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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 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 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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