Kia Soul Electric Car Australia Review Top Features and Pricing

The Kia Soul Electric is a standout choice in Australia’s growing EV market, combining bold design, practical range, and strong value. With a 300+ km real-world range, fast-charging capability, and a feature-packed interior at a competitive price starting under $60,000, it’s a smart pick for urban and suburban drivers alike.

Key Takeaways

• Affordable pricing: Starts under AUD 50k, great value for an EV in Australia.
• 300km range: Sufficient for daily commutes and city driving with ease.
• Fast charging: 80% charge in 45 mins using DC fast chargers.
• Spacious interior: Roomy cabin and cargo space ideal for urban families.
• Strong warranty: 7-year unlimited km coverage ensures long-term peace of mind.
• Smart tech: 10.25″ touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard.

Kia Soul Electric Car Australia: A Fun and Practical EV for City Living

Picture this: You’re zipping through the streets of Melbourne on a crisp morning, the sun just peeking over the skyline. Your car is quiet, smooth, and surprisingly peppy. You’re not burning a drop of fuel, and your only emissions are a few happy thoughts. That’s the Kia Soul electric car Australia experience in a nutshell. With its boxy charm, quirky design, and growing reputation as a practical electric vehicle (EV), the Soul EV has quietly become a favorite among urban drivers who want style, efficiency, and a little bit of fun—without the guilt of a carbon footprint.

When I first saw the Kia Soul EV on the road, I thought, “That’s not a car—it’s a toaster with wheels.” But after spending time with it, I realized it’s more like a well-packed lunchbox: compact on the outside, surprisingly roomy on the inside, and full of smart surprises. As Australia’s EV market heats up—with charging stations popping up like cafes in Sydney’s Inner West—the Kia Soul electric car Australia stands out not just for its looks, but for its real-world usability. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend adventurer, or someone just dipping their toes into the EV world, this little electric box deserves a closer look.

Design and Exterior: Quirky Looks That Actually Make Sense

A Box With Personality

Let’s be honest: the Kia Soul electric car Australia isn’t going to win any “Most Aerodynamic” awards. Its tall, boxy silhouette looks more like a futuristic delivery van than a sleek sports car. But that’s the point. The Soul EV embraces its uniqueness. It’s like that friend who shows up to a party in a bright yellow jacket and owns it. You can’t help but smile.

The design isn’t just for show. The upright stance and high roofline create an airy cabin, making it feel much larger than it is. The front fascia features Kia’s signature “tiger-nose” grille—though in the EV version, it’s closed off since there’s no engine to cool. LED headlights and daytime running lights wrap around the corners, giving it a wide, confident stance. The charging port is neatly tucked behind a panel on the front left fender, a small but thoughtful touch that keeps the design clean.

Color Me Happy

One of the joys of the Soul EV is the color options. In Australia, you can choose from bold hues like Clear White, Gravity Grey, Snow White Pearl, and the eye-catching Runaway Red. There’s even a two-tone roof option on higher trims, adding a playful contrast. I once saw a Soul EV in Runaway Red with a black roof parked outside a Bondi café, and it looked like it belonged in a Wes Anderson movie—quirky, stylish, and full of character.

And let’s talk wheels. The 17-inch alloy wheels are standard, with a unique turbine design that not only looks cool but helps with aerodynamics. They’re wrapped in eco-friendly tires designed to reduce rolling resistance—another small win for efficiency.

Size and Practicality

At 4,195mm long and 1,800mm wide, the Soul EV is compact enough to squeeze into tight city parking spots, yet tall enough to offer excellent visibility. I’ve used it in Sydney’s CBD, where parallel parking is a contact sport, and the Soul’s tight turning circle and upright seating made it surprisingly easy to maneuver.

The rear hatch opens high and wide, making it a breeze to load groceries, bikes, or even a small kayak (yes, I’ve tried—it fits with the seats folded). The boxy shape means you get vertical space, not just floor space. Think of it as a mini-SUV that doesn’t drive like one.

Interior and Technology: Where Comfort Meets Innovation

Spacious and Smart

Climb inside, and the first thing you notice is how much space there is. Despite its compact footprint, the Kia Soul electric car Australia feels roomy. The high roofline gives you plenty of headroom, even if you’re over six feet tall. The seats are supportive and offer good lumbar adjustment—important for longer drives.

The cabin uses soft-touch materials in key areas, with piano-black accents and metal-look trim adding a premium feel. It’s not luxury-car level, but it’s far from cheap. The seats are cloth on the base model and synthetic leather on higher trims, both of which are easy to clean and surprisingly durable.

Infotainment That Actually Works

The centerpiece is an 8-inch touchscreen with Kia’s latest UVO Connect system. It’s intuitive, responsive, and—crucially—supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly. That means no more fiddling with cables every time you get in. Just hop in, and your phone connects automatically.

The system also includes built-in navigation with real-time traffic updates, which is a godsend in rush-hour Brisbane. I’ve used it to reroute around a sudden road closure on the M1, and it recalculated the route in seconds. Voice commands work well too—try saying, “Hey Kia, find the nearest charging station,” and it’ll pull up options within seconds.

Digital Driver Display and Sound

The driver gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that’s fully customizable. You can switch between different views—energy flow, navigation, media, or a clean speed-only mode. It’s bright, clear, and doesn’t wash out in direct sunlight.

Audio lovers will appreciate the Harman Kardon sound system (standard on higher trims). It’s not concert-hall quality, but it delivers crisp highs and decent bass. I played my favorite playlist on a drive to the Blue Mountains, and the speakers handled everything from acoustic folk to electronic beats without distortion.

Small But Smart Details

Kia didn’t skimp on thoughtful touches. The wireless phone charger is well-positioned, and the USB-C and USB-A ports ensure compatibility with older and newer devices. The rear seats have air vents—rare in this segment—and there’s even a small storage bin in the center console for coins or parking passes.

One feature I love? The “mood lighting” that subtly changes color based on your music or driving mode. It’s not gimmicky—it actually makes the cabin feel more relaxing at night.

Performance and Driving Experience: Zippy, Smooth, and Surprisingly Capable

Power and Range: Real-World Numbers

The Kia Soul electric car Australia comes with a 64 kWh lithium-ion battery and a single electric motor driving the front wheels. It produces 150 kW (201 horsepower) and 395 Nm of torque. That might not sound like a lot, but electric motors deliver all their torque instantly—so the Soul EV feels fast off the line.

Official range is 452 km (WLTP), but real-world driving in mixed conditions (city, highway, hills) typically gives you 380–400 km. I did a full test in Perth: 120 km of city driving, 80 km on the freeway, and 50 km on winding coastal roads. After 250 km, I had 42% battery left. That’s solid for a car this size.

Tip: Use the “Eco” mode for city driving—it softens acceleration and boosts regenerative braking, helping you squeeze out more range. I once managed 410 km on a full charge by driving in Eco and using coasting techniques.

Regenerative Braking: Your Secret Range Extender

The Soul EV has four levels of regenerative braking, controlled by steering-mounted paddles. Level 0 is coasting; Level 3 is strong one-pedal driving. I’ve gotten used to driving in Level 2 or 3, especially in traffic. The car slows down dramatically when you lift off the accelerator, so you barely need to use the brake pedal.

Pro tip: In stop-and-go traffic, use Level 3. It reduces brake wear and recaptures more energy. I’ve seen my energy consumption drop by up to 15% using this technique.

Handling and Ride Quality

The Soul EV isn’t a sports car, but it’s more fun to drive than you’d expect. The steering is light and precise, perfect for city weaving. The suspension is tuned for comfort—absorbing potholes and speed bumps with ease. I drove over a particularly rough section of road in Adelaide, and the car didn’t bounce or feel unsettled.

That said, on twisty mountain roads, the tall shape means more body roll. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re used to a low-slung sedan, you’ll notice the difference. The trade-off? The high seating position gives you excellent visibility, and the compact size makes it easy to place on narrow roads.

Quiet and Refined

One of the best things about electric cars is how quiet they are. The Soul EV is no exception. At city speeds, it’s whisper-quiet. At highway speeds, there’s some wind noise from the side mirrors, but it’s not intrusive. The electric motor hums softly—more like a background tone than a roar.

Kia has added some subtle sound enhancement in Sport mode, which gives a futuristic “whoosh” effect. It’s not loud, but it adds a bit of excitement. I leave it off most of the time—I prefer the silence.

Charging and Practicality: Making EV Life Easy

Charging Speeds and Options

The Soul EV supports both AC and DC fast charging. With a standard 7.2 kW home charger (Type 2), a full charge takes about 9 hours—perfect for overnight charging. I plug mine in when I get home, and it’s ready to go by morning.

For faster charging, the car can handle up to 50 kW on a DC fast charger. That means you can go from 10% to 80% in about 45 minutes. I’ve used this at shopping centers in Brisbane and Melbourne—grab a coffee, check your email, and you’re back on the road with 300+ km of range.

Tip: Use apps like PlugShare or Chargefox to find and navigate to charging stations. They show real-time availability, pricing, and user reviews.

Home Charging Setup

If you’re new to EVs, setting up home charging is easier than you think. Most Australian homes can handle a 7.2 kW charger with a simple electrical upgrade. Kia partners with companies like JetCharge to offer installation services—often with government rebates available.

I installed a charger in my driveway for around $1,800, including a $600 rebate. Now I charge for about 10 cents per kWh (off-peak), compared to $2+ per liter for petrol. Over a year, that saves me over $1,500.

Everyday Practicality

The Soul EV has a 315-liter boot—bigger than a Honda Jazz and enough for a weekend trip. Fold the rear seats, and you get 1,335 liters. I’ve fit a full-sized suitcase, a bike, and a week’s worth of groceries without a problem.

Rear seat space is decent for two adults, tight for three. Legroom is okay, but taller passengers might want more. The rear doors open wide, making it easy for kids to get in and out.

One small gripe: the rear window is small, and the high rear pillars create blind spots. The standard reversing camera and sensors help, but I’d recommend the optional blind-spot monitoring for extra peace of mind.

Pricing and Value: Is the Kia Soul EV Worth It in Australia?

Trim Levels and Pricing

In Australia, the Kia Soul electric car Australia comes in two main trims: EV and EV GT-Line. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Trim	Price (Driveaway, approx.)	Key Features
EV	$64,990	8″ touchscreen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, cloth seats, 17″ alloys, keyless entry, rear camera
EV GT-Line	$69,990	All EV features + synthetic leather seats, heated front seats, power driver’s seat, Harman Kardon sound, mood lighting, sunroof, two-tone roof (optional)

These prices are before any state or federal incentives. Some states offer rebates—like $3,000 in Victoria or $3,500 in New South Wales. That brings the effective price down to around $61,000–$66,000, which is competitive for a 450-km range EV.

Running Costs and Incentives

Let’s talk money. The Soul EV is cheap to run. Electricity costs about $0.25/kWh on average. For 450 km of range, that’s about $16 per “tank.” Compare that to a petrol car averaging 7L/100km and $2.20/L—that’s $70 for the same distance.

Servicing is simpler too. No oil changes, no spark plugs. Kia offers a 7-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, and the battery is covered for 8 years/160,000 km. Annual servicing costs around $300–$400—less than half of a petrol car.

Plus, you get free charging at some public stations (like Chargefox’s network) and access to priority parking spots in some cities. In Perth, I once got a prime spot at the airport because it was marked “EV Only.”

Resale Value and Longevity

Kia has a solid reputation for reliability, and the Soul EV’s battery tech is proven. Early models (2020–2021) still hold around 60–70% of their value after three years, which is strong for an EV.

One thing to note: the battery capacity may degrade slightly over time. Most owners report 5–8% loss after 50,000 km, which is normal. Kia’s warranty covers significant degradation, so you’re protected.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Kia Soul EV in Australia?

After months of driving the Kia Soul electric car Australia, I can say this: it’s not perfect, but it’s one of the most likeable EVs on the market. It’s not trying to be a Tesla or a luxury sedan. It’s a fun, practical, no-nonsense electric car that fits perfectly into Australian city life.

If you’re a city dweller who wants a stylish, efficient daily driver with enough range for weekend trips, the Soul EV is a fantastic choice. It’s easy to park, fun to drive, and packed with tech. The quirky design grows on you—and the more you drive it, the more you appreciate its smart compromises.

The GT-Line trim is worth the extra $5,000 if you value comfort and sound quality. But even the base model is well-equipped. And with potential rebates and low running costs, it’s a smart long-term investment.

Is it for everyone? If you need AWD, more than 400 km of real-world range, or space for five adults on long trips, look at the Kia EV6 or Hyundai Kona Electric. But if you want a cheerful, efficient, and uniquely styled EV that makes you smile every time you get in—then the Kia Soul electric car Australia might just be your perfect match.

So, next time you’re stuck in traffic, watching petrol prices climb and your wallet shrink, imagine gliding past in a quiet, zero-emission box on wheels. That’s the Soul EV life. And honestly? It’s pretty sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the driving range of the Kia Soul Electric Car in Australia?

The Kia Soul EV offers an official driving range of up to 386 km (WLTP) on a single charge, making it suitable for daily commutes and weekend trips across Australian cities. Real-world range may vary depending on driving habits and climate conditions.

How much does the Kia Soul Electric Car cost in Australia?

The Kia Soul Electric Car starts at around AUD $54,990 before on-road costs, positioning it as a competitively priced option in the Australian compact EV segment. Pricing may vary by state due to local EV incentives and rebates.

Is the Kia Soul EV available in all Australian states?

Yes, the Kia Soul Electric Car is available for purchase nationwide through Kia Australia’s dealer network, though stock availability may vary by region. It’s recommended to contact local dealers for test drives and delivery timelines.

What charging options does the Kia Soul Electric Car support?

The Kia Soul EV supports both AC and DC fast charging, allowing a 10-80% charge in as little as 45 minutes with a 100kW DC fast charger. It also includes a standard Type 2 (Mennekes) connector for home and public AC charging.

What are the standout features of the Kia Soul Electric Car in Australia?

The Kia Soul Electric Car Australia model includes standout features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated seats, adaptive cruise control, and a bold, boxy design. Its practical interior and 5-star ANCAP safety rating add to its appeal.

Does the Kia Soul EV come with a warranty in Australia?

Yes, the Kia Soul Electric Car comes with Kia’s industry-leading 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty, including coverage for the high-voltage battery. This provides long-term peace of mind for Australian EV buyers.