“I really liked the Kia EV Soul but it smelled in the interior. And the one I had for a few days prior smelled too. But I loved my Fiat EV 500e; excellent but it seemed small when driving on 3 highways to & from work. I only had each of these cars for about a year. I now have a new VW ID4.”
2018 Kia Soul EV: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Kia Soul EV is a larger 30-kWh battery, which raises its EPA-estimated range from 93 to 111 miles. Otherwise, this is a light update rather than a redesign.
About the 2018 Kia Soul EV
1st-generation Soul EV (2015-2019 U.S.), fourth model year, before the lightly updated 2019 final year.
Kia positions the Soul EV as a practical electric hatchback with standout styling, easy city maneuverability, and more interior space than many small EVs. Its upright shape gives it useful cargo room and easy entry, while the electric powertrain focuses on quiet commuting and simple charging. Compared with rivals, the Soul EV leans more on personality and hatchback usefulness than on maximum range, making it a good fit for urban and suburban daily driving.
The California-only EV-e is the simple commuter trim, with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and DC fast charging. The EV adds an 8-inch navigation touchscreen and a more efficient heat-pump climate system, while the comfort-focused EV+ brings leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and parking sensors.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Every trim gets a larger battery, increasing capacity from 27 to 30 kWh and raising EPA-estimated range from 93 to 111 miles.
Tech
The 8-inch touchscreen in the EV and EV+ adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2018 Kia Soul EV specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | AC Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| Horsepower | 109 hp | 109 hp | 109 hp |
| Torque | 210 lb-ft | 210 lb-ft | 210 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 49.5 cu-ft | 49.5 cu-ft | 49.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36 in | 36 in | 36 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 111 | 111 | 111 |
| MPGe Combined | 108 | 108 | 108 |
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Rear Window Shades | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2018 Kia Soul EV compared with the 2017 model?
The main change is a larger 30-kWh battery, up from 27 kWh, which increases EPA-estimated range from 93 to 111 miles. The EV and EV+ trims also gain Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on their 8-inch touchscreens.
How far can the 2018 Kia Soul EV travel on a full charge?
The 2018 Kia Soul EV has an EPA-estimated range of 111 miles on every trim. That is an 18-mile increase over the 2017 model’s 93-mile rating.
Does the 2018 Kia Soul EV have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, the 2018 Soul EV and EV+ have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through their 8-inch touchscreens. The simpler EV-e does not have the larger navigation touchscreen.
Is the 2018 Kia Soul EV worth considering over the 2017 model for longer trips?
Yes, if driving range is the priority. The 2018 model travels an EPA-estimated 111 miles per charge instead of 93 miles, while the rest of the vehicle changes very little.
Does every 2018 Kia Soul EV trim support DC fast charging?
Yes, every 2018 Soul EV trim has a CHAdeMO DC fast-charge port and a 6.6-kW onboard charger for regular AC charging.
2018 Kia Soul EV Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Kia Soul EV.
4.1
2018 Kia Soul EV
(14 reviews)
“If you want an affordable, all electric option the kia soul ev will get you around town. This car is not for long road trips, but is very economical and fun to drive in town!”
“Good car for local short trips and errands. Fun to drive, save money on energy costs and maintenance.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Models / Soul Ev / 2018
- kiamedia.com — Soul Ev / 2018 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Soul Ev / 2017 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Soul Ev / 2019 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Soul Ev / 2018 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Soul Ev / 2018 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — Soul Ev / 2017 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Models / Soul Ev / 2019
- kiamedia.com — Soul Ev / 2019 / Features