2010 Kia Soul Review
2010 Kia Soul Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Loads of available features, highly customizable, user-friendly controls, ample passenger space, surprisingly fun to drive, low price, long warranty.
Cons
- Limited cargo room versus competitors, noisy and busy highway ride, unrefined manual transmission, silly trim level names.
What’s new
The 2010 Kia Soul is an all-new four-door hatchback/wagon with avant-garde styling and many customizable features.
Edmunds says
The 2010 Soul is the first Kia to appeal to one's emotions as well as more practical concerns like value, features, space and warranty. It is definitely worth a look.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2010 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$155/mo for Soul Base
Soul Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
To fully understand the 2010 Kia Soul, it helps to know a little something about its native land. Everywhere you look on the highways of South Korea, there's a white Sonata, a big nondescript black sedan or a silverish compact SUV. The only way there could be less color on the road would be if someone set the entire country to grayscale.
What Korea needs (and, by default, what its car industry needs) is a car like the Soul, a funky little box-on-wheels hatchback that comes in such hipster hues as Molten, Java, Shadow, Dune and Alien. Houndstooth and glow-in-the-dark upholsteries are available. As such, this commuter-friendly hatchback is a game-changer for Kia that should be bought for more than just its typical low price and lengthy warranty. Pardon the pun, but this thing's actually got some soul.
With its boxy shape, the 2010 Soul clearly has the Scion xB in its sights. However, the Kia has more rounded edges and a more angled greenhouse that features sharp-looking, blacked-out A-pillars. Inside, a stylish design available in two-tone hues complements straightforward controls. In terms of size, the Soul slots in between the too-small original xB and the current too-big (for some) xB, providing ample interior space and just enough cargo capacity.
Underneath its quirky styling resides a heavily modified Rio platform (hardly a great place to start), but the result is nevertheless a surprisingly fun-to-drive small car. It's no Mini Cooper, but the Soul stays well-planted in corners and provides the driver with a decent amount of feedback. Around town, the Soul is comfortable enough, but its low-tech suspension design results in a busy ride at highway speeds -- a sensation exacerbated by the higher trim levels' bigger wheels.
And speaking of trim levels, the Kia Soul wins the award for silliest trim names: They consist of base, +, ! and Sport. Yes, that's right, the symbols "+" and "!" are trim levels. There's no word whether ~ and # will soon follow. Regardless of their pseudo names, though, they include an ample amount of equipment, including standard antilock brakes, stability control, a USB audio jack and satellite radio, plus available items like Bluetooth, an upgraded stereo, a sunroof and the aforementioned two-tone interiors.
We think the 2010 Kia Soul is a compelling new entry in the economy car market: one with a pleasant driving character, lots of space, good build quality, loads of available features, a low price and a lengthy warranty. There are other choices to consider, naturally, including the Scion xB, which offers more power and interior space, and the Honda Fit, which has livelier handling and surprisingly cavernous cargo capacity. The new Nissan Cube will also fall into this quirky inside-the-box segment. None of these, however, offers the Soul's particular hip brand of style and character. And that's certainly something we've never uttered about a Kia before.
Performance & mpg
The base 2010 Kia Soul gets a 1.6-liter four-cylinder good for 122 horsepower and 115 pound-feet of torque. It is available only with a five-speed manual. The upper trim levels get a 2.0-liter inline-4 with 142 hp and 137 lb-ft of torque. The five-speed manual is standard, but a four-speed automatic is optional. In performance testing, a Soul Sport with the manual went from zero to 60 mph in a respectable 8.8 seconds.
Safety
Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes (front-wheel discs on the base Soul, four-wheel discs on all other trims), stability control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags.
Driving
The 2010 Kia Soul is the most sprightly small car the Korean automaker has produced. The Soul, particularly the Sport model, feels light on its feet and surprisingly well-planted in high-speed turns. However, the hydraulic power steering is unremarkable, offering a numb on-center feel and a nonlinear effort. Around town, the Soul is decently comfy, but on the highway, the ride quality can be a bit choppy. The upper trims' 18-inch wheels and tires can also cause excessive noise and some harshness over major bumps, but they certainly look cool.
The Soul's base engine is anemic, but given the fact that it's only available with a manual transmission, we're guessing most people will end up with the bigger 2.0-liter four-cylinder anyway. This engine is at home around town and in traffic, thanks to a solid amount of low-end torque and an eagerness to rev. The manual shifter is direct enough, but the throws are long and the clutch take-up is vague.
Interior
In recent years, Kia interiors have been models of straightforward, user-friendly controls that keep buttons and knobs to a minimum. They've also been duller than an all-gray wardrobe. The all-new Soul maintains its stablemates' practicality, but adds some design flair and a literal dash of color. The interior features lots of interesting shapes, including a center stack that juts out in a pod featuring those simple audio and climate controls. Available features like special upholstery and two-tone color schemes make the all-black Honda Fit and Scion xB cabins seem unimaginative and depressing.
The amount of interior room is impressive, with high-mounted seats granting all passengers (regardless of size) an ample amount of legroom. The tall roof line leaves lots of space for gelled coifs. With the backseat raised or lowered, cargo room is significantly lacking compared to the cavernous xB and Fit, although the Soul's boxy shape certainly helps when carrying large items.
2010 Kia Soul models
The 2010 Kia Soul is a four-door hatchback/wagon available in base, +, ! and Sport trim levels. Standard equipment includes 15-inch steel wheels, rear drum brakes, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt steering column, a 60/40-split rear seat and a four-speaker stereo (with CD/MP3 player, satellite radio and USB and auxiliary audio jacks). The Soul + adds a bigger engine, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, cruise control, keyless entry, tinted rear windows, a height-adjustable driver seat, glow-in-the-dark upholstery, Bluetooth, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and additional speakers.
Optional on the Soul + are a sunroof, foglights and an upgraded audio system. Those options are included on the Soul !, along with 18-inch wheels and two-tone upholstery. The Soul Sport is similar to the Soul ! but has the upgraded audio system as standard, a sport-tuned suspension, a red-black two-tone interior and unique exterior trim details. The sunroof is optional on the Sport.
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent
#3 out of 8 among Subcompact SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Kia Soul from 2008-2022.$401/yr
vs. $435/yr
for Average Subcompact SUV
for Average Subcompact SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.73x/yr
vs. 0.69x/yr
for Average Subcompact SUV
for Average Subcompact SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).9.6%
vs. 10.7%
for Average Subcompact SUV
for Average Subcompact SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2010 Kia Soul.
5 star(74%)
4 star(19%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(0%)
224 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
I love it!
Wedad, 11/12/2010
2010 Kia Soul Sport 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
I had set my heart on a CR-V and then happened to see this car which was sort of similar to it but for about $7 thousand less. I researched its specs then read all the reviews I could find on Edmunds.com & other websites then took it for a test drive. It came out with flying colors- compatible with the CR-V as far as safety, performance, reliability, warranty, fuel economy, the SUV-like … seating,and the even better interior & exterior features than the CR-V. The only real difference was the 4X4 drive. I've had it for almost 3 weeks and love it. It rides a bit rough on hard roads because of the big 18" wheels and not-so-good suspension (as the Editors' reviews explained). otherwise, it's perfect for me
5 out of 5 stars
LOVE, love this car!
Birgit White, 10/24/2016
2010 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
Awesome dependability. Great both in the city with a tight turning radius and on the highway with its peppy acceleration. Great in the crappy weather. The only issue I have ever had is that the paint chips easily. Have had the car for over 6 years, 130,000 miles.... Have spent less than $3000 maintenance. And that's including tires, brakes, oil changes, timing belt and … transmission flush.
4.88 out of 5 stars
best car I've owned
huser20, 06/06/2013
2010 Kia Soul ! 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
I bought my car with 5 miles on it and I've owned it for 3.5 years now...42,000 miles on it now and I've never had one thing wrong with it. Best car I've owned and I truly don't have one complaint. Just do regular maintenance you're good to go!!
5 out of 5 stars
AWESOME!
mountain_kitty, 05/22/2011
2010 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
I love my Soul Plus. It's a blast to drive. It's comfortable. Great sound system and I'm getting between 39 and 41mpg.
2010 Soul Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $13,300 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $155/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 19.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Soul include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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