Kia Soul EV Review 2026
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Kia Soul EV Verdict
280-mile range is impressive. Spacious cabin. Long warranty.
Bold looks won't be for everyone. Interior could be plusher. Cheaper electric cars are available.
Find out more about the Kia Soul EV
Kia and sister brand Hyundai have form with electric cars. The Kia e-Niro and Hyundai Kona Electric are two of the most in-demand EVs thanks to their long ranges (up to 282 miles) and relatively affordable price tags.
So confident is Kia that electric cars are the future, the Soul is now sold exclusively as an electric vehicle. It uses the same 204PS electric motor and 64kWh battery pack as the e-Niro, travelling 280 miles from a charge. While other recent electric cars like the Honda E and MINI Electric will struggle to cover more than 100 miles between top-ups, the Soul's range makes it a realistic proposition for all but the most high-mileage of drivers.
It's also useable in terms of space. This isn't a small electric city car, it's a family car that could replace a Ford Focus or even a Nissan Qashqai on your driveway. The Soul's boxy dimensions means there's comfortably space for a pair of adults in the rear, although the 315-litre boot is a little disappointing compared to the e-Niro's 451 litres.
While the interior is functional, it's not particularly interesting. There are lots of dark, drab colours and lots of buttons dotted around the dash, although the standard 10.25-inch navigation system is clear and easy to use.
Kia's initially offering the Soul EV in one First Edition trim level. This is very well equipped, with the aforementioned navigation system as well as a Harmon/Kardon sound system, a seven-inch digital display behind the steering wheel, heated leather seats and a reversing camera amongst its long list of standard equipment.
Priced from around £34,000 after the Government's plug-in car grant, the biggest issue the Kia Soul faces is whether people can justify spending that kind of money on an electric car. But it's not something that's hampered sales of the e-Niro, and when you start to factor fuel savings into monthly payments it starts to make a lot of sense.
Looking for a second opinon? Why not read heycar's Kia Soul EV review.
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Kia Soul EV handling and engines
With 204PS, no Soul EV driver is going to find themselves wishing it had more power. Hit the accelerator and it'll surge forwards instantly - as with any other electric car, all of the torque is available as soon as you ask for it. There's no waiting for the automatic gearbox to drop a few cogs or patiently waiting for the revs to build, it just goes.
With all that power going through the front wheels alone, it is quite easy to overwhelm the front wheels. That means you'll get the traction control light flickering if you're heavy with the throttle from a standstill, particularly in wet conditions. But you soon learn to drive within the Soul's limits - and a little bit of wheelspin through the front wheels isn't too disconcerting.
Indeed, it's a very relaxing car to drive thanks to its lack of noise from the motor. You'll coast along in peace and tranquility, save for a little bit of wind noise at higher speeds.
Try to tackle a twisty road at speed and you'll find that the Soul EV isn't as agile as petrol alternatives like the SEAT Arona and Ford Puma, but it remains fairly composed with only a bit of lean in the bends. But that's not what this car is about.
Officially the Soul EV can cover 280 miles between charges. We're yet to spend a lengthy period of time with it to see how that translates in the real world, but it's fair to say you should see comfortably over 200 miles even with some brisk acceleration and use of the heated seats and headlights.
Charging is simple, using a socket located behind a panel at the front of the car. An 100kW DC charger will top up the Soul's battery from 20 to 80 per cent in less than 45 minutes, while a 7.2kW home wallbox will take around 9.5 hours to provide a full charge. You won't want to charge it using a three-pin plug regularly, though, as that'll take a lengthy 31 hours.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|
Kia Soul EV interior
- Boot space is 315–1339 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of four stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4195 mm |
| Width | - |
| Height | 1605 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm |
The first thing you'll notice about the Soul's interior is how spacious it is. There is a huge amount of headroom, even in the rear, thanks to its boxy dimensions.
The second thing you'll notice, unfortunately, is its lack of soul. It's just not as bright and cheery as you'd expect from the car's exterior, with lots of dark materials and drab plastics. There are also buttons everywhere, although that just hints at the Soul's high level of standard equipment.
To keep things simple, Kia will initially only be selling the Soul EV in First Edition guise. That means everything you could possibly want is standard, including a large 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system in the centre of the dash. Like in other Kias, this is simple to use with clear graphics and quick responses. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, too - meaning you can access features from your phone on the move.
Getting comfortable in the driver's seat is easy, thanks to eight-way power adjustment with the upright, high driving position that many people want in a crossover SUV. There's plenty of room in the rear, too, although the 315-litre boot means you'll have to pack light if you're going away for a family holiday.
The rear seats do drop 60:40 if you need more space, while two sets of Isofix child seat tethers are fitted in the back.
Standard equipment (from launch):
First Edition features 17-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, LED headlights and rear lights, electric heated door mirrors with LED indicators, rain-sensing front wipers, 60:40 folding rear seats, dual-height load floor, tyre mobility kit, black leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, electronic parking brake, automatic air conditioning, all-round electric windows, adaptive Smart Cruise Control (SCC), eight-way power adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, ten-speaker Harman/Kardon premium sound system, DAB radio with MP3 compatibility, Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system with European mapping and traffic messaging channel (TMC), seven-inch colour display cluster and head-up display, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, wireless phone charger.
Kia Soul EV models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4195 mm |
| Width | - |
| Height | 1605 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1757 kg |
| Boot Space | 315–1339 L |
| Warranty | 7 years / 100000 miles |
| Servicing | 10000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | - |
| Insurance Groups | - |
| Road Tax Bands | A |
| Official MPG | - |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 4 |
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| EV 201BHP First Edition 64KWH A 5dr | - | - | - |
Model History
- February 2019: Kia Soul EV announced ahead of European debut at Geneva
- July 2019: Kia Soul EV priced from £33,795
- August 2021: Kia Soul EV Maxx replaces First Edition trim level
February 2019
Kia Soul EV announced ahead of European debut at Geneva
All-new Kia Soul will be sold exclusively as an electric model from 2019. Drivers have a choice of long-range (64 kWh) and standard-range (39.2 kWh) powertrains.
The long-range 64 kWh battery pack is paired with a 150 kW (204PS) electric motor, enabling the Soul EV to travel up to 280 miles on a single charge (on the WLTP combined cycle).
With the powertrain’s maximum 395 Nm torque available from a standstill, and 84 per cent more power than the car it replaces, the long-range 64 kWh Soul EV will accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds.
The standard-range 39.2 kWh battery pack powers an efficient 100 kW (136PS) electric motor. With peak torque of 395Nm, and 23 per cent more power than the outgoing Soul EV, the significantly improved efficiency of the battery nevertheless enables the standard-range Soul EV to travel up to 172 miles on a single charge.
It has a vibrant interior inspired, Kia says, by music - with signature 'tweeter' speakers bookending the dashboard.
The new Kia Soul EV is built in Korea and will go on sale in the UK in the UK in spring 2019. Prices are yet to be confirmed.
July 2019
Kia Soul EV priced from £33,795
Orders for the Kia Soul EV ‘First Edition’ are being opened sufficiently early so that demand can be judged to ensure that the appropriate supply is requested.
The Soul EV will be offered in one highly specified grade called ‘First Edition’ and is priced at £37,295, or £33,795 with the Plug-in Car Grant subsidy deducted. The first examples of the Soul EV ‘First Edition’ are scheduled to reach UK dealers during Q1 2020.
With the new generation Soul, Kia has taken the decision not to import the internal combustion engine versions, and instead concentrate on the highly commended pure electric drivetrain.
In its third generation, the all-new Kia Soul EV will be powered by a 64kWh lithium-ion battery pack that delivers a range of 280 miles from one charge.
It has a Type 2 charging inlet which allows the 64kWh battery to be fully charged in 9 hours and 35 minutes. Additionally, with CCS Combo charging, the Soul EV can be charged even quicker, achieving up to 80 per cent charge in 1 hour and 15 minutes with a 50kW DC Rapid Charging Station. A three-pin cable and Type 2 connection will be provided with the car.
The new Soul EV features the same iconic silhouette, with newly sculpted lines, sharper details, and more technical lighting elements. There are restyled front and rear bumpers, for a smoother, more aerodynamic appearance. In place of the conventional Soul’s front grille, there’s a solid insert, with a door housing the charging socket conveniently located on the driver’s side. The Soul EV’s unique LED headlamps are strikingly integrated into the upper ‘brow’ of the front of the car, which itself extends the full width of the car for a wide, stable appearance. The EV’s ‘face’ is completed with unique front LED fog lamps and a unique five-spoke design for the 17-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the cabin is more high-tech than ever, with its cool design and ultimate functionality accompanied by acoustic-inspired shapes and textures. The Soul EV is offered with a range of technologies which includes a wireless smartphone charger, a customiseable head-up display, and a 10-speaker, 640-watt, premium Harman/Kardon ® sound system. It retains the signature ‘tweeter’ speakers which bookend the dashboard, a feature of the previous-generation Soul which exemplified the car’s combination of interesting design and functionality.
At the heart of the Soul EV’s dashboard is Kia’s new 10.25-inch TFT LCD widescreen system, featuring the new UVO CONNECT telematics system. New functions include a split screen mode, home screen customization, Bluetooth® multi-connection and user profiles. UVO CONNECT puts a raft of information at owners’ fingertips, including live traffic, weather, and parking availability. For the Soul EV, UVO CONNECT also provides vehicle charging information, including charging station locations, charger availability, and connection compatibility. The system can also be accessed via a UVO smartphone app, providing remote access to a range of vehicle functions, including at-a-glance overview of key elements of the car, including doors, locks, battery and charge status. The last known location of the vehicle can be viewed, and a monthly summary of the car’s usage. Diagnosis alerts are shared with the smartphone user, keeping them informed of the current status of the car, with notifications automatically sent whenever an event is detected in the car.
Dual full-LED headlamps are flanked by LED daytime running lights, while at the rear, the LED theme continues with combination lighting. Privacy glass is fitted to the rear windows and tailgate, and roof rails accentuate the Soul’s lifestyle remit. Unique five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels complete the distinctive exterior look.
Black leather upholstery is included as standard and the driver’s seat features eight-way electric adjustment, including sliding, reclining, height adjustment and lumbar support. Both the front seats and steering wheel are heated, and the regenerative braking level is taken care of by the paddleshift mounted on the leather trimmed steering wheel. An electric parking brake is included for the first time on the centre console, while climate control and Adaptive Smart Control Function (SCC) are both included as standard. An engine start/stop button is provided for convenience, together with a Smart Entry System.
A head-up display means drivers can keep their eyes on the road ahead, and this is combined with a 7-inch OLED colour display cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen Satellite Navigation system with European mapping and Traffic Messaging Control (TMC). DAB radio with MP3 compatibility is included, along with Bluetooth ® with music streaming, Apple CarPlay TM and Android Auto TM , both with voice control. A wireless mobile phone charger is provided on the centre console, a reversing camera system is integrated into the touchscreen and rear parking sensors are included, too. Completing the repertoire is a 10-speaker Harman/Kardon® premium sound system with 640-watt subwoofer, external amplifier and front centre speaker.
Safety is very important, with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Lane Follow Assist (LFA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear-Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) fitted as standard. This is in addition to an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS).
Three exterior colour schemes are available on the all-new Soul EV, with a choice of Neptune Blue with Black roof, Clear White with Red roof or Quartz Black with Red roof. The cost of the premium paint is included within the price of the Soul EV ‘First Edition’.
In keeping with every Kia, the all-new Soul EV ‘First Edition’ comes with the company’s seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty, subject to certain wear and tear conditions. The warranty is fully transferable should the car be sold before the time or mileage limits have been reached.
August 2021
Kia Soul EV Maxx replaces First Edition trim level
Kia UK has today introduced the Soul EV ‘Maxx’, replacing the existing ‘First Edition’ variant in the UK line-up that has been available since the car’s launch.
Available for customers to order now, the Soul EV ‘Maxx’ is available from £34,945 on-the-road, making it eligible for the UK Government’s £2,500 Plug-in Car Grant. This reduces the price that customers pay to £32,445.
Retaining the same funky and distinctive design of the existing ‘First Edition’ launch model, the ‘Maxx’ features the new Kia logo inside and out. Its comprehensive standard equipment includes 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels, black leather upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.
The ‘Maxx’ also receives two new metallic paint colour options: single-tone Snow White Pearl (as standard) and a new two-tone Inferno Red body with Black roof (optional, priced at £575). Two existing two-tone premium paint options are also available: Quartz Black with Red and Neptune Blue with Black.
The Soul EV ‘Maxx’ embraces the iconic design and playful character of its predecessors, and features the same long-range 64kWh lithium-ion battery pack as before, delivering an impressive range of 280 miles on a single charge (WLTP, combined).
The Soul EV remains a popular choice with EV buyers, with more than 900 sold in the UK so far in 2021. It is one of two fully electric models offered by Kia UK, alongside the popular e-Niro electric crossover. The Soul EV and e-Niro will be joined later in 2021 by the Kia EV6.
First customer deliveries of the Soul EV ‘Maxx’ are expected in autumn 2021. As with all Kia models, the Soul EV ‘Maxx’ will benefit from Kia’s industry-leading 7-year/100,000 mile warranty.
