The 2019 Kia Soul hits the streets in three different levels of trim, each with their own engine and transmission configurations. The Plus trim gets the largest set of packages to choose from, compared to the base getting none, and Exclaim only two. The base model sees a 1.6-liter inline-four-cylinder motor producing 130 horsepower and 118 lb-ft of torque, paired to either a manual or optional automatic transmission. The Plus trim gets a larger engine to play with, drawing 161 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter counterpart. At the top of the range, we find the Exclaim trim which sports a 1.6-liter turbocharged motor. Producing 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, it’s the fastest motor available for the Soul.
The Soul in base trim is decently kitted but makes do with basic infotainment like a five-inch display, as well as a rearview camera, and air conditioning. It lacks extensive customization features, which are added to the mid-level + (Plus), along with a seven-inch touchscreen, cruise control, remote keyless entry, climate control, and 17-inch alloys, while the top-of-the-line ! (Exclaim) receives red exterior accents, twin chrome exhaust tips, upgraded interior design elements, leather upholstery, push-button start, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The Soul carries a base model price of $16,490 in base trim, excluding tax, registration, licensing, and a $995 destination charge. At the top of the range is the Exclaim trim, with a starting MSRP of $22,990 before options, while splitting the difference is the Plus, with a price in the USA of $20,490. However, with a new model due for 2020 release, there are bound to be deals galore as dealers look to clear their lots for the arrival of the new version, so it pays to shop around.
Exclusive to the Plus trim level is the Designers Collection Package at $400, which adds 18-inch alloy wheels with gloss black inserts, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, and a selection of exclusive body colors.
Also exclusive to the Plus is the Audio Package at $1,500. It features an eight-inch touchscreen display with navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, a Harmon/Kardon audio system with additional speakers, speaker lights for the cabin, push-button start, USB charging ports, glossy black accents, chrome interior door handles, a leather-wrapped steering wheel/gearshift knob, and leatherette inserts on various panels.
The third package available is the Primo Package (+$4,500). This includes Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning System, Lane Departure Warning System, Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, HID Headlights, LED positioning lights, ventilated/heated seats front/rear, heated steering wheel, LED interior lighting, and a Supervision Meter Cluster.
Exclusive to the Exclaim trim is the Sunroof Package (+$1,000), adding a panoramic sunroof and LED interior lighting. The Technology Package (+$3,000) adds a blend of the Primo and Audio Packages available to the Plus, with the omission of Autonomous Emergency Braking.
The 2019 Kia Soul Plus is the best buy in our opinion. Featuring a 2.0-liter motor and six-speed automatic, it's capable of producing the grunt needed but lacks the outright pace of the turbocharged Exclaim. However, with a plethora of standard features, exclusive packages and body colors to choose from, and a price point that remains exceptional value for money, it really outshines its base model counterpart. We recommend the Primo Package here, as it adds the Audio Package by default, and delivers the best experience all-around. The Exclaim model omits autonomous braking from its features, making it the performance option with a disregard for safety. That said, the base model, despite being at a great price point, lacks some of the qualities that make the Soul fun.
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