2012 Kia Soul
Starting MSRP $13,900–$19,600
By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National May 4, 2011Vehicle Overview
Kia joined the boxy wagon segment when it launched the Soul as a 2010 model. It competes with cars like the Scion xB and Nissan Cube. Employing front-wheel drive and powered by a choice of four-cylinder engines, the Soul comes with a host of standard features and an attractive base price. It's offered in base, Soul+, Soul!, and Sport trim levels.
New For 2012
Both of the Soul's available four-cylinder engines make more power and team with new six-speed transmissions. Fuel estimates have improved for both engines, too — 25/30 mpg city/highway for the base engine and 23/28 mpg for the optional larger four-cylinder. The 2012 Soul gains exterior styling revisions that update its appearance slightly.
Exterior
Featuring a rounded front end that's reminiscent of a Mini Cooper, the Soul has short front and rear overhangs and a fairly raked windshield. Exterior features include:
- Revised front-end styling includes new headlights, LED daytime running lights and a restyled bumper
- Updated rear design cues include LED taillights and a newly styled bumper
- Standard 15-inch wheels
- Optional 16- and 18-inch wheels
- Optional moonroof
- Optional rear spoiler and fog lights
Interior
The Soul has seating for up to five with its front bucket seats and rear bench seat. The bench seat is split and can be folded down to expand the cargo area. Interior features include:
- Newly available Infinity premium stereo
- Newly available Uvo hands-free communication and entertainment system
- Standard air conditioning, tilt steering wheel and CD stereo with USB and auxiliary inputs
- Standard cloth seats
- Optional cruise control, keyless entry and height-adjustable driver's seat
- Optional Premium Package adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic air conditioning, a navigation system (replaces Uvo) and push-button starting
Under the Hood
The Soul's base engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that makes 135 horsepower and works with a six-speed manual transmission. There is an available 160-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic
Safety
Standard features include:
- Antilock brakes
- Side-impact airbags for the front seats
- Side curtain airbags
- An electronic stability system, required for 2012
- Active head restraints for the front seats
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | May 4, 2011 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Carrie Kim | Mother Proof | March 9, 2012 |
People Who Viewed This Car Also Viewed
Closest Dealers Listing this Car
Featured Services for the Kia Soul
- Sell your current car quickly and easily on Cars.com.
