2010 Kia Soul: Road Test
2010 Kia Soul
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- MSRP: $13,300 - $17,900
- Invoice: $12,755 - $16,775
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Our road test for the 2010 Kia Soul includes a full evaluation of the 2010 Kia Soul from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 Kia Soul, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2010 Kia Soul help you decide if a 2010 Kia Soul is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Soul , automatic | Soul!, automatic | Soul sport, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 3.3 |
No base-model Souls made available to test. Models with 2.0-liter engine are fine in around-town driving, but struggle to provide adequate highway passing power. Models with manual transmission are slightly peppier than those with automatic. One test manual-transmission model suffered from ragged shifter and clutch action. Other manual test cars were smoother. The 4-speed automatic transmission is reasonably alert and smooth, but the engine's prolonged high-rpm operation during acceleration has us wishing for another gear.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Soul , automatic | Soul!, automatic | Soul sport, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 |
In Consumer Guide testing, manual-transmission 2.0-liter models averaged 26.3-29.1 mpg. An automatic-transmission Soul averaged 27.7 mpg. Souls use regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Soul , automatic | Soul!, automatic | Soul sport, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.8 |
Non-sport models are generally stable and composed in both city and highway driving. Most road imperfections are well muted; only sharp bumps pound through. Body structure feels solid. The available 18-inch wheels take a heavy toll on ride quality, with some test cars suffering from annoying, loud thumping over even modest bumps. Soul sport adds a sport suspension, which brings a stiffer (though not uncomfortable) ride.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Soul , automatic | Soul!, automatic | Soul sport, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Soul is reasonably nimble, with some noticeable body lean in turns. Direct, accurate steering provides good road feel. Brakes are smooth and strong. Compact exterior dimensions and reasonably tight turning radius make for good close-quarters maneuverability. Soul sport is only slightly sharper overall.
QUIETNESS
| Soul , automatic | Soul!, automatic | Soul sport, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
Not a Soul strong point. Tire noise is always prominent, and it's joined by wind rush at highway speeds. Engine groans loudly in acceleration, and its note never fully recedes in constant-speed cruising.
CONTROLS
| Soul , automatic | Soul!, automatic | Soul sport, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
Clearly marked main gauges are tunneled and backlit for good visibility in all light conditions. All audio and climate controls are within easy reach. Audio system has large, clearly marked buttons; climate controls are large, handy knurled dials. Auxiliary audio/USB jacks and a 12-volt power outlet are conveniently grouped together at the bottom of the center stack. All but the base Soul have steering-wheel-mounted audio, cruise-control, and wireless cell phone link buttons--a nice feature at this price level.
DETAILS
| Soul , automatic | Soul!, automatic | Soul sport, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
On par with class competitors; cabin materials are price-appropriate and well-assembled. Dashboard controls move smoothly. Interior plastic doesn't look cheap, but all of it is hard and unpadded, including the door- and center-console armrests.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Soul , automatic | Soul!, automatic | Soul sport, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
Ample headroom and legroom for most adults. Seat foam is a bit spongy, but seats are comfortable and decently supportive. Forward visibility is excellent, thanks to a large upright windshield and thin roof pillars. A large rear window and generously sized rear-view mirrors provide fine rear visibility, but large rear roof pillars hamper the view to the rear corners. Tall doors and a high seating position make entry and exit a snap.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Soul , automatic | Soul!, automatic | Soul sport, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 3.5 |
Adult-size headroom, foot space, and legroom, even with the front seats all the way back. However, back seat is a bit too narrow for comfortable three-abreast adult seating, and lacks a fold-down center armrest. Entry and exit is easy.
CARGO ROOM
| Soul , automatic | Soul!, automatic | Soul sport, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.2 |
Rear seatbacks fold without removing the headrests in a 60/40 split to provide ample cargo space. Rear cargo area includes a handy underfloor cargo organizer. Generous front-seat storage spots include a large two-tier glovebox, small dashtop compartment, two console cupholders, console armrest bin, and ample door pockets with cupholders. Rear seat passengers get only front seatback nets and door-mounted cupholders.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Soul , automatic | Soul!, automatic | Soul sport, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
Like the Scion xB and Nissan Cube, Kia's funky urban truckster combines quirky, hip styling with efficient passenger and cargo space. Soul is more stable and relaxed than most subcompacts in highway driving, but no less noisy or underpowered; its fun-to-drive character shines through best in urban driving. We also applaud the comprehensive list of standard safety features and Kia's generous warranty.
Total Score
| Soul , automatic | Soul!, automatic | Soul sport, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | 64 | 64 | 57.4 |
Total Score: 64
Scores for all Subcompact Cars
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