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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Kia Soul

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Overview

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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

8.4 out of 10

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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.

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2013 Kia Soul Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.4

Out of 10

Based on 211 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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