Kia Soul All Electric Car Review Features Range and More

The Kia Soul EV delivers an impressive 250-mile range on a single charge, making it a standout in the compact electric SUV segment. With zippy acceleration, a tech-packed interior, and bold styling, it blends practicality with personality—perfect for eco-conscious drivers who refuse to compromise on fun or features.

Key Takeaways

• 250-mile range: Ideal for daily commutes and weekend trips.
• Fast charging: 80% in 45 minutes with DC fast charger.
• Spacious interior: Roomy cabin with smart storage solutions.
• Affordable pricing: Competitive cost with federal tax incentives.
• Advanced safety: Standard driver aids like lane-keep assist.
• Fun tech features: 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity.

Why the Kia Soul All Electric Car Is Turning Heads

Imagine driving a car that looks like it rolled out of a sci-fi movie, but with the practicality of your favorite hatchback. That’s the Kia Soul all electric car—a quirky, compact EV that’s winning over drivers who want style, efficiency, and a little fun. When I first saw the Soul EV, I’ll admit I was drawn in by its boxy charm. But after spending time with it, I realized it’s more than just a pretty face. It’s a well-rounded electric vehicle that’s perfect for city dwellers, eco-conscious families, and anyone tired of gas station visits.

The Kia Soul all electric car isn’t just another EV. It stands out in a crowded market with its bold design, user-friendly tech, and surprisingly spacious interior. But does it deliver where it matters most—range, charging speed, and real-world usability? Let’s dive in. Whether you’re a first-time EV buyer or a seasoned electric driver, this review will give you the lowdown on what makes the Soul EV special, where it falls short, and whether it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.

Design and Styling: A Head-Turner With a Practical Edge

Exterior: Bold, Boxy, and Brimming With Personality

The Kia Soul EV doesn’t blend into the crowd. Its tall, boxy silhouette and wide stance give it a unique presence. The front end features Kia’s signature “tiger nose” grille (now closed-off, since it’s electric) and sleek LED headlights that wrap around the fenders. The rear is equally distinctive, with vertical taillights and a clean, uncluttered look. I love the optional two-tone paint—it adds a playful touch that makes the car feel like it’s smiling at you.

But it’s not just about looks. The Soul EV’s design is surprisingly aerodynamic for a boxy car. The front air curtains and underbody panels help reduce drag, which improves efficiency. The 17-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in low-rolling-resistance tires, further boosting range. One small gripe: the plastic cladding on the lower body can feel a bit flimsy, especially in rough city conditions.

Interior: Spacious, Modern, and Tech-Forward

Step inside, and you’re greeted by a cabin that punches above its price class. The Soul EV’s interior is airy and open, thanks to the tall roofline and large windows. The dashboard is clean and minimalist, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen dominating the center stack. I appreciate the physical knobs for climate control—they’re easy to use while driving, unlike touch-sensitive sliders in some rivals.

The materials are mostly soft-touch plastics and fabric, with a few hard plastics in less noticeable areas. The seats are comfortable for short and long trips, though the side bolsters could be a bit firmer for spirited driving. The rear seats offer decent legroom, and the flat floor (no transmission tunnel) makes it easier for three adults to sit side by side. Pro tip: fold down the rear seats, and you’ve got a cavernous 62 cubic feet of cargo space—perfect for weekend trips or hauling bulky items.

Color and Trim Options: Express Yourself

The Soul EV comes in a range of vibrant colors, including Mars Orange, Snow White Pearl, and Gravity Grey. The EX and GT-Line trims add sporty touches like a black roof, unique badging, and upgraded interior accents. If you want to stand out, go for the GT-Line. But if you’re after a more understated look, the base EX trim still looks sharp. Just avoid the all-black interior if you’re prone to fingerprints—it shows every smudge.

Performance and Driving Experience: Smooth, Quiet, and Surprisingly Fun

Acceleration and Power Delivery

The Soul EV is powered by a 201-horsepower electric motor and a 64 kWh lithium-ion battery. That translates to a 0-60 mph time of around 7.6 seconds—not blistering, but plenty quick for city driving. What I love most is the instant torque. Step on the accelerator, and the car surges forward with zero lag. It’s perfect for merging onto highways or darting through traffic.

The power delivery is smooth and linear, with no jerky throttle responses. There are three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. Eco mode softens the throttle and reduces HVAC output to maximize range. Normal is a great balance for daily driving, while Sport sharpens the throttle and adds a bit more heft to the steering. I found myself using Normal most of the time, but Sport is a blast when you want to have fun.

Handling and Ride Comfort

The Soul EV’s tall stance and soft suspension prioritize comfort over sportiness. It absorbs bumps well, even on rough pavement, and the cabin stays quiet at highway speeds. The steering is light and easy to maneuver in tight spaces, though it feels a bit numb at higher speeds. If you’re coming from a sportier car, you might miss the feedback, but for most drivers, it’s perfectly adequate.

The low center of gravity (thanks to the floor-mounted battery) helps the Soul EV feel stable in corners. It’s not a track star, but it’s competent enough for spirited backroad driving. One thing to note: the regenerative braking system is adjustable via paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. I kept it in the highest setting for one-pedal driving, which takes some getting used to but is great for maximizing efficiency in traffic.

Real-World Range and Efficiency

The Soul EV’s EPA-estimated range is 243 miles on a full charge, which is competitive for its class. In real-world testing, I averaged around 220 miles with a mix of city and highway driving. That’s enough for most daily commutes and weekend trips. The key to maximizing range? Drive smoothly, use Eco mode, and avoid aggressive acceleration.

The car’s energy consumption is around 3.3 mi/kWh, which is decent but not class-leading. For comparison, the Hyundai Kona Electric gets closer to 3.8 mi/kWh. The Soul EV’s efficiency is affected by its boxy shape and relatively heavy weight (around 3,700 lbs). But if you’re driving mostly in the city, the difference is negligible.

Charging and Practicality: How Easy Is It to Live With?

Charging Speed and Options

The Soul EV supports DC fast charging up to 80 kW, which can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in about 45 minutes. That’s not the fastest in its class (the Tesla Model 3 can do it in 25 minutes), but it’s still convenient for road trips. At home, the car comes with a 7.2 kW Level 2 charger, which can fully charge the battery in about 9 hours. If you have a 240-volt outlet, you’ll get about 25 miles of range per hour.

Pro tip: Use the Kia Connect app to schedule charging during off-peak hours. This saves money on electricity and reduces strain on the grid. The app also lets you preheat or cool the cabin remotely—a godsend in extreme weather.

Charging Infrastructure and Compatibility

The Soul EV uses the CCS (Combined Charging System) port, which is common in North America. It works with most public charging networks, including Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint. I’ve had no trouble finding compatible chargers on road trips, though some older stations may require an adapter.

One downside: the charging port is on the front left fender, which can be awkward in tight parking spots. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind. Also, Kia doesn’t include a free charging credit (unlike Tesla or Hyundai), so you’ll need to pay for public charging out of pocket.

Daily Usability and Features

The Soul EV is packed with practical features. The standard 10.25-inch touchscreen runs Kia’s UVO infotainment system, which is intuitive and responsive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and there are plenty of USB ports for charging devices. The available Harman Kardon audio system sounds great, with clear highs and punchy bass.

Safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The surround-view camera is a lifesaver in tight parking situations. The only missing feature? A heated steering wheel, which is oddly absent even on the top trim. If you live in a cold climate, you might want to add aftermarket seat heaters.

Technology and Connectivity: A Smart Car for the Digital Age

Infotainment and User Interface

The Soul EV’s 10.25-inch touchscreen is bright, crisp, and easy to navigate. The menus are logically laid out, and the system responds quickly to inputs. I love the split-screen view, which lets you see navigation and music controls at the same time. Voice commands work well, though they’re not as advanced as Tesla’s system.

The available digital instrument cluster is a nice upgrade. It’s fully customizable and displays everything from speed to energy flow. The head-up display (available on higher trims) projects key info onto the windshield, so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road.

Smart Features and Over-the-Air Updates

The Soul EV supports over-the-air (OTA) updates, which means Kia can push software improvements and new features without you needing to visit a dealer. So far, updates have been minor (like bug fixes), but it’s a sign that Kia is committed to keeping the car fresh. The Kia Connect app lets you monitor battery status, locate nearby chargers, and even unlock the car remotely.

One cool feature: the car can precondition the cabin while it’s still plugged in. This saves battery power and ensures you’re comfortable when you start driving. You can also set charging schedules to take advantage of lower electricity rates.

Sound System and Audio Options

The standard audio system is decent, but the optional Harman Kardon upgrade is worth the extra cost. It features eight speakers and a subwoofer, with excellent clarity and depth. Whether you’re listening to podcasts or heavy bass tracks, the sound is immersive. The only downside? The system can’t play lossless audio files, so audiophiles might want to stick with Bluetooth streaming.

Value and Competition: How Does It Stack Up?

Price and Trim Levels

The Soul EV starts at around $34,000 for the EX trim, with the GT-Line topping out at $39,000. That’s competitive with rivals like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. The EX trim includes most essentials, like heated seats, a power driver’s seat, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The GT-Line adds sportier styling, a digital instrument cluster, and premium audio.

One thing to note: the Soul EV is eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit (as of 2023), which brings the effective price down to $26,500. Some states also offer additional incentives, so check your local regulations. Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile warranty covers the battery and powertrain, giving you peace of mind.

Comparing the Competition

Here’s how the Soul EV stacks up against its rivals:

Model	Range (EPA)	Price (Starting)	Fast Charging Speed
Kia Soul EV	243 miles	$34,000	80 kW
Chevrolet Bolt EUV	247 miles	$28,800	55 kW
Hyundai Kona Electric	258 miles	$34,000	77 kW
Mini Cooper SE	110 miles	$30,750	50 kW

The Soul EV’s main advantages are its spacious interior, fun styling, and strong warranty. The Bolt EUV is cheaper and has slightly faster charging, but it feels less refined. The Kona Electric has better range, but the Soul EV’s tech and comfort are superior. The Mini Cooper SE is more fun to drive, but its range is a dealbreaker for many.

Long-Term Ownership Costs

EVs are generally cheaper to maintain than gas cars, and the Soul EV is no exception. With no oil changes, fewer moving parts, and regenerative braking, you’ll save on maintenance. Electricity is also cheaper than gas—expect to spend around $600 per year on charging (based on 12,000 miles and $0.15/kWh).

Depreciation is a concern, as EVs tend to lose value faster than gas cars. However, the Soul EV’s strong warranty and Kia’s reputation for reliability help mitigate this. If you plan to keep the car for 5+ years, it’s a solid investment.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Kia Soul All Electric Car?

After spending weeks with the Kia Soul all electric car, I’m convinced it’s one of the best EVs for everyday drivers. It’s not perfect—the charging speed could be faster, and the range isn’t class-leading—but it excels where it matters most: practicality, comfort, and value. The bold styling turns heads, the interior is spacious and well-equipped, and the driving experience is smooth and enjoyable.

If you’re looking for an EV that’s easy to live with, fun to drive, and won’t break the bank, the Soul EV deserves a spot on your shortlist. It’s not for everyone—those who need long-range or ultra-fast charging might want to look elsewhere—but for most people, it’s a fantastic choice. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or planning a weekend getaway, the Kia Soul EV makes every trip a little brighter. And honestly, isn’t that what a great car is all about?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the range of the Kia Soul all-electric car?

The Kia Soul EV offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 243 miles on a single charge, making it a practical choice for daily commutes and longer trips. Actual range may vary based on driving habits, terrain, and weather conditions.

How long does it take to charge the Kia Soul all-electric car?

Using a DC fast charger, the Kia Soul EV can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 45 minutes. With a Level 2 (240V) charger, a full charge takes approximately 7–9 hours, ideal for overnight charging at home.

What are the standout features of the Kia Soul EV?

The Kia Soul all-electric car boasts a tech-rich interior with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise control. Its boxy design also maximizes cabin and cargo space for added versatility.

Is the Kia Soul all-electric car available nationwide?

The Kia Soul EV is currently available in select states and countries due to regional demand and charging infrastructure. Check Kia’s official website or local dealerships for availability in your area.

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

The Kia Soul EV stands out with its unique design, strong standard features, and competitive pricing. While its range is slightly less than some rivals, it offers excellent value with a 10-year/100,000-mile battery warranty and low maintenance costs.

Does the Kia Soul all-electric car have regenerative braking?

Yes, the Kia Soul EV features adjustable regenerative braking via steering-mounted paddles, allowing drivers to maximize energy recovery and tailor their driving experience. This system also enhances efficiency in city traffic.