2012 Kia Soul Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Kia had its work cut out for the 2012 Soul, and so it enters this model year with a mid-cycle freshening and a more refined powertrain. The vast majority of drivers are very satisfied with their Soul, but better fuel economy and power became the top desires after Kia successfully resolved the road noise and harsh ride with its 2011 modifications. Kia answered those calls by offering no less than 13 more horses and as much as 34 highway mpg out of an additional gear and a few engine tweaks.
Instead of 122 horses and a 5-speed stick, the baseline 1.6-liter 4-cylinder now puts out 135 horses and uses a 6-speed in hopes of improving driver concerns over the Soul's get-up-and-go, while sweetening the deal with about 3 more miles out of every gallon. The optional 2-liter also gains 3 mpg over last year, thanks to a new 6-speed manual or automatic instead of last year's 5-speed options. The 2-liter, however, comes with a slightly larger power bump than the 1.6's, up to 160 hp over the 142 hp offered previously. Although torque increases are not published, current drivers are thrilled with the Soul's newfound pep.
The 2012 Soul was also smoothed over with revised hood and bumpers for a more streamlined look. New projector headlights and LED daytime running lights add a friendly character to the front fascia, and Kia's color stylings of Canyon and Moss complete the 2012 Soul's new outsider perspective.
Drivers looking for some factory-installed soul will finally find it inside the cabin of the more premium 2012 Soul trims. The new optional Infinity premium stereo at long last offers more swagger and, at best, 6 speakers with a CD/MP3 player and all the connectivity trimmings. Most of the trimmings are standard in the Base, which has 4 speakers instead, and that's a great deal for the asking price - but a strange hatchback wagon crossbreed named the Soul has got to have some, and no amount of money could get a good factory stereo before the 2012.
Kia has also promised to continue offering special-edition Souls for 2012. Thus far only the Base, + and ! trims have made it to dealer lots, so drivers hoping for the more composed Sport could be in luck with a bit of patience. The Sport really only adds a few cosmetic traits and the expected suspension tweaks over the ! in any case (and no, you never do get used to writing that).
Every 2012 Soul features the expected amenities, like a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and full power accessories, but the lack of a telescoping steering wheel could be a problem for taller drivers. Some have also noted that the Soul is not especially well-suited to the "big" crowd either, because of the way the seats are formed, so those over 5'11" with some sweet curves of their own should tentatively test the Soul for personal comfort before deciding.
Safety could be better, but 4-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist, active front head restraints, stability control, traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags are all standard - and with features like heated outside mirrors, alloy wheels and keyless entry standard on the upper tiers, the Soul is sure to go far with its super low sticker.
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2012 Kia Soul
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Eva O
Mar 23, 2024
This car is super practical! Theres so much room inside, lots of trunk space and incredibly easy to maneuver. Parking is a breeze! Easily carries around 3-4 passengers, has decent legroom in the back.
Also has a good amount of power for its size, pulls through traffic pretty easily. Gets up to speed quickly and has a decent transmission (I use the manumatic shifter and it changes gears quickly, and predictably.)
Gets pretty good gas mileage, 26-18 highway and 16-20 city.Mar 23, 2024
by Jim C
Feb 16, 2024
I think the 1.6 GDI base Kia Soul with a 6 speed manual transmission is an ideal car for rideshare driving, hauling music gear to and from gigs, not burning too much fuel, and enjoying the experience of the drive!
The big issue with these cars (and many others) is the fact that direct engines get dirty, and its necessary to religiously follow the maintenance procedures to keep the carbon buildup down.Feb 16, 2024
by Lenora P
Oct 21, 2023
The car far exceeded a good value, that it seemed too good to be true! Because of that, I hesitated to inquire about it, and by the time I did, unfortunately the car was already sold!Oct 21, 2023
User rating:
by Eva O
Mar 23, 2024
This car is super practical! Theres so much room inside, lots of trunk space and incredibly easy to maneuver. Parking is a breeze! Easily carries around 3-4 passengers, has decent legroom in the back.
Also has a good amount of power for its size, pulls through traffic pretty easily. Gets up to speed quickly and has a decent transmission (I use the manumatic shifter and it changes gears quickly, and predictably.)
Gets pretty good gas mileage, 26-18 highway and 16-20 city.Mar 23, 2024
by Jim C
Feb 16, 2024
I think the 1.6 GDI base Kia Soul with a 6 speed manual transmission is an ideal car for rideshare driving, hauling music gear to and from gigs, not burning too much fuel, and enjoying the experience of the drive!
The big issue with these cars (and many others) is the fact that direct engines get dirty, and its necessary to religiously follow the maintenance procedures to keep the carbon buildup down.Feb 16, 2024
by Lenora P
Oct 21, 2023
The car far exceeded a good value, that it seemed too good to be true! Because of that, I hesitated to inquire about it, and by the time I did, unfortunately the car was already sold!Oct 21, 2023
by DeDe G
Jun 25, 2023
Very good value and low mileage for tbe year.. CleanJun 25, 2023
by Virginia P
Jun 18, 2023
I have read that 2012 Kia Souls arent reliable mechanically.Jun 18, 2023
by Elizabeth C
Jan 24, 2023
Kia Soul is an all around great car! Fun to drive, reliable stable. the Exclaim is the way to go. the features are great. Jan 24, 2023
by Karin A
Dec 11, 2022
It’s a base model, so it doesn’t have much, but it’s a good little car. Dec 11, 2022
by Sam V
Jun 30, 2022
A clear title it had hidden problems but it was what I wantedJun 30, 2022
by Gaetan ( Gus ) C
Apr 28, 2022
Great car wish they came with more options and better sound system Apr 28, 2022
by Danny M
Feb 15, 2022
Low Mileage no accidents nice paint jobAnd a good yearFeb 15, 2022
by Joseph C
Aug 12, 2021
I have the 1.6L base model, with already 112,000 miles on it this car has ask for NOTHING other than oil change and gas!!! I replace the coils my self one time other than that NOTHING, I was skeptical about Kia but after reading the great reviews about this car I purchase it second hand and now I have to write a good review about it too because this is a little great warrior car! Aug 12, 2021
by Anonymous
Jul 28, 2021
I like the squareness & it is easy to park.Jul 28, 2021
by Doris G
Jun 23, 2021
Brakes didn’t feel right. High mileage. But nice interior and exteriorJun 23, 2021
by Reginald S
May 25, 2021
The car is even better that I expected expected. I love the carMay 25, 2021
by Aline J
May 14, 2021
Hi. Yes , I loved it but now I wished that I could have another Kia SoulMay 14, 2021
by Cheryle E
Mar 18, 2021
!! Great to have gor any person young or oldMar 18, 2021
by Anonymous
Nov 22, 2020
Big improvements over my dependable but tame 2011. Like it!Nov 22, 2020
by Anonymous
Jul 29, 2020
Nice looking and driving, but does not have a good reliability rating from Consumer Reports, and has many recall issues due to engine failure.Jul 29, 2020
by Anonymous
Apr 22, 2015
I love the look of the Soul its sporty and compact, not to mention the seats are very comfortable and supportive. Maintenance cost has been very low because the only time its been to the dealer was for oil change. The acceleration is very good and handles well for its size.Apr 22, 2015
by Jim W
Mar 19, 2015
Overall, this is a great car and I hope I can afford another one someday.
It is easy to park, very roomy inside. Feels like a mini-SUV. Plenty of head room, seats are upright, rather than slouched like some cars. Easy to get in and out of. Very easy to steer and drive. Feels like driving a go-cart sometimes. Just fun!Mar 19, 2015
by Anonymous
Sep 20, 2014
I think the Sould was originally aimed at a young audience, but it's SUV feel and great visibility, available backup camera in a smaller profile with great gas mileage seems to work for older people as well. I am retired, and have been approached by many older people who are interested.
Sep 20, 2014
by Anonymous
Jul 30, 2014
Like the 2011 version, the 2012 model was really a great car with lots of extras for the price tag - holds its value well too. Still 30+ MPG. Sporty and fun to drive, does fine in bad weather, good instrument panel layout. The sliding sun visors are the best - all cars should have them! Bluetooth and media worked well - space was no problem for basic trips, but big things like bicycles are a challenge. Overall a great vehicle, my 2nd one.Jul 30, 2014
by mike y
Feb 03, 2014
Visibility and ability to drive is good though handling is nothing stellar. Power is also Okay but not too strong though this is good as the suspension is not really up to more power. Braking has been fine. The car is small in length so fees for the ferry are the lower rate, it is shorter than 14 feet. Interior room is great for seats and it was fine for a trip from the west coast of Washington over to Yellowstone and back. Rear cargo space is a little limited when the seats are all up but volume is not bad for such a small car.Feb 03, 2014
by Nora W
Dec 02, 2013
I have really enjoyed my 2012 Kia Soul ! because it's easy to maneuver, it has great interior space for a small car, a great set of features for the price and nice gas mileage. I love the funky style too. What needs major improvement is the comfort of the seats, particularly the front seats, the road noise inside the cabin and the overall quality of the interior materials. It has an overly "plastic" feel, the floor covering is more like indoor/outdoor felt than carpet and the cloth seats are not easily spot cleaned. The level of road noise was supposedly improved for the 2012 model but I find it so loud that it often interferes with using the UVO voice controls. I notice that once again for the 2014 model, Kia is touting improved interior noise levels. Wish I could swap my 2012 for the newest model!Dec 02, 2013
by John R
Nov 25, 2013
You will love driving this auto it has alot of reliability.You can not go wrong for the money. Plenty of room and not to bad on gas also.Buy one today they drive forever . Police and taxi cabs used these ,for one reason. I have seen the with 400 k miles.Nov 25, 2013
by Mattie H
Nov 23, 2013
It is my first Kia car, and I am looking forward to another Kia car when I am ready to upgrade. Kia Soul plus is such a cute sporty vehicle for a small family. The safety rating is excellent. Gas mileage is pretty good. It has a "cartoon" looking on the outside, yet very comfortable inside.Nov 23, 2013
by Anonymous
Aug 03, 2013
Like the commercials show, the Gerbils make an excellent statement for promoting this vehicle. Fun to drive/operate and 12 gallons of gas goes a long way, especially with the gas prices constantly rising. I encouraged a friend to purchase one and she went out and purchased "3" - 2013 Souls for herself and 2 of her grand daughters.Aug 03, 2013
by Anonymous
Oct 23, 2012
I liked everything bout this car. I think it looks great. It handles wonderfully. The ride is nice. The sound system is great. It fits almost two full drum sets which is huge being as I am a drummer. All in all it is a great car.Oct 23, 2012
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Have you driven a 2012 Kia Soul?Compare this car
2012 Kia Soul Pricing
Original MSRP
$13,900 to $20,600Price range
$6,029 to $6,392Average price on CG
$6,344YoY price change
$6,352 to $6,344Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 120 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet
Convenience Features
Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: in-floor
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.27
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Lights
Headlights: Auto off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating with sliding extensions
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 350 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.37
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Sunroof: tilt
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 315 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: in-floor · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.51
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 315 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.51
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Lights
Headlights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: with washer