Used 2021 Kia Soul

The 2021 Kia Soul does what the Kia Soul has always done, which is to provide relatively inexpensive personal transportation with high levels of practicality, and an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. It’s a sensible car. But that’s only part of the story.

The other part is the joy of ownership. It has an individual character and attitude — an aspect Soul owners can appreciate every time they walk up to it and click the key fob to unlock. It proves that economical cars don’t have to be forgettable, or worse, unbearable.

With a range that spans from a budget-conscious LX to a sporty Turbo model, there are several variations each with their own appeal — including the all-electric Soul EV with a 243-mile range.

The subcompact crossover/SUV category is crammed with alternatives — like the Nissan Kicks, Toyota C-HR, Honda HR-V, and even the Kia Seltos — but the 2021 Soul carves out its own particular niche with sharp style and tempting value.

The Soul moves with a sophistication that’s rare among mainstream subcompact vehicles. An elevated seating position and large side glass give occupants a superb outward view.

The interior is relatively quiet at higher speeds and ride quality is more than acceptable, despite the use of a low-tech (and inexpensive) torsion beam rear axle. The GT-Line and X-Line forms of the 2021 Soul have their suspensions revised with a view to improving ride quality. The Soul EV employs a more sophisticated independent rear suspension to accommodate its battery pack.

The base 2.0-liter engine’s 147 horsepower might sound disappointing in theory, but the accompanying continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) does an admirable job of maximizing the muscle available, while the LX trim’s 6-speed manual leaves that task to the driver.

Full-throttle acceleration fills the cabin with a strained 4-cylinder wail, but this unit is perfectly capable of normal commuting. Drivers with enthusiast tendencies will like the Soul Turbo, whose 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension result in more thrilling journeys.

The neat and diminutive Kia Soul hides a deceptively huge interior. Occupant space is ample in all positions, thanks to excellent head and knee room, plus generous rear-passenger foot space under the front seats. Material quality varies, with higher trims trading rigid plastic surfaces for fashionable stitching and softer materials.

Behind the rear seats, luggage capacity peaks at 24.2 cubic feet. That’s a competitive figure for such a small car. Adding to the Soul’s functionality is an optional dual-level floorboard that can be positioned low for maximum cargo space or raised to create a flat load area flush with the folded rear seats.

The distinct upright profile has been an integral Soul trait over three generations. However, the nose and tail now possess a modern look that brings maturity to the previously playful Soul’s design.

The base LX trim has 16-inch steel wheels as standard, but all other models offer alloy wheels ranging from 16 to 18 inches in diameter.

Adding to the standard Soul’s stylistic flair is the X-Line, with SUV-like plastic body cladding and 18-inch wheels. And the GT-Line, whose red accents, specific front/rear fascias, and distinct wheels emit a sportier vibe.

10.25-INCH TOUCHSCREEN
Reserved for higher trims, this wide-format screen makes it so easy to view navigation, audio, and phone functions.

APPLE CARPLAY AND ANDROID AUTO
Since most Americans own a smartphone, Kia has kindly included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration on all trims. These technologies allow users to access their phone’s music, podcasts, navigation apps, and other abilities safely through their vehicle’s touchscreen.

In its absolute basic form, the 2021 Soul LX comes with a manual transmission, cloth seats, 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, air conditioning, six airbags, a 7-inch touchscreen, USB port, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration.

Sadly, advanced driver aids like forward-collision mitigation and blind-spot monitoring aren’t even optional at this level. That’s why something in S trim or above is a much better choice.

At $21,710, the 2021 Soul S has those driver aids. This method is the way to acquire more goodies: Go for a higher trim, since actual options are few. Although a self-dimming rearview mirror with a universal remote garage door opener is available in some trims.

As far as the budget allows, a buyer can load up their new Soul with LED exterior lighting, keyless entry/ignition, 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, extra USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. Adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, flashing speaker lights, and a head-up display are reserved for the priciest Turbo.

Most versions of the 2021 Kia Soul have a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 147 horsepower. In the LX, a 6-speed manual transmission is standard. Every other version has some form of automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is the only configuration.

The newly named Soul Turbo employs, unsurprisingly, a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 201 horsepower. It delivers raucous acceleration, along with a bit of turbo lag at low revs and noticeable tugs through the steering wheel when sprinting off from a standstill.

This 1.6-liter engine comes with a 7-speed dual-clutch automated transmission (it can still be operated like a regular automatic). We like this unit’s quick shifts, but it can feel clunky at higher revs.

Kia’s automatic engine stop/start system is optional in the LX version, but standard in the rest of the range. This feature can be deactivated, but the fast and smooth restarts make us inclined to leave it on.

2.0-liter inline-4
147 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
132 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/31 mpg (manual, LX trim), 28/33 mpg (CVT), 29/35 mpg (CVT, EX trim)

1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 (Turbo)
201 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
195 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/32 mpg

64-kWh liquid-cooled battery with DC fast-charging capability (Soul EV)
201 horsepower
291 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 127/101 MPGe
Range on a full charge: 243 miles