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2012 Kia Soul

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

Overview

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2012 Kia Soul Review

By Joe Santos, KBB.com Editor

KBB Expert Rating: 7.4

Since its debut in 2009, the Kia Soul has enjoyed brisk sales and rave reviews that have helped the Soul get off to a good start, but questions remain about its popularity in the long-run. 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. For 2012, Kia has restyled the Soul and given it features that make it even more competitive with the likes of the Nissan Cube and Scion xB. At this rate, we could wager a good guess that the Soul will be around for years to come.

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 2012 Kia Soul is the car for you

You May Not Like This Car If...

While the Kia Soul is a formidable competitor for cars like the Scion xB and the Nissan Cube, it doesn't hold onto its resale value as well as either.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.4
Driving Dynamics

7.2
Comfort & Convenience

7.0
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.2
Value

8.0
Safety

8.0

Consumer Rating

8.5 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

For 2012, the Kia Soul receives a minor facelift, new drivetrains and a host of new interior features. The Soul Sport trim level has been discontinued.

Driving the Soul

Driving Impressions Our time behind the wheel of the 2012 Kia Soul was spent with the Soul + trim level with the new 2.0-liter engine. While we would have preferred more city...

driving in order to get a rounded evaluation of the revised powertrain, the high-speed cruising gave us a taste of the passing power that the additional 22 horsepower can deliver. While this was impressive, the new 6-speed automatic does require a downshift or two on inclines and when passing, but it also allows for quieter, low-rpm cruising at freeway speeds. The manual-shift mode came in handy a couple of times and we liked the fact that there wasn't a long pause between gear shifts. While the ride quality remains the same as the previous-generation Soul, it was noticeably quieter thanks to the added insulation.

Favorite Features

Infinity Audio System
The new 350-watt system is music to our ears, quite literally. We enjoy the crispness and the clarity of the new sound system.

6-speed automatic transmission
We always wondered why the Soul even came with a 4-speed automatic in the first place. The two extra gears aid in greater fuel economy and the tap up/tap down shifting makes passing effortless.

2012 Kia Soul Details

2012 Kia Soul Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

We give high praise for the 2012 Kia Soul's interior. Not only does it feature radical themes, such as an available hounds-tooth fabric interior and multi-colored 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. 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. A tilt/telescoping wheel is now standard for 2012 and the improved isolation promotes a quieter cabin.

Exterior

From its intricately-detailed headlamp housing to its uncommon profile, the 2012 Kia Soul is anything but commonplace. Three differing trim levels – the Soul, the Soul + and the up-level Soul ! – offer varying visuals, in addition to their non-standard names. For 2012 all models received new front and rear fascia and headlamp treatments and a new Moss color option is available. The Soul has 15-inch wheels, the Soul+ rides on 16-inch wheels and The Soul ! has 18-inch wheels.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The base 2012 Kia Soul comes with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. All other Souls feature a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, with a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Other standard equipment on the inexpensive base model includes air conditioning, power windows and locks, tilt/telescoping wheel and a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sirius XM audio system with USB and auxiliary ports. All Souls feature six airbags and electronic stability control.

Optional Equipment

Check all the option boxes and your 2012 Kia Soul will include front fog lamps, a moonroof, a new 350-watt 7-speaker Infinity sound system, leather-covered steering wheel and shift knob, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Other notable options include ISG (Idle Stop and Go) technology, a navigation system, UVO infotainment system and a rearview camera.

Under the Hood

The 2012 Kia Soul features a 1.6-liter engine with 138 horsepower - 16 more than the engine it replaces - mated to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. And the 2.0-liter engine in the higher trim levels has been revised as well, offering 164 horsepower - 22 more than before - but is available only with the 6-speed automatic . Both versions receive a welcome bump in fuel economy.

1.6-liter in-line 4
138 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
123 lb-ft of torque @ 4,850 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/35, 29/36 (automatic transmission + low-rolling-resistance tires)

2.0-liter in-line 4
164 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
148 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/34, 27/35 (automatic transmission + low-rolling-resistance tires)

Pricing Notes

The 2012 Kia Soul base model has a Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting around $14,000. The top trim Soul ! starts just under $20,000, but can jump to around $23,000 with all the option boxes checked. The 2011 Scion xB starts around $16,500 and can be equipped into the low $20,000 range, while 2011 Nissan Cube sticker prices range from just over $15,000 to slightly beyond $20,000. Other Soul strengths include an attractive warranty (10-year/100,000-mile powertrain, 5-year/60,000-mile basic) and competitive resale value. To get the best price on your 2012 Kia Soul, be sure to take a look at its Fair Purchase Price on kbb.com before heading to the dealership.

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2012 Kia Soul Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 196 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

8.5/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

8.5/10
Comfort

8.6/10

Styling

9.0/10

Most Horrible Car I have Ever Owned!

By Shaun (MD) on Sunday, February 24, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: MPG, Cheap Interior, Engine Issues, Horrible Ride, Broken Audio System. - My approximate mileage is 4,250

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 2/10
Styling: 1/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "Good Sound System"

Cons: "Poor resale, Reliability, Slow, Ride quality, Cost"

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

"I have owned 8 cars in my lifetime. The Soul is by far the worst. I decided to give in after people told me it was a good car for the money and was great on MPG. What a mistake! The car was in the shop 8 times in the 6 months I owned it. It has engine issues and idled rough every time I drove it. The ride was bumpy and you could feel every tiny dip in the road right into your drivers seat. The engine gears were sluggish and it felt like it struggled to get out of it's own way, especially uphill. Another draw for my was the UVO system with touchscreen and sound system. However, whenever I plugged my iPod into it, it made a popping noise that the dealer couldn't figure out. I found out it was wide spread among all of the cars and they said they would have a fix in a few weeks. 6 months went by and no fix, so I guess if you own one you live with it. I was disrespected multiple times when I called KIA for service at the dealer and on the phone, they acted like the car breaking down was my fault and were very ignorant to me. How this car can be voted as a best buy astounds me. I paid $21,900 when I bought it and 6 months later, I was only able to get $15,000 for it. SO BE WARNED... KIA cars have the crappiest resale values of any car and when you get rid of it (which you will), it will hurt your pockets the most. Don't trust your test drive in this car because the things that will make you hate it are the things you won't pick up on driving it the 2 miles the dealer lets you. I hope I saved you from making a huge mistake like I did."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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NOT JUST ANOTHER "compact clone" Hondarollacivic!

By OCsoulman (CA) on Thursday, February 21, 2013

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

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: "Driving dynamics, quality, incredible paint."

Cons: "Hmmmm....nothing comes to mind!"

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

"It's an interesting vehicle to drive, when is the last time you had a car that people actually walked by in a walmart parking lot and actually take notice of it? But thats NOT why people are flocking to the KIA dealers to snap them up. All age groups too..not just the initial targeted buyers...the young "urban" folks. But when we bought mine (our 3rd KIA within 1 year!) which is the 2013 Soul Exclaim, I saw a bunch of oldsters taking delivery of their brand new Souls...whe I asked them what made them decide on the Soul, universally it was comfort, roominess, fuel mileage, and VALUE! And the way KIA loads them up with standard equipment for the price is awsum! And top rated for safety and customer satisfaction. Plus the 10 year 100,000 warranty is icing on the cake!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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