2021 Kia Soul Review: Soul-soothing Value On A Tight Budget
Though fairly modest in its disposition and relatively diminutive in stature, the 2021 Kia Soul still turns heads wherever it roams thanks to its quirky and contemporary vogue. Whether seen as cute or wacky, if one thing's for sure, the Soul crossover is a compact 5-door car that is here to stay, no matter how many gargantuan trucks and SUVs flood the roads. It's admired for more than just its distinct and novel aesthetic; it's an ideal urban runabout thanks to its peppy and nimble drive dynamics and surprisingly pragmatic cabin and cargo bay. It's a formidable competitor alongside the likes of the Honda HR-V and Hyundai Kona. Powering the front wheels of the 2021 Soul is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that's been dialed to produce 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Kia also offers a Turbo model that comes equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo-4 motor with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft.
2021 Soul Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 165.2 in | 102.4 in | 63.0 in | 70.9 in | 62.0 in | 62.4 in | 2,802.0 lbs |
2021 Soul Performance
2021 Soul Interior
2021 Soul Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 10 Years / 100,000 Miles | 5 Years / 100,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Kia Soul A Good crossover SUV?
Style, efficiency, and practicality are all qualities the 2021 Kia Soul has compellingly committed to supplying to drivers in the USA, from first-time college-goers to seasoned retirees and everyone in-between. Simply put, the Soul is an undeniably quirky little vehicle that doesn't try to be anything more than what it is, a pragmatic, everyday runabout. The primary engine accords the Soul with just enough pep for comfortable city commuting while remaining admirably economical on fuel. The Soul boasts a surprisingly spacious interior with a straight-forward and contemporary feel and plenty of modern features. Its trunk offers plenty of cargo room, too. The entry-spec model may be a little too barebones for some, but it's exceptionally affordable, and while the top-spec Turbo may be a little too pricey for what it offers, all of the trims slotting in-between offer plenty of value for the money. The entry price of the 2021 Kia Soul crossover comes in at just $17,490, an amount well worth paying.
What Kia Soul Model Should I Buy?
The LX bears a lot of appeal with its super low pricing point and, for some, its optional six-speed manual gearbox. It comes with very few standard features, however, which is why we'd suggest going for the S model. Along with some stylish exterior body-color trimmings and 16-inch alloy wheels, the S also comes outfitted with cruise control and Kia's DriveWise safety suite, which includes forward-collision avoidance, lane keep assist, driver attention warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic collision assist, and lane change assist. You won't need to review the 2021 Kia Soul's options list unless you want the auto-dimming rearview mirror.