Likes - Better head clearance on liftgate than xB
- Aerodynamic exterior tilt creates sporty look
- Excellent price provides additional cash to accessorize
- Competitive fuel economy with competitors
Dislikes - Pulsating light in speakers offer no real benefit
- Scion xB has more audio and cargo attributes
Tech Specs - Base: 1.6 liter 4-Cyl. 122 hp
- Sport: 2.0 liter 4-Cyl. 142 hp
What's New/Changed - All-new 2010 vehicle for Kia
The Vehix View - There are many reasons to choose the Soul: affordability, sport-tuned suspension, more cargo space than a compact, and once decked out is still about $10k less than a fully loaded Scion xB. But I would say it fits more in the middle than just right. If the Soul's attributes are really going to elevate beyond its main competitors, it needs a little redemption.
First Impressions
Sport-tuned suspension? Check. An average of 26-mpg on a 1.6-liter engine? Check. Under $19k when fully loaded? Check. Keep in mind the all-new 2010 Kia Soul offers what its boxy competitors cannot: A sporty ride and better gas mileage for a cheaper price.
Somewhere between the MINI Cooper and a Ford Flex rests the Soul. That's probably how Kia wants the consumer to look at it, anyway. The Soul is another 5-passenger squared and miniature mobile device with a base price of $13,300 that is out to revolutionize (or Europe-ize) the way Americans roll about the road.
Like the fable of Goldie Locks and the three bears, most issues in the aforementioned rides lie in the size of both the vehicle and price. But does that make the Kia Soul (view photos), available in quirky sign and punctuation trims, fit just right?
Pricing, Trims and Options
The Soul offers base, "+ ", "!" and Sport trims. Base begins with standard air conditioning, 15-inch tires, power windows and locks, 4-speaker CD/MP3/Satelite audio system, and a digital clock with temperature display. The "+" adds 16-inch tires, keyless remote, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth and more body color exterior parts. The "!" brings 18-inch tires, fog lights, power sunroof, audio upgrade (center speaker, subwoofer, speaker lights) and a leather-wrapped wheel. The Sport adds exterior fascia inserts, spoiler, sport-tuned suspension and metal pedals. Kia does offer dozens of accessory ideas, such as a dual-chrome exhaust or "headlamp eyeliner" to combat its lackluster trims.
Interior Features
The $400 upgraded 9-speaker system on my $17,890 Soul "+" test drive offered a creditable base with an extra subwoofer and amp. Nice. But not that nice when you consider that the Scion xB now offers all-new standard and premium audio configurations in hopes of locking down those techie twenty-something purchasers. That includes xB's standard Pioneer stereo featuring iPod or iPhone connectivity, a programmable 16-character welcoming message and an RCA unit for two after-market subwoofers. Throw in the optional $449 Alpine Premium, add a 4.3-inch color touch screen, one more RCA hookup and HD Radio technology to view all song titles while driving the Scion xB and it’s clear the Kia Soul has some hefty competition to match.
The Soul's second row has more legroom than a MINI Cooper (as opposed to the Clubman). And the seats fold flat with the cargo area for more space, unlike the Nissan Cube. However, the Scion xB has 70 cubic feet with the seats down compared to the Soul's 53.4 cu/ft. One saving grace is the Soul does allow for more head clearance on an open liftgate than the xB.
Like the Beetle's flower vase and the Cube's shag dash topper, the Soul's quirky trademark are front side speakers that pulsate in rhythm with the bass. Also, the "Soul" logo is weaved into the driver and passenger seat cover. Not sure they provide much function but they are fun.
Safety, Quality and Reliability
All Souls are created equally when it comes to safety. There are no additional optional packages here to make your ride safer, just a nice list of standards that include: dual-front seat and full side airbags, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, ESC, electronic-brake distribution, traction control, tire pressure monitoring front and rear crumple zones, side impact beams, LATCH, front three-point seat belts with force imitators. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Souls “good” ratings—the highest achievable—in frontal, side and rear-impact crash safety tests.