2018 Kia Soul EV
Pros
- Plenty of cabin and cargo space given its size
- Abundant standard equipment
- Tall seating position is reminiscent of a small SUV
Cons
- Excessive wind noise at highway speeds
- Availability limited to only a handful of states
- Max driving range is less than what other EVs offer
2018 Kia Soul EV pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which Soul EV does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
4 / 5If you're a current or potential EV buyer, chances are that getting a lot of electric range is important. Nobody wants to suffer from range anxiety, and every extra mile an electric car can eke out represents another mile you can go without burning gasoline in your second car, taking public transit or getting an emergency recharge. Well, the 2018 Kia Soul EV can go a few extra miles this year with the debut of a more energy-rich battery, bringing with it a new maximum of 111 miles. That's up from 93 miles.
That's great news for the range-conscious, but it falls a bit short of the range of other EVs such as the VW e-Golf and the Hyundai Ioniq Electric. And, much like every other EV not named Tesla, the Soul has less than half of the Chevrolet Bolt's estimated 238 miles of all-electric range. For many, that will make their EV choice obvious.
Still, if you're planning to stay within the city confines, own a second car, or quite simply don't plan on going very far, the Kia Soul EV offers a lot to like. For starters, it arguably has far more character and style than the Bolt and most other EVs. Like the gasoline Kia Soul upon which it's based, it boasts a handsome-if-quirky exterior, a stylish cabin, and a body style that's pretty reminiscent of a small SUV. It's certainly a more convincing crossover substitute than the Bolt. You also get lots of passenger and cargo space, plus an abundance of features for your money.
Basically, the same things that make the regular Soul so appealing also apply to the EV, and if range isn't everything, we think it's most definitely worth a look.
Notably, we picked the 2018 Kia Soul EV as one of Edmunds' Best Electric Cars for this year.
Trim levels & features
The 2018 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 three trim levels: EV-e, the base EV and EV Plus (+). All come with generous standard equipment, though the top trim's luxurious extras could be worth the extra bucks. All use the same 30-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack and 375-volt electric motor that produces 109 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque.
The EV-e is sold only in California. It comes standard with a DC fast-charging port, 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, LED running lights, heated mirror, rear privacy glass, keyless ignition and entry, automatic climate control, a pedestrian warning system, multiple steering modes (Normal, Comfort and Sport), a height-adjustable driver seat, two-level heated front seats, cloth upholstery, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 60/40-split folding back seat, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, one USB port, and a six-speaker sound system with a 5-inch color display, a media player interface, an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio.
The base EV is the starting point for those Soul EV shoppers outside California. It adds better-looking 16-inch wheels, mirror turn-signal indicators, HD radio and an 8-inch touchscreen interface that brings with it integrated navigation, 3G Wi-Fi and Uvo Eco services, which includes an app that allows you to monitor the car's charge, find a charging station, lock and unlock doors, and adjust the in-car climate before you leave.
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, three-level 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. A battery-heating system is also available in Oregon, Washington and eastern states that sell the Soul EV.
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 the2015 Kia Soul EV Plus (+).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Soul EV has received some revisions, including an increase in range, and the addition of a standard 5-inch center screen and an available panoramic sunroof. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Kia Soul EV.
Driving
3.5Acceleration
3.5Braking
3.5Steering
3Handling
2.5Drivability
5Comfort
4Seat comfort
4Ride comfort
3Noise & vibration
4Interior
4.5Ease of use
4Getting in/getting out
5Roominess
3Visibility
4Quality
3Utility
5Technology
Top consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 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.
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2018 Kia Soul EV for Sale
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See your car's valueThe 2018 Kia Soul EV is a capable electric vehicle with above-average style and utility. Thanks to its boxy shape, the Soul EV can fit quite a bit of cargo in the rear, and there's enough room in back for adults to sit comfortably. The EPA estimates the Soul EV has a driving range of 111 miles, which is more than it had last year, but it's still short of the range of most top rivals — considerably shorter in one instance.
Kia does equip the Soul EV with an abundance of features, though. For trim levels, there's the EV-e, which is available only in California, the base Soul EV and EV Plus (+). The simple options structure means there's no long list of custom options or stand-alone items to choose from. For prospective buyers, that makes things a lot easier.
The EV-e and base trim levels offer items such as heated seats, a heated tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen and a rearview camera. Most people will be happy with the Soul EV's standard gear, especially for the price. But move up the ladder to the top-trim Kia Soul EV Plus (+), which isn't that much more expensive, and you'll get items such as ventilated front seats and leather upholstery. Whatever equipment level you go with, the Soul EV is a good value for the money, packing in a lot of items for the price.
If you put the 2018 Kia Soul EV up against its main competitors, its price is middle of the pack. Rivals with a bit more luxury equipment and significantly longer EV range are more expensive, while less desirable vehicles with shorter EV range will save you a bit up front. It's also important to note that most EVs are eligible for certain tax credits that will bring the price down by thousands. When you decide on what equipment you need and which 2018 Kia Soul EV is right for you, be sure to check out the details on Edmunds and we'll help you find the perfect one.
2018 Kia Soul EV Overview
The 2018 Kia Soul EV is offered in the following submodels: Soul EV Wagon. Available styles include + 4dr Wagon (electric DD), 4dr Wagon (electric DD), and e 4dr Wagon (electric DD).
What do people think of the 2018 Kia Soul EV?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Kia Soul EV and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Soul EV 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. 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 2018 Soul EV.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Kia Soul EV and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 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.
Edmunds Scorecard
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.
Which 2018 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) 2018 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 Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Kia Soul EV.
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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 2018 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.
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Related vehicle information
2018 Kia Soul EV Information
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