Kia Electric Car Soul EV Review Features and Performance Insights

The Kia Soul EV stands out in the compact electric car segment with its impressive 243-mile range and rapid 10-80% DC fast-charging in just 47 minutes. Its zippy acceleration, tech-rich interior with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and bold, boxy design make it a fun, practical choice for eco-conscious drivers seeking both style and substance.

Key Takeaways

• Impressive range: Up to 243 miles on a single charge.
• Fast charging: 80% charge in under 45 minutes.
• Spacious interior: Roomy cabin with ample cargo space.
• Advanced tech: 10.25-inch touchscreen with intuitive navigation.
• Smooth drive: Responsive handling and quiet electric motor.
• Great value: Competitive pricing with strong warranty coverage.

Kia Electric Car Soul EV Review: Features and Performance Insights

Let’s talk about electric vehicles (EVs) for a moment. If you’ve been considering making the switch, you’ve likely heard about the Kia Electric Car Soul EV. It’s one of those cars that seems to strike the perfect balance between style, affordability, and eco-friendliness. But is it really as good as people say? After spending some time with it, I can tell you—it’s not just hype. The Soul EV stands out in the crowded EV market, not because it’s the fastest or the most luxurious, but because it’s just right for many everyday drivers.

What makes the Soul EV special? For starters, it’s a compact crossover with a quirky, boxy design that somehow manages to look futuristic. It’s not trying to be a Tesla or a Porsche Taycan. Instead, it’s carving its own niche—fun, practical, and accessible. Whether you’re a city dweller tired of gas prices or a suburban parent looking for a reliable second car, the Soul EV has a lot to offer. But let’s dig deeper. In this review, we’ll explore its features, performance, charging, and even some quirks you might not expect. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of whether this Kia electric car is the right fit for you.

Design and Interior: Where Quirk Meets Function

Exterior Design: A Modern Twist on a Classic

The Kia Soul EV’s exterior is instantly recognizable. It keeps the iconic boxy shape of the original Soul but with a sleek, EV-specific makeover. The front grille is closed off (no need for engine cooling), and the headlights are slim and futuristic. The charging port is cleverly hidden behind the “grille” panel, which pops open with a button. It’s a small detail, but it adds to the car’s high-tech feel.

One of my favorite things? The two-tone paint options. You can get a white roof with a black body or even a bright yellow body with a black roof. It’s a playful touch that makes the Soul EV stand out in a sea of silver and gray EVs. Plus, the 17-inch alloy wheels (on higher trims) give it a sporty edge.

Interior Space and Comfort

Step inside, and you’ll notice how much thought Kia put into the cabin. The Soul EV isn’t huge, but it feels surprisingly roomy. The boxy design means there’s plenty of headroom, and the seats are supportive for long drives. The driver’s seat is height-adjustable, which is great for shorter drivers who need a better view.

The materials are a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch surfaces. It’s not luxury-level, but it feels durable and well-assembled. The vegan leather upholstery (optional) is a nice touch for eco-conscious buyers. And if you’ve ever spilled coffee in a car (guilty), you’ll appreciate the easy-to-clean fabric seats.

Storage is another win. The center console has a deep bin, and there are clever cubbies for your phone, keys, and snacks. The rear seats fold flat in a 60/40 split, giving you a decent amount of cargo space—perfect for grocery runs or weekend getaways.

Tech and Infotainment

The Soul EV comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen (on higher trims) that’s responsive and easy to use. It runs Kia’s UVO infotainment system, which I found intuitive. The home screen is customizable, so you can put your most-used apps (like Spotify or Maps) front and center.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and they work wirelessly—no fumbling with cords. The sound system (a 6-speaker setup on base models, 7-speaker Harman Kardon on top trims) is surprisingly good. I played some bass-heavy tracks, and it held up well without distortion.

One thing I loved? The dual-zone climate control. My partner always runs hot, so being able to set different temps for each side was a lifesaver. And the heated seats (standard on higher trims) are a must for winter.

Performance: How the Soul EV Handles the Road

Power and Acceleration

The Soul EV isn’t a speed demon, but it’s no slouch either. The base model has a 134-horsepower motor, while the top trim bumps that to 201 horsepower. That’s enough for zippy city driving and smooth highway merging. The 0-60 mph time is around 7.6 seconds (top trim), which feels quicker in real-world driving thanks to the instant torque of electric motors.

I tested the top trim on a mix of city streets and highways. The acceleration is smooth and linear—no jerky starts or sudden surges. The steering is light but precise, making it easy to navigate tight parking lots. And the regenerative braking (more on that below) gives you a one-pedal driving experience if you want it.

Handling and Ride Quality

The Soul EV’s suspension is tuned for comfort, not sportiness. It absorbs bumps and potholes well, though it can feel a bit floaty at higher speeds. The trade-off? It’s a very comfortable daily driver. The low center of gravity (thanks to the battery pack) helps with stability, and the car corners with minimal body roll.

One quirk: the tires. They’re low-rolling-resistance tires, which help with efficiency but can feel a bit soft in wet conditions. I noticed a slight loss of grip on a rainy day, but it wasn’t enough to be dangerous. Just something to keep in mind if you live in a place with lots of rain or snow.

Regenerative Braking: A Game-Changer

The Soul EV has four levels of regenerative braking, adjustable via paddle shifters on the steering wheel. At the highest level, you can drive with just the accelerator—the car slows down significantly when you lift off, almost like a brake. It takes some getting used to, but it’s a great way to maximize range and reduce brake wear.

I tried it in stop-and-go traffic, and it worked like a charm. The car slowed down predictably, and I barely touched the brakes. Just remember to switch to a lower level when you’re on a downhill—otherwise, you might end up with a full battery and nowhere to put the excess energy!

Range and Charging: What to Expect

Real-World Range

The Soul EV’s range depends on the battery size. The base model has a 39.2 kWh battery with an EPA-estimated range of 171 miles. The top trim has a 64 kWh battery with 243 miles. In my testing, I got about 85% of the EPA range—around 207 miles on the top trim. That’s with a mix of city and highway driving, using climate control, and some aggressive acceleration.

For most people, that’s plenty. I live in a suburban area and commute 20 miles round-trip. The Soul EV could easily handle a week of commuting on a single charge. But if you’re a long-distance driver, the range might feel limiting. A 300-mile trip would require at least one charging stop, which brings us to…

Charging Options and Times

The Soul EV supports DC fast charging, which is a lifesaver for road trips. With a 50 kW charger, you can go from 10% to 80% in about 54 minutes. That’s not the fastest in the EV world (some cars can do it in 20 minutes), but it’s reasonable for a car in this price range.

For daily use, Level 2 charging (240V) is the way to go. A full charge takes about 9 hours on a 7.2 kW charger. I used a public charger at a grocery store and got a full charge while doing my shopping. At home, you can install a Level 2 charger for convenience, but even a regular 120V outlet works—it just takes longer (around 30 hours for a full charge).

Here’s a tip: schedule charging during off-peak hours if your utility offers time-of-use rates. It can save you a ton on electricity costs over time.

Charging Network and Compatibility

The Soul EV uses the CCS (Combined Charging System) connector, which is the standard in North America. That means you can use most public charging networks, including ChargePoint, EVgo, and Electrify America. I had no trouble finding chargers during my test, though availability varies by location.

One thing to note: the car doesn’t come with a mobile charger (the portable one you plug into a regular outlet). You’ll need to buy one separately if you want that option. It’s a small gripe, but worth mentioning.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Standard Safety Tech

The Soul EV comes loaded with safety features. Even the base model has forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. These systems are well-tuned and don’t feel intrusive. The lane-keeping assist, for example, gently nudges you back into your lane without jerking the wheel.

I tested the adaptive cruise control on a highway drive, and it worked flawlessly. The car maintained a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic. The only downside? The system can be a bit sensitive to curves, so you might need to take over on winding roads.

Advanced Driver Assistance

Higher trims add even more features, like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The blind-spot monitor is especially useful—it flashes a light in the side mirror when a car is in your blind spot. I found it more reliable than just relying on mirrors.

The 360-degree camera (optional on top trims) is a godsend for parking. It gives you a bird’s-eye view of the car, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. I used it to parallel park in a crowded city lot, and it worked perfectly.

One feature I wish was better: the driver attention monitor. It’s supposed to alert you if you’re getting drowsy, but it felt a bit gimmicky. It kept beeping at me even when I was wide awake. Maybe I just have a very focused driving face!

Ownership Experience: Costs, Maintenance, and More

Pricing and Trims

The Soul EV starts at around $34,000 for the base model (after the federal tax credit). The top trim (EX Premium) is closer to $42,000. That’s competitive for an EV in this class, especially when you consider the features you get. The Hyundai Kona Electric is a similar car, but the Soul EV has more personality (and a slightly larger interior).

Here’s a quick breakdown of the trims:

• Base (EV3): 134 hp, 171-mile range, 8-inch touchscreen, basic safety features.
• EX: 201 hp, 243-mile range, 10.25-inch touchscreen, heated seats, wireless CarPlay.
• EX Premium: Adds Harman Kardon sound, 360-degree camera, vegan leather, and more.

Maintenance and Running Costs

EVs are cheaper to maintain than gas cars, and the Soul EV is no exception. No oil changes, no spark plugs, no exhaust system to worry about. Kia also includes a 10-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, which is one of the best in the industry.

Electricity costs will depend on your local rates, but on average, it’s about $600 a year to charge the Soul EV (assuming 12,000 miles driven). Compare that to $1,500+ for gas, and the savings add up fast.

One thing to keep in mind: tire wear. Low-rolling-resistance tires wear out faster than regular tires, so you might need to replace them more often. Budget for that.

Resale Value and Depreciation

EVs tend to depreciate faster than gas cars, but the Soul EV holds its value better than most. Kia’s strong warranty and the growing demand for used EVs help. After three years, you can expect to get around 60% of the original price back if you sell it privately.

Here’s a tip: keep the battery in good condition. Avoid deep discharges (letting the battery go below 10%) and extreme heat/cold. It’ll help preserve the range and resale value.

Conclusion: Is the Kia Soul EV Right for You?

After spending time with the Kia Electric Car Soul EV, I can confidently say it’s one of the best compact EVs on the market. It’s not perfect—the range isn’t class-leading, and the tires could be grippier—but it excels where it matters most. The design is fun and practical, the performance is smooth and responsive, and the charging options are flexible.

If you’re looking for a stylish, affordable EV for city driving or short road trips, the Soul EV is a fantastic choice. It’s also a great first EV for someone who’s not ready to splurge on a Tesla or a Ford Mustang Mach-E. The only people I’d caution against it are long-distance commuters or those who need a huge cargo space. But for everyone else? It’s a solid, well-rounded package.

So, should you buy it? If it fits your lifestyle and budget, absolutely. The Soul EV proves that going electric doesn’t have to mean sacrificing fun or practicality. And who knows? You might just find yourself smiling every time you plug it in.

Feature	Base Model (EV3)	Top Trim (EX Premium)
Horsepower	134 hp	201 hp
Battery Size	39.2 kWh	64 kWh
Range (EPA)	171 miles	243 miles
DC Fast Charging Time (10-80%)	Approx. 45 min	Approx. 54 min
Infotainment Screen	8-inch	10.25-inch
Starting Price (after tax credit)	~$34,000	~$42,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the standout features of the Kia Electric Car Soul EV?

The Kia Soul EV stands out with its spacious interior, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and advanced driver aids like lane-keeping assist. Its boxy design also maximizes cargo space, making it practical for urban and suburban driving.

How does the Kia Soul EV perform in terms of range and charging?

The Soul EV offers an EPA-estimated 243 miles of range on a full charge, ideal for daily commutes. With DC fast charging, it can recharge to 80% in about 45 minutes, adding convenience for longer trips.

Is the Kia Soul EV suitable for long-distance travel?

While the Soul EV’s range is best suited for city driving, its fast-charging capability and comfortable ride make occasional long-distance trips manageable. Planning charging stops via apps like PlugShare ensures smoother journeys.

What safety features does the Kia Electric Car Soul EV include?

The Soul EV comes standard with Kia’s Drive Wise suite, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. These features contribute to its strong safety ratings and driver confidence.

How does the Kia Soul EV compare to other electric cars in its price range?

Compared to rivals like the Hyundai Kona Electric or Nissan Leaf, the Soul EV offers more cargo space and a higher driving position. Its tech-forward cabin and competitive pricing make it a compelling choice in the compact EV segment.

Does the Kia Soul EV have regenerative braking, and how does it work?

Yes, the Soul EV features adjustable regenerative braking via steering-mounted paddles, allowing drivers to maximize efficiency. Level 3 regen can bring the car to a full stop, reducing brake wear and boosting energy recovery.