When the Kia Soul EV was introduced in 2014, 100 miles of electric range was respectable, but the idea of an EV being anything other than a second or third family car seemed pretty distant. Fast-forward four years and a whole lot of advancement in battery and recharging technology, and now anything under 125 miles seems inadequate.

So while the 2019 Kia Soul EV, as well equipped as it is, soldiers on for another year, it does so with one of the shortest range limits of any mass-market electric vehicle on sale today. And that's not just comparing it to the significantly more expensive Tesla lineup. The Chevrolet Bolt and all-new Hyundai Kona Electric offer more than double the range for not much more money, while the revitalized Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen e-Golf offer excellent road manners. There's even a rival within Kia's own lineup: the all-new Niro EV, which should provide about 240 miles of range.

But if your electric car won't be asked to do more than local commuting and city driving, the Kia Soul EV still has a lot to offer. The Soul's upright, compact SUV body style provides good visibility and practicality. The ride is also improved over the gasoline-powered Soul, which is a boon when driving over broken city streets. And there's still a wealth of standard features for the price.

Even though time and technology have marched on, the 2019 Kia Soul EV could still be worth considering.

Kia Soul EV models

The 2019 Kia Soul EV is, as the name suggests, the all-electric version of the Soul. Though not marketed as such, that car is similar in size and concept to subcompact SUVs. So is the EV. There are two trim levels: the base EV and EV Plus (+). Both come with generous standard equipment, though the top trim adds some luxurious extras. All use the same 30-kWh battery pack and an electric motor that produces 109 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque.

The base EV comes standard with a DC fast-charging port, 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, LED running lights, a heated mirror, rear privacy glass, keyless ignition and entry, automatic climate control, a pedestrian warning system, multiple steering modes, a height-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, cloth upholstery, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and a 60/40-split folding back seat. Also standard is a rearview camera, Bluetooth, one USB port, Kia's newest infotainment system (Uvo 5.0) with an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio.

The EV Plus (+) adds front and rear parking sensors, foglights, power-folding mirrors, a faux leather-trimmed dash, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a cargo cover, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats and leather upholstery. Exclusive to the Plus is the Sun and Fun package, which adds a panoramic sunroof, LED interior lighting and speaker lights.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of theKia Soul EV Plus (+).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2015, the current Soul EV has received some revisions, including an increase in range and the addition of a standard 8-inch center screen and an available panoramic sunroof. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Kia Soul EV.

Scorecard

Overall	undefined / 5

Driving

The Soul EV displays run-of-the-mill electric vehicle driving dynamics. That's disappointing compared to the gas-powered Soul, which has surprisingly adept handling, braking and acceleration. On the other hand, the Soul EV delivers silent, torque-rich power and aggressive regenerative braking.

Acceleration

Abundant low-end torque makes the Soul EV feel spritely pulling away from a light, but this eagerness peters out as speeds rise. In Edmunds testing, the Soul EV covered 0-60 mph in 9.5 seconds, which is behind the leading all-electric competitors.

Braking

In traffic, the Soul EV's brake pedal isn't particularly responsive or easy to modulate. But aggressive regenerative braking is available, and it is a bonus once you get used to it. The Soul EV's panic-stop distance of 125 feet from 60 mph is about average for the class.

Steering

The steering response is slow without much feedback regardless of the weight dialed in through the driver-adjustable steering system. Of Normal, Comfort and Sport settings, Sport gives the most everyday steering feel.

Handling

The EV isn't the surprisingly keen handler that the regular Soul is. The suspension favors comfort, limits are low, and grip is unimpressive. Most EV competitors, especially the Chevrolet Bolt and the Hyundai Ioniq Electric, are sharper to drive.

Drivability

Slotting the shifter to B engages aggressive regenerative braking. It feels unusual at first, but you'll quickly learn to love the car doing much of the braking for you, especially in stop-and-go traffic. The Soul EV is otherwise simple and easy to drive.

Comfort

Without the gasoline Soul's raspy engine churning under the hood, the Soul EV is a quiet car to spend time in, even with the elevated wind noise caused by its boxy shape. Ride comfort is average. The seats are comfortable and supportive.

Seat comfort

The EV Plus' firm, leather-covered seats with an elevated placement are supportive and comfortable during longer drives (limited by range, of course). They are better than what you'll find in most small cars.

Ride comfort

The added weight of the batteries, smaller wheels and increased tire sidewall result in an improved ride compared to the rather jiggly and sometimes harsh ride of the gasoline-powered Soul. Ride comfort is about average for the small-EV segment.

Noise & vibration

The Soul EV's boxy shape creates more wind noise than is typical, and the lack of engine noise exacerbates it. You pretty much just hear the wind. Still, the lack of engine noise is welcome.

Interior

For the most part, the Soul EV's interior is user-friendly. It has a likable touchscreen that's relatively easy to use, as well as easy entry and exit. Materials quality isn't as good as we'd like for the price, but it's not a deal-breaker.

Ease of use

All dashboard controls are placed within easy reach. The large touchscreen is generally a model of simplicity for its audio controls, with big icons and logical menus. But swiping to scroll phone numbers or track lists often results in errant selections.

Getting in/getting out

The seats are placed higher than in your average car, making climbing in and sitting down easy. You don't "fall-in" as in a car or "climb up" as in most SUVs. There's near-perfect step-in height. The wide door openings help as well.

Roominess

The battery placement raises the rear floor a few inches, reducing rear legroom and comfort compared with the gasoline-powered Soul. Still, high-mounted seats in all positions yield good room for a vehicle of this size. It's a bit bigger than most subcompact SUVs.

Visibility

The boxy shape makes it easy to know where the vehicle's corners are. The tall windows make the view forward clear, but thick rear-quarter pillars restrict the view while reversing. A rearview camera is standard on the Soul EV, and the Plus comes with front and rear parking sensors.

Quality

We gave the regular Soul a higher score in this category for its abundant soft-touch points and above-average materials and switchgear. However, it costs much less than the EV. The Soul EV is well-built, but in the price range, interior quality is a bit subpar.

Utility

Some EVs suffer a reduction in cargo space due to their extra batteries, but the Soul EV does not. In terms of passenger and cargo room, it lines up more with the new batch of subcompact SUVs rather than compact hatchbacks.

Technology

The Soul EV comes with an easy-to-use 8-inch touchscreen, remote vehicle controls, Wi-Fi and integrated navigation. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless charging are not available. There's one USB port.

Consumer reviews

There are no consumer reviews for the 2019 Kia Soul EV.

Features & Specs

+ 4dr Wagon features & specs
+ 4dr Wagon electric DD
MSRP	$35,950
MPG	124 city / 93 hwy
Seating	Seats 5
Transmission	1-speed direct drive
Horsepower	N/A

See all for sale

4dr Wagon features & specs
4dr Wagon electric DD
MSRP	$33,950
MPG	124 city / 93 hwy
Seating	Seats 5
Transmission	1-speed direct drive
Horsepower	N/A

See all for sale

See all 2019 Kia Soul EV features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Soul EV safety features:

Pedestrian Warning System: Alerts pedestrians of the quiet Soul EV's approach with a soft, artificial noise at 12 mph and under.
Front and Rear Parking Sensors: Warns you if the car's bumpers are approaching exterior objects such as walls or other vehicles.
Uvo Connectivity: Allows owners to set parameters for secondary drivers such as geo-fencing, curfew alert and speed alert.

Kia Soul EV vs. the competition

Kia Soul EV vs. BMW i3

Like the Kia Soul EV, the BMW i3 doesn't really have much range up its sleeve. Even with the optional gasoline-powered range-extending engine, the i3 still trails the Bolt and Kia Niro EV and costs considerably more. But the i3 is dripping with style and cutting-edge design. It's also genuinely good to drive, being both nimble and comfortable.

Compare Kia Soul EV & BMW i3 features

Kia Soul EV vs. Nissan Leaf

The Leaf recently went through a beneficial overhaul and now has considerably more range, a more comfortable interior and better road manners than before. Its estimated 150-mile range still lags behind the range of other competitors, but it's quiet. And like the Soul EV, it comes with a decent amount of features for the money. A larger battery pack is also just around the corner. Shame it lacks a telescoping steering wheel.

Compare Kia Soul EV & Nissan Leaf features

Kia Soul EV vs. Chevrolet Bolt

The Bolt excels in its considerable range, great visibility and easy road manners, all while being relatively affordable. But the Bolt falls short on the inside, with poorly chosen plastics and generally uncomfortable front seats. Thanks to its upright body style and large hatchback, the Bolt remains a very practical vehicle.

Compare Kia Soul EV & Chevrolet Bolt features

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FAQ

Is the Kia Soul EV a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2019 Soul EV both on the road and at the track. You probably care about Kia Soul EV energy consumption, so it's important to know that the Soul EV gets an EPA-estimated 108 mpg-e. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Soul EV has 18.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Kia Soul EV. Learn more

What's new in the 2019 Kia Soul EV?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2019 Kia Soul EV:

Kia's newest touchscreen interface (AVN 5.0) is now standard
Part of the first Soul EV generation introduced in 2014

Learn more

Is the Kia Soul EV reliable?

To determine whether the Kia Soul EV is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Soul EV. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Soul EV's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2019 Kia Soul EV a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2019 Kia Soul EV is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2019 Soul EV is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2019 Kia Soul EV?

The least-expensive 2019 Kia Soul EV is the 2019 Kia Soul EV 4dr Wagon (electric DD). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $33,950.

Other versions include:

+ 4dr Wagon (electric DD) which starts at $35,950
4dr Wagon (electric DD) which starts at $33,950

Learn more

What are the different models of Kia Soul EV?

If you're interested in the Kia Soul EV, the next question is, which Soul EV model is right for you? Soul EV variants include + 4dr Wagon (electric DD), and 4dr Wagon (electric DD). For a full list of Soul EV models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

More about the 2019 Kia Soul EV

The 2019 Kia Soul EV is a compact yet practical electric vehicle, with a unique style and a fair number of standard features. With an estimated range of 111 miles, the Soul EV, once near the top of the EV range ladder, especially for its low price, now lags behind most of its competition. But what it lacks in range it makes up for in interior space and utility, thanks to its boxy shape.

The Soul EV has always been well-equipped, but Kia has kept it current with the latest versions of its touchscreen interface. Kia also provides a good number of color choices as well as optional features that many full electric cars lack, such as a panoramic sunroof and ventilated seats.

The Soul EV is only available for sale in California and Oregon and comes in two trim levels, the base EV and the EV Plus (+), the latter offering only one major option package. This simplified trim level structure makes it easy for prospective buyers, removing the guesswork out of mixing and matching trim levels and option packages.

The base EV trim level comes standard with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen and navigation. For not much more money, the EV Plus (+) gives you heated and cooled leather seats, LED interior lighting, front and rear park assist, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. There's also a Sun and Fun package that unlocks a panoramic sunroof. Even when fully optioned, the Soul EV is still similarly priced with other EVs that offer fewer equipment.

Compared to the competition, the Soul EV is right in the middle of a fast-growing segment. EVs that cost less often offer far less range and significantly fewer features, while EVs with longer range often cost thousands of dollars more without all the creature comforts. And always make sure to check to see what tax credits are available as those can knock the cost down considerably. When you're ready to choose the right 2019 Kia Soul EV for you, let Edmunds guide you through the buying process.

2019 Kia Soul EV Overview

The 2019 Kia Soul EV is offered in the following submodels: Soul EV Wagon. Available styles include + 4dr Wagon (electric DD), and 4dr Wagon (electric DD).

What do people think of the 2019 Kia Soul EV?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2019 Kia Soul EV and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2019 Soul EV.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2019 Kia Soul EV and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2019 Soul EV featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Our Review Process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

What's a good price for a New 2019 Kia Soul EV?

Which 2019 Kia Soul EVS are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2019 Kia Soul EV for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2019 Kia Soul EV.

Can't find a new 2019 Kia Soul EVs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a new Kia Soul EV for sale - 12 great deals out of 20 listings starting at $10,566.

Find a new Kia for sale - 10 great deals out of 12 listings starting at $7,587.

Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.

Should I lease or buy a 2019 Kia Soul EV?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Check out Kia lease specials

2019 Kia Soul EV

2019 Kia Soul EV pricing

Which Soul EV does Edmunds recommend?

Edmunds' Expert Review

Overall rating