Used 2023 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul comes with a highly individual squared-off look, complemented by an almost-SUV ride height. You could even think of it as a subcompact SUV of sorts.

As one of the more affordable new cars in the United States that’s also easy to recommend, the Soul can be a great choice for driving around town with two tall friends in the back. The size and shape make it easy to park, as well.

It’s roomy, but not vroomy. The 2023 Soul enjoys only a modest amount of muscle. Fine for around town and just about acceptable for overtaking on the freeway, but speed merchants will want to look elsewhere.

The driving position is a little higher than a typical hatchback, which many people like. And the ride quality is tuned more for comfort than crispness. Our main criticism is the general noise at higher speeds.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of subcompact SUVs, including this Kia Soul.

Thanks to a slightly raised stance, getting into and out of the 2023 Soul is especially easy. Although the Soul has a youthful appeal, those with creakier joints might also like to check it out.

The interior design doesn’t have quite the same charm as the exterior. Unsurprisingly, there are some cheap plastics here and there. But at least the cabin is user-friendly and practical.

The GT-Line does its best to seem like the sporty one of the range with a flat-bottomed steering wheel. This model also offers the Harman Kardon audio system with synchronizing lights in the front speakers. Those with creakier joints may not care about this at all.

A high roof means plenty of headroom in both rows. But this isn’t a wide car, so although two adults sitting in the back will be fine, three make the proverbial crowd.

Rear legroom is 38.8 inches, great for something with a subcompact footprint. Cargo space is similarly impressive, ranging from 24.2 cubic feet with the 60/40 rear seats up, to 62.1 cubic feet when those seats are folded (they don’t go completely flat, though).

The original Soul was conceived in the days before the “4-Door Coupe” idea took hold. So, this latest 2023 Soul retains a more cubist approach, which not only imparts a distinct character, it maximizes interior space and makes reversing simple.

Styling changes this year bring revisions for the front end, rear fascia, and taillights. Plus, new designs for the 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels, and a pair of 2-tone color schemes: Clear White with a Fusion Black roof, and Surf Blue with a Fusion Black roof.

Most Souls have side mirror housings the same color as the body, but the GT-Line has them in gloss black. This model and the EX also have gloss-black grilles with chrome accents.

Hey, we got to the end of the Exterior section without using the words funky or unique. Oops.

Design
Yes, it’s subjective. And praising something that’s essentially a box on wheels seems counter-intuitive. But it’s this very approach that makes the Soul so special.

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Despite being a low-priced new car, the 2023 Soul still comes with smartphone integration as standard.

Cargo space
There’s plenty of it, and the Soul’s shape makes sure it’s accessible and practical. Moving from one city apartment to another might easily be done in a single trip.

Infotainment system
The S model, just one trim up from the base version, comes with an upgraded infotainment system that includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, navigation, and wireless charging.

Harman Kardon audio system
Available only as an option in the GT-Line, this is a great-sounding setup. And it’s accompanied by speaker lights up front that pulsate in time to the music.

Every new Soul employs a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine devoid of any turbochargers or superchargers. It makes 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Drive goes just to the front wheels through an automatic transmission of the continuously variable (CVT) variety.

Regular gasoline does the trick.

2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine
147 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
132 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/33 mpg (LX, S, GT-Line), 29/35 mpg (EX)

More Kia Soul fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

Excellent Warranty

Kia has some of the best warranties around. The new-car coverage is 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. A typical warranty here is 3 years or 36,000 miles. The powertrain warranty lasts for 10 years or 100,000 miles, almost twice as good as some competitors.