When Kia first introduced the Soul in 2008, it was applauded by critics for its fun and unique design that really set it apart from other vehicles in this class. Now in its third generation, this popular “mini SUV” continues to be a winner for Kia. The 2021 Kia Soul is a perfect blend of form, function, and practicality that is a real crowd-pleaser. Kia's Famous Sub-Compact SUV The distinctive styling of the Kia Soul is not the only thing that keeps customers coming back for more. This is a sturdy and reliable little powerhouse that handles well and is very fun to drive. Buyers have two engine options: a 2.0-liter I-4 that delivers 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, or a 1.6-liter turbo-four with 201 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft of torque. The 2.0-liter model can be matched to a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission, while the 1.6-liter option comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Pricing on the 2021 Kia Soul Starting at $17,590 for the base Soul LX, Kia has priced this vehicle very competitively. There is a fairly steep rise along the trim ladder, taking you up to $27,650 for the top-of-the-line Turbo edition, but this is still considered very reasonable pricing in the compact SUV space. While there are plenty of features that come standard, some of the premium perks to be enjoyed at the higher trim levels are tempting. The EX and Turbo models, for example, come with a sunroof, keyless entry, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, and several premium infotainment add-ons. What We Love Most The Kia Soul gives us plenty to be excited about, but our favorite stand-out feature is the amount of interior space that has been engineered into this vehicle. Anyone looking at the very compact exterior of the Soul would never guess how roomy it actually is. There is 24.2 cubic feet of space behind the back seats and a total of 62.1 cubic feet when the second row is collapsed. As for seating, it comfortably fits five people with legroom to spare. If this is a family vehicle and you plan to use a car seat, the Soul is perfectly set up for this with two sets of Kia's highly rated LATCH connectors that make car seat set up very simple and of course extremely safe. IIHS gave the Soul's LATCH system a five-star rating. Saving at the Pump Fuel economy estimates for the Soul's 2.0-liter manual transmission model are 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Souls with a continuously variable transmission bump these numbers up slightly to 28/33 mpg respectively. The Eco Dynamics model is the most fuel-efficient of the lineup, rating at 29/35 mpg. No matter which engine and transmission configuration you choose, the Soul's EPA numbers are considered competitive for a compact SUV. If you've never experienced a Kia Soul, now is the time to take this amazing little SUV on a test drive. Visit us today at Dulles Kia in Leesburg, VA so we can put you behind the wheel of a Soul!
Does Your Kia Need a Transmission Repair?
Transmission failure is one of the most debilitating problems that can affect your Kia vehicle. The transmission plays a major role in the transfer of power from the engine to the wheels. Problems with the transmission affect the performance of your car and lower fuel efficiency. If you're in Leesburg, VA, a Kia dealer offers reliable transmission repair through certified auto technicians and advanced equipment. The following signs show your Kia's transmission needs repair: You Experience Gear Shifting Issues Automatic transmission is popular because of the seamless gear changes. There's no manual work involved and you can focus on the road as you enjoy the drive. If you notice the gear change is erratic or there's delayed shifting, the transmission requires immediate attention. The issue could be a transmission computer or low fluid level. At the Kia service center, the certified technicians diagnose the problem and carry out the needed repairs. You Notice Transmission Fluid Leak Transmission fluid leak is one of the most common problems in this engine system. The high temperatures in the engine cause the pan seals to wear out leading to a transmission fluid leak. Cracked transmission fluid lines can also cause transmission fluid leak. If your Kia car has a faulty torque pump or the axle seal has an issue, the fluid can also leak. To prevent damage to the engine due to low transmission fluid take your Kia to a local dealer for the best repairs. You Notice Weird Smells from the Engine Transmission fluid has a sweet smell but when it overheats or if the fluid level is low, you'll notice a burning smell. If you notice a burning smell from your engine, have your Kia's transmission checked by a certified mechanic for immediate repairs. You Hear Grinding Sounds during Gear Shifts A functional transmission system runs smoothly, as the transmission fluid lubricates and cools the components. When the transmission fluid is low, the resultant wear and tear of different transmission components can cause friction. The grinding sounds in an automatic transmission car could point to friction within the planetary gear system. The local dealer can help with repairs to resolve the grinding sounds. You Have an Engine/Transmission Warning Light An engine light on the dashboard can point to different engine problems. One of these is low transmission fluid or overheated transmission fluid. Low transmission fluid leads to overheating and you increase the risk of damaged engine components. A damaged transmission hits your wallet hard and takes time to replace. You can avoid this with professional transmission inspection and repairs at a Kia service center. The Kia automotive brand continues to redefine itself and grow in popularity with reliable and sleekly designed vehicles. Whether you own a Kia sedan, SUV, MPV, Crossover, hatchback, hybrid, or an EV from Korea brand, the best transmission service at your local dealer helps you get more out of your car. Transmission service also improves fuel efficiency and delivers a smoother driving experience. If you're in Leesburg, Virginia, visit Dulles Kia today for comprehensive Kia services, authentic OEM parts, Kia warranty, new and used auto sales, auto financing, and other services.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.