2012 Kia Soul: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Kia Soul’s biggest change is a major mid-cycle refresh built around stronger engines and new six-speed transmissions. It also gets updated styling, added standard safety features, and a quieter, revised cabin.
About the 2012 Kia Soul
1st generation Soul (2010-2013), mid-cycle refresh year and third of four U.S. model years.
Kia marketed the Soul as an “urban passenger vehicle” that mixed standout boxy styling with real everyday usefulness. Its appeal was easy to understand: small outside, roomy inside, upright seating, flexible cargo space, and a feature list that felt generous for the class. Against rivals like the Nissan Cube and Scion xB, the Soul leaned into style, stereo and tech personality, and value without giving up practical family-car basics.
The 2012 Soul ranges from the value-focused base model to the stronger and better-equipped Soul+, while the Soul! serves as the expressive, tech-heavy version. The base has a 138-hp 1.6-liter engine, the + and ! use a 164-hp 2.0-liter engine, and the ! stands out with a sunroof, LED lighting, a touchscreen with a rear-camera display, and a 350-watt Infinity audio system.
What changed, by category
2012 Kia Soul specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 164 hp | 164 hp | 138 hp |
| Torque | 148 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft | 123 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 53.4 cu-ft | 53.4 cu-ft | 53.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39 in | 39 in | 39 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Power Mirrors | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 Kia Soul compared with the 2011 model?
The 2012 Kia Soul gets a broad mid-cycle refresh. Its changes include stronger engines, six-speed transmissions, revised front and rear styling, standard Vehicle Stability Management and hill-start assist, updated cabin controls, and more sound insulation.
Is the 2012 Kia Soul a full redesign?
No. The 2012 Kia Soul is a mid-cycle update of the first-generation model, not a full redesign. The refresh changes the engines, transmissions, styling, safety equipment, and parts of the cabin while retaining the same basic generation.
Which engines does the 2012 Kia Soul have?
The 2012 Soul base model has a 138-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The Soul+ and Soul! have a stronger 164-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
What trims does the 2012 Kia Soul have?
The 2012 Kia Soul lineup consists of the base, +, and ! trims. The previous Sport trim was dropped for 2012.
Did the 2012 Kia Soul gain new safety features?
Yes. Vehicle Stability Management and hill-start assist became standard across the 2012 Soul lineup.