Used Kia Soul Review (2013-2019) MK2
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Highly reliable
- Various powertrains to choose from
- Comfortable ride
- Looks may not to be to all tastes
- Could be more dynamic to drive
- Electric range could be better
What's the Kia Soul like?
The Soul built between 2014 and 2019 is an individual and striking small SUV that's also renowned for its superb reliability, and it comes at lower prices than most competitors.
Also, the remainder of Kia’s superb 7-year or 100,000-mile warranty is transferable to new owners, and that has to be a big bonus even though buyers will very rarely need it.
Powertrains
The Soul is a chunky-looking medium 5-door, 5-seater with power from either 1.6-litre petrol or diesel engines, plus the rarer option of a fully electric model introduced in 2016.
There are two versions of the 1.6-litre petrol. Most on the used market have 130bhp, which gives them a 0 to 60mph sprint of circa 10.8 seconds, and 41mpg.
The other model is the Soul Sport and that comes with a turbocharger, boosting the power output to 201bhp, bringing the 0 to 60mph sprint down to an excellent 7.7 seconds and yet it’s still capable of 40mpg.
The 1.6-litre diesel is also a turbo – as you would expect – producing a very good 134bhp. This is enough to match the 130bhp petrol models to 60mph, while being capable of far better economy at 56mpg.
It’s available with a double clutch automatic gearbox and this is standard on the Sport, with the higher output engine.
The smooth 130bhp petrol has to be revved to get the best from it, but when you do, it gives decent performance and there is plenty of verve for overtaking.
The diesel is even quicker through the gears, and obviously, is the one to go for because of its better economy.
Soul EV
The Soul EV electric was introduced in 2016 and drives very much the same as the petrol and diesel versions, but of course, with much lower running costs.
It cost more than other electric cars at the time, and so has not sold in large numbers.
The electric motor produces 109bhp, giving 0 to 60mph in around 11 seconds. The range is 132 miles, and it can be recharged to 80 percent at a roadside superfast charger in just 33 minutes.
Charging at home takes 12 hours on a standard 13amp socket, or five hours using a wallbox fast charger.
Driving Experience and Equipment
Handling and road-holding are good with little roll, and it even rides comfortably both on poor surfaces at speed and in town, making it an excellent all-rounder.
Peter Hayward
There’s plenty of legroom front and rear for four and even five for shorter journeys, but less rear kneeroom in the EV because of battery storage.
The dash design is good-looking, equipment very generous, and storage excellent.
Base '1' trim includes stability control, six airbags and central locking. It also has air conditioning, four electric windows, CD stereo with MP3 connection, Bluetooth, split and fold rear seat, and tinted glass.
You may also be interested in...
Find your Kia Soul your way with CarStore
The Kia Soul is a small SUV that offers a comfortable interior and a variety of efficient powertrains. Whilst its looks may not be loved by everyone, its reliability will be, making it a top choice on the used car market. Better yet, there's an all-electric Soul EV; perfect for those searching for the cleanest of vehicles.
