Kia Soul Electric Car Reviews Expert Insights and Performance Breakdown

The Kia Soul EV stands out in the compact electric SUV segment with its spacious interior, zippy acceleration, and up to 250 miles of range. Praised by experts for its user-friendly tech, smooth ride, and bold styling, the Soul EV delivers strong value—though some rivals offer faster charging. A top pick for urban commuters seeking practicality and personality in one efficient package.

Key Takeaways

• Impressive range: Up to 243 miles on a single charge.
• Fast charging: 80% in under an hour with DC fast charging.
• Spacious interior: Roomy cabin with versatile cargo space.
• Smooth ride: Responsive handling and quiet electric powertrain.
• Tech-forward: Standard 10.25″ touchscreen with intuitive infotainment.
• Great value: Competitive pricing with generous warranty coverage.

The Kia Soul EV: A Fun, Quirky Electric Ride That Might Surprise You

Let’s be honest—when you think of electric cars, the first images that pop into your head are probably sleek Teslas or luxury SUVs with price tags that make your wallet weep. But what if I told you there’s an electric car out there that’s not only affordable but also fun? Enter the Kia Soul electric car—a boxy, bold, and surprisingly capable EV that’s been turning heads since its electric debut. I first saw one at a local coffee shop, parked next to a Tesla Model 3. At first glance, it looked like a cartoon character next to a spaceship. But after driving it for a week, I realized the Soul EV isn’t trying to be the most futuristic car on the block. It’s trying to be the most you.

Whether you’re a first-time EV buyer, a city dweller tired of gas station runs, or just someone who loves a car with personality, the Kia Soul EV deserves a closer look. It’s not perfect—no car is—but it strikes a rare balance between practicality, affordability, and that elusive “fun-to-drive” factor. In this deep dive, we’ll explore what makes the Kia Soul electric car stand out, from its zippy acceleration and quirky design to its real-world range and charging quirks. We’ll also look at what could be better, because let’s face it, even the coolest cars have their flaws. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s take a ride through the world of Kia Soul electric car reviews.

Design and Interior: Boxy, Bold, and Surprisingly Roomy

A Design That Dares to Be Different

Let’s start with the elephant in the room—or rather, the box in the driveway. The Kia Soul EV is unapologetically boxy. It’s not trying to blend in. It’s not trying to look like every other SUV. Instead, it embraces its “tall hatchback” silhouette with confidence. The front end features Kia’s signature “tiger nose” grille (though it’s closed off, since EVs don’t need airflow for cooling), flanked by sharp LED headlights. The rear has a full-width light bar that glows like a neon sign—perfect for standing out in a parking lot.

What’s surprising is how much personality this design packs. The two-tone paint options (like my test car’s white roof over a deep blue body) make it feel almost like a modern-day Mini Cooper. And the 17-inch alloy wheels with a turbine-like design? They’re not just for show—they help reduce drag, which is crucial for maximizing range.

Interior Space and Practicality

Step inside, and you’re greeted with a cabin that feels more spacious than you’d expect from a car this size. The high roofline means even tall drivers (I’m 6’1”) have plenty of headroom. The front seats are supportive and offer a commanding view of the road—great for city driving. Rear passengers get decent legroom, though it’s not limo-level. But here’s the real win: the Soul EV’s cargo space.

• Trunk capacity: 24.2 cubic feet (with rear seats up)
• With seats folded: 62.1 cubic feet
• Underfloor storage: A hidden compartment for cables or small items

For context, that’s more cargo space than a Nissan Leaf and nearly as much as the Hyundai Kona Electric. I fit a full-size stroller, a week’s worth of groceries, and a small suitcase with room to spare. The flat load floor and wide hatch opening make it easy to load bulky items—something my back thanked me for after a Costco run.

Tech and Comfort Features

The Soul EV doesn’t skimp on tech. The centerpiece is a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with crisp graphics and responsive software. It includes:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired, unfortunately)
• Navigation with EV routing (more on that later)
• Wireless phone charging pad (a godsend for forgetful folks like me)
• Six-speaker audio system (upgradable to a Harman Kardon system)

One standout feature is the “mood lighting” system, which lets you choose from 64 colors and even sync the lights to your music. It sounds gimmicky, but after a long day, coming home to a car that pulses softly to my favorite playlist? Pure joy. The seats are cloth (leather is optional), but they’re heated in the front—a nice touch for cold mornings.

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

Electric Powertrain: What’s Under the Hood?

The Kia Soul EV comes in two trims: the EV1 and the EV2 (in some markets, like the U.S., it’s simply called the “Soul EV” with a single powertrain). The U.S. model features a single permanent-magnet synchronous motor driving the front wheels, producing:

• Power: 201 horsepower
• Torque: 291 lb-ft (available instantly)
• 0-60 mph: Around 7.6 seconds

That might not sound like a lot compared to a Tesla, but in real-world driving, it feels fast. The instant torque means you can dart into traffic or pass slower cars with zero lag. I tested this on a busy highway merge—the Soul EV accelerated like it was on a caffeine drip. No gear shifts, no engine roar, just smooth, silent power.

Handling and Ride Quality

The Soul EV’s suspension is tuned for comfort, not sportiness. It soaks up bumps and potholes better than most EVs in its price range. But don’t expect it to handle like a sports car. The tall, boxy shape means there’s noticeable body roll in sharp corners. That said, the steering is light and precise—perfect for zipping through city streets or parallel parking.

One thing I loved: the regenerative braking system. You can adjust it using paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, from Level 0 (coasting like a gas car) to Level 3 (near one-pedal driving). I found Level 2 to be the sweet spot—it slows the car noticeably when I lift off the accelerator, but I don’t have to constantly tap the brake. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces brake wear.

Real-World Driving Scenarios

Here’s how the Soul EV performed in everyday situations:

• City driving: The high seating position and tight turning radius made it a breeze to navigate crowded streets. I could see over most SUVs, which helped at intersections.
• Highway cruising: The car feels stable at 70+ mph, though the boxy shape creates some wind noise. Adaptive cruise control (optional) helped on long stretches.
• Parking: The 360-degree camera system (on higher trims) made parallel parking in tight spots laughably easy. The rearview camera has dynamic guidelines that move with the steering wheel.

One tip: Use the “Eco” driving mode for city driving. It softens the throttle response and increases regenerative braking, helping you squeeze out extra miles. I averaged about 3.8 miles per kWh in mixed driving—better than the EPA estimate.

Range and Charging: How Far Can You Go?

Official Range vs. Real-World Numbers

The U.S. Kia Soul EV has an EPA-estimated range of 243 miles on a full charge. That’s competitive for its class—better than the Chevrolet Bolt EV (259 miles, but with a smaller battery) and the Nissan Leaf Plus (212 miles). But as with all EVs, real-world range varies. Here’s what I experienced:

• Mixed driving (city/highway): 220–230 miles
• Highway-only (70 mph, no climate control): 190–200 miles
• City-only (with climate control): 240–250 miles

The key takeaway? City driving is more efficient than highway driving for the Soul EV. That’s because the regenerative braking system recovers energy every time you slow down. On a 50-mile city loop, I used only 12 kWh of electricity—about 4.2 miles per kWh. But on a 50-mile highway trip at 70 mph, I used 15 kWh—just 3.3 miles per kWh.

Charging Options and Times

The Soul EV comes with a 64 kWh lithium-ion battery. Here’s how long it takes to charge using different methods:

Charging Method	Power Output	Time to 100% (Approx.)	Time to 80% (Approx.)
Level 1 (120V outlet)	1.4 kW	48 hours	38 hours
Level 2 (240V home charger)	7.2 kW	9 hours	7 hours
DC Fast Charging (50 kW)	50 kW	75 minutes	55 minutes
DC Fast Charging (100 kW)	100 kW	50 minutes	35 minutes

Pro tip: The Soul EV supports DC fast charging up to 100 kW, but it’s not a “high-speed” charger like a Tesla Supercharger. I tested a 100 kW charger at a shopping center and got from 20% to 80% in 38 minutes—not bad for a quick coffee and bathroom break.

Charging Network and Navigation

Kia includes a year of free charging at Electrify America stations (in the U.S.). The car’s built-in navigation can plan routes with charging stops, showing you the nearest stations and estimated charge times. I used this on a 200-mile trip and it worked flawlessly. The system even factored in my current battery level and driving speed.

One gripe: The infotainment system doesn’t always show real-time charger availability. I once arrived at a station only to find all chargers occupied. A quick check on the PlugShare app saved me a 20-minute wait. So, always cross-reference with a third-party app.

Technology and Safety: Packed with Features, But Not Perfect

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Soul EV’s 10.25-inch touchscreen is one of the best in its class. It’s fast, intuitive, and rarely lags. The home screen is customizable—I set mine to show navigation, battery level, and climate controls all at once. Voice commands work well for basic tasks (“Hey Kia, set temperature to 72”), but it struggles with complex requests.

A major downside: No wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. You have to plug in your phone, which is annoying if you’re used to wireless setups in newer cars. Kia says this is due to software limitations, but competitors like the Hyundai Kona Electric offer wireless connectivity.

Safety Features: What’s Included?

The Soul EV comes with Kia’s Drive Wise safety suite, which includes:

• Forward collision warning with automatic braking
• Lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Driver attention warning
• Adaptive cruise control (optional)

I tested the lane-keeping assist on a winding mountain road. It kept the car centered with gentle steering corrections—no jerky movements. The blind-spot monitoring is especially helpful in city traffic. When a car was in my blind spot, the side mirror flashed and a warning chime sounded.

However, the adaptive cruise control (ACC) has a quirk: It doesn’t work below 20 mph. That means it’s useless in stop-and-go traffic. I had to manually brake in a traffic jam, which defeats the purpose of ACC. Kia says this is a software limitation, and a future update may fix it.

Unique Tech Features

Two standout features worth mentioning:

1. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): The Soul EV can power external devices (like a coffee maker or laptop) using a special adapter. I used it to charge my laptop during a picnic—super handy!
2. Remote climate control: You can pre-heat or pre-cool the car using the Kia app. I set mine to warm up 10 minutes before leaving work on a cold day. The cabin was cozy by the time I got in.

Ownership Costs and Value: Is the Soul EV Worth It?

Pricing and Trims

The Kia Soul EV starts at around $34,000 (before federal tax credits). That’s competitive for an EV with this range and features. The base model includes:

• 10.25-inch touchscreen
• Wireless charging
• Heated front seats
• LED headlights
• DC fast charging capability

The higher trim adds:

• Harman Kardon audio
• Sunroof
• Ventilated front seats
• 360-degree camera
• Adaptive cruise control

Compared to rivals, the Soul EV offers more standard features for the price. The Nissan Leaf Plus starts at $32,000 but has less range and fewer tech features. The Chevrolet Bolt EV is cheaper ($26,500) but has a smaller cabin and less powerful motor.

Maintenance and Reliability

EVs are generally cheaper to maintain than gas cars. The Soul EV has:

• 10-year/100,000-mile battery warranty (covers capacity loss below 70%)
• 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty
• Free maintenance for 3 years/36,000 miles

I asked a local Kia service manager about common issues. He said the Soul EV has had few major problems, but some owners report:

• Minor software glitches (fixed with updates)
• Heated seat controls sometimes unresponsive
• DC fast charging port occasionally slow to engage

None of these are deal-breakers, but it’s good to know.

Long-Term Value

EVs depreciate faster than gas cars, but the Soul EV holds its value better than most. According to Edmunds, it retains about 50% of its value after 3 years—better than the Nissan Leaf (45%) and Chevrolet Bolt (40%). That’s partly due to Kia’s strong warranty and the car’s unique design.

One tip: Buy a used Soul EV. A 2-3 year old model can save you $8,000–$10,000 and still has most of the warranty left.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Kia Soul EV?

After weeks of driving, charging, and living with the Kia Soul EV, I can confidently say it’s one of the most underrated EVs on the market. It’s not the fastest, the sleekest, or the most high-tech. But it’s the one that puts a smile on your face every time you get in. The boxy design? It’s a conversation starter. The instant torque? It makes merging onto highways a thrill. The quirky tech? It feels like a car that gets you.

So who is the Soul EV for? If you’re:

• A city dweller who values cargo space and easy parking
• A first-time EV buyer who wants a low-stress transition
• Someone who hates gas stations and loves the idea of “refueling” at home
• A budget-conscious shopper who still wants premium features

…then the Kia Soul electric car is a fantastic choice. It’s not perfect—the lack of wireless CarPlay and limited ACC in traffic are real drawbacks. But the pros far outweigh the cons. The Soul EV isn’t just a car; it’s a statement. A statement that says, “I care about the planet, but I also want to have fun.”

And in a world of cookie-cutter EVs, that’s something worth celebrating. So if you’re in the market for an electric car that’s as unique as you are, take the Soul EV for a spin. You might just find it’s the one that fits your life—and your personality—perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the range of the Kia Soul EV on a single charge?

The Kia Soul Electric offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 243 miles on a full charge, making it a competitive option for daily commuting and short road trips. Real-world range may vary based on driving habits, terrain, and climate conditions.

How fast does the Kia Soul EV charge, and what charging options are available?

The Kia Soul EV supports DC fast charging, allowing an 80% charge in about 50 minutes, while Level 2 charging (240V) takes roughly 9.5 hours for a full charge. Home charging with a standard Level 1 (120V) outlet is possible but significantly slower.

Are Kia Soul electric car reviews positive about its performance and handling?

Yes, most Kia Soul electric car reviews praise its responsive electric motor, smooth acceleration, and nimble handling, especially in urban environments. The low center of gravity from the battery pack also enhances stability and cornering.

What are the standout tech and safety features in the Kia Soul EV?

The Soul EV comes standard with Kia’s UVO infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of advanced safety features like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offer a premium audio system and a 10.25-inch touchscreen.

How does the interior space and cargo capacity compare in the Kia Soul Electric?

The Kia Soul Electric retains the spacious, boxy design of the gas model, offering ample headroom and legroom for five passengers. Cargo space is competitive at 18.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 54.8 cubic feet with seats folded.

Is the Kia Soul EV a good value compared to other electric cars in its class?

With a competitive price point, strong standard feature set, and Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, the Soul EV delivers excellent value among subcompact electric SUVs. Kia Soul electric car reviews consistently highlight its balance of affordability, range, and practicality.