Kia soul 2014
2014 Kia Soul Review, Ratings, Specs, Prices, and Photos
The Kia Soul has a distinctive style that's driven it to wide appeal. Since it was new for 2009, the Soul's established itself as a versatile hatchback with more that its fair share of funky appeal--and it's been one of Kia's biggest hits in its big growth, along with the Sorento and Optima.
This year, the Soul gets its first major redesign, and it's a carefully crafted second act that does nothing to dilute its visual appeal, and lots to improve its few faults.
In updating the already-bold Soul to Kia’s latest small-car platform (shared with the new 2014 Forte), it’s not surprising that the automaker took an ‘easy does it’ approach—making the new model look like a slight evolution, while addressing some criticisms of the outgoing model. Namely, the 2014 Kia Soul is more comfortable; it rides and handles better; and it packs in even more features than before. From what we can see, the brand has delivered exactly that, and what it needs to keep this niche hit rolling into the mainstream.Stepping back a few paces, the fundamental proportions haven’t changed. Within an inch, it’s the same size as before; and from the side profile, it still has the same abrupt windshield pillar and somewhat canted-back look to the roofline. In back, the look of the hatch has been changed a bit more with a new ‘floating' body-color panel and blacked-out areas to help accent the bolder taillamps, and the combination of a higher ‘grille’ and smoothed upper beltline serve to make it look perhaps a bit taller. Inside, there’s the greatest level of change, with soft-touch plastics on the dash, doors, and console, and leather seats back on the options list. LED mood lighting makes a kitschy appearance against the circular design theme. Piano-black trim finishes off the look, while the center stack cants slightly toward the driver.
Review continues below
The big news regarding performance is that the new Soul handles much better than before, thanks to a better chassis and a retuned suspension. Kia says the new body is almost 29 percent more rigid, with more high-strength steel. The strut front suspension has a relocated roll bar, and the torsion-bar rear has a thicker tube, plus vertical, dual-path shocks for better ride isolation—while overall suspension travel has been increased. Altogether, it rides softly and smoothly, yet responds progressively and predictably when you need it to. The Soul's electric power steering has optional Flex Steer, which lets drivers choose from three settings for steering feel—comfort, normal, and sport—though the difference in feel is negligible.
Engines aren’t quite carryover, but with nearly a 100-pound weight gain for the new model, you won’t find the 2014 model any quicker—or more fuel-efficient than before. We’d probably recommend against the base 1.6-liter four and its 130-horsepower, 118-pound-feet output unless you’re getting the six-speed manual transmission. Otherwise, Soul Plus and Soul Exclaim hatchbacks are fitted with a 2.0-liter, direct-injection four-cylinder with 164 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, along with a six-speed automatic (optional on the base). The Soul isn't a downright sporty car in any of its combinations; but with the larger engine you’ll find the Soul quick enough—although tall gearing leads to frequent downshifts on the highway, and the transmission tends to hunt on long grades.
Even with the cabin essentially the same size, Kia has functionally improved the Soul's packaging, carving out a little more interior space and improved comfort. Dual-density foam and somewhat extended seat cushions help in front; so do modestly improved ergonomics in front, with more steering-wheel controls and the center-console controls canted slightly toward the driver. It’s very easy to get in and out, in front or in back. The only caution is that the Soul has the width of a small car, so even though there’s plenty of headroom and legroom, fitting three adults across in back is a no-go. The rear hatch opening wider by a couple of inches, and seats fold forward easily. And with more sound insulation and padding, the Soul's interior noise levels have fallen by a few decibels. Yet as Kia has made tremendous improvements to reduce road noise in the Soul, it hasn’t made as much effort at the firewall; the boom from the four-cylinder engines underhood is in the same league as other small econo-cars, so that's the only blemish on its sheen of refinement.
Safety hasn’t been a strength for the current Soul, but we hope that will improve with the 2014 model, which is built on an entirely new structure. Kia says that the new Soul has different load paths than either the former model or the other models that it’s structurally related to, and that should help with the tough new IIHS small overlap frontal test; for now the IIHS has tested and rated the Soul as 'good' in all other categories. All models include a total of six airbags, with dual front airbags, seat-mounted side bags, and full-length side curtain bags. Also worth noting that even the base Soul includes superior four-wheel disc brakes, while many other inexpensive small sedans include just drum brakes in back.
There are three different trim levels: base Soul, Soul Plus (+), and Soul Exclaim (!). Prices start at just $15,495 for a reasonably well-equipped base model with a six-speed manual gearbox and the 1.6-liter engine. But if you’re willing to add a four-figure sum to that modest bottom line, you can load up a Soul to include things that are unusual in a mainstream model--like a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and cooled/ventilated front seats. What’s more, connectivity and infotainment—and the optional navigation system—are fully up to snuff with the systems available in much more expensive, premium vehicles.
That new UVO eServices infotainment system uses an excellent new eight-inch capacitive screen and, with navigation, and based on a quick first introduction in a pre-production Soul, it looks like one of the better systems on the market, even casting upward to luxury brands. Based on an Android linux operating system, it doesn’t suffer from the lagginess that plagues some such systems, and with plenty of apps planned for the future (Pandora and others are just the start) plus potentially easy upgrades through the SD card slot.
2014 Kia Soul Specifications
2014 Kia Soul Specifications
| All Engine Drivetrain Exterior Dimensions Interior Dimensions Chassis/Suspension Steering Brakes Wheels/Tires Estimated Fuel Economy | Base | + | ! |
| Type/layout | 1.6L I-4 DOHC Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) | 2.0L I-4, DOHC Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) | 2.0L I-4, DOHC Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) |
| Fuel capacity (gal.) | 14.2 gal. | 14.2 gal. | 14.2 gal. |
| Displacement (cc) | 1,591 cc | 1,999 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Bore x stroke (mm) | 75.0 x 85.4 mm | 81.0 x 97.0 mm | 81.0 x 97.0 mm |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Horsepower | 130 hp @ 6,300 rpm | 164 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 164 hp @ 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | 118 lb.-ft. @ 4,850 rpm | 151 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm | 151 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| First | 3.62:1 | 4.40:1 | 4.40:1 |
| Second | 1.96:1 | 2.73:1 | 2.73:1 |
| Third | 1.29:1 | 1.83:1 | 1.83:1 |
| Fourth | 0.97:1 | 1.39:1 | 1.39:1 |
| Fifth | 0.84:1 | 1.00:1 | 1.00:1 |
| Sixth | 0.73:1 | 0.76:1 | 0.76:1 |
| Final gear ratio | 4.56:1 | 3.27:1 | 3.27:1 |
| Layout/drive | Front engine/FWD | Front engine/FWD | Front engine/FWD |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 101.2 in. | 101.2 in. | 101.2 in. |
| Length (in.) | 163.0 in. | 163.0 in. | 163.0 in. |
| Width (in.) | 70.9 in. | 70.9 in. | 70.9 in. |
| Height (in.) | 63.0 in. | 63.0 in. | 63.0 in. |
| Track (in.), (front/rear) | 62.0 in./62.5 in. | 61.7 in./62.2 in. | 61.4 in./61.9 in. |
| Seating capacity | 5 passenger | 5 passenger | 5 passenger |
| Head room, front/rear (in.) | 39.6 in./39.5 in. | 39.6 in./39.5 in. | 39.6 in./39.5 in. |
| Leg room, front/rear (in.) | 40.9 in./39.1 in. | 40.9 in./39.1 in. | 40.9 in./39.1 in. |
| Shoulder room, front/rear (in.) | 55.5 in./54.7 in. | 55.5 in./54.7 in. | 55.5 in./54.7 in. |
| Luggage capacity, passenger volume (SAE, cu. ft.) | 101.0 cu. ft. (without panoramic sunroof) | 101.0 cu. ft. (without panoramic sunroof) / 96.8 cu. ft. (with panoramic sunroof) | 101.0 cu. ft. (without panoramic sunroof) / 96.8 cu. ft. (with panoramic sunroof) |
| Cargo volume (rear seat up) (cu. ft.) | 24.2 cu. ft. (without under tray) / 18.8 cu. ft. (with under tray) | 24.2 cu. ft. (without under tray) / 18.8 cu. ft. (with under tray) | 24.2 cu. ft. (without under tray) / 18.8 cu. ft. (with under tray) |
| Cargo volume (rear seat down) (cu. ft.) | 61.3 cu. ft. (without under tray) / 49.5 cu. ft. (with under tray) | 61.3 cu. ft. (without under tray) / 49.5 cu. ft. (with under tray) | 61.3 cu. ft. (without under tray) / 49.5 cu. ft. (with under tray) |
| Layout | Front engine, front-wheel drive | Front engine, front-wheel drive | Front engine, front-wheel drive |
| Front suspension | Independent, MacPherson struts, stabilizer bar, gas-filled shock absorbers | Independent, MacPherson struts, stabilizer bar, gas-filled shock absorbers | Independent, MacPherson struts, stabilizer bar, gas-filled shock absorbers |
| Rear suspension | Torsion beam, gas-filled shock absorbers | Torsion beam, gas-filled shock absorbers | Torsion beam, gas-filled shock absorbers |
| Steering type | Rack and pinion, Electric Power Steering | Rack and pinion, Electric Power Steering | Rack and pinion, Electric Power Steering |
| Front | MacPherson strut type, coil spring | MacPherson strut type, coil spring | MacPherson strut type, coil spring |
| Rear | Torsion beam, coil spring | Torsion beam, coil spring | Torsion beam, coil spring |
| Construction | Unibody | Unibody | Unibody |
| Assist | Electric motor | Electric motor | Electric motor |
| Turns, lock-to-lock | 2.85 | 2.85 | 2.85 |
| Turning circle (ft.) | 34.8 ft. | 34.8 ft. | 34.8 ft. |
| Steering ratio | 15.7:1 | 15.7:1 | 15.7:1 |
| Type front/rear | Vented disc/solid disc | Vented disc/solid disc | Vented disc/solid disc |
| Size (in.) front/rear | 11.0 in./10.3 in. | 11.0 in./10.3 in. | 11.0 in./10.3 in. |
| Wheel size (in.) | 16 x 6.5 | 17 x 6.5 | 18 x 7.5 |
| Tire size | 205/60R16 | 215/55R17 | 235/45R18 |
| Tire make/model | Kumho / Nexen | Kumho / Nexen | Kumho / Nexen |
| Manual transmission, city/highway (mpg) | 24/30 | - | - |
| Automatic transmission, city/highway (mpg) | 24/30 | 23/31 | 23/31 |
| Automatic transmission with ISG, city/highway (mpg) | - | 24/31 | - |
| Fuel tank capacity (gallons) | 14.2 | 14.2 | 14.2 |
2014 Kia Soul MPG
Based on data from 146 vehicles, 8,757 fuel-ups and 2,361,923 miles of driving, the 2014 Kia Soul gets a combined Avg MPG of 25.67 with a 0.11 MPG margin of error.
Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 299 outliers (3.30%) removed.
Following shows the average MPG of each of the 146 vehicles in the system.
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2014 Kia Soul 1.6L L4 GAS Automatic 6 Speed Hatchback Added Apr 2018 • 34 Fuel-ups
Property of davemorr
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21.9 Avg MPG
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2014 Kia Soul ! 2.0L L4 GAS Automatic 6 Speed Added Mar 2017 • 286 Fuel-ups
Property of Ronnies
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26.5 Avg MPG
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2014 Kia Soul + 2.0L L4 GAS Automatic 6 Speed Added Sep 2016 • 266 Fuel-ups
Property of i12bafarmer
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25.9 Avg MPG
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2014 Kia Soul 1.6L L4 GAS Automatic 6 Speed Hatchback Added Jan 2019 • 191 Fuel-ups
Property of Woofy1104
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28.8 Avg MPG
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2014 Kia Soul 1.6L L4 GAS Automatic 6 Speed Added Mar 2018 • 125 Fuel-ups
Property of chadh513
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25.7 Avg MPG
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2014 Kia Soul 1.6L L4 GAS Manual 6 Speed Wagon Added Oct 2014 • 173 Fuel-ups
Property of Con_Valian
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25.8 Avg MPG
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2014 Kia Soul Custom Submodel Added May 2014 • 138 Fuel-ups
Property of holodoctor1
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25.5 Avg MPG
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2014 Kia Soul SX 2,0L L4 GAS Standard 6 Speed Hatchback Added Sep 2017 • 96 Fuel-ups
Property of JuanR
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28.5 Avg MPG
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2014 Kia Soul ! 2.0L L4 GAS Automatic 6 Speed Hatchback Added Oct 2017 • 199 Fuel-ups
Property of kimbie52057
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25.1 Avg MPG
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2014 Kia Soul + 2.0L GAS L4 Added Jul 2014 • 191 Fuel-ups
Property of MattDing
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22.4 Avg MPG
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2014 Kia Soul 1.6L L4 GAS Automatic 6 Speed Added Oct 2018 • 24 Fuel-ups
Property of Cswolfe
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26.7 Avg MPG
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2014 Kia Soul + 2.0L L4 GAS Automatic 6 Speed Added Jul 2018 • 45 Fuel-ups
Property of Gnome4
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29.4 Avg MPG
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2014 Kia Soul ! 2.0L L4 GAS Automatic 6 Speed Hatchback Added Mar 2018 • 57 Fuel-ups
Property of bernmart
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27.7 Avg MPG
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2014 Kia Soul EX 2,0L L4 GAS Automatic 6 Speed Hatchback Added Oct 2017 • 353 Fuel-ups
Property of Amorim
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17.5 Avg MPG
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2014 Kia Soul 1.6L L4 GAS Automatic 6 Speed Hatchback Added Dec 2018 • 3 Fuel-ups
Property of voilsb
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25.5 Avg MPG
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2014 Kia Soul ! 2.0L L4 GAS Automatic 6 Speed Added Aug 2016 • 177 Fuel-ups
Property of ViperMad
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27.2 Avg MPG
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2014 Kia Soul + 2.0L L4 GAS Automatic 6 Speed Added Aug 2016 • 233 Fuel-ups
Property of dwpoyner
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24.1 Avg MPG
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2014 Kia Soul + 2.0L L4 GAS Automatic 6 Speed Hatchback Added Sep 2018 • 155 Fuel-ups
Property of tburda74
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29.4 Avg MPG
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2014 Kia Soul + 2.0L L4 GAS Automatic 6 Speed Hatchback Added Jul 2014 • 159 Fuel-ups
Property of spiesus
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25.2 Avg MPG
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2014 Kia Soul ! 2.0L L4 GAS Automatic 6 Speed Sport Utility Added Aug 2014 • 88 Fuel-ups
Property of hober0630
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25.1 Avg MPG
New and Used Kia Soul: Prices, Photos, Reviews, Specs
The Kia Soul is a compact hatchback that was introduced in the 2009 model year. A part of Kia's compact family of cars (one that includes the Forte sedan, coupe, and hatchback) the Soul has an unorthodox hatchback shape that's won it the affection of buyers who might otherwise be shopping for a small crossover SUV.
With the Soul, Kia found a mainstream hit in a boxy shape. It's a rival for the Jeep Renegade, VW Golf, and Nissan Juke—even the Kia Niro that offers better fuel economy, albeit in a smaller package.
MORE: Read our 2020 Kia Soul review
The Soul is the South Korean brand's first and only model sold with an all-electric version in the U.S., albeit in very small quantities. The Kia Soul EV returns for the 2020 model year with more than 200 miles of battery-powered driving range.
A new Soul has been introduced for the 2020 model year.
The new Kia Soul
Kia hasn't changed its formula for the third-generation Soul; it's just tweaked the hipster appeal and grown the car's interior some. It's also kicked its weird diacritical-themed trim levels to the curb: No more ! or +, the new 2020 Soul comes in LX, S, X-Line, GT-Line, EX, EX Designer Collection, and Soul EV versions.
The new Soul’s left some of the funk behind, and it's moved into a more angular theme that reminds us of late, unloved Scion. A thin line of headlights caps a front end with a wide deck of air intakes. The Soul's sideview now has some crisp stamps in its sides and fewer rounded corners. The wheel wells still stand out at attention, and the tailgate has a small island of body color, but the roof pillar's landed in Cliche Alley with a black band that makes the roof appear to float. The Soul's cabin forms itself around a touchscreen as large at 10.3 inches and mood lighting that can sync up with the sound system.
The 2020 Soul sprouts more interior room to stay on point with its demographic, which has to be approaching 30 now. It's 2.2 inches longer, at 165.2 inches overall, and rides on a wheelbase up 1.2 inches to 102.4 inches. The Soul's gained 5.0 more cubic feet of storage space, for a net of 23.8 cubic feet behind the back seat.
Kia powers the new Soul with either a naturally aspirated 147-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-4, teamed to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT. A turbocharged Soul spits out 201 hp from a 1.6-liter turbo-4 that's a familiar unit from the Hyundai Veloster, down to its 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Among the new safety gear available on the 2020 Soul are automatic high beams, active lane control, and automatic emergency braking. Kia also fits climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless smartphone charging, automatic, a 10-speaker audio system with 640 watts of power, LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, and of course, a contrasting-color roof to the new Soul, which goes on sale in 2019.
Kia Soul, 2014-2019
A redesigned version of the Soul emerged in 2014, with more power and a much better interior. Engine options include a pair of 4-cylinders, with manual and automatic transmissions on offer. The base engine is a 1.6-liter inline-4 with 130 horsepower and 118-pound-feet. Soul Plus and Soul Exclaim hatchbacks are fitted with a 2.0-liter, inline-4 that produces 164 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, paired only with a 6-speed automatic, which is optional on the base model. In 2017, a turbocharged model was added to the lineup. The 1.6-liter turbo-4, borrowed from the Elantra Sport, makes 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque and is paired exclusively with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The styling has been modernized without losing the flavor of the original; it's slightly more aggressive looking while maintaining the friendly bulldog look. Crash-test ratings have improved on the new Soul as well.
The Soul offers good space for four passengers, although adding a fifth will make things a bit cozy. Second-row seats can be folded forward to increase cargo space to more than 61 cubic feet, and there is a small storage bin located below the cargo floor, with an organizer inside that separates the area into different spaces. The seats are comfortable and the interior is relatively flexible for a small hatchback.
A 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty extends to the Soul, which also comes with power features, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth standard on most versions. A navigation system and Kia's system for voice controls for infotainment are available, although unfortunately you can't get both together as of yet. Other available features include cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and adjustable mood lighting.
Few changes were made to the Soul through the 2016 model year.
In the 2018 model year, Kia added automatic emergency braking to a package offered only on the Soul Plus. For 2019, all Souls came with at least a 5.0-inch touchscreen display.
Kia Soul history
First shown in production form at the 2008 Paris auto show, the Kia Soul was designed at the company's U.S. headquarters near Irvine, California.
The Soul went on sale in 2009 with a Web-driven marketing campaign that featured hamsters driving, and borrowed characters from Nickelodeon's lineup of cartoons. But the Soul is a more serious effort than that all seems. The hatchback was pitched directly against the likes of the Toyota Matrix, Nissan Cube, Scion xB, Chevrolet HHR and Chrysler PT Cruiser, as Kia tried to establish a larger foothold among younger drivers looking for a dash of style.
Two engines and two transmissions were available in the 2010 and 2011 model years. A 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with 122 hp was teamed with a 5-speed manual in base models, and was rated at 26 mpg city, 31 highway. More common was a version powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 with 142 hp, which offered an optional 4-speed automatic; the EPA rated this combination at 24 mpg city, 30 highway.
Kia revamped the Soul's engine offerings for 2012 while also giving it a light once-over inside. A new 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with 135 hp and 121 lb-ft of torque took over as the base engine, while the optional engine became a 2.0-liter inline-4 making 164 hp and 143 lb-ft. A 6-speed manual was standard, with a 6-speed auto as an option on some trims and standard on others. Fuel economy for either transmission was rated at 26 mpg city, 34 highway. The Soul continued to be a confidence-inspiring little runabout, if not wholly exciting on the road.
The 2012-2013 Kia Soul is one of a set of vehicles found to have overstated fuel-economy numbers. Kia initially submitted figures of 27 mpg city, 35 highway, 30 combined (or 26/34 mpg, city/highway, for the larger 2.0-liter engine) according to the EPA, which allows automakers to self-certify fuel economy. On a check of several vehicles, the EPA found the Soul's actual tested fuel economy to be 25/30 mpg with the 1.6-liter engine, or 23/28 mpg with the 2.0-liter engine and automatic transmission or 24/29 mpg with the manual transmission. 2013 Kia Soul Eco models, which earned 29/36 mpg and 27/35 mpg ratings were downgraded to 26/31 mpg and 24/29 mpg, respectively. Owners can register with Kia to receive reimbursement for the gas consumed above and beyond expected levels; more details are found at KiaMPGInfo.com.
On the 2013 Soul, Kia improved gas mileage slightly by offering the an engine stop-start system as part of an Eco Package.
