“The affordable, minimum-used, and well-maintained car is excellent for the daily work commute.”
2018 Kia Soul: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2018 Kia Soul is that the + trim gets a 7-inch UVO touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Otherwise, this is a quiet carryover year with the same trim structure, engines, styling, and basic mechanical setup as 2017.
About the 2018 Kia Soul
2nd gen (2014-2019), fifth model year; late-cycle update year.
Kia positioned the Soul as an iconic urban runabout with standout styling, everyday usefulness, and a cabin that feels bigger than its footprint suggests. Official messaging leaned on “fun, funky and functional,” while reviews consistently highlighted its upright seating position, roomy interior, flexible cargo area, and strong value. For most shoppers, the Soul’s appeal was simple: small outside, spacious inside, easy to park, and more distinctive than a typical small hatchback or crossover.
The base Soul is the simple, practical version, while the + adds a stronger 2.0-liter engine, an automatic transmission, and more everyday comfort and technology. The ! is the sporty model, pairing a turbocharged engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, distinctive exterior accents, and leather-and-cloth seating.
What changed, by category
Tech
The + trim's 7-inch UVO eServices touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto became standard equipment.
2018 Kia Soul specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & Sportmatic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Sportmatic | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 25 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 161 hp | 130 hp |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft | 150 lb-ft | 118 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 61.3 cu-ft | 61.3 cu-ft | 61.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.1 in | 39.1 in | 39.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Cruise Control | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Tail Lights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2018 Kia Soul compared with the 2017 model?
The main change is standard smartphone integration on the 2018 Soul + trim. Its 7-inch UVO touchscreen includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; the rest of the lineup is largely unchanged.
Was the 2018 Kia Soul redesigned?
No, the 2018 Kia Soul was not redesigned. It continues the second-generation design introduced for 2014, with no meaningful styling, structural, or mechanical overhaul for 2018.
Does the 2018 Kia Soul + have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, the 2018 Kia Soul + has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard through its 7-inch UVO eServices touchscreen. That is the year's most notable equipment update.
Did the 2018 Kia Soul get new engines?
No, the 2018 Kia Soul keeps the prior year's three-engine lineup. The base uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder, the + has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and the ! has a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder.
Is the 2018 Kia Soul meaningfully different from the 2017 model?
No, the 2018 Soul is not meaningfully different overall. The clearest reason to favor it is the + trim's standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; shoppers considering other trims will find few notable year-to-year changes.
2018 Kia Soul Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Kia Soul.
4.2
2018 Kia Soul
(320 reviews)
“Make sure it is an Exclaim with all the extra accessories, so much better than the car I bought..”
“I'm completely happy that I chose to get my Kia Soul! It's an awesome car! Great gas mileage as well.”