2012 Kia Soul: Video Road Test and Review

The Kia Soul is a youth oriented four door five passenger compact crossover utility vehicle that the Korean automaker offers in three trim levels ranging from Base to the more powerful “+” and “!” versions.  The Base Soul starts at $13,900 when equipped with a six speed manual ($15,700 with an automatic) and is powered by a 1.6 Liter four cylinder engine that makes 138 HP and 123 lb-ft of torque and is good for up to an estimated 29 MPG in the city and as much as 36 MPG on the highway.  Meanwhile the well equipped $16,300 Soul+ ($17,300 with an automatic) and top of the line Soul! starting at $19,600, exclusively available with the six speed autobox, get a 2.0 Liter four cylinder under the hood pumping out 164 HP and 148 lb-ft of torque that get an estimated 26 MPG around town and up to 34 MPG on the highway.

Distinguishing one Soul from another, the Base model rides on a set of 15 inch wheels, the Soul+ gets upgraded with 16 inch alloys and the top of the line Soul! benefits from a set of 18 inch rims.  The base Soul and Soul+ get black inserts in the bumpers while the Soul! gets color matching units and they all have chrome accented grills.  The Soul+ gets an optional power slide/tilt sunroof as well as fog lights while the Soul! comes with both standard, but both are available with a sporty rear wing.  The Soul! gets a set of projector headlamps and LED positioning lights while the the “+” and “!” get color matching power side mirrors with integrated repeaters.

Popular packages include the Audio Upgrade package that includes the UVO powered by Microsoft infotainment system with HD Radio as well as AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 capabilities being channeled through a premium Infinity audio system with back up camera, subwoofer and ampifier as well as the Souls’s unique speaker lights that are illuminated with the beat of the music; is an option on the Soul+ and comes standard on the Soul!  The Premium Package includes navigation with Sirius Traffic, a push button starter with Smart Key, leather upholstery and heated front buckets as well as automatic climate control; optional on the top of the line Kia Soul!  The 1.6L ECO Package is an option for the Base Soul and includes Kia’s Idle, Stop and Go System, a set of lightweight 16 inch alloys wrapped in low rolling resistance tires as well as an upper instrument panel pocket cover, tweeter speakers mounted on the a-pillars, power mirrors and a luggage under floor tray out back.  Meanwhile the 2.0L ECO Package bundles the gas saving Idle, Stop and Go System with a set of the lightweight alloys wrapped in 16 inch low rolling resistance rubber.

A list of cars similar to the Soul includes the 2012 Scion xB, 2012 Nissan Cube and the Honda Element.

See more details about the 2012 Kia Soul.