colors and a highly customizable interior and exterior. Base prices start at about $2,000 less than a comparable Scion.

 

Overview

The 2010 Kia Soul is a big step in a big direction for the Korean carmaker as it attempts to shed its bargain-car image in favor of something more mainstream. With base prices starting under $14k, the Soul is still a bargain, but it features edgy styling and a strong standard equipment list.

The front-wheel-drive Soul utilizes a heavily massaged Rio chassis, with MacPherson struts in front and a torsion beam suspension in the rear.

The Soul is available in four trim levels: the base Soul, Soul+, Soul! and Soul Sport. The Base models come powered by a 122-horsepower 1.6L inline-4, which is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. All other Soul models are powered by a 142-horsepower 2.0L inline-4, which is paired to a standard 5-speed manual or an available 4-speed automatic. Kia estimates fuel economy as 31 mpg on the highway.

Standard features include an AM/FM/CD stereo with USB/MP3 input jacks, Sirius satellite radio capability, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, power windows and locks, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and air conditioning. Soul+ models add 16-inch alloy wheels, steering wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, and keyless entry. The Soul! includes 18-inch wheels, a power sunroof, fog lights, a premium stereo, and unique interior upholstery with leather appointments, while the top-line Soul Sport adds side sills, a rear spoiler, and alloy pedals.

The Soul shines in the way owners can customize it. Nearly 60 accessories are available including headlight accents, remote start, sport springs, a billet oil cap, sport exhaust, special interior lighting, special cargo and equipment racks, and much more.

Standard safety equipment across the Soul lineup includes six airbags, active front headrests, electronic stability control, a tire pressure monitor and 4-wheel anti-lock brakes.