“The Kia Soul has enough room for your kids, the dogs, all the camping gear and the cooler! Probably even has enough room left over for your spouse! the 2019 is bigger and roomier than the 2018, and the gas mileage is phenomenal; 28 mpg in town and about 31 mpg on the highway. Great sound system and navigation screen, as well as comfy, sporty seats and a huge glove compartment for all your extra stuff.”
Kia Soul: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Kia Soul is a small, boxy wagon that Kia positioned as a city-friendly crossover. It is known for distinctive styling, a roomy cabin, and flexible cargo space within an easy-to-manage footprint.
The Soul has kept the same basic idea since its 2010 U.S. debut: distinctive style outside and smart use of space inside. Its upright shape makes getting in and loading cargo easier without requiring a larger vehicle. Across three generations, it became quieter, smoother, and more modern while remaining a straightforward, front-wheel-drive runabout.
Strengths
- Its upright, boxy shape creates more passenger and cargo room than its small footprint suggests.
- Its compact size makes it easy to manage in city traffic and tight parking spaces.
- Wide cargo access and a flexible interior make it useful for everyday errands and larger loads.
- The cabin is easy to enter thanks to the Soul’s tall, upright design.
- Its distinctive shape gives it more visual personality than many small practical cars.
- The 2025 Soul seats five and provides up to 62.1 cubic feet of cargo space.
Who it's for
The Soul fits drivers who want an easy city car but do not want to give up useful passenger and cargo room. It also suits shoppers who like an upright seating position and distinctive styling but do not need all-wheel drive or strong performance.
Kia Soul lineup
The LX is the straightforward entry trim for shoppers focused on the Soul’s basic space and practicality. The S is the step up for more convenience and technology, a role it has filled especially clearly in recent years. Pick the GT-Line when sportier styling matters more than added power, though older Turbo and GT-Line Turbo versions did provide stronger performance. The EX is the comfort-focused choice, while the discontinued X-Line gives shoppers considering older examples a more rugged-looking alternative.
Kia Soul generations
From 2010 to 2025, the Soul spans three generations. The current 3rd Generation arrived for 2020, following the 2nd Generation (2014–2019).
3rd Generation (2020–2025)
The third-generation Soul moved to a new platform with updated boxy styling, a more modern cabin, a stronger body, and easier cargo access. Most versions use a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the turbo model was limited to the years before the 2023 refresh.
403 In Stock
2025
The four-trim lineup and 147-hp 2.0-liter engine carry over. This is the Soul’s final U.S. model year.
2024
Key fobs with the Smart Key system gain a sleep mode designed to reduce key-signal theft.
2023Mid-cycle update
Front and rear styling are refreshed, safety equipment expands, and a digital gauge display becomes standard. The X-Line and turbo model leave the simplified four-trim lineup.
2022
Every trim gets Kia’s new badge. The base LX gains an 8-inch touchscreen, while several middle trims get a 10.25-inch touchscreen and added convenience features.
2021Trim changes
The GT-Line 1.6T continues under the shorter Turbo name. Rear Occupant Alert becomes standard across the lineup, and some trims get added comfort features.
2020New generation
A full redesign brings a new platform, updated styling, a more modern cabin, a stronger body, and a new 147-hp 2.0-liter engine for most trims.
2nd Generation (2014–2019)
The second-generation Soul kept the familiar boxy shape but moved to a stiffer, longer, and wider platform. It gained more passenger and cargo room, a wider liftgate opening, and a quieter, smoother ride.
96 In Stock
2019
The base trim gains a 5-inch touchscreen and automatic headlights. The rest of the lineup is largely unchanged.
2018
The + trim gains a standard touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2017
A new turbocharged ! trim joins the lineup with 201 hp and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Soul also gets lightly revised lights and trim details.
2016
Alloy wheels become standard on every trim, with a few additional trim-specific equipment upgrades.
2015
The 2014 redesign carries over with only package and color updates.
2014New generation
A full redesign brings a stiffer, longer, and wider platform, more interior room, easier cargo access, and a quieter, smoother drive.
1st Generation — AM (2010–2013)
The first U.S. Soul established the model’s boxy five-door shape and roomy cabin. It launched with 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines, then received new engines, transmissions, and styling in 2012.
7 In Stock
2013
Bluetooth, steering-wheel audio controls, and a darker grille surround become standard across the lineup.
2012Mid-cycle update
The full lineup gets updated styling, new engines, new six-speed transmissions, revised steering, more sound insulation, and added safety equipment. The Sport trim leaves the lineup.
2011
The core lineup carries over with small convenience updates, including revised door handles and rear headrest adjustments.
2010New generation
The Soul launches in the U.S. as a new boxy five-door model with four trims, two four-cylinder engines, a roomy cabin, and standard stability and traction control.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Kia Soul.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kia Soul an SUV or a hatchback?
It is best understood as a small, upright crossover with a hatchback-style rear door. Its boxy body is easy to maneuver and creates more useful cabin space than its short footprint suggests.
Is the Kia Soul roomy inside?
Yes. The latest Soul seats five, provides 38.8 inches of rear legroom, and has up to 62.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The tall roof and folding rear seat also make bulky items easier to carry.
Is the Kia Soul good for city driving?
Yes. The Soul’s compact footprint makes it easy to maneuver, while its upright cabin provides easy entry and useful room for passengers and cargo. It suits shoppers who want city-friendly dimensions without a cramped interior.
Does the Kia Soul have all-wheel drive?
No. The U.S. Kia Soul is front-wheel drive, including rugged-looking versions such as the X-Line. Shoppers who need power sent to all four wheels will need to consider a different model.
Is the Kia Soul a hybrid?
No. The U.S. Soul covered here is a gas-powered model, not a hybrid. The latest lineup uses a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive.
How many generations of the Kia Soul are there?
There are three U.S. generations: 2010–2013, 2014–2019, and 2020–2025. The second and third generations gained more space and refinement, while the third generation received a styling and equipment refresh for 2023.
Were any Kia Souls turbocharged?
Yes. The 2017–2019 ! trim and the 2020–2022 GT-Line Turbo or Turbo used a 201-hp 1.6-liter turbo engine. These are the used Souls to seek out for stronger acceleration than the regular four-cylinder versions.
Is the Kia Soul discontinued in the U.S.?
Yes. The 2025 Soul is the final U.S. model year. It closes the third generation, which ran from 2020 through 2025 and received a refresh for 2023.
Kia Soul Reviews
What owners are saying about the Kia Soul.
4.2
Kia Soul
(2,951 reviews)
“I love my Kia Soul! Although I purchased a 2014, it had less than 10k miles and was in excellent condition. Coming from a small hatchback previously, I enjoy the extra space and comfort. Definitely recommend!”
“I'm a tall and big guy and get in and out of this car pretty easily. Base model stereo screen is a bit too small to be able to read it well. Pretty good gas mileage.”
“Constantly has issues. Have taken it in 6 times in 2 months. Can't take it in anymore cause it's our only vehicle even though it's still having issues.”
“The Soul is a fun vehicle to drive. It has some very good safety features with ease of handling. It has a comfortable ride in both front and back seats with plenty of leg room. It has the passing speed I need and also great gas milage”
“Kia Soul is a great purchase. It is reliable and comfortable. It is small but roomy inside. This car is a perfect travel car.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Models / Soul / 2025
- kiamedia.com — Soul / 2025 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Soul / 2024 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 19100 / Kia America Announces 2023 Soul Pricing
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 23852 / Kia America Posts All Time October Year To Date Sales Record
- kiamedia.com — Soul / 2025 / Pricing
- kiamedia.com — Models / Soul / 2024
- kiamedia.com — Models / Soul / 2023
- kiamedia.com — Soul / 2024 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Soul / 2023 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 18857 / New 2023 Kia Soul Debuts
- kiamedia.com — Models / Soul / 2022