why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Kia Soul

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 61 photos

Want to save money? Check out the 2012 Kia Soul

Overview

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more. See what you should pay

Buy used | Trade-in/Sell

2013 Kia Soul Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.3

When it launched in 2009, the Soul sparked Kia's design revolution, and the 2013 Kia Soul still makes no apologies for its funky looks and brash attitude. Rather, the Soul touts its youthful nature and is proud of its status as a low-cost alternative to hatchbacks and traditional economy cars. Bolstered by vibrant paint choices, well-equipped interiors, Kia's generous warranty and, yes, even those hamster pitchmen, the Soul has been a sales success for Kia. The Soul's design isn't quite as fresh as it was four years ago, but Kia's 5-passenger compact hauler still stands apart from angular rivals like the Nissan Cube and Scion xB with its athletic looks and refined powertrain.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a stylish, youthful car that boasts good fuel economy, lots of versatility, and many features for a low price, the Soul could be your mate.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The Soul may look part SUV, but with front-wheel-drive only and minimal ground clearance, its home is the pavement. If you need a compact vehicle that doesn't mind occasionally getting dirty and has the capacity to tow, look to a compact crossover like the Subaru Forester or Ford Escape.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.3
Driving Dynamics

7.1
Comfort & Convenience

6.9
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.1
Value

7.9
Safety

7.9

Consumer Rating

8.5 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

Changes are minimal for the 2013 Kia Soul a year after it received new drivetrains. Among the differences this year are a revised hood badge, and Bluetooth wireless connectivity and steering wheel-mounted audio controls now standard on base models with manual transmission.

Driving the Soul

Driving Impressions The Kia Soul is available in three trims – Base, Plus (+), Exclaim (!) – and offered with two different 4-cylinder engines. Base models use a small 1.6-liter, and all...

other models are propelled by a bigger and more powerful 2.0-liter. The base engine is adequate at accelerating the Soul, and not surprisingly, the bigger engine has an easier time getting this little 5-door vehicle up to speed. The Soul is no speed demon, but it's also not so slow that you'll dread freeway onramps. The recent addition of a 6-speed automatic transmission provides quieter and more fuel-efficient cruising, but needs to downshift sometimes two gears to get the car up inclines or to pass other vehicles. The driver's seat is relatively high and provides good forward visibility. Ride quality is still decent as in past Kia Souls, and sound deadening has improved from more insulation material.

Favorite Features

INFINITY AUDIO SYSTEM
The available 350-watt system is music to our ears, and for those who want visual pizzazz, speaker lights can pulse to the beat for an extra treat.

2-TONE LEATHER SEATING
This optional trim in sand and black gives the Soul's interior a more sophisticated feel, literally and figuratively.

2013 Kia Soul Details

2013 Kia Soul Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The Soul's eccentric exterior flows into the cabin, where bright colors and nifty features abound. At center stage is a large, surfboard-shaped dash module that houses the Soul's audio and climate functions. A 4.3-inch color touch screen display is available and lends more sophistication, as does optional leather seating. Kia dubs the Soul a "lounge on wheels" and has filled it with numerous cubby holes and storage spaces for a multitude of drinks and devices. Among the youth-centric features of the 2013 Soul are lights that envelope the speakers and that can pulsate in multiple colors to music. (This can be switched off as the novelty wanes). Rear legroom is commendable, and cargo room is good.

Exterior

The most noticeable thing about a Kia Soul is its shape, which you might liken to a sneaker on wheels. Unlike boxy cars such as the Nissan Cube and Scion xB, the 2013 Kia Soul has a forward-leaning stance and sloped rear windows and beltlines that lend an athletic stance. Big, trapezoidal headlights give character to the Soul's squat face, while long, vertical taillights do the same at rear on each side of the upward-opening hatch door. Other exterior design features vary by trim. Base models ride on 15-inch wheels, Plus models move up to 16-inch versions, and Exclaim models roll on 18-inch alloys.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A base 2013 Kia Soul comes with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed manual transmission (a 6-speed automatic transmission is optional), power windows and door locks with remote keyless entry, and Bluetooth connectivity with steering-wheel-mounted controls for the AM/FM/CD/satellite radio. Plus models add features like a bigger engine, tweeter speakers, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Top-line Exclaim models add 18-inch wheels, UVO Microsoft-powered infotainment system and Infinity audio, rear camera, power sunroof, 2-tone seating, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Like all new Kia vehicles, the Soul's powertrain is backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Optional Equipment

The Kia Soul can be nicely optioned up, with feature availability varying by trim level. Among the add-ons are heated front seats, a premium audio system with HD Radio, navigation, automatic climate control, and leather seating. An Eco package attains higher fuel economy with low-resistance tires and an engine start/stop system.

Under the Hood

Base models of the 2013 Soul use a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, while the higher-trim Plus and Exclaim models employ a more powerful 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. Transmission choices are a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. All Soul models are front-wheel drive. We don't recommend trying to win any street races with the Soul, as mighty acceleration is not its forte. For those craving the best fuel economy in their Soul, a new Eco Package available in cars with automatic transmission stops the engine when idling to conserve fuel.

1.6-liter inline-4
138 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
123 lb-ft of torque @ 4,850 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/30 mpg (manual and automatic), 26/31 mpg (automatic with Eco package)

2.0-liter inline-4
164 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
148 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/29 mpg (manual), 23/28 (automatic), 24/29 mpg (automatic with Eco package)

Pricing Notes

The 2013 Kia Soul Base model has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $15,175. A top-of-the-line Exclaim version goes for $20,675 and can reach $24,000 with options. The Soul's starting price undercuts that of the Nissan Cube and Scion xD by several hundred dollars and the Scion xB by about $2,000. Be sure to check the Fair Purchase Price to see what buyers are actually paying for the Kia Soul. The Soul's resale value is expected to be very strong, and as good as or better than the Nissan Cube and Scion xB, depending on trim level.

To find out what consumers are really paying for this vehicle, first select a style to see the Fair Purchase Price| Calculate payments for this vehicle

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.

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more.

See what you should pay

Buy used | Trade-in/Sell

2013 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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