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I peer deep into the Kia Soul for this review—and I like what I see. Find out why this is one of the best used hatchbacks to buy in Canada.
Fun, efficient and practical, the Kia Soul is a worthy pick for my list of the 10 best used cars in Canada. Here’s what to look for when shopping for a pre-owned Kia Soul.
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Yes, it is. The Kia Soul has a good track record, as well as impressive roominess for a car this size. In recent years, Kia has topped expert lists ranking vehicles for dependability. And, for many Canadians, the price is right.
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The first-generation Kia Soul was introduced in 2010 and remained on sale through 2013, until the second-generation Kia Soul replaced it for model year 2014. The third generation hit the market for model year 2020 (and is still available today), but buying a used car from towards the end of an earlier generation is often a safe bet, as many bugs and problems from earlier units have been worked out.
The Soul has been a strong success for Kia, which has sold well over a million units since this car first hit showrooms in 2008. Launching the next generation of a beloved vehicle requires great care—you don’t want to alienate the buyers drawn to the Soul’s signature mix of fun, efficiency and practicality, bundled together in a wrapper that screams, “Let’s play!”
The Soul has always had distinctive styling, but the third generation moves away from the folksy, cartoonish design cues toward a look that’s decidedly sharper and more modern.
The interior plastics seem well chosen, and the build quality is above average for the dollar. Test-driving shoppers can expect to find loads of goodies, especially on top trim grades. A key highlight of the interior? Ambient mood lighting that’s connected to your music. Drivers can select the hues and brightness of the array of concealed LED lights on board, bathing the cabin with colour after dark and even reacting to your playlists.
The tall and boxy shape of the Soul is a styling statement that does double duty to create generous headroom and maximized cargo capacity. It’s not a big machine, but it feels like one on board. The tall and upright driving position gives drivers the secure and in-command feel of a larger SUV, without the matching fuel bill.
If you’re opting for a third-generation Soul (2020 model year or newer), you won’t easily mistake it for anything else on the road—that’s a good thing.
In 2021, the Kia Soul was called the Best Subcompact SUV for the Money for the fifth consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Buy in the subcompact crossover category by Consumer Guide.
The 2022 model year saw sales of the Kia Soul up nearly 20% year-over-year. Updates for 2022 include a bold new Kia badge design, more standard features across more trim grades (including a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless charging and automatic climate control), and dual USB charging ports.
The 2022 Kia Soul was also recognized by Car and Driver with an Editors Choice award, and an 81/100 score from J.D. Power and Associates places the 2022 Kia Soul firmly among the highest-performing models based on owner reports and expert evaluations.
Model year 2023 brought a refresh to the Soul, adding enhanced looks to its front and rear fascias, bolder colour options and enhanced safety technology, with features like Blind Spot Collision Avoidance (BCA) and Rear Cross Collision Avoidance (RCCA) becoming standard on more Kia Soul trim grades.
Efficient four-cylinder engines are found between the Soul’s front wheels, including high-performing turbocharged options. An electric version is available, too. Though you won’t find any models equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), the Soul delivers strongly on what most Canadian shoppers want: a roomy and flexible vehicle that’s easy on fuel and ready for any adventure. Pet owners take note: the low cargo floor height makes canine jump-in a cinch.
In 2017, a new 1.6-litre turbo engine joined the lineup, with 201 horsepower. Though most used models will have an automatic or dual-clutch transmission, be sure to search for a used Kia Soul with manual gearbox if you like to row your own gears. Manual five- or six-speed transmissions were available, commonly on more basic units.
By the way, top trim grades included the SX and SX Luxury, while the LX and EX were more basic units.
While excellence permeates many aspects of the Soul experience, there is room for improvement.
Aside from the CVT transmission, which is better than in many similar cars, the Soul could benefit from snappier responses, and I wouldn’t miss the slurring sensation with shifting gears. AWD is still not available, despite high buyer demand for that feature. Sending power to all four wheels would make what is already a hugely practical vehicle even more so.
While some earlier units suffered from engine and transmission problems, a recent used Kia Soul with plenty of remaining warranty coverage should see new drivers backed up with space, flexibility, expressive style and an appealing asking price for a well-equipped and versatile runabout. If you’re thinking of buying an earlier or higher-mileage unit, budgeting for extended warranty coverage may be a smart idea, especially if the service history of the vehicle is unknown.
Though most owners didn’t experience engine failure, a not-insignificant number did—often within warranty.
Test-driving shoppers should also confirm strong and consistent performance from the air conditioner, and check all four tires for signs of uneven wear, which can indicate a problem with the vehicle’s alignment. If you notice this, have it addressed by a professional to avoid accelerated tire wear and poor fuel economy, both of which cost you money.
Drive on a bumpy road to uncover potential trouble signs from the suspension and steering system of the used Soul you’re considering. Quiet the vehicle’s cabin and drive at a moderate speed, listening closely for popping, smashing or banging noises from beneath. If the suspension in the Kia Soul is healthy, it should tackle a drive like this with no unwanted sound effects. If that’s not the case, one or more suspension parts may be in need of repair or replacement.
Price as tested (when new): $29,595
Body type: 4-door, 5-passenger UHV
Powertrain layout: Front engine/front-wheel drive
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
Engine: 2.0 litre inline-four DOHC, 16 valves
Horsepower: 147
Torque (lb-ft): 132
Curb weight: 1,393 kg (3,071 lb)
NRCan fuel economy (combined): 30 MPG
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Just noticed that the sales of the 2024 Soul are down 48% in the first 6 months of this year. It is an affordable vehicle for seniors. Do you think it is a price thing. I believe AWD would help sales. More advertising for 60 plus also might help. A fun car to drive but I do miss my cube though. Your thoughts!