2010 Kia Soul Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Kia Soul, a five-seat crossover SUV based on a stretched and stiffened Kia Rio platform, debuted at the LA Auto Show in 2008 and will be offered as a 2010 model. With its five-door hatchback design, front-wheel-drive drivetrain and fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines, it seems slated to tackle the urban youth market in a move that will endlessly be compared to Scion. Four trim levels - Base, Soul+, Soul!, and Soul Sport - stretch across two engines, a 1.6- and a 2.0-liter inline four.
Neither engine offers blistering performance - 122 hp for the 1.6 and 142 for the 2.0 - but the 2.0 at least seems to offer sufficient power and pep for around-town driving, if not highway passing or hill climbing. As the engine is pushed, it becomes ragged and harsh tones penetrate the cabin, and while no test drives could be found for the 1.6, one can only assume this will be exacerbated with its loss of displacement and power.
As with Scions, the major points of attraction for the Soul come in the form of extreme affordability and unique customizability. Even the top-tier Soul Sport is estimated to fall below twenty thousand dollars, and a long list of options coupled with many standard high-tech features are slated to attracted younger audiences. If high performance isn’t much of a concern, the Soul seems a likely candidate to make a lot of noise in its debut year.
Published May 31, 2022 by Michael Perkins
User reviews for 2010 Kia Soul
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by Doris V
Feb 12, 2024
Its been the best car Ive ever had in 50 years of driving. The size is perfect for daily use or travel. Its the last of its generation since it doesnt have costly features . Feb 12, 2024
by Bill L
Dec 11, 2023
I really like this car. This was a 2010 Special Edition so it came fairly loaded for 2010. Its very roomy in the front and rear seating is very good too. I am 62 200lbs. The only weird thing is how the bluetooth radio works. It will bluetooth to your phone for calls but will not be able to stream music or podcasts from your phone without a special cable. And the radios user interface is strange when it comes to paring a phone or making a call. But, Its 2010 tech, so thats ok, and it works. THe car is peppy enough for everyday driving and to get on and keep up on a freeway, but its no sports car for sure. I love it.Dec 11, 2023
by Anonymous
Apr 27, 2023
Cutest car ever,blue tooth,handling is great wish my 2016 had a back up camera Apr 27, 2023
User rating:
by Doris V
Feb 12, 2024
Its been the best car Ive ever had in 50 years of driving. The size is perfect for daily use or travel. Its the last of its generation since it doesnt have costly features . Feb 12, 2024
by Bill L
Dec 11, 2023
I really like this car. This was a 2010 Special Edition so it came fairly loaded for 2010. Its very roomy in the front and rear seating is very good too. I am 62 200lbs. The only weird thing is how the bluetooth radio works. It will bluetooth to your phone for calls but will not be able to stream music or podcasts from your phone without a special cable. And the radios user interface is strange when it comes to paring a phone or making a call. But, Its 2010 tech, so thats ok, and it works. THe car is peppy enough for everyday driving and to get on and keep up on a freeway, but its no sports car for sure. I love it.Dec 11, 2023
by Anonymous
Apr 27, 2023
Cutest car ever,blue tooth,handling is great wish my 2016 had a back up camera Apr 27, 2023
by David H
Mar 25, 2023
The Kia Soul is pleasant to drive, easy to park, and most important for me, the trunk-space is very good, with enough room for the two large walkers which my wife and I use, and groceries, too.Mar 25, 2023
by Eloy O
Jan 23, 2014
I drive over 30k miles per year and this car has never let me down.. proper care and maintenance and it just keeps going. about 29mpg with my heavy right foot. good looks, good audio, comfortable, No real complains, I have been complemented for the dragon designs many times.Jan 23, 2014
by Anonymous
Nov 22, 2013
Great car for the price and it hasn't hiccupped since I have owned it, fill it with gas and go, starts every time, gets me where I need to go. I am shocked at how much room is in both front and back seats. I have a very tall family and even the 6'4" nephew fits in the back seat without pain!Nov 22, 2013
by Anonymous
May 08, 2013
Nothing really, but for those looking for a muscle car this is not one, It is a great car for a smaller family, Space is limited for hauling. I like a bigger engine, and a bit more cargo space. All wheel drive.May 08, 2013
by Anonymous
Nov 11, 2012
This car is a fun ride and great gas mileage, I like the 18 inch tires, that makes it seem bigger and more midsize. It has done well in 2 snowy winters already. Safety of this car is also a plus!Nov 11, 2012
by Anonymous
Sep 06, 2012
Great price looks and reliability. Fun to drive cheap on gas. This is my commuter car I went from $65 fill ups to $35 fill ups and get about 300+ miles per tank. After a few add-ons (rims wing, HID head lights etc.) this is a cool little car.Sep 06, 2012
by Jim F
Jan 02, 2012
Acceleration is fair at best, but maintaining speed is a breeze. Braking is great, I drive without snows and its quite reasonable in the winter weather.
Other than a minor issue with the immobilization package the car serves me well.
Later models have improved the interior, the one I drive was one of the first I saw.
Fuel mileage is moderate, overall I get about 9.5k/liter.Jan 02, 2012
by Derrick G
Nov 16, 2011
Very practical and economical. With most options and accesories standard in comparison to everything else in same class, it is a hands down winner. Tight suspension and relatively small size make it a blast to drive. Plenty of room in both front and rear seats.Nov 16, 2011
by François L
Nov 16, 2011
Acceleration is quite good : 8.7sec o-100km/h
Braking is very powerfull : 33meters 100-0km/h
Handles great in town, a little twitchy on highway with high winds, but nothing scary
Good assembly quality, cheap plastics, but acceptable for the price asked and all the equipment included
Great styling, in love with it since I first saw it and bought it 3 years ago
Hard on gas with the 1st generation 2.0l engine.
Few problems, all taken care of royally by the dealer. 5 years no brainer warranty
Super fun to drive !!!!Nov 16, 2011
by Scott B
Apr 19, 2011
The Kia Soul is actually my wife's car, but I drive it a lot too. It's
quirky looking, but not ugly as much as cute. It has a very truck
like driving position, but is more car like than SUV. It handles very
well and has a very tight turning radius, but it's ride is choppy and
harsh on rough or uneven pavement. Performance is adequate but
hardly sporty, but it does get excellent gas mileage. Apr 19, 2011
by Josh D
Aug 25, 2010
The car is amazing first off it does not accelerate after 60mph as quick but its 31 miles to the gallon and as much room as an suv. The car has an exceptionally low msrp... I picked mine up with 10k on it for 16000 which is awesome for all it packs. Basic features are satellite radio and ipod connections with controls on wheel... bluetooth syncronization. Its all there base. The fabrics get more friendly as you go up. There are currently 4 special additions and i have the first of the four and they all have special packages... mine has the white wheels and mirrors with racing stripe and light up red speakers yes from the hamster commercial. It is nice looking and you get honked at by other soul owners... it will be a struggle getting the color you want because they are sold all the time... the alien green is a personal favorite. again 31 miles to the gallon... i drive city and highway blended every day so i get 28 and hey for this room... fantastic. It is very fun to drive and has amazing handling and because it is so light you do not get the tip over feeling cornering you get with suvs. In synopis... not fast but roomy great with gas an eye turner with lots for little.Aug 25, 2010
by sally t
Jun 01, 2010
I love it!! I love the fact it feels like an SUV but it is a car:-) So cute:-)It is a fun car to drive.Jun 01, 2010
by Della S
May 30, 2010
My Soul is awesome.Originally, i thought my next car would be a luxury car... i dreamt of a Cadillac CTS. Over the past year, i've become environmentally aware... trying to be "greener." So,instead, i decided to go with an economy vehicle.After shopping around and doing a lot of "homework",i chose the Kia Soul. Great gas mileage,cute interior,smooth ride,high ranking safety scores and tons of attitude.Good warranty too. So far, i'm thrilled with my Soul.May 30, 2010
by Herbert K
May 16, 2010
Only have 500 miles and city millage is about 27MPG. Hoping it gets better? Muffler seems noisy, a throaty kind of sound.Taking it back to dealer to check.Otherwise very pleased with it.May 16, 2010
by Fausto G
Mar 25, 2010
I've had this car for a month and I love it.
The Kia Soul+ is great and fun to drive.
It's all good so farMar 25, 2010
by Allen O
Mar 23, 2010
performance is good but needs a little more hp
overall the car is just fun to drive and i still gets looks
wonderful car to start someone out on
more room then you know what to do with
got to have this car.Mar 23, 2010
by Valerie H
Jan 08, 2010
The performance of the Kia Soul has been great. What I love about this car is that it has a high safety rating, good on gas, good IIHS rating, several standard features that other cars in it's class doesn't have, roomy interior, and a unique, sporty exterior. In addition, it comes with a very generous 10,0000 mile/10-year warranty and Kia offers free roadside assistance if anything should happen. I also save money on my car insurance with this vehicle because of is safety rating.
In my opinion, manufacturers can't/don't build cars to last, else they would go out of business because no one would ever need a new car. I decided to invest in the Kia Soul because it was fun to drive, affordable, had low-gas mileage and came with a great warranty. Thus, lowering my overall cost of ownership until it's time to get a new car.Jan 08, 2010
by kent C
Dec 21, 2009
i love the car it looks cool, great gas mileage. lots of room, the only thing i don't like is the seats could be more comforatable. a nice comfy seat and this car is perfect for today's driving.Dec 21, 2009
by Mike M
Oct 23, 2009
Good-quick acceleration, good brakes, 24 foot turning radius, nice stereo.
Bad-hard plastic door panels easy to clean good, hard arm rest bad. Door seals could be tighter has wind noise.
Good over all car fun to drive good bang for the buck.Oct 23, 2009
by Amanda O
Sep 04, 2009
it's fun to drive, nothing wrong, even though it looks like a box vechile, something that everyone looks at and is very different, pops out at you.
I would recommend buying something like this if your looking for something a little different with more room and don't want a SUV.
Sep 04, 2009
by Ed C
Aug 31, 2009
I use my car for city driving, shopping etc. it is wonderful for that. On the hwy it drives great it just a little noisy at 60mph plus.Aug 31, 2009
by robin g
Aug 31, 2009
For the price range of a car, KIA Soul is a great car. Rides fine on the HWY, 30 MPG. acceleration is fine for engine size. I wanted more MPG and the trade off was less tork in passing cars. Crews control, stereo all on the steering wheel. Child lock rear windows, sport friendly with seats that fold flat so I can put my bike in the car. It is a nice unique looking car. Not like all the other cars in it's price range.Aug 31, 2009
by Patricia B
Aug 19, 2009
Interior huge! Good acceleation, getting used to all disc braking. Only repair is that the engine light has come on twice because of sensor not denoting gas cap is tight. Appearance great---heads turn! Cost of ownership--insurance only increased $20 more than my 1999 Taurus! Gas mileage is as stated. Car is really fun to drive!Aug 19, 2009
by François L
Jul 27, 2009
Good performance from the 142hp engine, average fuel economy, nice handling, excellent braking, Solid buiuld but cheap and hard plastics, interior and exterior styling amazing, superb sound system, iPod and USB key compatible, small trunk, better when seats folded. Love it !!!Jul 27, 2009
by Mariann M
Jul 26, 2009
So far, like the car very much...it handles and drives well. Wish the seller would have thrown in the splash guards when I asked for them. Poor customer relations.Jul 26, 2009
by DAI S
Jul 11, 2009
There are more gadget in this car than my 2004 M3 convertible. So far the build quality is top notch. As per performance it is a 2.0 liter so that is not a high rev engine. You will get acceleration from a civic but I would not trade this car in for a civic. BTW, I had a few civics before. I love the way the car looks especially since nobody has this car. Wonderful to drive, fun to drive made a great decision. I also looked at the Scion XB, Toyota Matrix, Civic, Corolla and Elantra. Jul 11, 2009
by Barb F
Jul 09, 2009
Love driving my Kia Soul! It handles well and can accelerate quickly when needed. I haven't had any problems so far as far as repairs. I love the way it looks and the interior is clean but stylish. Love the gas mileage and space I have to put everything without owning an SUV. Jul 09, 2009
by Peter T
Jun 29, 2009
I purchased the Base model with 5-speed straight shift and 1.6 liter engine. While the acceleration is not head-snapping robust, it moves right along just fine. It is a pleasure to drive and, in solid white, looks great. I appreciate the good handling, good brakes, and that Kia puts every safety feature on even the baseline model at no extra cost. I also like the use of a simple (normal, not electronic) entry/ignition key. The only thing better than the 10 yr/100k warranty is the zero-down 0% three year financing. Rear visibility with the rather thick roof support columns is slightly limited. However, with 30 mpg on the very first tank of gas, I can live with having to be a bit more careful locating objects to the rear.Jun 29, 2009
by Carol N
May 26, 2009
I love my Kia Soul Sport! Its fun, gets great gas mileage(26/35)and has everything you could possibly need at a very reasonable price. The Kia 10 yr/100,000 warranty cannot be beat!May 26, 2009
2010 Kia Soul Pricing
Original MSRP
N/APrice range
$5,396 to $6,140Average price on CG
$5,655YoY price change
$6,140 to $5,655Trims & specs
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