Kia Soul EV Electric Cars UK Review Top Features and Benefits

The Kia Soul EV stands out in the UK electric car market with its impressive 280-mile range and rapid charging capability, making it perfect for both city commutes and longer journeys. Packed with premium tech like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, and a bold, spacious design, it delivers outstanding value for money in the competitive EV segment.

Key Takeaways

• Spacious interior: Offers ample room for passengers and cargo, ideal for UK families.
• Fast charging: Charges to 80% in 45 minutes with rapid DC charging stations.
• Low running costs: Saves up to 50% on fuel compared to petrol vehicles.
• Advanced safety: Includes lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control as standard.
• Long warranty: 7-year/100,000-mile warranty ensures peace of mind for UK drivers.
• Efficient range: 280-mile range suits daily commutes and longer UK road trips.

Why the Kia Soul EV Is Turning Heads in the UK

Imagine this: You’re cruising through the streets of London, Edinburgh, or Manchester, zipping past petrol stations with a quiet smile. No exhaust fumes, no engine roar—just the smooth hum of an electric motor. The car? The Kia Soul EV, one of the most underrated electric vehicles (EVs) on the UK market. With its quirky design, practical features, and a growing network of charging stations, it’s no wonder this boxy little EV is gaining traction among eco-conscious drivers.

But is the Kia Soul EV really worth the switch from traditional petrol or diesel? In this review, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Kia Soul EV electric cars UK—from its standout features and real-world performance to the little quirks that make it unique. Whether you’re a city dweller, a family driver, or just curious about EVs, this guide will help you decide if the Soul EV is the right fit for your lifestyle.

Design and Styling: A Bold, Boxy Statement

Exterior: Retro-Futuristic Charm

The first thing you’ll notice about the Kia Soul EV is its design. It’s not trying to be sleek or sporty like a Tesla. Instead, it embraces its boxy, almost cartoonish silhouette with pride. The UK version comes in a range of vibrant colors—like “Fusion White” and “Inferno Red”—that make it pop in traffic. The front fascia is dominated by a closed grille (no need for airflow in an EV) and sharp LED headlights that give it a modern, almost alien-like vibe.

One thing I love: the “floating roof” design. It’s a simple trick—painting the roof a different color—but it makes the Soul EV look taller and more spacious than it actually is. Plus, the 17-inch alloy wheels (standard on most UK trims) add a touch of sportiness without sacrificing comfort.

Interior: Quirky Yet Practical

Step inside, and the Soul EV’s personality shines. The cabin is surprisingly roomy, with high-quality materials that feel premium for its price point. The dashboard is minimalist, with a large touchscreen (more on that later) and a few physical buttons for climate control—a relief in a world of over-digitized interiors.

• Seating: The front seats are supportive, and the driver’s seat is height-adjustable—a must for shorter drivers like me. The rear seats are decent for two adults, though three might feel cramped.
• Storage: The boot offers 315 litres of space, which expands to 1,339 litres with the rear seats folded. That’s enough for a weekly shop, a weekend getaway, or even a flat-pack furniture haul.
• Quirks: The door panels have a fun, textured pattern, and the ambient lighting (optional on higher trims) can change colors—great for setting a mood.

One downside? The rear visibility is a bit limited due to the tall, vertical rear window. But the standard rear parking sensors and camera help mitigate this.

Performance and Range: How Does It Handle the UK Roads?

Powertrain and Driving Dynamics

The Kia Soul EV is powered by a 64 kWh battery pack and a 201-horsepower electric motor. That translates to 0-60 mph in around 7.6 seconds—not Tesla-fast, but more than enough for UK city driving and motorway cruising. The instant torque of the electric motor makes it feel nippy in traffic, and the steering is light but precise.

What surprised me most? The Soul EV’s ride quality. The suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up potholes and speed bumps like a champ. Even on rough UK roads, the cabin stays quiet and stable. The regenerative braking system is adjustable via paddle shifters behind the steering wheel—great for maximizing efficiency in stop-and-go traffic.

Real-World Range and Charging

Official WLTP range: 280 miles. But real-world driving in the UK (with cold winters, hilly roads, and AC/heating) usually brings that down to 220-240 miles. Still, that’s enough for most daily commutes and weekend trips.

• Charging:
  • Home charging (7.4 kW): 9-10 hours for a full charge. Perfect for overnight.
  • Public charging (50 kW DC fast charger): 45-50 minutes to go from 10% to 80%. Use apps like Zap-Map to find chargers near you.
  • 100 kW rapid charger: 42 minutes (10-80%), if available.
• Tip: Pre-condition the battery while plugged in (via the Kia Connect app) to improve charging speed in cold weather.

One thing to note: The Soul EV doesn’t have vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability, unlike some newer EVs. But for most UK drivers, that’s not a dealbreaker.

Tech and Infotainment: Smart Features for Modern Drivers

10.25-Inch Touchscreen and Kia Connect

The centerpiece of the Soul EV’s tech suite is the 10.25-inch touchscreen. It’s responsive, with crisp graphics and intuitive menus. The UK version comes with:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Wireless and wired.
• Sat-nav with live traffic updates: A godsend in congested cities.
• Kia Connect: Remote start, climate control, and charging status via your smartphone.

The voice recognition is hit-or-miss, but the physical volume knob and climate buttons are a win. No fiddling with touchscreen menus while driving.

Safety and Driver Aids

The Soul EV is packed with safety tech, earning a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Key features include:

• Lane Keep Assist (LKA): Gentle nudges if you drift.
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC): Maintains distance from the car ahead.
• Blind-Spot Monitoring: Alerts you if a car is in your blind spot.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Crucial for reversing out of tight UK parking spaces.

One quirk: The adaptive cruise control works well on motorways but can be overzealous in city traffic, braking abruptly for cyclists or pedestrians. You can adjust the sensitivity, though.

Running Costs and Ownership: Is It Affordable for UK Drivers?

Price and Incentives

The Kia Soul EV starts at around £34,000 in the UK (before grants). The good news? You’re eligible for the Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG), which knocks £2,500 off the price. That brings it down to £31,500—competitive with rivals like the Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Kona Electric.

Higher trims (like the “First Edition” or “GT-Line”) add features like heated seats, a sunroof, and premium audio, but they’ll push the price closer to £40,000. Still, the Soul EV’s 7-year/100,000-mile warranty is a standout—most competitors offer just 3-5 years.

Fuel and Maintenance Savings

Here’s where the Soul EV shines. Electricity is cheaper than petrol, and maintenance is simpler:

• Charging cost: ~£7-10 for a full charge (at 15p/kWh). That’s about 3-4p per mile.
• Service costs: No oil changes or exhaust repairs. Annual servicing is around £150-200.
• Tax: Zero VED (road tax) for EVs. Company car drivers also save on Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax.

One caveat: Insurance can be higher for EVs (due to battery replacement costs). Shop around for the best rates—some providers like LV and Direct Line offer EV-specific discounts.

Comparison: How Does the Soul EV Stack Up Against Rivals?

The UK EV market is crowded, but the Soul EV holds its own. Here’s how it compares to key competitors:

Model	Starting Price (UK)	WLTP Range	Warranty	Key Advantage
Kia Soul EV	£34,000	280 miles	7 years	Best-in-class warranty
Nissan Leaf	£32,000	239 miles	5 years	Lower upfront cost
Hyundai Kona Electric	£35,000	300 miles	5 years	Longer range
Mini Electric	£32,500	145 miles	3 years	Compact size for cities
MG ZS EV	£30,500	273 miles	7 years	Budget-friendly

Verdict: The Soul EV isn’t the cheapest or the longest-range, but it’s a well-rounded package. The warranty is a big selling point, and its unique design sets it apart from the sea of SUVs.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Kia Soul EV?

After spending weeks with the Kia Soul EV—driving it through rain-slicked city streets, quiet country lanes, and even a motorway road trip—I’m convinced it’s one of the most underrated EVs in the UK. It’s not perfect (the rear visibility and lack of V2G are minor gripes), but its strengths far outweigh its flaws.

You’ll love the Soul EV if:

• You want a quirky, eye-catching design that stands out.
• You value long-term peace of mind with a 7-year warranty.
• Your daily commute is under 200 miles and you have access to home charging.
• You’re a city driver who appreciates compact size and easy parking.

You might want to look elsewhere if:

• You need more than 250 miles of real-world range.
• You frequently carry three or more adults in the back.
• You’re on a tight budget (the MG ZS EV is cheaper).

At the end of the day, the Kia Soul EV electric cars UK is a fantastic choice for anyone ready to embrace the electric future—without sacrificing fun or practicality. It’s a car that puts a smile on your face, not just because of its design, but because of how effortlessly it fits into your life. So, if you’re in the market for an EV, give the Soul EV a test drive. You might just fall in love with its boxy charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the range of the Kia Soul EV electric cars in the UK?

The Kia Soul EV offers an official WLTP range of up to 280 miles on a single charge, making it a practical choice for daily commutes and longer UK road trips. Real-world range may vary based on driving conditions and climate.

How fast can the Kia Soul EV charge?

Using a 100kW DC fast charger, the Kia Soul EV can recharge from 10% to 80% in just 42 minutes. At home with a 7.4kW wallbox, a full charge takes around 9 hours—ideal for overnight charging.

Are Kia Soul EV electric cars UK-friendly in terms of size and practicality?

Yes, the Kia Soul EV’s compact SUV design makes it well-suited for UK roads, with a raised driving position and easy maneuverability in cities. Its 315-liter boot space also ensures decent practicality for families and urban drivers.

What are the top features of the Kia Soul EV electric cars in the UK?

The Kia Soul EV comes loaded with features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and regenerative braking. It also includes Kia’s industry-leading 7-year/100,000-mile warranty for peace of mind.

Is the Kia Soul EV eligible for UK government grants?

Yes, as a fully electric vehicle, the Kia Soul EV qualifies for the UK’s Plug-in Car Grant (PICG), which can reduce the purchase price. It’s also exempt from road tax and the London Congestion Charge, adding to long-term savings.

How does the Kia Soul EV compare to other electric cars in the UK?

The Kia Soul EV stands out with its unique styling, generous standard equipment, and strong warranty. While rivals may offer more range, the Soul EV delivers great value, reliability, and a fun driving experience for UK buyers.