New Kia Soul Electric Car Review Features and Performance Insights

The new Kia Soul Electric redefines urban mobility with an impressive 250-mile range and rapid 10-80% fast-charging in under 45 minutes. Loaded with cutting-edge tech like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, advanced driver aids, and a surprisingly spacious interior, it blends practicality with spirited electric performance. This eco-friendly compact SUV proves style and sustainability can coexist—without compromise.

Key Takeaways

• Impressive range: Up to 250 miles on a single charge.
• Fast charging: 80% charge in under 45 minutes.
• Spacious interior: Ample room for passengers and cargo.
• Advanced tech: 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity.
• Smooth ride: Responsive handling and quiet cabin.
• Strong warranty: 10-year/100,000-mile battery coverage.

The New Kia Soul Electric: A Quirky EV That Packs a Punch

If you’ve ever driven a Kia Soul, you know it’s not your average car. With its boxy, almost cartoonish design, it’s always stood out from the crowd. But now, the new Kia Soul Electric car is turning heads for more than just its looks. It’s a fully electric version of a beloved urban runabout, and it’s aiming to prove that practicality and personality can coexist in the EV world.

I recently spent a week with the latest Soul EV, and let me tell you—it’s more than just a cute face. From zippy city driving to surprisingly comfortable long-distance cruising, this little electric box surprised me in more ways than one. Whether you’re a first-time EV buyer, a city dweller tired of gas station runs, or just someone who likes their cars with a side of charm, the new Kia Soul Electric car deserves a serious look. It’s not perfect, but it’s got heart, range, and tech that make it a compelling option in a growing EV market.

Design and Styling: Boxy, Bold, and Back in Electric Form

Let’s be honest—when most people picture an electric car, they think of sleek, futuristic sedans or SUVs. The new Kia Soul Electric car flips that script with its iconic, upright silhouette. It’s still unmistakably a Soul, but now with a few electric-specific tweaks that give it a modern, eco-conscious flair.

Exterior: Same Soul, New Spark

The front end is where the biggest changes happen. Gone is the traditional grille—replaced by a full-width LED light bar that connects the headlights, giving it a futuristic, almost sci-fi look. The closed-off grille isn’t just for show; it improves aerodynamics, which helps extend range. The signature “tiger nose” has been reimagined as a sleek, horizontal panel with a subtle Kia logo that glows when the car is charging. It’s a fun little detail that makes the car feel alive.

The side profile remains boxy and practical, but new wheel designs (17-inch alloys standard, with optional 18-inch aero wheels) help cut drag. The rear features a full-width light bar too, and the charging port is neatly tucked behind a flush panel on the driver’s side—no fumbling with awkward caps here.

Color options are vibrant: Gravity Gray, Snow White Pearl, and my personal favorite, Mars Orange. There’s even a two-tone option with a black roof, which adds a sporty flair. The design isn’t trying to be a Tesla or a Polestar. It’s proudly its own thing—and that’s refreshing.

Interior: Practical, Playful, and Surprisingly Spacious

Inside, the Soul EV feels like a cozy, tech-filled lounge. The cabin is roomier than it looks from the outside. I’m 6 feet tall, and I had no trouble getting comfortable up front. Rear legroom is decent for a subcompact, though taller passengers might find the seat a bit low. But the upright seating position gives a commanding view of the road—perfect for city driving.

The dashboard is simple and intuitive. The centerpiece is a 10.25-inch touchscreen that floats above the dash, paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. It’s not as flashy as some luxury EVs, but it’s clean, responsive, and well-organized. Physical climate controls sit below the screen—yes, actual buttons! A rare and welcome feature in today’s touchscreen-dominated world.

Materials are mostly soft-touch plastics, with some fabric and leatherette options depending on trim. The “Soul” theme continues inside with quirky touches: ambient lighting that pulses with the music, a gear selector shaped like a joystick, and even a mood lamp that changes color based on driving mode. It’s playful without being childish.

Storage is a strong suit. The boxy shape means you get a generous 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats—expandable to 62.1 with the seats folded. There’s also a handy under-floor compartment for the charging cable. And yes, there’s a front trunk (frunk)—though it’s small, just enough for a small bag or your charging kit.

Performance and Driving Experience: City-Friendly with a Surprise

The new Kia Soul Electric car comes with a single electric motor driving the front wheels, producing 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque. That might not sound like a lot, but in a car that weighs just over 3,500 pounds, it feels more than adequate.

Acceleration and Handling: Nimble and Responsive

From a stop, the Soul EV leaps forward with that classic EV torque. It’s not a Tesla Plaid, but it’s quick enough to merge onto highways or dart through city traffic. 0-60 mph comes in around 7.6 seconds—respectable for its class. What’s more impressive is how it handles. The steering is light but precise, and the suspension soaks up bumps better than you’d expect from a small car.

I took it on a mix of city streets, winding backroads, and a 100-mile highway stretch. In stop-and-go traffic, the regenerative braking system is a game-changer. You can adjust it via steering wheel paddles, and in the highest setting, it’s strong enough to drive with one pedal—lifting off the accelerator slows the car significantly. It takes a little getting used to, but once you do, it feels natural and efficient.

On the highway, the Soul EV is stable and quiet. Wind noise is minimal, and road noise is well-controlled. The ride is a bit firm, which helps with handling, but it never feels harsh. The only real downside? At higher speeds, the small size makes it feel a bit light in crosswinds—something to keep in mind on open roads.

Driving Modes and Regen Braking: Tailor Your Ride

Kia offers four driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow. Each adjusts throttle response, steering weight, and regen strength. I mostly drove in Normal, but switching to Sport made the car feel more alert—great for passing or spirited driving. Eco mode softens the throttle and increases regen, helping stretch range.

The regen braking system has three levels (plus a “coasting” mode). Level 3 is my favorite—it’s strong enough to slow the car without being jerky. I found myself using it constantly in the city, rarely touching the brake pedal. It’s a small thing, but it makes driving smoother and more efficient.

One tip: If you’re new to EVs, spend a few days experimenting with regen levels. It can take time to find the sweet spot between efficiency and comfort. I started with Level 2 and gradually increased to 3 as I got more confident.

Battery, Range, and Charging: Real-World Insights

Range anxiety is real, especially for first-time EV owners. The new Kia Soul Electric car addresses this with a 64 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, delivering an EPA-estimated 243 miles on a full charge. That’s solid for a subcompact EV, and in my real-world testing, it held up well.

Range: How Far Can It Really Go?

I drove the Soul EV over a week, covering about 200 miles—mostly city, with a few highway jaunts. I averaged around 3.8 miles per kWh, which translates to roughly 240 miles on a charge. That’s very close to the EPA rating. On a 50-mile round-trip highway run (70 mph), I used about 22% of the battery—about 53 miles of range. Not bad, considering highway driving is less efficient.

One thing to note: Cold weather affects range. During a chilly morning (32°F), I saw a 15% drop in efficiency. Preconditioning the cabin while plugged in helps, but it’s something to keep in mind if you live in a colder climate. Kia includes a heat pump in higher trims, which helps retain range in cold weather by using waste heat from the battery and motor.

Charging: Fast Enough for Daily Life

The Soul EV supports DC fast charging up to 80 kW. That means you can go from 10% to 80% in about 45 minutes—plenty fast for a coffee break or quick errand. At home, using a Level 2 charger (7.2 kW), it takes about 9 hours to fully charge from empty. With a 240-volt outlet, that drops to around 6 hours if you have a 48-amp charger.

I used a mix of home charging and public stations. The Kia app (Kia Connect) is helpful—it shows nearby chargers, real-time availability, and even lets you schedule charging to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates. One tip: If you’re charging at home, consider a smart charger (like ChargePoint or JuiceBox). They integrate with your utility’s time-of-use plan, saving you money over time.

For road trips, the Soul EV is capable, but not ideal. The 243-mile range is enough for most day trips, but you’ll need to plan charging stops for longer journeys. The navigation system includes a “charging route” feature that suggests stops along your way. I tested it on a 180-mile trip and found the suggestions accurate and well-timed.

Energy Efficiency: A Closer Look

Here’s a quick comparison of energy use in different conditions:

Condition	Avg. Efficiency (mi/kWh)	Estimated Range
City Driving (30-40 mph)	4.2	268 miles
Mixed City/Highway	3.8	243 miles
Highway (70 mph)	3.3	211 miles
Cold Weather (32°F)	3.2	205 miles

As you can see, city driving is where the Soul EV shines. It’s most efficient at lower speeds, thanks to regen braking and less wind resistance. Highway driving and cold weather take a toll, but it’s still within usable range for most drivers.

Tech and Features: Smart, Safe, and User-Friendly

The new Kia Soul Electric car is packed with tech, but it’s all presented in a way that feels intuitive, not overwhelming. Kia has done a great job balancing cutting-edge features with everyday usability.

Infotainment and Connectivity: Simple and Smart

The 10.25-inch touchscreen runs Kia’s latest infotainment system, which is fast, responsive, and easy to navigate. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless in higher trims), and the built-in navigation is accurate and up-to-date. I especially liked the split-screen feature—you can have the map on one side and music or climate on the other.

Voice commands work well. Saying “Hey Kia, set temperature to 72” or “Find charging stations nearby” got quick, accurate responses. The system also learns your preferences over time—like remembering your favorite radio stations or frequently visited locations.

One standout feature: The “Driver Talk” system. If you’re driving with kids, it uses the front speakers to project your voice to the back seats. No more yelling over music. It’s a small thing, but it makes family trips much more pleasant.

Safety and Driver Aids: Confidence on the Road

The Soul EV comes standard with Kia’s Drive Wise suite of safety tech. This includes:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): Detects cars, pedestrians, and cyclists.
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Gently steers you back if you drift.
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance (BCA): Warns you of vehicles in your blind spot.
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC): Maintains distance and speed on highways.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance (RCCA): Alerts you when backing out of parking spots.

I tested the Smart Cruise Control on a highway drive. It kept a consistent distance from the car ahead and even handled stop-and-go traffic well. The system gently slows the car and brings it to a complete stop, then resumes when traffic moves. It’s not full self-driving, but it reduces fatigue on long drives.

The Blind-Spot Assist is particularly useful in city driving. It gives a visual alert in the side mirror and an audible warning if you signal to change lanes with a car nearby. I had it go off a few times in heavy traffic—and it was spot on.

Over-the-Air Updates: Future-Proofing

One feature that sets the Soul EV apart is over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Kia can push new features, bug fixes, and performance tweaks without you visiting a dealer. I received an update during my test week that improved the regen braking response. It downloaded overnight and installed with a simple restart.

This means your car can get better over time—no need to trade in for the latest tech. It’s a small but significant advantage in the EV world.

Pricing, Trims, and Value: Is It Worth It?

The new Kia Soul Electric car starts at $33,950 (before federal and state incentives), which makes it one of the more affordable EVs on the market. It comes in three trims: EX, EX Premium, and GT-Line.

Trim Breakdown: What You Get

• EX ($33,950): Base model with 10.25-inch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, cloth seats, and standard safety suite.
• EX Premium ($36,550): Adds heated front seats, wireless phone charging, sunroof, and a premium audio system.
• GT-Line ($38,550): Sporty styling, 18-inch wheels, synthetic leather seats, ambient lighting, and upgraded tech (like Driver Talk and OTA updates).

The EX Premium is the sweet spot for most buyers. It adds key comfort features without a huge price jump. The GT-Line is tempting for those who want a more premium feel, but the price difference is noticeable.

Value Proposition: More Than Just Price

When you factor in the federal tax credit ($7,500, if eligible), the Soul EV’s effective price drops to $26,450—competitive with gas-powered compact SUVs. Add in lower maintenance costs (no oil changes, fewer moving parts) and cheaper fuel (electricity vs. gas), and the long-term savings are significant.

Kia also offers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage. That’s peace of mind most competitors can’t match.

Compared to rivals like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV or Nissan Leaf Plus, the Soul EV holds its own. It offers more range than the base Leaf, better tech than the Bolt, and a more distinctive design than both. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s one of the most well-rounded.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy the New Kia Soul Electric?

After a week behind the wheel, I’m convinced the new Kia Soul Electric car is more than just a quirky EV—it’s a smart, practical, and surprisingly fun choice for a wide range of drivers. It’s not for everyone, but for the right person, it’s a standout.

If you’re a city dweller who needs a reliable, efficient car for daily errands and weekend trips, the Soul EV is perfect. Its boxy design means great visibility and cargo space, and its 243-mile range covers most urban lifestyles with room to spare. The regen braking and one-pedal driving make stop-and-go traffic less stressful.

If you’re a first-time EV buyer, the Soul EV is a great entry point. It’s not overwhelming, the tech is intuitive, and the charging experience is straightforward. Plus, the warranty and OTA updates mean you’re covered for years to come.

And if you just want a car that’s a little different—a vehicle that doesn’t blend in with the sea of crossovers—the Soul EV delivers. It’s fun, friendly, and full of personality. It won’t win a drag race, but it will put a smile on your face every time you plug it in.

The only real drawbacks? The small frunk, the firm ride at high speeds, and the fact that fast charging isn’t quite as quick as some rivals (like the Hyundai Kona Electric). But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise excellent package.

Bottom line: The new Kia Soul Electric car proves that practicality and personality don’t have to be mutually exclusive. It’s a well-rounded EV that’s as fun to drive as it is to live with. If you’re shopping for an affordable, efficient, and stylish electric car, put the Soul EV at the top of your list. It might just be the boxy, bold, battery-powered companion you didn’t know you needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the standout features of the new Kia Soul Electric car?

The new Kia Soul Electric boasts a refreshed design, upgraded 64 kWh battery, and an EPA-estimated range of 250 miles. It also includes advanced tech like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a suite of driver-assist features.

How does the performance of the new Kia Soul Electric compare to other EVs?

With 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque, the Soul Electric delivers quick acceleration and smooth handling, making it competitive in the subcompact EV segment. Its responsive steering and compact size also make it ideal for city driving.

What is the charging time for the new Kia Soul Electric?

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

Does the new Kia Soul Electric offer good value for its price?

Yes, the new Kia Soul Electric starts competitively in the mid-$30,000 range, offering a long list of standard features, a strong warranty, and low maintenance costs, making it a smart buy in the EV market.

What safety features are included in the new Kia Soul Electric car?

The new Kia Soul Electric comes standard with Kia’s Drive Wise suite, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control for enhanced safety.

How spacious is the interior of the new Kia Soul Electric?

Despite its compact size, the Soul Electric offers a surprisingly roomy cabin with comfortable seating for five and 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space (expandable to 62.1 cubic feet with rear seats folded).