Electric Car Kia Soul EV Review Top Features and Performance Insights

The Kia Soul EV stands out in the compact electric car segment with its impressive 243-mile range and rapid DC fast-charging capability. Its zippy acceleration, tech-loaded interior, and bold design make it a top contender for urban drivers seeking efficiency without sacrificing fun.

Key Takeaways

• Impressive range: Up to 243 miles per charge for confident daily driving.
• Fast charging: 10-80% in under an hour with DC fast charging.
• Spacious interior: Roomy cabin and cargo area ideal for urban families.
• Smooth handling: Responsive steering and quiet ride enhance city commutes.
• Loaded with tech: Standard infotainment and safety features boost value.
• Efficient performance: Instant torque delivers quick, eco-friendly acceleration.

The Electric Car Kia Soul EV: A Fun, Practical, and Surprisingly Capable EV

Let me start with a confession: I never thought I’d fall for a boxy little hatchback. But after spending a week with the electric car Kia Soul EV, I’m a believer. It’s not just the quirky design or the surprisingly spacious interior—it’s the way this car makes electric driving feel accessible, fun, and downright practical. If you’re considering an EV but aren’t ready to commit to a $50,000 luxury sedan or a bulky SUV, the Kia Soul EV might just be the sweet spot you’ve been looking for.

The Soul EV isn’t trying to be the fastest or the most high-tech EV on the road. Instead, it focuses on what matters: everyday usability, a comfortable ride, and a design that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or taking a weekend road trip, this electric car delivers a balanced experience that’s hard to beat at its price point. In this review, I’ll dive into the top features, real-world performance, and the little details that make the electric car Kia Soul EV stand out—without the fluff or over-the-top hype. Think of it as a friend sharing their honest take after living with the car for a week.

Design and Exterior: Quirky, Modern, and Built to Stand Out

Boxy Good Looks That Actually Work

The Kia Soul EV’s design is instantly recognizable. It’s boxy, bold, and unapologetically unique. While some might call it “retro-futuristic,” I’d say it’s just plain fun. The tall, upright stance gives it a commanding view of the road, and the sharp lines and LED lighting add a modern touch. Unlike some EVs that go for a “futuristic spaceship” look, the Soul EV keeps it grounded with practical touches like large windows and a high roofline.

One of my favorite design details? The two-tone paint options. You can choose a contrasting roof color (like white, black, or red) that makes the car look like it’s wearing a cap. It’s a small touch, but it adds personality. The EV-specific touches are subtle but effective: a closed-off grille, unique 17-inch alloy wheels, and “EV” badging. No over-the-top styling—just clean, purposeful design.

LED Lighting and Smart Details

All Soul EVs come with full LED headlights and daytime running lights. The headlights are bright and have a nice spread, making night driving safer. The taillights are also LED, with a distinctive “hockey stick” shape that’s easy to spot in traffic. I appreciated the automatic high beams—they’re not perfect, but they work well on unlit roads.

Pro tip: If you live in a cold climate, the heated side mirrors are a godsend. They clear ice and fog quickly, and they’re standard on most trims. The power-folding mirrors (on higher trims) are also handy for tight parking spots.

Size and Practicality

The Soul EV is a compact car, but it feels bigger than it is. With a length of just over 165 inches, it’s easy to maneuver in city traffic and park in tight spaces. The tall roofline means there’s plenty of headroom, even for taller drivers. The rear hatch opens wide, and the cargo area is deep and flat—perfect for groceries, strollers, or even a weekend’s worth of camping gear.

One minor gripe: the rear door openings are a bit narrow. If you’re loading large items or helping someone with mobility issues, it’s not the easiest. But for most daily tasks, it’s more than adequate.

Interior and Tech: Comfortable, Well-Equipped, and User-Friendly

Spacious Cabin with a Premium Feel

Step inside the Soul EV, and you’re greeted with a cabin that punches above its price. The materials are mostly soft-touch plastics, with a few hard plastics in lower-traffic areas (like the door bins). The seats are comfortable for long drives, and the driver’s seat offers good support. Higher trims get leather upholstery and heated front seats, which are worth the upgrade if you live in a cold climate.

The rear seats are surprisingly spacious. I’m 5’10”, and I could sit behind my own driving position with room to spare. The flat floor (thanks to the EV platform) means three adults can fit without the middle passenger feeling like a sardine. The only downside? The rear seats don’t recline, and there’s no center armrest on base models.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Soul EV comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen on most trims (base models get a smaller 8-inch screen). The system runs Kia’s latest UVO software, which is intuitive and responsive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and they connect wirelessly—no more fiddling with cables. The graphics are crisp, and the menus are logically laid out.

One standout feature: the split-screen view. You can run navigation on one side and media on the other, which is great for keeping an eye on your route without losing track of your music. The voice command system works well, too. I tested it by asking for nearby coffee shops, and it found them quickly.

Pro tip: Use the Kia Connect app to pre-condition the cabin before you get in. It’s a lifesaver on cold mornings or hot summer days.

Driver Aids and Safety Tech

The Soul EV is packed with safety features. Every trim gets adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims add highway driving assist (a semi-autonomous system that keeps you centered in the lane and maintains speed) and rear cross-traffic alert.

I tested the adaptive cruise control on a highway trip. It’s smooth and predictable, with minimal jerking when cars cut in front. The lane-keeping assist is helpful but can be a bit overzealous—it nudges the steering wheel even on gentle curves. You can adjust the sensitivity in the settings, though.

One thing I love: the head-up display (on higher trims). It projects your speed, navigation, and safety alerts onto the windshield, so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road.

Performance and Driving Experience: Zippy, Smooth, and Confident

Power and Acceleration

The Soul EV comes with a 201-horsepower electric motor and a 64 kWh battery pack. It’s not a performance car, but it’s more than enough for daily driving. The 0-60 mph time is around 7.6 seconds, which is quick for a compact EV. The instant torque from the electric motor makes it feel zippy around town, and it’s great for merging onto highways.

I tested the Soul EV in city traffic, on highways, and even on a winding mountain road. In the city, it’s a joy to drive. The steering is light but precise, and the regenerative braking (which slows the car when you lift off the accelerator) can be adjusted to three levels. I kept it on the highest setting, which let me drive “one-pedal” style—lifting off the gas slowed the car enough that I rarely needed to touch the brakes.

Range and Efficiency

The Soul EV has an EPA-estimated range of 243 miles on a full charge. In real-world driving, I got about 220 miles in mixed conditions (50% city, 50% highway). That’s plenty for most people. I drove it for a week without charging at home (I used public chargers) and never felt range anxiety.

The efficiency is impressive. I averaged 3.7 miles per kWh, which is excellent for a car this size. The onboard energy monitor shows real-time efficiency, and it’s fun to try to beat your own records. Pro tip: Use the eco mode for maximum efficiency. It softens the throttle response and reduces climate control power, adding a few extra miles.

Ride Quality and Handling

The Soul EV’s ride is smooth and comfortable. It soaks up bumps and potholes without feeling floaty. The suspension is tuned for comfort, not sportiness, so it leans a bit in corners. But for a car designed for city driving and highways, it’s just right.

The handling is confident, and the low center of gravity (thanks to the floor-mounted battery) makes it feel stable at speed. The steering is light but has good feedback. The only downside? The tires can be a bit noisy on rough pavement, but it’s not a dealbreaker.

Charging and Practicality: Easy to Live With

Charging Options and Speed

The Soul EV supports Level 2 charging (240 volts) and DC fast charging (up to 85 kW). With a Level 2 charger, you’ll get a full charge in about 9.5 hours. With DC fast charging, you can go from 10% to 80% in about 45 minutes—perfect for road trips.

I tested the DC fast charging at a ChargePoint station. It worked flawlessly, and the car’s charging curve stayed strong until around 70%. The onboard navigation can route you to nearby chargers, and it shows real-time availability and pricing (on some networks).

Pro tip: Use the scheduled charging feature to charge overnight when electricity rates are lower. You can set it to start at a specific time or wait until off-peak hours.

Cargo and Storage

The Soul EV has 19 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 62 cubic feet with them folded. The rear seats split 60/40, so you can carry long items like skis or a bike while still having room for a passenger.

The front trunk (frunk) is small—about 2 cubic feet—but it’s great for storing charging cables or a small bag. The interior has plenty of storage: a large center console, door pockets, and a phone slot with wireless charging (on higher trims).

Real-World Usability

The Soul EV is designed for real people. The charging port is in the front grille, so you don’t have to back into spots. The rear hatch is power-operated on higher trims, which is handy when your hands are full. The climate control system is powerful and quiet, and the heated seats warm up quickly.

One minor gripe: the regenerative braking can’t be turned off completely. If you prefer coasting, you’ll have to live with some resistance. But most EV drivers get used to it quickly.

Pricing, Trims, and Value: A Strong Contender in the Compact EV Market

Trim Levels and Features

The Soul EV comes in three trims: EV, EV Premium, and EV Limited. The base EV starts at around $35,000 (before incentives) and includes 17-inch wheels, LED lights, the 10.25-inch touchscreen, and basic safety features. The EV Premium adds leather seats, a sunroof, and the head-up display. The EV Limited tops the range with a premium audio system, ventilated seats, and a 360-degree camera.

For most buyers, the EV Premium is the sweet spot. It has all the essential features without the luxury price tag. But if you want the full tech package, the EV Limited is worth considering.

Cost of Ownership

The Soul EV is cheap to run. Electricity is much less expensive than gas, and maintenance is minimal. No oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust systems to worry about. Kia also includes 10-year/100,000-mile battery and powertrain warranty, which is one of the best in the industry.

Pro tip: Check for federal and state EV incentives. The Soul EV qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax credit (if you’re eligible), and some states offer additional rebates.

Competitors and Alternatives

The Soul EV competes with the Chevy Bolt EV, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Ford Mustang Mach-E (base model). The Bolt EV has a lower price but a smaller interior and less tech. The Kona Electric is similar but has a shorter range. The Mach-E is more expensive but offers more power and cargo space.

The Soul EV’s biggest advantage? Its unique design and spacious cabin. It’s not the cheapest or the fastest, but it’s one of the most well-rounded compact EVs on the market.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy the Kia Soul EV?

After a week with the electric car Kia Soul EV, I can confidently say it’s one of the best compact EVs for everyday drivers. It’s not perfect—the rear doors could be wider, the infotainment system could be faster, and the range could be a bit longer for road trips. But for city driving, commuting, and weekend getaways, it’s a fantastic choice.

The Soul EV shines in its practicality, comfort, and value. It’s fun to drive, easy to live with, and packed with features that make EV ownership stress-free. If you’re looking for a quirky, capable, and affordable electric car, the Kia Soul EV deserves a spot on your shortlist. It might not be the flashiest EV out there, but it’s one of the most satisfying to live with every day.

So, who should buy it? If you’re a city dweller, a first-time EV owner, or someone who wants a reliable, no-nonsense electric car, the Soul EV is a great fit. And if you’re like me—someone who values personality and practicality over pure performance—you’ll love it.

Data Table: Kia Soul EV Specifications

Feature	Specification
Motor Power	201 hp
Battery Capacity	64 kWh
EPA Range	243 miles
Charging (DC Fast)	10-80% in 45 minutes
Cargo Space (Rear Seats Up)	19 cubic feet
Warranty	10 years/100,000 miles (battery)

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Kia Soul EV stand out among other electric cars?

The Kia Soul EV combines a spacious, boxy design with a peppy electric motor (201 hp) and a competitive 243-mile range (EPA-estimated). Its unique styling, user-friendly tech, and affordable pricing make it a top choice in the compact EV segment.

How fast does the Kia Soul EV charge?

Using a DC fast charger, the Soul EV can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 45 minutes. With a Level 2 charger (240V), a full charge takes approximately 9.5 hours, ideal for overnight home charging.

What is the real-world range of the Kia Soul EV?

The 2023 Kia Soul EV offers an EPA-estimated 243 miles per charge with its 64 kWh battery. Real-world range varies between 200–230 miles, depending on driving conditions, speed, and climate control usage.

Does the Kia Soul EV have enough power for highway driving?

Yes, the Soul EV’s 201-hp electric motor delivers strong acceleration (0–60 mph in 6.7 seconds) and smooth highway merging. Its instant torque and responsive handling make it well-suited for both city and long-distance driving.

What are the standout tech features in the Kia Soul EV?

The Soul EV includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Kia’s UVO link system. Advanced safety tech like Highway Driving Assist and Blind-Spot View Monitor further enhance its appeal.

Is the Kia Soul EV good for families?

With ample headroom, a roomy rear seat, and 23.8 cubic feet of cargo space (expandable to 62.1), the Soul EV suits small families. Its IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and rear-seat alert system add peace of mind.