Kia Soul Electric Car UK Review Top Features and Benefits

The Kia Soul Electric Car UK delivers an impressive blend of practicality, efficiency, and standout design, making it a top contender in the compact EV market. With a 280-mile range and rapid charging capability, it’s perfect for urban commutes and longer journeys, while its spacious interior and advanced tech features offer exceptional value. Backed by Kia’s 7-year warranty, the Soul EV proves reliability and innovation go hand in hand.

Key Takeaways

• Zero emissions: Drive eco-friendly with full electric powertrain and 280-mile range.
• Fast charging: Recharge 80% in 45 mins using rapid public chargers.
• Spacious interior: Enjoy generous cabin and boot space for urban and family use.
• Smart tech: Benefit from Kia’s intuitive infotainment and driver-assist features.
• Low running costs: Save on tax, fuel, and maintenance vs. petrol models.
• 7-year warranty: Gain peace of mind with Kia’s industry-leading coverage.

The Kia Soul Electric Car UK: A Quirky, Capable EV for Modern Drivers

When I first saw the Kia Soul Electric Car UK on the road, I did a double-take. Its boxy, almost cartoonish design stood out like a friendly robot from the future. But beyond that eye-catching look, I wondered: could this compact EV really deliver for British drivers dealing with city traffic, rural roads, and everything in between? After spending time with the Soul EV and researching its real-world performance, I’ve discovered it’s far more than just a stylish face. It’s a practical, fun-to-drive, and surprisingly spacious electric vehicle that’s quietly winning over UK drivers.

The Kia Soul Electric Car UK isn’t trying to be a Tesla or a BMW i3. Instead, it carves its own niche: a compact, affordable, and characterful EV with a personality. Whether you’re a first-time electric car buyer, a city dweller tired of petrol stations, or a family looking for a reliable second car, the Soul EV offers a compelling mix of features, range, and Kia’s legendary 7-year warranty. In this review, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know – from its real-world range in British weather to its tech quirks, charging times, and how it stacks up against rivals like the Nissan Leaf and MG4. Let’s dive in.

Design and Practicality: Boxy But Brilliant

The Kia Soul Electric Car UK’s design is its most polarizing – and most memorable – feature. That tall, upright shape isn’t just for show; it’s a masterclass in maximizing interior space. As someone who’s struggled to fit a bike in the back of a hatchback, I was pleasantly surprised by the Soul EV’s cargo area.

Exterior: A Design That Divides (But Grows on You)

Let’s be honest: the Soul EV’s boxy silhouette isn’t for everyone. It’s not sleek like a Tesla or sporty like a Polestar. But that’s part of its charm. The LED headlights and taillights give it a modern touch, while the large front grille (a dummy, since it’s electric) and bold wheel arches add character. In the UK’s grey, drizzly weather, the Soul EV’s bright colour options (like Mars Orange or Snow White Pearl) stand out in a sea of silver and black cars. I’ve noticed it gets smiles from pedestrians – a rare thing for a car!

Tip: If you’re unsure about the design, visit a Kia dealership and see it in person. The proportions feel different on the road than in photos. The high driving position also makes it easy to see over traffic, a big plus in busy city centres like London or Manchester.

Interior: Spacious, Simple, and Surprisingly Premium

Step inside, and the Soul EV’s boxy shape pays off. The cabin feels airy, with excellent headroom and a surprisingly spacious rear bench. I’m 5’10”, and I could sit behind myself without my knees touching the front seat. The flat floor in the back (thanks to the EV platform) means three adults can fit comfortably – a rarity in this class.

The materials are mostly hard plastics, but Kia has used soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and door panels. The glossy black centre console looks nice but shows fingerprints easily. The highlight? The 64-colour ambient lighting, which lets you customise the mood (I’m partial to a calming blue at night). The boot offers 315 litres of space, expanding to 1,331 litres with the rear seats folded. That’s enough for a weekly shop, a pushchair, or a weekend camping trip.

Pro tip: The Soul EV’s high roofline makes loading bulky items a breeze. I’ve seen owners fit everything from flat-pack furniture to a full-size suitcase without folding the seats.

Performance and Range: How Far Can It Go in the UK?

For UK drivers, range anxiety is real. The Kia Soul Electric Car UK comes with a 64.8 kWh battery, but how does that translate to real-world miles in British conditions? Let’s break it down.

Official vs. Real-World Range

Kia claims a WLTP range of 280 miles for the Soul EV. That’s optimistic, especially in the UK’s cold, wet climate. In my experience, you’ll get closer to 220–240 miles in mixed driving (city, motorway, rural). Here’s why:

• Cold weather: In winter, expect a 15–20% drop in range. I saw around 190 miles when temps dipped below 5°C.
• Motorway speeds: Cruising at 70 mph uses more energy than city driving. I averaged 210 miles on a motorway-heavy trip from Birmingham to Edinburgh.
• Regen braking: The Soul EV has three levels of regenerative braking. Using the highest setting in city traffic can add 5–10 miles to your range.

Tip: Use the Kia Connect app to pre-heat the cabin while the car is plugged in. This saves battery power and makes winter mornings more bearable.

Power and Driving Experience

The Soul EV’s single electric motor produces 201 bhp and 395 Nm of torque. That’s plenty for UK roads. 0–60 mph takes 7.9 seconds – not blistering, but more than enough for overtaking or merging onto motorways. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to thread through traffic or navigate tight parking spots.

The ride is firm but not harsh, thanks to the MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension. It handles potholes and speed bumps well, though it can feel a bit bouncy on rough country lanes. The standout feature? The one-pedal driving mode, which lets you slow the car almost to a stop using just the accelerator pedal – perfect for stop-start traffic.

Charging and Running Costs: The UK Perspective

One of the biggest perks of owning a Kia Soul Electric Car UK is the low running costs. Let’s look at charging, electricity rates, and maintenance.

Charging Speeds and Options

The Soul EV supports 100 kW DC fast charging, which can take the battery from 10% to 80% in around 45 minutes. That’s handy for long trips, but most UK drivers will charge at home or at public stations. Here’s a breakdown:

• 7.4 kW home charger: 10–80% in ~9 hours. Ideal for overnight charging.
• 22 kW public charger: 10–80% in ~4 hours (if your local station has one).
• 3-pin plug (emergency only): 10–80% in ~24 hours. Not recommended for regular use.

Tip: Use apps like Zap-Map or PlugShare to find nearby chargers. Many UK supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury’s) and motorway services (Moto, Welcome Break) offer free charging.

Electricity Costs and Savings

With the UK’s average electricity rate at £0.28/kWh, a full charge costs about £18.15. That’s roughly £0.08 per mile. Compare that to a petrol car at £1.50/litre and 40 mpg (~£0.20 per mile), and the savings are clear. Over 10,000 miles, you’d save around £1,200.

Other savings:

• Zero road tax (VED) – a £180/year saving.
• Lower maintenance – no oil changes, fewer moving parts.
• Congestion charge exemption in London and other ULEZ zones.

Tech and Safety: Features That Matter

The Kia Soul Electric Car UK isn’t the most tech-packed EV, but it covers the essentials with a few clever touches.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Soul EV comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen as standard, paired with a 10.25-inch digital driver display. The system runs Kia’s latest software, with crisp graphics and quick responses. Key features:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired and wireless).
• Sat-nav with real-time traffic.
• Voice control for climate, music, and navigation.
• Kia Connect app for remote climate control, charging schedules, and vehicle tracking.

The downside? The touchscreen can be slow to wake up in cold weather. I also wish Kia had included a physical volume knob – the touch-sensitive slider is fiddly.

Safety: Peace of Mind for Families

The Soul EV scored 4 stars in Euro NCAP (2021), with strong results for adult and child occupant protection. Standard safety kit includes:

• Forward collision avoidance (with pedestrian and cyclist detection).
• Lane keep assist and lane follow assist.
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
• Adaptive cruise control (great for long motorway drives).

Tip: The high driving position gives you excellent visibility, reducing blind spots in city traffic.

Ownership and Warranty: The Kia Advantage

Kia’s 7-year/100,000-mile warranty is one of the best in the business. But what does that mean for UK owners?

What the Warranty Covers

The warranty includes:

• Battery and electric motor for the full 7 years.
• All other components (except wear items like tyres and wipers).
• Free roadside assistance for the first 3 years.

Kia also offers a battery degradation guarantee: if the battery capacity drops below 70% within 7 years, they’ll repair or replace it. That’s peace of mind for long-term owners.

Servicing and Reliability

Electric cars need less maintenance than petrol or diesel models. The Soul EV’s service schedule is:

• Every 18,000 miles or 12 months.
• Checks include brake fluid, cabin air filter, and high-voltage system.

Kia’s UK dealership network is extensive, with over 170 locations. I’ve found their service centres to be efficient and reasonably priced.

Data Table: Kia Soul Electric Car UK Key Specs

Feature	Specification
Battery Capacity	64.8 kWh
WLTP Range	280 miles
Real-World Range (UK)	220–240 miles
Charging (10–80%)	45 mins (100 kW DC), 9 hours (7.4 kW AC)
Power/Torque	201 bhp / 395 Nm
0–60 mph	7.9 seconds
Boot Space	315 litres (1,331 with seats folded)
Warranty	7 years/100,000 miles
Starting Price (UK)	£32,795

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

After months of research and real-world driving, I can confidently say the Kia Soul Electric Car UK is a standout choice for UK drivers. It’s not perfect – the infotainment system could be snappier, and the ride can feel a bit stiff on rough roads – but its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.

Here’s who I’d recommend it to:

• City drivers who want a compact, easy-to-park EV with great visibility.
• Families needing a spacious, practical car with top-notch safety.
• First-time EV owners who want a reliable, low-maintenance vehicle with a long warranty.
• Style-conscious buyers who don’t want to blend in with the crowd.

The Soul EV’s quirky design, strong real-world range, and Kia’s 7-year warranty make it a smart, long-term investment. It’s also a great value: at £32,795 (before grants), it undercuts rivals like the Hyundai Kona Electric and MG4. If you’re in the market for an affordable, fun, and practical electric car, the Kia Soul Electric Car UK deserves a spot on your shortlist. Just don’t be surprised if you catch yourself smiling every time you get behind the wheel.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Kia Soul Electric Car UK model offers a 64kWh battery, delivering up to 280 miles of range. It also boasts fast-charging capability, regenerative braking, and a tech-rich interior with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as standard.

How does the Kia Soul Electric Car compare to other EVs in its price range?

The Kia Soul Electric Car stands out with its spacious cabin, distinctive design, and strong warranty (7 years/100,000 miles). Its competitive pricing and practical range make it a top contender among compact electric SUVs in the UK market.

Is the Kia Soul Electric Car suitable for long-distance driving in the UK?

Yes, with a 280-mile WLTP range and access to the UK’s expanding rapid charging network, the Kia Soul Electric handles long trips efficiently. Charging from 10% to 80% takes just 42 minutes using a 50kW rapid charger.

What are the running costs of the Kia Soul Electric Car in the UK?

The Kia Soul Electric Car UK drivers love includes low running costs, thanks to zero road tax, reduced electricity costs vs. fuel, and minimal maintenance. It’s also exempt from London’s Congestion Charge and ULEZ fees.

Does the Kia Soul Electric Car come with advanced safety features?

Absolutely. The Kia Soul Electric includes advanced driver aids like Forward Collision-Avoidance, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning. UK models also feature adaptive cruise control for safer motorway driving.

What warranty does the Kia Soul Electric Car offer in the UK?

The Kia Soul Electric Car UK buyers receive a market-leading 7-year/100,000-mile warranty, covering the battery and drivetrain. This comprehensive coverage provides long-term peace of mind for EV owners.