Kia Soul Electric Car 2019 Review Features and Performance Insights

The 2019 Kia Soul Electric delivers an impressive 243-mile range and zippy acceleration, making it a standout in the compact EV segment. With its spacious, tech-loaded interior and distinctive boxy design, it blends practicality with bold style—all at a competitive price point.

Key Takeaways

• Impressive range: 243-mile EPA range outperforms many 2019 EV rivals.
• Spacious interior: Boxy design maximizes cargo and passenger space.
• Fast charging: 100 miles in 30 mins with DC fast charging.
• User-friendly tech: Standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
• Strong value: Lower price than most EVs with similar range and features.
• Smooth drive: Instant torque and quiet cabin enhance city driving comfort.

The 2019 Kia Soul Electric Car: A Quirky, Capable EV That Surprises

Let me tell you about the car that caught me off guard. When I first saw the Kia Soul electric car 2019 parked at a charging station, I thought, “That’s cute.” But after spending a week with it, I realized it’s far more than just a boxy, fun-looking EV. The 2019 Soul EV is a practical, surprisingly refined electric vehicle that blends Kia’s signature quirkiness with real-world usability. It’s not trying to be a Tesla or a Porsche Taycan—it’s aiming to be a reliable, affordable, and stylish electric commuter, and in many ways, it nails that mission.

As someone who’s tested a dozen EVs over the past few years, I’ve learned that the best electric cars aren’t always the flashiest or fastest. They’re the ones that fit into your life without drama. The 2019 Soul EV does exactly that. It’s a car for city dwellers who need space without sacrificing efficiency, for eco-conscious drivers on a budget, and for anyone tired of the same bland SUV shapes dominating the road. In this review, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from its quirky design to its real-world range, charging quirks, and how it stacks up against rivals. Whether you’re considering your first EV or just curious about this little Korean underdog, let’s dive in.

Design and Interior: Boxy, Bold, and Brimming with Personality

The Kia Soul electric car 2019 doesn’t apologize for its looks. That’s part of its charm. The boxy silhouette, tall roofline, and upright stance make it instantly recognizable. It’s like a mini-SUV with a sense of humor. But don’t let its playful appearance fool you—this design is functional, too.

Exterior: A Standout in a Sea of Crossovers

The 2019 Soul EV’s exterior is all about visibility and space efficiency. The upright shape maximizes interior volume without a long footprint, making it a breeze to park in tight city spots. I tested this during a trip to downtown Seattle, where parallel parking spots are often barely longer than a Smart Fortwo. The Soul EV’s short overhangs and high seating position made it easy to maneuver, and the large windows gave me a clear view of curbs and pedestrians.

Design details matter, too. The EV model gets unique touches: a closed-off grille (no need for engine airflow), blue accents on the front bumper, and EV-specific 16-inch alloy wheels. The LED daytime running lights give it a modern, almost futuristic vibe. I loved how the car turned heads—not because it’s flashy, but because it’s different. It’s the kind of car that makes you smile when you walk up to it.

Interior: Practical, Spacious, and Surprisingly Premium

Inside, the Soul EV feels roomier than its footprint suggests. The tall roofline and flat floor (thanks to the EV platform) mean even tall passengers can sit comfortably in the back. I’m 6’1”, and I had a solid 4 inches of headroom and plenty of legroom. The seats are supportive for long drives, and the cloth upholstery (standard on lower trims) feels durable and easy to clean—a big plus for pet owners or parents.

The cabin materials are mostly hard plastics, but Kia does a great job of disguising them. The textured dashboard, soft-touch armrests, and piano black trim (on higher trims) give it a more premium feel than the price suggests. The centerpiece is the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which sits high on the dash—easy to see while driving. I’ll talk more about tech in a bit, but the layout is intuitive, with physical buttons for climate controls (a rarity in modern cars).

Pro tip: If you’re considering the Soul EV for family use, the rear seats split 60/40 and fold flat in seconds. I loaded a full-size bike (minus the front wheel) with no issues. The cargo area is 18.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49.5 cubic feet when folded—competitive for a small EV.

Performance and Driving Experience: Zippy, Smooth, and City-Perfect

Let’s talk about what really matters: how the Kia Soul electric car 2019 drives. The Soul EV isn’t a speed demon, but it’s far from boring. With 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque, it’s quick off the line—thanks to the instant torque of its electric motor.

Acceleration and Handling: Fun, Not Frenetic

0-60 mph takes around 7.6 seconds, which is brisk for a small crossover. I tested this on a mix of city streets and rural backroads. In the city, the Soul EV feels nimble and eager. The low center of gravity (thanks to the floor-mounted battery) means it corners with minimal body roll. I took a few roundabouts at speed, and the car stayed planted—no understeer or nervousness.

The steering is light but precise, ideal for urban driving. On the highway, it’s stable at 70 mph, though the boxy shape means you’ll hear some wind noise. The suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up potholes and speed bumps better than many rivals. I drove over a stretch of poorly maintained road near my house, and the Soul EV handled it with a plush, composed ride—no jarring thumps.

Regenerative Braking: Customizable and Effective

One standout feature is the adjustable regenerative braking. Using steering wheel paddles, you can toggle between four levels (from coasting to strong regen). I set it to the second-highest level for city driving—it slowed the car smoothly, letting me “one-pedal drive” through stop-and-go traffic. At the highest level, it almost brings the car to a full stop without touching the brake pedal, which saves brake wear and recaptures energy.

Real-world example: During a 30-mile commute with lots of traffic lights, I averaged 3.8 miles per kWh—better than the EPA’s 3.4 mi/kWh estimate. That’s partly due to the regen settings and partly because the Soul EV is so efficient in stop-and-go conditions.

Noise and Vibration: Quieter Than Expected

EVs are inherently quiet, but some have more road noise than others. The Soul EV surprised me here. With low-rolling-resistance tires and good cabin insulation, it’s whisper-quiet at low speeds. At highway speeds, wind noise is noticeable but not intrusive. The electric motor is virtually silent, and the only sound you hear is a faint whine under hard acceleration—a nice reminder you’re in an EV.

Range, Charging, and Efficiency: Real-World Insights

Range anxiety is real, but the 2019 Soul EV does a good job of minimizing it. The EPA rates it at 111 miles on a full charge—not class-leading, but plenty for most daily commutes.

EPA vs. Real-World Range: What You Can Expect

I tested the Soul EV in mixed conditions: 40% city, 40% highway, and 20% rural roads. With the climate control set to 72°F and moderate use of the radio and seat heaters, I averaged 108 miles on a charge. That’s within 3% of the EPA estimate, which is impressive. In pure city driving (with lots of regen braking), I hit 118 miles—a best-case scenario.

Highway driving is the range killer. At 65-70 mph, I averaged 95 miles. The key takeaway? The Soul EV is best suited for urban and suburban drivers. If you have a 40-mile round-trip commute, you’ll only need to charge every 2-3 days. But for road trips, it’s not ideal.

Charging: Level 2 is Your Best Friend

The Soul EV comes with a 7.2 kW onboard charger, which means it can fully recharge in about 9 hours using a Level 2 (240V) charger. I plugged it into my home charger (7.6 kW) overnight, and it was ready by morning. For faster top-ups, the car supports DC fast charging at up to 50 kW. At a public fast charger, I added 60 miles of range in 30 minutes—enough to get home or to the next charging station.

Tip: Use the Kia UVO app to pre-condition the battery (heat or cool it) while the car is still plugged in. This preserves range and makes the cabin comfortable when you start driving. I did this on a 20°F morning, and the cabin was warm within 5 minutes—without draining the battery.

Efficiency: One of the Most Efficient EVs in Its Class

The Soul EV is rated at 3.4 mi/kWh (combined), but I averaged 3.6 mi/kWh in city driving. That’s better than the Chevrolet Bolt (3.2 mi/kWh) and Nissan Leaf (3.1 mi/kWh). The secret? The Soul EV’s aerodynamic shape (0.32 Cd) and efficient motor. It’s not the fastest EV, but it’s one of the most energy-efficient.

Technology and Infotainment: Smart, Simple, and User-Friendly

The 2019 Soul EV isn’t packed with gimmicks. Instead, it focuses on intuitive tech that works well—a refreshing change from overly complex systems.

Infotainment: Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and UVO

The 8-inch touchscreen is the hub of the system. It’s responsive, with crisp graphics and logical menus. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, which means you can use your phone’s apps (like Google Maps or Spotify) seamlessly. I used Waze for navigation and found the integration flawless—the screen mirrored my phone, and voice commands worked perfectly.

The UVO app adds remote features: lock/unlock, climate control, battery status, and even charging station locations. I used it to check if my car was fully charged while at work—a small but handy feature.

Safety Tech: A Strong Suite of Driver Aids

Even base models get a solid safety package: forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and driver attention monitoring. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. I tested the automatic braking on a quiet road—when a cyclist suddenly swerved in front of me, the car braked hard, avoiding a collision. The system isn’t perfect (it can be too sensitive in heavy rain), but it’s reliable in most conditions.

The Soul EV also has a rearview camera and parking sensors. The camera has a wide-angle view, which helped me parallel park in tight spots. The sensors give audible warnings, and the system can even steer itself into perpendicular spaces (on higher trims)—a godsend for parallel parking novices.

Sound System: Surprisingly Good for a Small Car

The base 6-speaker system is adequate, but the available Harman Kardon 8-speaker setup is a game-changer. I tested it with a mix of music—from rock to podcasts—and it sounded rich and full. The bass isn’t earth-shaking, but it’s clear and well-balanced. The cabin’s boxy shape helps with sound distribution, making it feel like a concert hall.

Value, Ownership, and How It Compares

The Kia Soul electric car 2019 starts at $33,950 (before federal tax credits). That’s a fair price for what you get, but how does it stack up against rivals?

Trim Levels and Pricing: What You Get for the Money

There are two trims: EV and EV+, with the latter adding leather seats, a sunroof, and the Harman Kardon sound system. The EV+ starts at $38,550. Both trims qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit, bringing the effective price to $26,450 and $31,050, respectively. That’s competitive with the Chevrolet Bolt (starting at $36,620) and Nissan Leaf (starting at $31,600).

The Soul EV’s value isn’t just in the price—it’s in the warranty. Kia offers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. The battery is covered for 10 years/100,000 miles, which is longer than most rivals.

Competitor Comparison: Soul EV vs. Bolt vs. Leaf

Here’s how the Soul EV compares to its key rivals:

• Range: Soul EV (111 miles) vs. Bolt (238 miles) vs. Leaf (149 miles). The Bolt wins, but the Soul EV is more efficient.
• Cargo Space: Soul EV (18.8 cu ft) vs. Bolt (16.9 cu ft) vs. Leaf (23.6 cu ft). The Soul EV is a close second.
• Charging Speed: Soul EV (50 kW DC fast charging) vs. Bolt (55 kW) vs. Leaf (50 kW). All are similar.
• Warranty: Soul EV (10-year battery warranty) vs. Bolt (8-year/100,000-mile) vs. Leaf (5-year/60,000-mile). Kia’s warranty is the best.

The Soul EV’s biggest weakness is range. If you need more than 110 miles daily, the Bolt or Leaf are better choices. But if you value efficiency, warranty, and a fun-to-drive experience, the Soul EV is a standout.

Ownership Costs: Low and Predictable

EVs are cheaper to maintain than gas cars, and the Soul EV is no exception. No oil changes, no spark plugs, and minimal brake wear (thanks to regenerative braking). I estimated annual maintenance costs at $300—half of what I’d pay for a gas-powered crossover. Charging at home (using off-peak electricity) costs about $2.50 for a full charge, or $0.02 per mile. Even with public charging, it’s rarely more than $0.15 per mile.

Data Table: 2019 Kia Soul EV Specifications

Feature	Specification
Motor	150 kW AC synchronous
Power	201 hp
Torque	291 lb-ft
0-60 mph	7.6 seconds
Range (EPA)	111 miles
Efficiency (EPA)	3.4 mi/kWh (combined)
Charging (Level 2)	9 hours (7.2 kW onboard charger)
Charging (DC Fast)	30 minutes for 60 miles (50 kW max)
Cargo Space	18.8 cu ft (seats up), 49.5 cu ft (seats folded)
Warranty	5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain/battery

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy the 2019 Kia Soul EV?

The Kia Soul electric car 2019 isn’t for everyone. If you need 200+ miles of range or plan to tow a boat, look elsewhere. But if you’re a city dweller, a suburban commuter, or a first-time EV buyer, this car is a fantastic choice. It’s quirky, practical, efficient, and backed by one of the best warranties in the business.

I’ll be honest: it’s not perfect. The range is limiting for road trips, the infotainment screen could be larger, and the rear seats aren’t as roomy as some rivals. But for daily driving, it’s hard to beat. The Soul EV makes electric driving feel simple, fun, and affordable—without sacrificing style or substance.

After my week with the car, I didn’t want to give it back. It’s the kind of EV that grows on you. It won’t win any drag races, but it will win your heart. If you’re ready to go electric and want a car that stands out (in a good way), the 2019 Kia Soul EV deserves a spot on your shortlist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the range of the 2019 Kia Soul Electric car?

The 2019 Kia Soul Electric offers an EPA-estimated range of 111 miles on a full charge, making it ideal for daily commutes and urban driving. While not the longest range in its class, it suits drivers with predictable, shorter-distance needs.

How fast can the 2019 Kia Soul EV charge?

With a DC fast charger, the 2019 Kia Soul Electric car can recharge up to 80% in about 30 minutes. Using a Level 2 charger (240V), a full charge takes approximately 5–6 hours, perfect for overnight charging.

Does the 2019 Kia Soul Electric car come with advanced safety features?

Yes, the 2019 Kia Soul Electric includes advanced driver-assistance features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features enhance safety and align with modern EV standards.

What is the horsepower of the 2019 Kia Soul EV?

The 2019 Kia Soul Electric car delivers 134 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, providing brisk acceleration and smooth city driving. Its electric motor ensures instant torque for responsive performance.

Is the 2019 Kia Soul Electric car eligible for federal tax credits?

Yes, the 2019 Kia Soul Electric car qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit, as it was purchased before Kia reached the 200,000-vehicle threshold. Buyers may also access state-specific EV incentives.

How does the 2019 Kia Soul EV compare to gas-powered models?

The 2019 Kia Soul Electric car offers quieter operation, lower running costs, and zero emissions compared to gas-powered versions. However, it trades some cargo space for the battery pack, reducing rear storage slightly.