Nearly a decade after the Honda Element debuted, the Kia Soul joined a few other brands in the car-in-a-box lineup in 2010. The niche group gained a lot of attention, good and bad, for their uniquely styled exteriors.
But the 2014 Kia Soul is now maturely immersed in the auto scene. It’s no longer a novelty item, especially since gaining its first redesign.
New this year is increased attention to the quality of the materials used in the interior as well as improved cargo space, now 61 cubic feet.
Key Takeaways
- Test car: the top-line Soul! with 164 horsepower, a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive.
- $20,300 MSRP and $26,195 as tested.
- 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds.
- 61 cubic feet of cargo space, improved for 2014.
- Steering: Steering is nimble and maneuvering around town, through parking lots and in highway situations is accomplished without blind spots.
- Warranty: bumper to bumper 5 years/60,000 miles and powertrain 10 years/100,000 miles.
The Kia Soul has always offered a hefty list of standard features, but also new for 2014 as options are a panoramic sunroof and an upgraded Uvo eServices package that includes streaming Internet radio capability for smartphone users.
The Weekly Driver Test Drive
My weekly driver was the top-line Soul! Like all full-loaded vehicles, entry level to full-boat luxury, the 2014 Kia Soul! includes other trims’ offering and then expands. The Soul! adds 18-inch wheels, body-colored bumpers, LED daytime running lights, upgraded headlights, foglights, power-folding side mirrors, the 10-way power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a cooled glovebox and all the items in the Uvo eServices package as standard.
Packages and Options
The optional Sun and Sound package provides the panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, navigation system, upgraded Infinity Audio system and speaker lights.
The Whole Shabang Package (yes, that’s the name) adds xenon headlights (low-beams only), keyless ignition, an upgraded instrument panel, leather upholstery, heated/ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats.
Driving Impressions
Driving the 2014 Kia Soul is a combination of fun, practicality and versatility. It’s a wagon, but it’s also a small SUV, isn’t it? The engine dynamics have been tweaked for 2014, so the Kia drives with an improved peppiness.
There’s plenty of room for front and rear-seat passengers, but front seat occupants have a more comfortable experience. Rear occupants in my drives with friends noted, “feeling every bump.”
2014 Kia Soul Verdict
Steering is nimble and maneuvering around town, through parking lots and in highway situations is accomplished without blind spots. The Kia Soul’s fun-to-drive attitude is fine. It’s a keen alternative to tradition in the industry, and innovation is healthy, right?
Likes
Designers did a great job with passenger and cargo space distribution.
Long list of standard features.
Strong warranty.
Dislikes
Would have expected better fuel economy.
How about a little better acceleration next year?
Rough ride for rear seat passengers.
Facts & Figures: 2014 Kia Soul
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $20,300 |
| As-Tested Price | $26,195 |
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 164 hp |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| 0-60 mph | 8.7 seconds |
| Fuel Economy (as listed in the review) | 23 city / 31 highway / 26 combined mpg |
| Fuel Economy (current EPA listing) | 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| Airbags | 6 |
| Warranty | Bumper to bumper 5 yr/60,000 mi; powertrain 10 yr/100,000 mi; roadside assistance 5 yr/60,000 mi |
James Raia
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
