2024 Kia Soul emerges as a compelling and visually distinctive choice, leaving hamsters behind. Its boxy styling exudes charisma, complemented by a surprisingly spacious interior that defies its small footprint. The Soul seamlessly blends whimsical touches with practicality, providing a roomier cabin than anticipated. What sets it apart is its value proposition, offering an impressive array of features at a lower cost compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Jeep Renegade, and even its sibling, the Kia Seltos. The 2024 Soul is not just a vehicle; it’s a charismatic and practical statement in the subcompact SUV landscape.
What’s New for 2024?
2024 Kia Soul boasts a singular but efficient powertrain, featuring a 147-horsepower four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Despite the sole powertrain option, the Soul stands out for its enjoyable driving experience, characterized by a comfortable ride and refined demeanor. The 147-hp engine delivers a balance of performance and efficiency, while the continuously variable automatic transmission ensures seamless shifts. Whether navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the Soul’s responsive and comfortable driving dynamics contribute to an overall satisfying and efficient driving experience, making it a standout in its class.
2024 Kia Soul lineup introduces the EX Designer package, featuring stylish upgrades like 18-inch wheels and distinctive interior trimmings. Notably, the optional smart key now incorporates a sleep mode, activating 40 seconds after locking the vehicle. This innovative security measure prevents potential theft attempts by safeguarding against key frequency duplication. Kia’s commitment to enhancing both aesthetics and security underscores the brand’s dedication to providing not only a visually appealing driving experience but also incorporating intelligent features that prioritize the safety and protection of the vehicle and its occupants.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
2024 Kia Soul is propelled by a spirited 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, harmoniously paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While its 8.0-second 0-60 mph time may trail some competitors, the Soul excels in urban landscapes Exhibiting a lively and responsive demeanor. The CVT seamlessly selects lower gear ratios, enhancing passing maneuvers and contributing to an engaging driving experience. While not engineered for aggressive cornering like a sports car. The Soul prioritizes comfort without sacrificing driving character, ensuring it steers clear of blandness. The addition of the new EX Designer package, offering 18-inch wheels and distinctive interior trimmings. Adds an extra layer of style to the Soul lineup. Kia’s innovative approach extends to security. With the optional smart key featuring a sleep mode to deter potential thieves. In essence, the 2024 Soul blends performance, style, and intelligent features. Offering a well-rounded and appealing package for a diverse range of drivers.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Navigating the price tiers of the 2024 Kia Soul reveals a versatile range catering to various budgets. The GT-Line model, priced at $30k, emerges as an attractive choice, offering a distinct interpretation of the Soul’s quirky design. Distinguished by sportier aesthetics, unique wheel design, and body-color trim, the GT-Line stands out. Importantly, it comes equipped with a suite of driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. This combination of distinctive styling and advanced safety features positions the GT-Line as a compelling option within the lineup, showcasing Kia’s commitment to delivering both style and safety at a competitive price point.
Kia Soul MPG
2024 Kia Soul defies its boxy appearance with an impressive EPA rating. Reaching up to 35 mpg on the highway and maintaining a minimum of 27 mpg in the city—a commendable feat for a design that might seem non-aerodynamic. In comparison to key rivals like the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue. The Soul matches their highway numbers but lags slightly in the city, achieving 30 mpg. During our 75-mph fuel-economy test, the Soul demonstrated efficiency. achieving a respectable 30 mpg. Kia’s commitment to balancing performance and fuel efficiency positions the Soul as a compelling choice for those seeking both style and economical operation.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
2024 Kia Soul, with its distinctive upright body, delivers an interior that maximizes space for both passengers and cargo. Kia’s designers inject a youthful charm inside, mirroring the Soul’s fashion-forward exterior. Textured door-panel inserts and vibrant trim elements contribute to the playful ambiance. The interior boasts premium features, including ambient lighting, a smartphone charging pad, a head-up display, push-button ignition with keyless entry, and heated seats and steering wheel. Kia emphasizes customization, offering two-tone paint options and a range of interior color schemes. In the cargo area, the tall-roofed Soul accommodates seven carry-on suitcases. With the rear seats folded, although not completely flat, the Soul impressively accommodates 20 cases. In contrast, the Venue, with a smaller hold and tighter rear seat space, fits only four suitcases behind the rear seat and 17 with the seats down. The Soul’s commitment to practicality and stylish comfort makes it a standout choice in the subcompact SUV segment.
Infotainment and Connectivity
2024 Kia Soul prioritizes connectivity and entertainment with standard touchscreen infotainment featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims. Models beyond the base receive an expansive 10.3-inch display, offering additional features like SiriusXM satellite radio, real-time traffic updates, in-dash navigation, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. The LX variant comes with an 8.0-inch unit. Audio enthusiasts can opt for the available Harman/Kardon setup on the GT-Line model, elevating the auditory experience. With a user-friendly interface and advanced tech offerings, the Soul ensures a seamless and enjoyable journey for all occupants, highlighting Kia’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into its vehicles.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
2024 Kia Soul prioritizes safety with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features across its trims. Standard offerings include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert, enhancing overall safety. These features collectively contribute to a secure driving experience, providing assistance in various scenarios, from urban traffic to highway journeys. Kia’s commitment to safety is evident in its inclusion of advanced technologies that not only protect occupants but also enhance overall driving confidence. With a focus on both preventive and reactive safety measures, the 2024 Soul stands out as a subcompact SUV that prioritizes the well-being of its occupants.
Final Thoughts
2024 Kia Soul combines distinctive design with practicality. Its boxy exterior conceals a surprisingly spacious interior, complemented by advanced tech features, including a standard touchscreen infotainment system. With a spirited 147-hp engine, ample safety features, and customizable options, the Soul stands out in the subcompact SUV segment.