2019 Kia Soul EV Review

Price Estimate: $17,146 - $20,883

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Appraise My 2019 Kia Soul EV

Kia Soul EV model years

Kia Soul EV for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Kurt Niebuhr

Pros

Plenty of cabin and cargo space given its size
Abundant standard equipment
Tall seating position is reminiscent of a small SUV

Cons

Max driving range is far less than what other EVs offer
Limited availability
Excessive wind noise at highway speeds

What's new

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

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.

For sale near Geneva, IL

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EV Rebates^{Certain EVs and PHEVs may be eligible for a rebate. Buyer and car must qualify.}
2019 Kia Soul EV
Base Wagon
$14,995
- 58,124 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 111 mi range
- Jims Auto Sales (1,666 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Fontana, CA
We have source a 2019 Kia Soul EV Wagon. She comes equipped with navigation, Apple CarPlay and is a good candidate for the governments Replace Your Ri...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: KNDJP3AE5K7038118
Stock: CGSP16122-A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-04-2024
EV Rebates^{Certain EVs and PHEVs may be eligible for a rebate. Buyer and car must qualify.}
2019 Kia Soul EV
Base Wagon
$14,000
- 54,130 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 111 mi range
- Sunrise Ford Fontana (1,667 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Fontana, CA
Certified. 4D Hatchback, Electric Motor, Navigation System.124/93 City/Highway MPGCertification Program Details: Ford Blue Advantage: Blue Certifi...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: KNDJP3AE6K7038953
Stock: V66900
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-18-2025

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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.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

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 the Kia 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.

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.

Compare 2019 Kia Soul EV trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2019 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.

2019 Kia Soul EV Insights

Trim:

Soul EV Base

Estimated Range Based on Age

99 miles

EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 99 miles.

Estimated range mapfrom

Charging

SAE Combo

Plug Type

5 hrs

240V Home Charging

EV batteries should be kept at 30-80% charged to extend battery life.

When can I use NACS/Tesla charging stations?

EV Battery Warranty

10 yrs or 100,000 miles

According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.

Estimated battery warranty remaining is 4 years or 16,000 miles for this car.

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

$7,850

Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.

See All EV incentives

Cost to Drive

$71/mo

Soul EV

$175/mo

Car Avg.

Monthly estimates based on costs in Illinois

Am I Ready for an EV?

EV ownership works best if you can charge at home (240V outlet)
Adding a home charging system is estimated to cost $1,616 in
Edmunds is partnering with Treehouse, an independent provider of home EV installation services. Learn more about the installation services partnership

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Kia Soul EV Owner Reviews

4.4

12 reviews

5(67%)

4(17%)

3(8%)

2(8%)

1(0%)

See all 12 reviews Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Quick car top quality all around

Jeff, 06/09/2019

2017 Kia Soul EV e 4dr Wagon (electric DD)

Kia has created a very high quality product in their 2017 Soul EV. It is a fantastic winter car, heated seats and steering wheel, iPhone app to warm it up while plugged in. We use it as our urban car in a two car household. You may not even need a 220 volt charger, ours works fine on the supplied 110volt charger. We leased it but we plan to purchase it at lease end.

Best reasonably-priced EV available in 2016

Al, 03/09/2016

2016 Kia Soul EV 4dr Wagon (electric DD)

After driving a Nissan Leaf for nearly 4 years, I thought I'd check out what else was available. Here in WA State, there weren't many choices beyond a Kia Soul or a Nissan Leaf. BMW and Tesla were too expensive for me, and other choices (e.g. Ford, VW) were not yet available here. I was sold on the Soul EV less than 5 minutes into my first test drive. Even though it is shorter than a …

Whoopie Goldburg

A.J. Eisenbart, 08/29/2018

2017 Kia Soul EV + 4dr Wagon (electric DD)

This Kia Soul Plus is everything I thought it would be for comfort, reliability and safety. I get many compliments from my passengers, having completed over 500 LYFT Rides so far. My previous car was a Honda CRV, and I do miss the storage capability compared to the KIA. I added blind spot mirrors to my KIA because I am only 5'3" tall. Overall rating is still 5 Stars.

Soul EV is a Plus

Ethan Derner, 08/20/2016

2016 Kia Soul EV + 4dr Wagon (electric DD)

I drove a Nissan Leaf for three years prior to taking delivery of a new Soul EV+ last month, and thus far it has been enjoyable. This is my second all-electric vehicle, and while it has key differences from the Leaf I do like it for the positive ones. On the downside, the cargo space is not nearly as capacious as that in a Leaf. And the hatchback release on the key fob only does that: …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2019 Kia Soul EV, so we've included reviews for other years of the Soul EV since its last redesign.

See all 12 reviews of the Kia Soul EV

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2019 Soul EV Highlights