The Kia Soul is a unique crossover vehicle that stands out from typical SUVs and hatchbacks. Its funky, boxy styling and versatile interior space have earned it a cult following. But categorizing the Soul can be tricky – it doesn’t fit neatly into any one automotive segment.
So what exactly is the Kia Soul and how does it compare to other vehicles on the market? Let’s examine the What Kind of Car is the Kia Soul, Its design, features and positioning to understand where it fits.
The Soul’s Origins and Design
Kia introduced the Soul for the 2010 model year as an all-new model. The small crossover was designed specifically for the North American market to bring stylish utility to the brand’s lineup.
The Soul was one of the first Kias styled under the direction of Peter Schreyer, who previously worked at Audi. His design philosophy of “emotional dynamism” shines through in the Soul’s unique, boxy silhouette that resembles a small wagon.
Exterior design elements that characterize the Soul include:
- Boxy overall shape with straight lines
- Short front and rear overhangs
- Tall roofline for maximum interior headroom
- Upright windshield and rear hatch
- Large wheel arches
- Personalization through bold color choices and graphics
The squared-off design theme extends inside as well, with an upright dashboard, tall ceiling, and flat load floor.
Overall, the Soul’s unconventional styling aims for distinctiveness and modern flair rather than performance. Practicality and efficient use of space were front of mind for the designers.
Positioning Between Hatchbacks and SUVs
The Kia Soul straddles the line between compact hatchbacks and small crossover SUVs. It offers a mix of traits from both vehicle types.
From hatchbacks, the Soul takes:
- Overall compact size
- Front-wheel drive configuration
- Limited ground clearance
- Car-based handling and driving dynamics
And from SUVs, the Soul borrows:
- Tall ride height for easy entry/exit
- Available all-wheel drive
- Flexible cargo space
- Youthful, adventuresome marketing
Yet the Soul doesn’t fully commit to either hatchback or SUV extremes. It ultimately forges its own path by blending hatchback maneuverability with SUV versatility.
Compared to subcompact SUV rivals like the Hyundai Kona, the Soul sits lower to the ground and feels more responsive on pavement. Measuring just 163 inches long, the Soul is considerably more compact than compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V.
So while marketed as a small SUV, the Soul is better thought of as a hatchback/crossover mashup. It aims to be hip and outdoorsy like a small SUV, but sized and priced for urban life like a hatchback.
Powertrain and Driving Performance
The Soul offers buyers a choice of two four-cylinder gas engines:
- Base 2.0-liter (147 horsepower, 132 lb-ft torque)
- Optional turbocharged 1.6-liter (201 horsepower, 195 lb-ft torque)
The base engine provides adequate motivation for everyday driving, while the turbo engine offers a fun performance boost. Fuel economy for both sits in the 25-30 mpg range, decent but not standout.
As a front-drive vehicle that tips the scales around 3,000 pounds, the Soul won’t deliver spirited handling. The suspension tuning favors ride comfort over sharp reflexes. But the tall driving position and compact dimensions make the Soul feel nimble and easily maneuverable.
Though not exceptionally quick, the Soul offers enough power to hang with traffic. Handling inspires confidence more than excitement. Overall, it strikes a reasonable balance for an urban runabout.
Interior Design and Cargo Space
Inside, the Kia Soul maximizes passenger and cargo space within its compact footprint. Generous headroom and legroom make it comfy for four adults. Interior room actually compares favorably to larger SUVs.
Behind the rear seats, cargo capacity comes in at 24.2 cubic feet. Folding the 60/40-split rear seats opens up to 61.3 cubic feet of space. That’s enough room to handle bulkier items like strollers, bicycles and camping gear.
Clever storage solutions also abound inside, like trays under the floor and bins on top of the dash. Occupants will find the cubby holes and cupholders needed for daily essentials. Overall cargo versatility is one of the Soul’s biggest assets.
Regarding interior appointments, the Soul delivers solid quality for its affordable pricing. Available upgrades like leather and faux-suede do a decent impersonation of premium materials. The funky exterior look translates inside through circular vents, unique trim patterns and bold color accents.
Trim Levels and Feature Availability
Kia offers the Soul in several trim levels that serve up increasing features.
The base LX model starts at around $20,000 and comes well-equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, keyless entry and automatic emergency braking. However, air conditioning is an optional extra on the LX.
Stepping up to the S trim adds niceties like 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, dual-zone climate control and a suite of advanced safety tech. The top EX trim provides leather seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, and other premium features.
Optional goodies across the lineup include vibrant two-tone paint colors, a sunroof, Harman Kardon audio, and built-in navigation. Buyers can equip a Soul to match their priorities, from a basic commuter to a fully loaded urban explorer.
Competitors and Alternatives
The Kia Soul resides in an unconventional niche between hatchbacks and SUVs. But some models make for closely competitive alternatives:
- Hyundai Venue – Hyundai’s entry-level crossover has similar size and utility to the Soul but a more traditional SUV look.
- Honda Fit – The Fit hatchback matches the Soul on cargo versatility within a compact package.
- Nissan Kicks – Another stylish small crossover close to the Soul in price and features.
- Toyota C-HR – The C-HR crossover delivers comparable style and utility with Toyota’s reputation for quality.
For buyers considering the Soul, test driving the vehicles above is wise to understand the trade-offs in pricing, features and driving dynamics. Within its weird niche, the Soul still faces competition from both SUVs and hatchbacks.
The Soul’s Success and Fanbase
Despite its unconventional nature, the Kia Soul has proven a breakout hit in North America. Its global sales of over 1.6 million units attest to the Soul’s popularity. It found particular success among young urban buyers attracted to its affordable price and expressive look.
The Soul has also built up an enthusiast fanbase that appreciates its quirky character. Owners clubs and online forums document the scores of ways fans have customized their Souls through accessorizing and aftermarket parts. Kia has leaned into the zeal by offering special edition models with fun themes like Kia “Hamstars” and Pac-Man graphics.
Going forward, Kia plans to launch an all-electric Soul EV model. This will bring zero-emission driving to the Soul’s blend of usable space, customization potential and standout style.
Conclusion
Categorizing the Kia Soul can be tricky as it combines elements of hatchbacks and SUVs into something distinct. But this unusual blend is key to the Soul’s success at providing affordable style, versatility and a dose of attitude. For shoppers seeking practicality wrapped in a hip, head-turning package, the Soul delivers hatchback utility through an SUV lens. Just don’t expect it to fit neatly into any one automotive segment.