2013 Kia Soul: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2013 Kia Soul is that Bluetooth hands-free calling and steering-wheel audio controls became standard on every trim. Otherwise, this final year of the first-generation Soul received only a light update.
About the 2013 Kia Soul
1st generation, final model year; minor equipment update after the 2012 refresh
Kia positioned the Soul as a distinctive five-door urban hatchback combining an upright, easy-to-recognize shape with a roomy five-seat cabin and flexible cargo space. Its compact exterior suits city driving, while the tall roof, split-folding rear seat, simple controls, and broad standard-equipment list support commuting, errands, and weekend trips. The Soul’s main differentiators were expressive styling, practical interior space, and more personality than a conventional small sedan or hatchback.
The 2013 Soul ranges from a practical Base model with a 138-hp 1.6-liter engine to the stronger + and more fully equipped ! trims with a 164-hp 2.0-liter engine. The ! stands out with a sunroof, upgraded exterior lighting, a rear-camera display, and an Infinity audio system, while the + adds conveniences such as cruise control, heated power mirrors, and remote keyless entry.
What changed, by category
2013 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 | |
| Rear Legroom | 39 in | 39 in | 39 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Cruise Control | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Tail Lights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Power Mirrors | |||
| Privacy Glass | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2013 Kia Soul compared with the 2012 model?
The 2013 Kia Soul made Bluetooth hands-free calling and steering-wheel audio controls standard on every trim and added a darker chrome grille surround across the lineup. It was a small equipment and appearance update rather than a redesign.
Was the 2013 Kia Soul redesigned?
No, the 2013 Kia Soul was not redesigned. It was the final model year of the first-generation Soul and received only minor equipment and styling updates before the all-new 2014 model arrived.
Did the 2013 Kia Soul get a new engine?
No, the 2013 Kia Soul had no model-wide powertrain change. The Base used a 138-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder, while the + and ! used a 164-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
Is Bluetooth standard on every 2013 Kia Soul?
Yes, Bluetooth hands-free calling is standard on every 2013 Kia Soul trim. This was especially notable for the manual-transmission Base, which did not have it as standard equipment in 2012.
Which 2013 Kia Soul trim has the rear camera and Infinity audio system?
The 2013 Kia Soul ! has the rear-camera display and Infinity audio system. It also includes a power sunroof, projector headlights, LED lighting, and power-folding heated mirrors.