2019 Kia Soul Review

Price Range: $6,800 - $19,590

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$14,724 avg. price

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Kia Soul model years

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by Mark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

Pros

Long list of standard and optional features
Attractive cabin with user-friendly controls
More passenger space than many small SUVs
Excellent crash test scores

Cons

Unimpressive fuel economy
All-wheel drive isn't available
Ride quality can be overly harsh with bigger wheels

What's new

Mostly unchanged for 2019
Base model has a few more standard features
Part of the second Soul generation introduced for 2014

When the Kia Soul debuted almost a decade ago, it defied convention and classification. It occupied an odd middle ground between hatchbacks and crossover SUVs that didn't really exist at the time. Fast forward to today and the subcompact crossover class not only exists, but it's growing in popularity with car companies scrambling to fill the void.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale nearby

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2019 Kia Soul
! Wagon
$13,222
great price
$1,610 below market
- 89,910 miles
- 2 accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl automated manual
- Jerry Hunt Supercenter (19 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Lexington, NC
Panoramic Sunroof, Push to Start, Navigation, Backup Camera, Bluetooth, Sirius XM, Aux Audio, Heated Front Seats, Heated Steering Wheel, Front Collisi...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (26 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KNDJX3AAXK7005791
Stock: 20303A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-22-2025
New Listing
2019 Kia Soul
+ Wagon
Not Priced
- 77,020 miles
- 1 accident, 1 owner, personal use only
- 4cyl automatic
- Ilderton Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (17 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in High Point, NC
Summary*Used Car Pricing – Tax, Tag, Title Certification, prep fee & Reconditioning Fee of ($1,499.00) not included in vehicle prices shown an...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (25 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KNDJP3A52K7921528
Stock: 921528A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-22-2025

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Luckily for Kia, the Soul has been filling that void for a while and benefits greatly from refinements and tweaks over the years. One thing that has remained constant, however, is its value proposition. You get a lot of standard features for the money and options are reasonably priced, too. Then there's the 10-year/100,000-mile warranty that eclipses anything else in the industry.

The 2019 Kia Soul also stands out from other tiny crossovers with its available engine choices that make them more fun to drive. We deduct some points for the resulting unimpressive fuel economy and the unavailability of all-wheel drive, but in our view, the positives well outpace the negatives.

Notably, we picked the Kia Soul as one of Edmunds' Best Small SUVs and Cheapest New Cars for this year.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

The 2019 Kia Soul remains one of our favorites in the rapidly growing subcompact crossover class. It delivers a lot for your money with a long list of standard and optional features, along with a very generous warranty. It also benefits from a choice of peppy engines that are a rarity among rivals.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our evaluation of a Kia Soul Exclaim (!) (turbo 1.6L inline-4 | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | FWD).

Driving

Most drivers won't need the added power from the Kia Soul Exclaim's turbo engine, but there's no doubt any driver will appreciate it. We were surprised by how entertaining and capable this boxy little car is on a twisting road, which translates to a more confident ride for less than sporty drivers.

Acceleration

The Plus trim's standard engine has more guts than most competitors, and the Exclaim's turbo engine really can't be matched. Right off the line, there's a little hesitation, but power builds steadily to highway speeds. Sport mode sharpens response.

Braking

The brake pedal is appropriately firm and easy to modulate. With more aggressive braking, the car remains poised and controllable. The brakes remain strong even after repeated use.

Steering

The steering effort feels right at all speeds. It lightens up at parking-lot speeds and gets heavier as speeds increase. There's a good on-center feel to keep you tracking straight on the highway for effortless road trips.

Handling

The Kia Soul is surprisingly agile and, dare we say, even fun on a winding road. It takes a little getting used to, but you can drive it much harder than you'd expect.

Drivability

The turbocharged Exclaim has a dual-clutch automatic transmission that can be annoyingly hesitant in traffic. Otherwise, and with other trims, the Soul is very easy to drive with confidence whether you're commuting, maneuvering into a tight spot or blasting along some fun roads.

Comfort

The Soul Exclaim rides a little stiffer than other small crossovers (blame the big wheels), but it's far from being a deal-breaker. Even on long drives, you're unlikely to feel fatigued.

Seat comfort

Despite having only basic adjustments, the front seats are comfortable after several hours on the road. The rear seats are a little firm and flat by comparison.

Ride comfort

The Soul's suspension is the same regardless of trim level. The ride quality is stiffer than that of subcompact SUVs, but even on really rough roads, it's never objectionable. Wheel size does make a difference, so test-drive different trims.

Noise & vibration

Wind and road noise is always present, but it's not so loud that it becomes intrusive. Under more aggressive acceleration, the engine can get a little loud, but it sounds pretty good for a four-cylinder.

Climate control

The single-zone automatic climate control is easy to use, and once set, it rarely needs to be adjusted.

Interior

The interior is better than most. Despite the abundance of black plastic inside, the panels are nicely grained and feel substantial. Any spots that you regularly touch or rest your elbows on are padded.

Ease of use

The primary controls, as well as buttons and knobs for secondary systems, are well-labeled and easy to operate.

Getting in/getting out

The tall doors and slightly taller ride height make getting in and out of the Kia Soul a breeze, even in tight spots.

Driving position

You sit taller in the Soul than in a sedan, but not quite as high as in a typical compact SUV. It's an excellent compromise that gives you a great view of the road.

Roominess

Generally, the Soul has more room than subcompact SUV competitors. Its cabin feels big and spacious, even if you ignore its relatively small footprint. The rear seats are especially roomy, with plenty of head- and legroom for taller passengers. The panoramic sunroof enhances the sense of space.

Visibility

The rear roof pillars are pretty thick, but overall outward visibility is excellent. There's no guesswork when backing into a spot, and you won't have to rely too much on the rearview camera.

Quality

Materials and construction are slightly better than expected for a car at this price. Even better materials and nicer seat upholstery can be found in the top Exclaim trim and with the Plus Primo package.

Utility

The Soul's boxy shape allows it to make the most of all the available space. Cargo capacity is better than in most subcompact SUV competitors, though space aft of the back seat is still only so-so. Interior storage could also be better.

Small-item storage

Bins, pockets and cupholders are adequate but not particularly generous or clever in design. Other vehicles offer more and larger storage areas, as well as thoughtful solutions for phones and personal items.

Cargo space

There's up to 19 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats if items are piled to the top. That's average for the segment, but space increases to 61 cubic feet with the seats folded (they don't fold flat). That's better than most hatchbacks and subcompact SUVs and even beats some compact SUVs.

Technology

Kia exceeds expectations when it comes to technology. A lot of features are built into the touchscreen (including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), which is easy to reach and operate. Response time is immediate, and the optional audio system delivers a solid punch.

Audio & navigation

The optional Harman Kardon audio system sounds great and is easy to operate. Similarly, the navigation system benefits from sharp screen resolution and easy-to-read graphics. The mix of physical and onscreen buttons makes switching between systems quick and simple.

Smartphone integration

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included with the Uvo3 touchscreen interface, which is optional on the base trim and standard on all others. One USB port is standard, and two are optional.

Driver aids

Lane departure and blind-spot warning systems, which are only available on Plus and Exclaim, are packaged together with adaptive cruise control and a forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking system.

Compare 2019 Kia Soul trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2019 Kia Soul models

The 2019 Kia Soul is available in three trim levels: base, Plus (+) and Exclaim (!). Each comes with a different engine. An automatic transmission is standard on the Plus and the Exclaim and optional on the base Soul, which comes with a six-speed manual.

The base trim comes standard with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (130 horsepower, 118 pound-feet of torque), 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, rear privacy glass, a rearview camera, air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver's seat, 60/40-split folding rear seats, Bluetooth, a 5-inch touchscreen, a USB port, and a six-speaker sound system with a media player interface, an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio.

The Base Convenience package (automatic transmission only) adds automatic climate control and the Uvo tech interface that includes a 7-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Soul Plus includes the Convenience package content and adds a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (161 hp, 150 lb-ft), a six-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch wheels, foglights, heated mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control, selectable drive modes, a front center armrest and bin, a rear center armrest, and a cargo cover.

The Soul Exclaim adds a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (201 hp, 195 lb-ft), a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels, upgraded exterior trim (gloss black and red accents), upgraded gauges and interior trim, a mix of cloth and leather seat upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and keyless ignition.

The Plus is available with a number of optional packages. The Audio package includes an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, the Exclaim trim's upgraded interior materials and leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless ignition and entry, two USB ports, LED speaker lights, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Designer Collection package adds 18-inch wheels, the leather-wrapped steering wheel and a two-tone roof treatment.

The Plus is also available with the Primo package, which requires the Audio package, and adds a panoramic sunroof, xenon headlights, the Exclaim trim's upgraded gauges, heated and ventilated eight-way power-adjustable front seats (with driver lumbar adjustment), heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, and a suite of driver assistance systems that includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning, and a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking.

The Soul Exclaim is available with a Technology package that includes everything it doesn't already have from the Plus' Primo package. The exceptions are the panoramic sunroof, which can be added separately, and leather upholstery, which isn't available at all.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.84 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Carolina.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Carolina

$133/mo

$151/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#3 out of 8 among Subcompact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Kia Soul from 2008-2022.}

$401/yr

vs. $435/yr
for Average Subcompact SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.73x/yr

vs. 0.69x/yr
for Average Subcompact SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

9.6%

vs. 10.7%
for Average Subcompact SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Kia Soul Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.4

35 reviews

5(68%)

4(17%)

3(5%)

2(3%)

1(7%)

Write a vehicle review See all 35 reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Love the Kia Soul so much I have owned two of them

Al Peaston, 11/03/2018

2019 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6A)

This car has a unique style that has made it my favorite car ever. It is my 4th new car and hands down the one most loved. A year and a half ago I had to rent a car. Enterprise gave me a 2018 Kia Soul. I literally fell in love with it. Great space, comfortable and clear view for driving made it a wonderful experience. I bought a used Kia Soul (2014) which I had for 6 month but lost …

I'm a Soul Man, do-do-do-do do-do-do...

Philip Tiderman, 03/22/2019

2019 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

This is an outstanding motor vehicle! Still have our first Kia, a 2011 Soul Plus in Denim Metallic, 2 liter/4 cylinder, 5 speed manual transmission. We purchased the car new in Autumn 2010 and are just shy of 124,000 miles. Never had an accident but one chronic issue was/is the windshield. Had 2 or 3 chips repaired over the years and had it replaced this week because of a major crack …

My Xmas present!

Charlie, 12/29/2018

2019 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

So I had a 2010 Honda Fit, 5spd base, and my wife has a 2017 Camry base. The Fit was great in many ways, but the loud road noise on highway just got to be too much for me. Test drove a number of vehicles, besides the Soul a Kia Niro, Hyundai Kona & Ioniq etc. In the end went with a 2019 Soul Plus. Am quite pleased with it so far. The Plus 2.0 engine is quite adequate. The car is a good …

2019 Kia soul

Peggy, 10/11/2018

2019 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

If you notice I marked great for all categories (except for n/a) it is because I LOVE this car and everything about it. This is my 3rd soul and I would not drive anything else. Of course, since this is a 2019 model, it does have more bells and whistles..

See all 35 reviews of the Kia Soul

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2019 Soul Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$16,490
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$133/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Soul models:

Forward Collision Warning System: Warns you of stopped or rapidly slowing vehicles ahead and automatically applies the brakes if you don't respond.
Lane Departure Warning System: Warns you when you've started to drift from your lane.
Blind-Spot Detection System: Alerts you to vehicles in your blind spot through lights located in the side mirrors.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover14.7%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Acceptable
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2019 Kia Soul Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

For sale nearby

2019 Kia Soul! Wagon

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2019 Kia Soul+ Wagon

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Which Soul does Edmunds recommend?

2019 Kia Soul models

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.84 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Carolina.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Kia Soul Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Love the Kia Soul so much I have owned two of them

I'm a Soul Man, do-do-do-do do-do-do...

My Xmas present!

2019 Kia soul

2019 Soul Highlights

Safety

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2019 Kia Soul
! Wagon

2019 Kia Soul
+ Wagon

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.84 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Carolina.}