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!
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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.