2010 Kia Soul: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2010 Kia Soul is a new subcompact car from this Korean automaker. Soul is a front-wheel drive, 4-door wagon that's slightly larger than Kia's Rio. Four trim levels are offered: Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim), and Soul sport. Base Soul models are powered by a 122-horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that teams with a 5-speed manual transmission. Standard on the other versions is a 142-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that pairs with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. Power windows and locks are standard on all models. The base Soul has 15-inch wheels. Soul+ adds 16-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and a wireless cell-phone link. Soul! has a sunroof and 18-inch wheels. Soul sport has unique 18-inch wheels, sport suspension, and specific interior and exterior trim. An uprated audio system is optional on Soul+ and standard on Soul! and Soul sport. Due later in the model year is the Denim Soul. Based on the Soul+, the Denim version has specific paint and wheels and includes the uprated audio system.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. The subcompact class is made up of the smallest hatchbacks, sedans, and wagons on the market. These are generally considered economy cars.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Fit and Nissan Cube. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Scion xD, and Suzuki SX4. New or significantly redesigned models for 2010 include the Kia Rio, Kia Soul, and Suzuki SX4.