“The vehicle has to fit your lifestyle and meet your needs. Only you can decide that. Owning an electric car is like having a 3 gallon gas tank that take about 4 hour to fill when empty. If the benefits out weigh the inconvenience, then go for it!”
Kia Soul EV: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Kia Soul EV is a five-seat electric wagon with an upright, boxy cabin and front-wheel drive. It is known for easy access, good visibility, useful cargo space, and quiet city-friendly driving rather than long-distance range.
The Soul EV brought electric power to the Kia Soul’s distinctive upright shape for the 2015 through 2019 U.S. model years. Its appeal stayed centered on everyday usefulness and personality, not maximum driving range. A larger battery raised its EPA-estimated range from 93 miles in earlier cars to 111 miles for 2018 and 2019.
Strengths
- Its upright shape makes it easy to get in and out while giving the driver good outward visibility.
- The boxy cabin provides useful passenger and cargo room for everyday errands.
- Electric power makes it quiet and well suited to city and suburban driving.
- It came with a generous standard feature list compared with its simple, practical mission.
- The 2018 and 2019 models offer 111 miles of EPA-estimated range, up from 93 miles in earlier versions.
Who it's for
It fits city and suburban drivers who have predictable daily mileage and want a small-footprint EV that is easy to get into and see out of. It also makes sense for someone who values passenger and cargo usefulness more than long-trip range.
Kia Soul EV lineup
The Base trim delivers the core Soul EV experience and is the straightforward pick for shoppers who do not need the higher trim. The + sits above it and suits buyers looking for the fuller feature package. Some 2016 through 2018 examples are the California-only EV-e, which served as the simpler, lower-cost entry to the lineup.
Kia Soul EV generations
From 2015 to 2019, the Soul EV spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2015.
1st Generation (2015–2019)
The first U.S.-market Soul EV turned the boxy Soul hatchback into a front-wheel-drive electric vehicle. It launched with a 27-kWh battery and 93 miles of EPA-estimated range, then moved to a 30-kWh battery and 111 miles for 2018.
1 In Stock
2019Trim changes
The touchscreen and navigation system became standard on both trims; the battery, motor, and 111-mile EPA-estimated range carried over.
2018
A larger 30-kWh battery raised EPA-estimated range from 93 to 111 miles.
2017
Charging controls, the pedestrian warning sound, displays, and other technology received smaller updates.
2016Trim changes
The California-only EV-e trim joined the lineup below the EV and EV+.
2015New generation
The Soul EV debuted in the U.S. with a 27-kWh battery, a 109-hp electric motor, and 93 miles of EPA-estimated range.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Kia Soul EV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kia Soul EV fully electric or a hybrid?
It is fully electric. The U.S. Soul EV has no gasoline engine; a 109-hp electric motor drives the front wheels.
Is the Kia Soul EV a hatchback or an SUV?
It is an upright four-door hatchback, also described as a small wagon. Its tall, boxy shape provides easy entry, good outward visibility, and useful interior space.
How much driving range does the Kia Soul EV have?
EPA-estimated range is 93 miles for 2015-2017 models and 111 miles for 2018-2019 models. The increase came with a battery upgrade from 27 to 30 kWh.
Does the Kia Soul EV have AWD?
No. Every U.S.-market Soul EV uses front-wheel drive, with its single electric motor powering the front wheels.
Is the Kia Soul EV practical for passengers and cargo?
Yes. Later models seat five, provide 36 inches of rear legroom, and offer up to 49.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The tall roof and upright body also make getting in and out easy.
Who is the Kia Soul EV a good fit for?
It fits city and suburban drivers whose routine works within its 93- or 111-mile EPA estimate. Its quiet operation, compact footprint, good visibility, and roomy shape suit commuting and local errands.
How many generations of the Kia Soul EV were sold in the U.S.?
The U.S. Soul EV had one model run from 2015 through 2019. It was the first Soul EV version and used the body of the second-generation gasoline-powered Soul.
Does the Kia Soul EV support DC fast charging?
Yes. U.S. Soul EV models came with a CHAdeMO DC fast-charge port. They also used a 6.6-kW onboard charger for slower charging.
Kia Soul EV Reviews
What owners are saying about the Kia Soul EV.
4.3
Kia Soul EV
(97 reviews)
“Good car for local short trips and errands. Fun to drive, save money on energy costs and maintenance.”
“I would definitely recommend the electric Kia Soul. It has a ton of awesome interior features, drives smoothly and is priced right.”
“Kia soul ev lots of well engineered standard features; get luxury items without the cost. Kia brand is noted for quality.”
“Pleasantly surprised at the interior styling, fit and finish and availability of modern electronic features with updates in the vehicle, while meeting the primary need of furthest range for an EV at a reasonable price.”
“Higher quality and workmanship, versatility, minimum range, and tax incentives are the reason to consider for this vehicle.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Soul Ev / 2019 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Models / Soul Ev / 2019
- kiamedia.com — Soul Ev / 2019 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Soul Ev / 2019 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — Soul Ev / 2018 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Soul Ev / 2018 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Models / Soul / 2020
- kiamedia.com — Soul / 2020 / Pricing
- kiamedia.com — Documenttext / 16266 / 2021 Kia Soul Overview
- kiamedia.com — Models / Soul Ev / 2018
- kiamedia.com — Soul Ev / 2017 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Soul Ev / 2018 / Specifications