Kia Soul Electric Car 2018 Review Features and Performance Insights

The 2018 Kia Soul Electric delivers a compelling blend of practicality and eco-friendly performance, featuring a 111-kW electric motor that produces 150 horsepower for smooth, zippy city driving. With a 30-kWh battery offering up to 111 miles of range and a well-equipped, tech-forward interior, it stands out as a value-packed choice in the compact EV segment.

Key Takeaways

• Efficient 111-mile range: Ideal for city commutes but limited for long trips.
• Quick 240V charging: Replenishes battery in 4–5 hours for daily convenience.
• Spacious interior: Ample cargo and legroom outshine rivals in its class.
• Regenerative braking: Enhances energy recovery and driving smoothness.
• User-friendly tech: Intuitive infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support.
• Affordable pricing: Competitive cost with strong EV tax credit eligibility.

Introduction: The Little EV That Could

When you think about electric cars, the Kia Soul Electric car 2018 might not be the first model that pops into your head. You’re probably picturing Teslas, BMWs, or even a Nissan Leaf. But let me tell you—this quirky, box-shaped compact SUV deserves a second look. I remember the first time I saw a Soul EV on the road. It looked like a toaster on wheels with a smiley face, but after spending a week with the 2018 model, I was genuinely surprised by how much it had to offer. It’s not flashy, it’s not trying to be a luxury sedan, but it’s practical, fun, and surprisingly capable for daily driving.

The 2018 Kia Soul Electric came at a time when automakers were still figuring out how to balance range, affordability, and usability in the EV market. Unlike some competitors that prioritized either range or price, the Soul EV struck a middle ground. It wasn’t trying to be the longest-range EV on the block, but it delivered enough juice for city commutes, grocery runs, and even the occasional weekend road trip. And with Kia’s reputation for reliability and a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, it offered peace of mind that many other EVs at the time didn’t. So, if you’re shopping for a used EV or just curious about how far electric cars have come, the Kia Soul Electric car 2018 is worth a deep dive.

Design and Interior: Quirky, Spacious, and Surprisingly Practical

Exterior Design: A Box That Makes Sense

The 2018 Kia Soul EV stands out—no doubt about it. Its boxy, upright shape isn’t just for looks; it’s a design that maximizes interior space. Unlike sleeker EVs that sacrifice headroom and cargo for aerodynamics, the Soul EV embraces its “urban SUV” identity. The front fascia is dominated by a closed grille (no need for airflow when there’s no engine), LED daytime running lights, and a distinctive blue trim that signals its electric nature.

One thing I loved was the 16-inch alloy wheels with aerodynamic covers. They looked futuristic without being over the top. The rear hatch is wide and opens high, making it easy to load groceries or a stroller. And while the design won’t turn heads like a Tesla Model 3, it’s got charm. It’s like the EV version of your favorite pair of sneakers—comfortable, familiar, and always ready for action.

Interior Space and Comfort

Step inside, and you’ll find a cabin that feels roomy for a compact car. The high roofline gives you plenty of headroom—great if you’re over 6 feet tall. The front seats are supportive and offer good visibility, which is a big plus in city driving. Rear passengers get decent legroom, though three adults might feel a bit cramped on longer trips. But for two kids or a couple of friends, it’s more than enough.

The materials are a mix of soft-touch plastics and durable fabrics. Nothing feels cheap, but it’s clear Kia kept costs down where it didn’t matter—like the center console and door panels. The dashboard is simple and functional, with a clean layout that avoids the “tech overload” you see in some EVs. I appreciated the physical buttons for climate control and audio—no fumbling with touchscreens while driving.

One standout feature? The panoramic sunroof (available on the top trim). It floods the cabin with light and gives the interior a more open, airy feel. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a sunny day while charging at a public station.

Technology and Infotainment

The Soul EV comes with Kia’s UVO infotainment system, which includes a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. The screen is responsive, and the menus are easy to navigate. I used CarPlay daily for navigation and music, and it worked flawlessly. The voice recognition is decent—not perfect, but better than some systems I’ve tried.

One small gripe: the lack of wireless CarPlay. In 2018, this was still a luxury feature, so it’s forgivable, but it would’ve been nice. The system also includes a built-in EV-specific menu that shows battery status, charging history, and energy consumption. It’s a simple but useful tool for new EV owners trying to understand their driving habits.

Performance and Driving Experience: Nimble, Quiet, and City-Friendly

Power and Acceleration

The 2018 Kia Soul EV is powered by a 109-horsepower electric motor that delivers 210 lb-ft of torque. That might not sound like much on paper, but electric motors deliver instant torque, so the Soul EV feels peppy off the line. From a stoplight, it accelerates smoothly and quietly, with a satisfying “zip” that makes city driving fun. 0-60 mph comes in about 9.6 seconds—not sports car territory, but perfectly adequate for merging onto highways or passing slow drivers.

What I loved most was the responsiveness. There’s no lag, no gear shifts, just seamless acceleration. It’s like riding a really fast electric scooter—effortless and smooth. The steering is light, which makes parking and tight maneuvers a breeze. If you live in a city with narrow streets and crowded parking lots, this car feels like it was made for you.

Handling and Ride Quality

The Soul EV rides on a tuned suspension that prioritizes comfort over sportiness. It soaks up bumps and potholes well, which is a big plus if you’re driving on rough urban roads. The ride isn’t plush like a luxury sedan, but it’s far from harsh. I drove over a stretch of poorly maintained pavement, and while I felt the bumps, they weren’t jarring.

Cornering is where the Soul EV shows its limits. The high center of gravity and soft suspension mean it leans a bit in sharp turns. It’s not a car you’d take to a track day, but for daily driving, it’s stable and predictable. The regenerative braking system adds a fun twist. There are four levels of regen, from coasting (Level 0) to one-pedal driving (Level 3). I usually set it to Level 2 or 3 in the city—it’s great for stop-and-go traffic and helps extend range.

Noise and Vibration

One of the best things about electric cars is how quiet they are, and the Soul EV is no exception. At low speeds, it’s almost silent. You hear a faint hum from the motor, but that’s it. At highway speeds, wind and tire noise become noticeable, but the cabin is well-insulated. I didn’t notice any unusual vibrations or rattles, even on rough roads. It’s a peaceful place to be—perfect for long commutes or just enjoying your music without engine noise.

Range, Charging, and Efficiency: Real-World Numbers

EPA-Estimated Range

The 2018 Kia Soul EV comes with a 30-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an EPA-estimated range of **111 miles** on a full charge. That was decent for 2018—better than the first-gen Nissan Leaf (84 miles) but behind the Chevrolet Bolt (238 miles). In real-world driving, I found the range to be closer to **95–105 miles**, depending on driving style, temperature, and use of climate control.

For example, on a mild spring day with moderate speeds and the AC off, I got 108 miles. But during a cold winter weekend with the heater cranked up, it dropped to about 90 miles. This is normal for EVs—cold weather reduces battery efficiency. If you live in a region with harsh winters, plan accordingly.

Charging Options and Times

The Soul EV supports both Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) charging. It also has a DC fast-charging port (CHAdeMO), which is a big advantage over some competitors.

• Level 1 (120V): Adds about 2–3 miles of range per hour. A full charge takes ~24 hours. Only useful in emergencies or if you have all night.
• Level 2 (240V): Adds ~25 miles of range per hour. A full charge takes ~5 hours. Ideal for home charging or public stations.
• DC Fast Charging (CHAdeMO): Recharges the battery to 80% in ~33 minutes. Great for road trips or topping up during errands.

One tip: Use the Kia UVO app to schedule charging during off-peak hours. It saves money and reduces strain on the grid. I charged at night (when electricity rates were lower) and always woke up to a full battery.

Energy Consumption and Efficiency

The Soul EV has an EPA rating of **105 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent)** combined. That’s efficient for a compact SUV. In my week of mixed driving, I averaged **110 MPGe**, which was slightly better than the EPA estimate. This efficiency comes from the car’s lightweight design and aerodynamic features like the closed grille and underbody panels.

Pro tip: Use the “Eco” driving mode. It softens acceleration and optimizes energy use. I found it added about 5–10 miles to my range with minimal impact on performance.

Safety, Reliability, and Ownership Experience

Standard and Available Safety Features

The 2018 Soul EV comes with a solid suite of safety tech, even by today’s standards. Standard features include:

• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

The FCW and AEB systems worked well in my testing. The car gave a loud beep and a visual warning when a slow-moving vehicle appeared ahead. On one occasion, it even applied the brakes when I wasn’t paying attention. The BSM system was reliable—no false alarms or missed detections.

One missing feature? Adaptive cruise control. It wasn’t available on the 2018 model, which is a shame for highway driving. But for city and suburban use, the standard features are more than enough.

Crash Test Ratings

The NHTSA gave the 2018 Kia Soul (including the EV) a **5-star overall safety rating**. The IIHS rated it “Good” in most categories, though it missed out on a Top Safety Pick due to headlight performance (a common issue with older EVs). The Soul EV’s battery pack is well-protected, with a reinforced structure around the floor. Kia also offers a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on the battery—one of the best in the industry.

Reliability and Maintenance

Kia has a reputation for reliability, and the Soul EV is no exception. The electric drivetrain has fewer moving parts than a gas engine, which means less maintenance. No oil changes, no spark plugs, no transmission fluid. Just tire rotations, brake inspections, and cabin air filter replacements.

I spoke with a few owners at a local EV meetup. Most reported no major issues after 3–4 years of ownership. A few mentioned minor software glitches with the infotainment system, but nothing that required a trip to the dealer. The biggest concern? Battery degradation. After 50,000 miles, some owners saw a 10–15% drop in range. Still, 85–90 miles is plenty for daily use.

Value and Competition: Is the 2018 Soul EV Worth It?

Pricing and Trim Levels

The 2018 Kia Soul EV was offered in two trims: **EV-e** and **EV**. The base EV-e started at $33,950 (before federal and state incentives), while the EV trim (with more features) started at $35,950. After the $7,500 federal tax credit, the effective price dropped to $26,450–$28,450. That’s a great value for an EV with DC fast charging and a 10-year warranty.

Today, you can find used 2018 models for $12,000–$18,000, depending on mileage and condition. That’s a steal compared to newer EVs, which can cost twice as much.

How It Stacks Up Against Competitors

The Soul EV’s main rivals in 2018 were the **Nissan Leaf** and **Chevrolet Bolt**. Here’s how they compare:

Model	Range (EPA)	Starting Price	DC Fast Charging	Warranty (Battery)
Kia Soul EV 2018	111 miles	$33,950	Yes (CHAdeMO)	10-year/100,000-mile
Nissan Leaf 2018	150 miles (SV/SL)	$29,990	Yes (CHAdeMO)	5-year/60,000-mile
Chevrolet Bolt EV 2018	238 miles	$37,495	Yes (CCS)	8-year/100,000-mile

The Bolt wins on range and the Leaf on price, but the Soul EV offers a unique blend of style, practicality, and long-term value. It’s also one of the few EVs with a hatchback design, which is great for cargo.

Who Should Buy the 2018 Kia Soul EV?

The Kia Soul Electric car 2018 is ideal for:

• Urban drivers with short commutes
• Families needing a second car for errands
• EV newbies who want a reliable, low-maintenance vehicle
• Buyers on a budget who still want modern features

It’s not for long-distance travelers or those who need luxury. But for daily driving, it’s a fantastic choice.

Final Thoughts: A Hidden Gem in the EV World

The 2018 Kia Soul EV won’t win any awards for range or speed, but it does something more important: it makes electric driving accessible, fun, and practical. It’s quirky, reliable, and packed with features that matter—like DC fast charging, a great warranty, and a spacious interior. I’ll never forget the smile on my face when I realized I could drive all week on a single charge (with a few top-ups at work).

If you’re considering an electric car, don’t overlook the Soul EV. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend $50,000 to go electric. With its low ownership costs, strong safety ratings, and charming personality, the Kia Soul Electric car 2018 is a smart, sensible choice—especially in today’s used EV market. It’s not perfect, but for what it is, it’s pretty close.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the range of the 2018 Kia Soul Electric Car?

The 2018 Kia Soul Electric offers an EPA-estimated range of 111 miles on a full charge, making it suitable for daily commutes and urban driving. This range is competitive for its class at the time of release.

How long does it take to charge the 2018 Kia Soul EV?

Using a 240V Level 2 charger, the 2018 Kia Soul Electric reaches a full charge in about 5–6 hours. With a standard 120V household outlet, charging can take over 24 hours.

What are the standout features of the 2018 Kia Soul Electric Car?

The 2018 Kia Soul Electric includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, heated seats, and a suite of driver aids like rear cross-traffic alert. Its boxy design also maximizes interior space and cargo capacity.

Is the 2018 Kia Soul Electric Car available nationwide?

Initially, the 2018 Kia Soul EV was only available in select U.S. states with zero-emission vehicle mandates, such as California and Oregon. Availability varied by region due to its niche market focus.

How does the 2018 Kia Soul Electric perform in cold weather?

Cold weather can reduce the 2018 Kia Soul Electric’s range by up to 30–40% due to battery efficiency loss and cabin heating demands. Preconditioning the battery while plugged in helps mitigate this issue.

What is the price of a used 2018 Kia Soul Electric Car?

As of recent data, a used 2018 Kia Soul Electric typically ranges from $12,000 to $16,000, depending on condition, mileage, and included features. It remains a budget-friendly EV option in the used market.