why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Kia Soul

Please enter a valid mileage

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

Overview

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

Buying this car?

2011 Kia Soul Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.0

Although the 2011 Kia Soul competes directly with the Nissan Cube and Scion xB, the Soul has a much broader appeal. It enjoys styling that is neither polarizing nor awkward and Kia has a hip ad campaign that turned a common hamster into a bona fide rap star. Brisk sales and rave reviews have helped the Soul get off to a good start, but questions remain about its long-term reliability. Of course, an impressive array of standard features, one of the most original and modern interiors in the segment and a price tag starting well below its competitors make the Kia Soul a tempting morsel indeed. Making our "Top Ten Coolest Cars Under $18,000" list and strong initial resale values doesn't hurt the 2011 Kia Soul, either.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a vehicle that is both versatile and affordable, but you don't want to look like you're driving a car whose only attribute is that it's versatile and affordable, the 2011 Kia Soul is the car for you.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for rapid acceleration, all-wheel drive or the highest resale value, you'll have to spend more.

What's Significant About This Car?

For 2011, Kia will offer two Special Edition Soul models featuring automatic climate control and unique paint and trim.

Driving the Soul

Driving Impressions The 2011 Kia Soul looks cool, is loaded with features and has room for people, cargo, dogs and gear, but its ride and handling are nowhere near as impressive. The...

base model's 122-horsepower engine loud and makes the car slow. The upper-end models with the larger 142-horsepower 2.0-liter engine do a bit better, although they are also loud. The manual transmission is rubbery and no great joy to use. We say go with the automatic. When not pushed hard, the Soul delivers a comfortable ride. The steering and brakes are more than adequate. The overall feeling is that you're driving a run-of-the-mill economy car, but the experience is not unpleasant and is by no means a deal breaker.

Favorite Features

Comprehensive Audio System
The 2011 Kia Soul base model might be hampered with small steel wheels and the lack of 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.

iPod Bin
The 2011 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.

2011 Kia Soul Details

Interior

We give Kia high praise for the Soul's interior. Not only does it feature radical themes, such as an available Hound's Tooth fabric interior and red backlit speaker grilles that pulsate to the music's beat (this feature can be turned on and off), it also is highly functional and just plain fun. Owners who choose the Sport model receive a black and bright red interior including a red dash and glove box. Functional features include front and center iPod bins, a dual-shelf glovebox, fold flush rear seats and a storage bin under the cargo area's floor.

Exterior

From its intricately detailed headlamp housing to its uncommon profile, the 2011 Kia Soul is anything but commonplace. Four differing trim levels – the base Soul, the Soul +, the up-level Soul ! and the Soul sport – offer varying visuals, in addition to their non-standard names. The base car sports black door handles and mirrors, while the others tout body-colored bits. A wide variety of accessories and wheels further distinguish the models. The Soul has 15-inch wheels, the Soul + rides on 16-inch wheels, and 18-inch wheels come on the Soul ! and Soul Sport. True to its hip and cool nature, the Soul also features a number of eye-popping color choices including Molten (deep red), Java (brown), Alien (metallic pea green) and Ignition (a metallic orange vaguely reminiscent of an orange Dreamsicle.)

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The base 2011 Kia Soul comes with a 122-horsepower four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. All other Souls feature a 142-horspower four-cylinder, with an optional four-speed automatic transmission. Other standards on the inexpensive base model include air conditioning, power windows and locks and a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/satellite radio/USB audio system. All Souls feature six airbags and Electronic Stability Control.

Optional Equipment

Check all the option boxes and your 2011 Kia Soul will include front fog lamps, a moonroof, upgraded audio system including center subwoofer and 315-watt amp, 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. Options for the sport include heated leather seats and a power moonroof.

Under the Hood

The base model 2011 Kia Soul features a smaller 122-horsepower, 1.6-liter engine that's available only with a five-speed manual transmission. Kia doesn't anticipate selling too many of these. We wouldn't buy it, either. Most 2011 Kia Souls will feature a 142-horsepower, 2.0-liter engine, which is offered with a four-speed automatic or the five-speed manual.

1.6-liter in-line 4
122 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
115 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/31

2.0-liter in-line 4
142 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
137 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4600 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

Buying this car?

2011 Kia Soul Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.4

Out of 10

Based on 212 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.7/10

Quality

8.5/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

8.4/10
Comfort

8.5/10

Styling

8.9/10

dissappointed

By roz (TX) on Monday, May 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "unique design, for under $15k"

Cons: "gas mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"Overall I like the KIA Soul,however the gas mileage is very disappointing for a 1.5 L with barely 25mpg in city , my '06 focus with a 2.0L does better @ 28 mpg and a '13 Fiesta with 1.8 L is doing 35 mpg. The Kia gas rebate for misleading stated city mpg is a pain to go through. I plan on selling the car immediate future."

4 people out of 6 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Fun to Drive

By ShoePuppy (WI) on Friday, May 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 400

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Price, space, standard features, great looks"

Cons: "so far none"

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

"I bought this car a little over a month ago. I bought the base which has everything I need. The only option I purchased was 16" alloy wheels. The smaller engine has plenty of pep, and so far I am averaging 29 mpg. Since I only drive in the city, max of 40 mph, with most of it being 25, that is not so bad. Can't wait to break it in and try a road trip. Very agile and fun to drive. I like the stiffer suspension. It is very quiet and so far love it!"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

I loved my car!

By Jaime Kia Soul Lover (TX) on Wednesday, May 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 8,000

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: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "space inside for small vehicl, luxuries for price"

Cons: "gas mileage not what advertised, no lumbar support"

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

"I had a 2012 Kia Soul !. I absolutely loved it. Unfortunately, I was hit while driving and flipped it. Let me just say, the car held up immaculately and did not fall apart after rolling (see picture). I was not seriously hurt. Overall, I loved the car. My issues were: I only got about 27 MPG instead of the 29-40 it showed on the sticker, and there was no-lumbar support in the drivers seat. When I bought the car, I also bought the maintenance plan. I highly recommend it. It will keep your car running great without you having to pay for the oil changes and tune-ups that are required to maintain a vehicle."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

The 2013 KIA Soul Exclaim really "wowed me" !

By SoulFULL (CA) on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,000

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: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Really, really a lot for your money..."

Cons: "MPG is not great for a small car...but OK!"

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

"And it still does every time I drive it! I bought a made in USA KIA Sorento SX for my wife and then a Soul plus for my college daughter....and have been so impressed by KIA that I bought my first "foreign" car in my 40 years of driving! A 2013 Soul Exclaim. Seriously...the quality, value, assembly, reliability, supurb paint and nice amenities are great...but reliability and mileage are terrific too. And the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty is icing on the cake! And the fact that it has unique looks and styling up the wazoo means that you're not "into" driving the ordinary compact cars that you see filling the local shopping center. You can actually pick out your car in a crowded parking lot without a blood hound helping you! My Soul is comfortable, easy to get in and out of, roomy and as I said..well appointed. Seriously packed with a (Exclaim Model) 350 watt Infinity 8 speaker stereo with a separate amp, voice activated (UVO by Microsoft!) radio, stereo, phone, etc! Huge nice 18" unique alloy wheels and performance all season tires, fog lights, projector headlights, led front and rear lighting, standard moon roof, power folding mirrors, etc, etc! Mine is a beautiful Moss Pearl Paint...really terrific paint job. And the upcoming 2014 KIA Soul has been updated and slightly restyled...go to one of the many KIA Soul Owners Forums like I did to research more info on them."

4 people out of 6 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

2 years and not one problem

By Joe (NJ) on Tuesday, April 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,500

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: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Most value for the money"

Cons: "Mileage not what promised but good"

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

"My 2011 Kia Soul! is probably the best new car I have ever purchased and I have owned almost every brand of car since I started driving!. Never had to return to the dealer for any problems. I love driving it and am impressed how easy to get in and out with plenty of headroom and space. The backseat can fit people with plenty of knee room and head room. With the rear seats folded, there is abundant carrying space! As soon as I test drove one, I knew it was the perfect car with all the accessories I wanted!"

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

bought in 2012 sold in 2013

By Chic (TX) on Thursday, April 04, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: not a good car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 2/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 3/10

Pros: "Nice color, nice look cute car....."

Cons: "Made cheap, depreciation, road noise,"

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

"I bought a loaded Kia ! in October of 2012. Big Mistake!!! This is the roughest riding car I ever owned. The paperwork said I would get 29 miles to the gallon on gas never got over 23 miles to the gallon. And don't drive it when it's windy cause its hard to hold on the road. Lot's of road noise just a cheaply made car all around. We only kept it about 5 months and were constantly pressing parts back on the enterior. The transmission has allready started slipping only put 5000 miles on it in 5 months. Hardly drove it except to work and back. Terrible not worth the money the dealership wants you to pay."

10 people out of 13 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 212 reviews