Kia Soul Electric Cars for Sale Top Picks and Best Deals
Featured image for kia soul electric cars for sale
Discover the best Kia Soul Electric cars for sale with top picks that deliver impressive range, tech-savvy features, and unbeatable value. Whether you’re seeking a brand-new model or a certified pre-owned gem, our curated list highlights the best deals and trims to help you drive home in an eco-friendly, fun-to-drive EV without overspending.
Key Takeaways
- Top Picks: Prioritize 2023+ models for best range and tech upgrades.
- Best Deals: Check certified pre-owned for savings up to 20% off MSRP.
- Charging Speed: Use DC fast charging to regain 80% in 45 minutes.
- Tax Credits: Verify eligibility for up to $7,500 federal EV incentives.
- Range Matters: Opt for 243-mile range models for longer commutes.
- Warranty: Leverage Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile battery warranty coverage.
📑 Table of Contents
- Why the Kia Soul EV Deserves a Spot on Your Shortlist
- What Makes the Kia Soul Electric Stand Out?
- Top Trim Levels: Which Kia Soul EV Is Right for You?
- Where to Find the Best Deals on Kia Soul Electric Cars for Sale
- Charging Made Easy: What You Need to Know
- Ownership Experience: What It’s Really Like to Live With a Soul EV
- Data Table: Kia Soul EV Trim Comparison
- Final Thoughts: Is the Kia Soul EV Right for You?
Why the Kia Soul EV Deserves a Spot on Your Shortlist
Let’s be honest—shopping for an electric car can feel overwhelming. Between range anxiety, charging logistics, and sticker shock, it’s easy to get stuck in analysis paralysis. But if you’re looking for a compact, fun-to-drive EV that doesn’t break the bank, the Kia Soul Electric cars for sale might just be the breath of fresh air you need. With its quirky boxy design, peppy performance, and surprisingly spacious interior, the Soul EV has quietly become a favorite among city dwellers and eco-conscious drivers alike.
I remember when my friend Sarah switched to a Kia Soul EV last year. She was tired of gas prices, wanted something easy to park in her crowded Brooklyn neighborhood, and didn’t want to sacrifice style. The Soul checked all her boxes—and then some. Since then, I’ve watched her effortlessly glide through city traffic, charge at her local grocery store, and even take a weekend road trip to the Hudson Valley without a single charging hiccup. If you’re in the market for a reliable, affordable EV, the Soul deserves a serious look.
What Makes the Kia Soul Electric Stand Out?
When you think of electric cars, the Kia Soul probably isn’t the first name that pops into your head—and that’s part of its charm. While flashier EVs grab headlines, the Soul quietly delivers where it counts: practicality, value, and a dash of personality. Here’s what sets it apart from the crowd.
Design That’s Both Fun and Functional
The Soul’s boxy, retro-futuristic look isn’t just for show. That upright shape means you get a roomy cabin and a surprisingly large cargo area—perfect for hauling groceries, strollers, or even a weekend’s worth of camping gear. The high seating position gives you great visibility, and the short overhangs make parking a breeze. Plus, the latest models come with sleek LED headlights, a bold front grille, and optional two-tone paint, so you can stand out without trying too hard.
One thing I love? The Soul EV’s “tiger nose” front end and signature vertical taillights. They give it a distinct look that’s instantly recognizable—kind of like the EV version of a Mini Cooper. And unlike some EVs that try too hard to look “futuristic,” the Soul keeps things simple and stylish.
Impressive Range for City and Suburban Life
Let’s talk numbers. The current Kia Soul EV (2023–2024 models) offers an EPA-estimated 243 miles of range on a single charge—plenty for daily commutes, errands, and even occasional longer trips. That’s a big jump from earlier versions, which topped out around 111 miles. For context, most Americans drive less than 40 miles a day, so the Soul EV can easily handle a week of driving without needing a recharge.
Real-world testing backs this up. A friend of mine, who drives about 60 miles round-trip to work, charges his Soul every 4–5 days. And when he does plug in, he uses a Level 2 charger at home (which takes about 9 hours) or fast-charging stations at the mall (40–50 minutes for 80%). No range anxiety here.
Smooth, Responsive Driving Experience
The Soul EV isn’t a sports car, but it’s far from boring. With 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of instant torque, it zips from 0 to 60 mph in around 7 seconds—perfect for merging onto highways or darting through traffic. The ride is comfortable, the steering is light but precise, and the regenerative braking system lets you drive with just one pedal in city traffic (a feature many drivers love).
One tip: If you’re new to EVs, try the “B” mode on the gear selector. It increases regenerative braking, so the car slows down faster when you lift off the accelerator. It takes a little getting used to, but once you master it, you’ll rarely need to touch the brake pedal in stop-and-go traffic.
Top Trim Levels: Which Kia Soul EV Is Right for You?
Kia offers the Soul EV in a few different trims, each with its own blend of features and price points. Here’s a breakdown of the main options, so you can pick the one that fits your lifestyle and budget.
EX: The Value-Packed Base Model
The EX trim is where most buyers start—and for good reason. At around $34,000 (before incentives), it includes:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist
This trim is ideal if you want a solid EV with all the essentials but don’t need luxury extras. I’d recommend it for first-time EV buyers or anyone on a tight budget.
GT-Line: Style and Tech Upgrades
If you’re willing to spend a bit more (around $36,000), the GT-Line adds:
- Sportier exterior styling (body kit, unique wheels)
- 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation
- Premium audio system
- Sunroof
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
The GT-Line is perfect if you want a little more flair and tech. The bigger screen and sunroof make the cabin feel more upscale, and the safety upgrades are a big plus for families.
Limited: The Fully Loaded Option
At the top of the lineup, the Limited trim (around $39,000) adds:
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory
- Wireless phone charger
- 360-degree camera system
- Adaptive cruise control
This trim is worth it if you want a near-luxury experience without the luxury price tag. The adaptive cruise control, in particular, is a game-changer on long drives.
Where to Find the Best Deals on Kia Soul Electric Cars for Sale
Now that you know which trim suits your needs, let’s talk about where to actually buy one. The good news? Kia Soul EVs are widely available, and there are several ways to score a great deal.
Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Programs: A Smart Money Move
If you’re open to a slightly used model, certified pre-owned Soul EVs are a fantastic option. Kia’s CPO program includes:
- A 164-point inspection
- 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (same as new)
- 24/7 roadside assistance
CPO models are typically 15–25% cheaper than new, and you get most of the same protections. I recently helped my sister buy a 2022 Soul EV EX CPO for $28,500—a savings of $5,500 over the original price. The car had only 8,000 miles and looked brand new.
New Car Incentives and Tax Credits
Buying new? You may qualify for the federal EV tax credit of up to $7,500—but there’s a catch. As of 2023, the credit applies only to vehicles with final assembly in North America and specific battery component requirements. The good news? The Kia Soul EV does qualify, so you can claim the full credit when you file your taxes.
On top of that, many states offer additional incentives. For example:
- California: Up to $2,000 rebate via the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP)
- New York: $2,000 rebate for low- and middle-income buyers
- Colorado: $5,000 tax credit for new EVs
Pro tip: Ask your dealer about “stacking” incentives. Some states let you combine the federal credit with local rebates, which can knock thousands off the price.
Online Marketplaces and Local Dealers
When shopping, I recommend checking both online platforms (like CarGurus, Autotrader, and Carvana) and local Kia dealerships. Online sites often have wider inventories and transparent pricing, while local dealers may offer better financing rates or trade-in deals.
One strategy: Use online listings to find a few Soul EVs in your price range, then visit the dealership in person to test drive and negotiate. Bring a printout of comparable listings to show you’ve done your research—it gives you more leverage.
Charging Made Easy: What You Need to Know
One of the biggest fears about EVs is running out of juice with nowhere to charge. But with the Kia Soul EV, charging is simpler than you think.
Home Charging: The Most Convenient Option
Most Soul EV owners charge at home, and it’s the cheapest way to keep your car topped up. You have two options:
- Level 1 charging: Uses a standard 120-volt outlet. It’s slow (about 4 miles of range per hour) but free—no installation needed.
- Level 2 charging: Requires a 240-volt outlet (like a dryer plug). It adds 25–30 miles of range per hour and costs $500–$1,000 to install, but it’s worth it for faster charging.
I installed a Level 2 charger in my garage for $700, and it’s been a game-changer. Now I wake up every morning with a full “tank”—no more worrying about charging on the go.
Public Charging: Fast and Widely Available
If you’re out and about, the Soul EV supports DC fast charging (up to 80% in 40–50 minutes). The car comes with a CCS (Combined Charging System) port, which works with most fast-charging networks like Electrify America, ChargePoint, and EVgo.
Here’s a real-world example: Last summer, I took a 200-mile trip from Chicago to Milwaukee. I charged at an Electrify America station in Kenosha (about halfway) while grabbing lunch. The car charged from 30% to 80% in 42 minutes—plenty of time to eat a sandwich and stretch my legs.
Charging Apps and Membership Perks
To make charging even easier, Kia partners with several networks to offer free or discounted charging. For example, new Soul EV buyers get 1,000 kWh of free charging at Electrify America stations (enough for about 3,000 miles). You can also use apps like PlugShare or ChargeHub to find nearby stations and check availability in real time.
Ownership Experience: What It’s Really Like to Live With a Soul EV
Let’s talk about the day-to-day experience. After spending time with several Soul EV owners, here’s what they love—and what they wish they’d known before buying.
The Pros: Why Owners Love It
- Low maintenance: No oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust systems. Most owners report spending less than $200/year on maintenance.
- Fun to drive: The instant torque and quiet cabin make it a joy in city traffic.
- Spacious interior: Even tall passengers have plenty of head and legroom.
- Great infotainment: The touchscreen is responsive, and voice commands work well.
One owner told me, “I love how easy it is to park. I can squeeze into spots other cars can’t, and the backup camera helps me avoid curbs.”
The Cons: A Few Trade-Offs
- No all-wheel drive: The Soul EV is front-wheel drive only, so it’s not ideal for heavy snow.
- Limited cargo space with seats up: The battery pack reduces trunk space slightly, but folding the seats fixes this.
- Slower charging in cold weather: Like all EVs, the battery charges more slowly below freezing.
A friend in upstate New York said, “It’s fine in winter, but I do notice the range drops by about 20% when it’s below 20°F. I just plan extra charging stops.”
Long-Term Value and Resale
Kia has a strong reputation for reliability, and the Soul EV is no exception. According to Consumer Reports, Kia ranks in the top 10 for dependability, and the Soul EV’s battery is covered by a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty—one of the best in the industry.
Resale value is solid, too. A 2020 Soul EV with 30,000 miles still holds about 65% of its original value, which is better than many EVs in its class.
Data Table: Kia Soul EV Trim Comparison
| Trim | Starting Price | Range (EPA) | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EX | $34,000 | 243 miles | Heated seats, 8-inch screen, basic safety tech | Budget buyers, first-time EV owners |
| GT-Line | $36,000 | 243 miles | Sunroof, 10.25-inch screen, blind-spot monitoring | Tech lovers, style seekers |
| Limited | $39,000 | 243 miles | Adaptive cruise, 360-degree camera, ventilated seats | Luxury-minded drivers, road warriors |
Final Thoughts: Is the Kia Soul EV Right for You?
After diving into the details, I’ll say this: the Kia Soul Electric cars for sale are a fantastic choice if you want a fun, practical, and affordable EV. It’s not the longest-range or fastest-charging car out there, but it hits the sweet spot for most drivers—especially if you live in a city or suburban area.
Here’s my take: If you’re new to EVs, go with the EX trim. It gives you everything you need without breaking the bank. If you want a little more tech and style, the GT-Line is worth the upgrade. And if you’re all about comfort and convenience, the Limited trim delivers.
Remember, the best deal isn’t always the lowest price—it’s the one that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re buying new, certified pre-owned, or leasing, do your research, test drive a few models, and take advantage of every incentive you can. With the Soul EV, you’re not just getting a car—you’re getting a smarter way to drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Kia Soul electric cars for sale in 2024?
The top 2024 Kia Soul EV models include the base EX and upgraded EX Premium, both offering improved battery range (up to 260 miles) and fast-charging capability. Check certified pre-owned options for better deals on lightly used 2022-2023 models.
How much does a Kia Soul EV cost compared to gas models?
New 2024 Soul EVs start around $34,000 (before incentives), while gas models begin at $21,000. However, federal/state EV tax credits and lower maintenance costs can make the electric version more affordable long-term.
Where can I find the best deals on Kia Soul electric cars for sale?
Compare prices at local dealerships, Carvana/Vroom, and Kia’s CPO program. End-of-year clearance events and lease specials often provide the deepest discounts on new and used Soul EVs.
What’s the real-world range of the Kia Soul EV?
The 2024 Soul EV delivers 243-260 miles on a full charge (EPA estimate). Real-world range varies based on speed, terrain, and climate control use—expect 200-220 miles in mixed driving conditions.
Does the Kia Soul EV qualify for tax credits?
Yes! The 2024 Soul EV is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit if purchased new. Some states (like California) offer additional rebates—check local incentives to maximize savings.
What are common issues with used Kia Soul electric cars for sale?
Early 2015-2017 models may have reduced battery capacity over time. Always review the vehicle history report and test-drive to check for charging port issues or software glitches.