Kia Soul EV Electric Cars Review Top Features and Benefits

The Kia Soul EV stands out in the electric vehicle market with its impressive 243-mile range and fast-charging capability, making it ideal for both city commutes and longer road trips. Packed with cutting-edge tech like regenerative braking, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and advanced driver aids, it delivers a smooth, efficient, and connected driving experience. With bold styling and a surprisingly spacious interior, the Soul EV proves that eco-friendly driving doesn’t mean sacrificing fun or practicality.

Key Takeaways

• Affordable pricing: Competitive cost for budget-conscious EV buyers.
• Impressive range: Up to 243 miles on a single charge.
• Spacious interior: Roomy cabin and cargo space for its class.
• Fast charging: 80% charge in 45 minutes with DC fast charging.
• Advanced safety: Equipped with Kia Drive Wise driver-assist features.

Why the Kia Soul EV Might Be Your Perfect Electric Ride

Remember when electric cars were seen as quirky, impractical, and reserved for tech enthusiasts? Well, times have changed. The Kia Soul EV is a shining example of how EVs have evolved into practical, stylish, and affordable options for everyday drivers. I remember when my friend, Sarah, first told me she was trading in her gas-powered SUV for a Soul EV. I was skeptical. “It’s so… boxy,” I said. But after a quick test drive, she was sold. Fast-forward a year, and she’s still raving about it—saving money on gas, enjoying the smooth ride, and even getting compliments at the grocery store.

The Kia Soul EV isn’t just another electric car. It’s a reimagining of what an urban commuter can be. With its bold design, surprisingly spacious interior, and a range that’s perfect for city life, it’s no surprise that the Soul EV has carved out a niche for itself in the competitive EV market. Whether you’re a first-time electric car buyer or looking to downsize from a larger vehicle, the Soul EV offers a compelling mix of style, efficiency, and value. In this review, we’ll dive into the top features, benefits, and a few things to consider before making your decision.

Design and Exterior: Bold, Boxy, and Brilliant

Standout Styling That Turns Heads

Let’s be honest: the Kia Soul EV’s design is polarizing. Some love its quirky, boxy shape, while others find it a bit too “cartoonish.” But here’s the thing—love it or hate it, you can’t ignore it. The Soul EV stands out in a sea of cookie-cutter crossovers. Its upright stance, wide stance, and signature “tiger nose” grille (which, on the EV, is a sleek, closed-off panel) give it a futuristic vibe. The LED daytime running lights wrap around the front, giving it a friendly, almost animated look—like a car from a Pixar movie.

What I love most is how the design isn’t just about looks. The boxy shape maximizes interior space without adding unnecessary weight. It’s a practical choice, especially for city dwellers who need every inch of cargo room. Plus, the available two-tone paint options (like the Gravity Grey roof paired with a Snow White Pearl body) add a touch of personality. My neighbor, who drives a Soul EV, says he gets asked about his car at least once a week. “People always say it looks fun,” he told me. And honestly, it does.

Lightweight and Efficient Construction

The Soul EV is built on Kia’s lightweight platform, which helps it achieve better energy efficiency. The body uses high-strength steel in key areas, keeping weight down while maintaining safety. At around 3,700 pounds, it’s not the lightest EV, but the weight is well-distributed, which contributes to its stable, planted feel on the road. The aerodynamic design also helps—small touches like the active grille shutters and underbody panels reduce drag, improving range.

One practical tip? If you’re parking in tight city spaces, the Soul EV’s boxy shape actually makes it easier to judge distances. Unlike curvy SUVs, you can see the edges of the car, which helps avoid scrapes in crowded parking lots. Sarah told me she’s never scratched her Soul EV, even in her narrow apartment garage.

Interior and Comfort: Spacious, Tech-Savvy, and Surprisingly Luxe

Room for Five (and Their Gear)

Step inside the Soul EV, and the first thing you’ll notice is the spaciousness. Despite its compact exterior, the interior feels airy and open. The tall roofline and large windows make it feel less claustrophobic than many rivals. The front seats are supportive, with plenty of adjustability—even for taller drivers. The rear seats are surprisingly roomy, with enough legroom for adults. My cousin, who’s 6’2″, sat in the back during a test drive and said it was more comfortable than the back seat of his friend’s Tesla Model 3.

Cargo space is another win. With 18.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats (expandable to 49.5 with the seats folded), it’s perfect for grocery runs, weekend trips, or even moving small furniture. The flat load floor and low lift-over height make loading heavy items easier. One of the Soul EV’s hidden gems? The front trunk (frunk). It’s not huge, but it’s enough for a small backpack or charging cables—a feature many EVs still lack.

Tech Features That Make Life Easier

The Soul EV’s interior is packed with tech, but it never feels overwhelming. The centerpiece is the 10.25-inch touchscreen, which runs Kia’s latest UVO infotainment system. It’s intuitive, with crisp graphics and quick response times. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, so you can ditch the cables (a small but welcome convenience).

Other standout features include:

• Digital gauge cluster: The 10.25-inch digital display is customizable, showing everything from navigation to energy flow.
• Heated and ventilated front seats: Available on higher trims, these are a godsend in extreme weather.
• Wireless phone charger: No more fiddling with cords—just drop your phone on the pad.
• Kia Connect app: Remotely start the car, check charging status, or set the climate control from your phone.

One tip for new owners: Take time to explore the “Driver Assistance” menu. The Soul EV comes with a suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. These aren’t just gimmicks—they make highway driving less stressful. Sarah told me the lane-centering feature saved her during a foggy commute last winter.

Performance and Range: City-Friendly, Highway-Ready

Zippy Acceleration and Smooth Handling

The Soul EV isn’t a performance car, but it’s no slouch either. The standard 201-hp electric motor delivers 184 lb-ft of torque, which means instant acceleration off the line. It’s not Tesla-fast, but it’s more than enough for city driving. In Sport mode, the car feels peppy, with responsive steering and minimal body roll in corners. Eco mode, on the other hand, softens throttle response for maximum efficiency—perfect for stop-and-go traffic.

Where the Soul EV really shines is its ride quality. The suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up bumps and potholes with ease. The steering is light and precise, making it a breeze to navigate tight city streets. One thing I noticed during my test drive: The cabin is remarkably quiet. Even at highway speeds, road and wind noise are well-muted—a testament to Kia’s attention to detail.

Range and Charging: Real-World Practicality

Let’s talk about range—the make-or-break factor for many EV buyers. The Soul EV’s 64-kWh battery pack delivers an EPA-estimated 250 miles on a full charge. That’s not class-leading (the Hyundai Kona Electric gets 258 miles), but it’s more than enough for most daily commutes. For context, the average American drives 36 miles per day. Even if you have a longer commute, a full charge will cover it for days.

Charging is straightforward:

• Level 2 (240V): A home charger will fully replenish the battery in about 9 hours.
• DC fast charging: At a public station, you can get 80% charge in about 45 minutes (at 80 kW).

Here’s a real-world example: My friend Sarah drives 25 miles round-trip to work. She charges at home overnight (using a Level 2 charger) and rarely uses public fast chargers. “I’ve never had range anxiety,” she says. “Even if I forget to charge, I’ve got enough juice to get to work and back.” Pro tip: Use the Kia Connect app to preheat or pre-cool the car while it’s still plugged in. This preserves battery range, especially in extreme temperatures.

Efficiency and Cost of Ownership: Saving Money Beyond the Pump

Low Operating Costs and Incentives

One of the biggest perks of owning an EV is the savings on fuel and maintenance. The Soul EV is no exception. Let’s break it down:

• Fuel savings: Charging the Soul EV costs about $6.50 for a full charge (at $0.13/kWh). Compare that to a gas car averaging 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon—it’d cost $28 for the same 250 miles.
• Maintenance: No oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust systems. Kia also covers scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years/36,000 miles.
• Tax incentives: Depending on your location, you may qualify for federal or state EV rebates. For example, the U.S. federal tax credit offers up to $7,500 (though Kia’s eligibility depends on battery sourcing).

Over five years, these savings add up. A study by Consumer Reports found that EV owners save an average of $6,000–$10,000 in fuel and maintenance costs compared to gas-powered cars. The Soul EV’s low starting price (around $34,000 before incentives) also makes it one of the most affordable EVs with this much range.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Beyond saving money, the Soul EV helps reduce your carbon footprint. Over its lifetime, an EV produces about 50% less CO2 than a comparable gas car—even when accounting for electricity generation. Plus, Kia uses recycled materials in the Soul EV’s interior, including seat fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles. It’s a small step, but it shows Kia’s commitment to sustainability.

One thing to note: The Soul EV’s battery is designed for longevity. Kia offers an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, which covers capacity degradation (down to 70% of original capacity). This is standard for EVs, but it’s reassuring for buyers worried about long-term reliability.

Safety and Reliability: Peace of Mind on Every Drive

Top Safety Ratings and Driver Aids

The Soul EV earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick” designation from the IIHS. It comes with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including:

• Forward collision warning with automatic braking
• Lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Driver attention warning

These features aren’t just for show. During a recent trip, Sarah’s Soul EV alerted her when a car drifted into her blind spot—a near-miss she didn’t even notice. “It’s like having an extra set of eyes,” she said. The automatic emergency braking also proved its worth when a pedestrian stepped onto the street unexpectedly.

Proven Reliability and Warranty

Kia has a reputation for reliability, and the Soul EV is no exception. J.D. Power ranked Kia among the top 3 brands for dependability in 2023. The Soul EV’s powertrain is based on the proven platform used in the Hyundai Kona Electric, which has a strong track record. Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is one of the best in the industry, giving buyers long-term peace of mind.

One area for improvement: The infotainment system can occasionally lag, especially when switching between apps. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to note. A software update last year improved responsiveness, so Kia is clearly listening to feedback.

Data Table: Kia Soul EV Key Specifications

Feature	Spec
Motor	201-hp permanent magnet motor
Battery	64 kWh lithium-ion
Range	250 miles (EPA)
0-60 mph	6.7 seconds
Charging (DC Fast)	80% in 45 minutes (80 kW)
Cargo Space	18.8 cu ft (49.5 cu ft with seats folded)
Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles (basic), 10 years/100,000 miles (powertrain)

Final Thoughts: Is the Kia Soul EV Right for You?

After spending time with the Kia Soul EV—both as a passenger and a driver—I can confidently say it’s one of the most well-rounded electric cars in its class. It’s not the fastest, the longest-range, or the most luxurious EV out there. But it nails the basics: practicality, affordability, and everyday usability. The boxy design? It’s growing on me. The range? Perfect for city life. The tech? Thoughtful and intuitive.

Who should consider the Soul EV? If you’re a city dweller who values space, style, and efficiency, it’s a fantastic choice. It’s also a great first EV for those who want a low-risk entry into electric driving. The savings on fuel and maintenance make it a smart long-term investment, and the safety features provide peace of mind.

That said, it’s not for everyone. If you regularly take road trips over 200 miles, you might find the range limiting. The charging network (especially fast chargers) is still growing, so long-distance travel requires planning. And while the interior is nice, it’s not as premium as some rivals (like the Volkswagen ID.4).

At the end of the day, the Kia Soul EV is a car that’s hard to hate. It’s fun, efficient, and packed with features that make daily driving easier. Sarah summed it up best: “I never thought I’d say this, but I actually look forward to driving now.” And really, isn’t that the point?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the standout features of the Kia Soul EV electric cars?

The Kia Soul EV boasts a 64 kWh battery, up to 243 miles of range, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. It also includes advanced driver aids like Highway Driving Assist and a premium Harman Kardon audio system.

How long does it take to charge a Kia Soul EV?

Using a DC fast charger, the Soul EV can charge from 10% to 80% in about 45 minutes. With a Level 2 home charger, a full charge takes approximately 9.5 hours, ideal for overnight charging.

Is the Kia Soul EV electric car reliable for long-distance driving?

Yes, the Kia Soul EV’s 243-mile range and access to fast-charging networks make it suitable for road trips. Regenerative braking and eco-driving modes help extend range during long drives.

What safety features does the Kia Soul EV include?

The Kia Soul EV comes with standard safety tech like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Monitoring. Its rigid structure and battery protection system enhance crash safety.

How does the Kia Soul EV compare to other electric cars in its price range?

The Kia Soul EV stands out with its spacious interior, unique design, and competitive range. It also offers more standard tech features than rivals like the Nissan Leaf or Hyundai Kona Electric.

What is the warranty coverage for the Kia Soul EV electric car?

Kia offers a 10-year/100,000-mile battery warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, providing long-term peace of mind. This coverage is among the best in the EV market.