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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2010 Kia Soul

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Kia Soul

Overview

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2010 Kia Soul Review

By KBB.com Editors

With the arrival of the 2010 Kia Soul and 2009 Nissan Cube, the original Scion xB becomes the progenitor of a bona fide little sub-segment defined by funky practicality. Surely, there's a good chance the Soul and Cube wouldn't be here today - in this country, anyway - if not for the success of the original box on wheels. While the Nissan Cube is more reminiscent of the smaller, first-generation xB, the Kia Soul is a more direct competitor to the latest xB. Does the Soul's mix of style, value and technology make it the right choice for you? Keep reading to find out.

You'll Like This Car If...

Versatility and affordability are admirable qualities in a car, but they sound so boring. The 2010 Kia Soul wraps both in look-at-me styling, creating a vehicle that combines niche appeal with well-rounded practicality.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for zip, you'll have to look elsewhere (outside the category, really). A four-speed automatic transmission doesn't help matters, and the Soul's highway mpg rating of 30 mpg (31 mpg for the smaller, less powerful base model) isn't anything to write home about.

What's Significant About This Car?

The arrival of the Kia Soul puts an end to Scion's near monopoly on economical, versatile, boldly styled cars aimed directly at the younger set.

Driving the Soul

Driving Impressions The 2010 Kia Soul is interesting to look at, roomy for people or cargo and offers an impressive array of audio and connectivity features. Less notable is the way it...

drives: like a run-of-the-mill economy car. It isn't particularly slow (although we haven't driven a base model with the smaller engine) or ill-handling, but the driving experience doesn't live up to the car's otherwise playful demeanor. The five-speed manual transmission doesn't offer the kind of car-driver connection you might want from a manual, and the four-speed automatic is at least one speed shy of flexible. Would the driving experience keep us from buying a 2010 Kia Soul? Absolutely not. Around town and on the highway, the 2010 Kia Soul is as easy and as comfortable as some of today's better compact cars. Just don't expect it inspire you to take the fun way home.

Favorite Features

Comprehensive Audio System
The 2010 Kia Soul base model might be hampered with small steel wheels and a lack remote keyless entry, but Kia saw fit to make sure every single Soul has a full-featured AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat/Aux/USB audio system. That's cool.

iPod Bin
The 2010 Kia Soul has the best iPod station we've seen (outside of another Kia or Hyundai): an open bin, in plain view and within easy reach, with readily accessible power and connection ports.

2010 Kia Soul Details

Interior

The first thing new Soul owners show their friends are the available speaker lights in the front door speakers, which pulse to the beat of the music or cycle softly with adjustable intensity. Far more important in the long run are the Soul's overall interior design and quality, which we find especially impressive for a car that starts under $14,000. One of our favorite features is the front-and-center iPod bin, detailed further in the Favorite Features section of this review. The 2010 Kia Soul sport is offered exclusively with a very red-themed interior, our favorite part of which is the red glove box interior that makes it easier to see what's inside. Not surprisingly, the tall, boxy 2010 Kia Soul is a roomy and versatile little car.

Exterior

We like the simultaneously sporty, quirky and utilitarian look of the 2010 Kia Soul. We like it much better, of course, with the range-topping 18-inch five-spoke wheels than the base model's 15-inch covered steel wheels. The entry Soul is also hindered by black door handles and mirrors in contrast with body-color pieces across the rest of the line. At the opposite end of the price spectrum, the 2010 Kia Soul sport is distinguished visually by unique front and rear fascias and side sills.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

For a Lincoln less than $14,000, the 2010 Kia Soul offers a 122-horsepower four-cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, power windows and locks, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat/Aux/USB audio system and an impressive list of standard safety equipment that includes six airbags and electronic stability control.

Optional Equipment

Check all the option boxes and your 2010 Kia Soul will include a 142-horsepower engine, four-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, moonroof, upgraded audio system, leather-covered steering wheel and shift knob, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, cruise control and Bluetooth phone connectivity. The Soul sport gets a sport-tuned suspension, unique front, rear and side styling elements, metal-finish pedals and interior accents, and a red/black interior color scheme.

Under the Hood

Although the base model 2010 Kia Soul features a smaller 1.6-liter engine that's paired only with a five-speed manual transmission, Kia doesn't anticipate selling too many. And we probably wouldn't buy it, either. Most 2010 Kia Souls will feature a 2.0-liter engine, offered with a four-speed automatic or the five-speed manual.

1.6-liter in-line four
122 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
115 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/31

2.0-liter in-line four
142 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
137 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/30

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Kia Soul vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2010 Kia Soul Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 221 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.7/10

Quality

8.4/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

8.4/10
Comfort

8.6/10

Styling

8.9/10

Amazing!!!

By SMFB1986 (IA) on Tuesday, July 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,200

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Stands out plus a wonderful ride!!!"

Cons: "None thus far!!!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"All around amazing vehicle! The bluetooth for handless communication is clear and crisp with no distortion. The fuel efficiency is outstanding. The overall value of the car with its affordable monthly payments is incredible. The initial thing that drew me to it was when I walked on the used car lot all of the cars looked the same, this one however stood out in the crowd. After that first test drive I was completely sold. Before signing anything however I spoke with others who owned a KIA. All had nothing but wonderful feedback about them. Worst thing I was told that in 100,000+ miles the most expensive fix on their vehicle was a new set of tires. 10/10 wonderful crossover."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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GREAT CAR, CHEAPLY MADE

By zoom, no no (NM) on Saturday, July 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "GREAT GAS MILEAGE, CHEAP TO OWN"

Cons: "POOR VISIBILITY, WINDSHIELD, VERY POOR COMFORT"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"BOUGHT THE CAR IN MAY 2013. GREAT CAR. GREAT GAS MILEAGE. COMFORT IS VERY POOR. GREAT COMMUTER CAR. IF YOU TAKE THIS CAR ON A LONG ROAD TRIP, MAKE SURE YOU KNOW A GOOD CHIROPRACTOR WHEN YOU GET BACK. ITS A CHEAP CAR AND THE INTERIOR SHOWS. LOVE THE BLUE TOOTH VIA RADIO. HANDLES VERY WELL WHEN WEATHER IS PERFECT. HANDLES VERY BAD IN HIGH WINDS, DUE TO HOW LIGHT THE CAR IS, NO FAULT OF MAKER. DOES NOT HANDLE WELL AT ALL IN JUST A LITTLE MUD. WE LIKE THE CAR, VISIBILITY IS EXTREMELY POOR. OVERALL, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR, NO COMPLAINTS. I KNEW WHAT I PAID FOR. JUST SAYING, IF YOU LOOKING FOR A ROAD TRIP CAR, KEEP LOOKING, OR U BE LOOKING FOR A CHIROPRACTOR EVERY TOWN YOU COME TO. VISIBILITY IS SO POOR, THAT YOU HAVE TO TURN YOUR HEAD TO CHANGE LANES, VERY DANGEROUS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. WOULD NOT RECCOMMEND TINTING WINDOWS. WE HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD FIRST WEEK WE HAD IT, DUE TO A ROCK. ASAP WINDOW INSTALLER TOLD ME GET USED TO IT, THE WINDSHIELD DESIGN IS NOT WELL BUILT. CARS LIKE THE TOYOTA, NISSAN CUBE, AND OTHER CARS IN THIS CLASS, GO THRU WINDSHIELDS ALOT. OVER ALL I LIKE THE CAR. CHEAP TO OWN, GREAT ON GAS. AS IS STATED, THIS IS NOT A ROAD TRIP CAR FOR LONG TRIPS. I AM SURE IT COULD, BUT YOUR BACK AND LOWER BACK WILL SUFFER FOR IT. ROOMY AND SPACIOUS FOR A CAR THIS SIZE. JUST REMEMBER THIS IS A CHEAP BUT WELL BUILT CAR, NOT A LOT OF BELLS AND WHISTLES OR THRILLS. IT WAS MADE FOR COMMUTING AND THAT IS JUST ABOUT IT."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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space of an suv with economy of a prius

By feast that peace (OK) on Monday, July 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"i have a 6 speed stick shift with a 1.6,its base but i dont need anything fancy. we have a little girl and needed a bigger car. im 6 foot 2 and i sit pretty far back and my broter who is about an inch shorter sits behind me with a good 6 inches of extra leg room! the trunk is deep and holds a ton of stuff. i average 29mpg around town with it with the ac off, and a little over 26 with it on, and on the highway ive gotten 39mpg with the ac not running! this little car is simply perfct for what we needed. it doesnt have cruise control even though its a 2013, or keyless entry, but it has the bluetooth connect to your phone and everything else we could honestly need, with kias warranty i see no reason not to but this car, plus replacement tires are under 100!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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I have had Tranmission problem and interior

By Bill (CT) on Saturday, July 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Like I said it is a fun car. Nice looking"

Cons: "White Stains on seats No Kia Loyalty no Cust. serv"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Interior problem: . The Seats in the car are black but if you get caught in the rain or it is winter your wet cloths turn the seats white like a stain. I have brought this to 4 dealers and they told me that it is normal for the cloth seats to get white on them! One Dealer said all cloths seats do this, I am 55 never happen to me before!! Tranny problems: When you accelerate if you want to pass someone the car does not shift correctly the RPMs go to 5-6 so you have to take your foot of the gas. This happens when you are climbing a hill too. Dealer said that is normal for this car. Other wise I love it Comfortable, alot of space for hauling large thing you purchase I like the Soul wish they stood behind it thou NOTE; Have had a case started awhile ago and still have not heard from KIA CORPORATE. ABOUT THE ISSUES...."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Excellent car for the money!

By Dale F (NY) on Wednesday, July 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had the car for just 1 week and I have simply fell in love with it. The gas mileage is great and it is a very easy car to drive. I have the 6 speed manual."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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