2014 Kia Soul reviews are coming in

[Kaido]

Reviews:

Car Connection - Review

Car Connection - First Drive

Consumer Reports - First Drive (video)

Slashgear - First Drive

Edmunds Review

Autoblog - First Drive

Resources:

Manufacturer page

TV commercial

2014 colors:

11 new colors:

1. Clear White
2. Bright Silver
3. Titanium Grey
4. Black
5. Newport Blue
6. Toffee Brown
7. Acid Green
8. New Vanilla Shake
9. Inferno Red
10. Mustard
11. Electronic Green

There's a shot of some of the colors here:

http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content...30828_10_49_52_Pro__highres-2014-kia-soul.jpg

The Good:

1. Retuned GDI 1.6 or 2.0 "Nu" engine (4-cylinder direct-injection 1.6L 130HP 118lb-ft torque or 2.0L 164HP 151lb-ft torque)
2. Push-button start with keyless entry
3. 8" touchscreen (running Android no less!) pic
4. Backup camera
5. Improved safety (Kia is shooting for a 5-star crash rating)
6. Heated steering wheel
7. Heated front & rear seats; ventilated front seats
8. Nice leather options, including a tan/brown pic
9. Lane departure warning system
10. No more horrifically ugly rims
11. Panoramic sunroof pic 1 & pic 2
12. Slightly larger (length & width) with new, sleeker design & candy colors (Skittles - taste the Hamster), redesigned interior pic
13. Optional Eco package that starts/stops the motor at stops and features low-rolling-resistance tires
14. Smart parking system (looks like distance sensors on both front & rear)

The Meh & the Bad:

1. Fuel economy is the same, maybe +1 MPG (~24 city, 29 highway estimating)
2. Front nose looks hideous, directly stolen from the newer Scion xB (probably raised higher as a quick fix to their crash test issues from the previous generation)
3. Can still only get a manual transmission on the 1.6L engine
4. Reviewers say the Flex Steer system (Comfort/Normal/Sport) doesn't really do anything
5. Although slightly quieter overall, the firewall noise hasn't been fixed, so you still get the 4-cylinder whine
6. Chilled glovebox feature, to keep your candy bars from melting? Keep soda cold? Dunno.
7. Back seats still don't fold flat. Very annoying. I used mine as a little truck most of the time and computer towers and stuff just slide right down.
8. Horizontal door bumper guard removed. Dangit! People hit doors in parking lots all the time, I really liked that feature

My take:

I am a big fan of the Kia Soul. I leased one for a few years and never had any major problems with it. I actually miss it a lot and really like the way it handled, plus having a hatchback is just a great thing to have! I also like the new features - pushbutton start (with the button in a smart location, next to the console gearshift instead of under the steering wheel), heated & cooled seats, heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, 8" Android touchscreen with backup camera, etc. Tons of premium features in there for a non-premium price (looking like $26k maxed out with the works).

I can't say I'm a fan of the new green, the Soul's signature color - it looks like a giant Skittle to me. The red looks good but holy cow if that isn't a "pull me over red" if I ever saw one :biggrin: I liked the older metallic avocado green quite a bit, but the design is also different now so that might not looks as good. I really like this darker forest green, which appears to be called Electronic Green:

http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content...-1020_20130828_11_25_39_Pro-2014-kia-soul.jpg

Anyway, it has a heckuva lot of really nice features in the new model, anxious to take one out for a test drive!

 

[heymrdj]

I am so on this car. I'm waiting for some ! models to hit the lots so I can check it out, it may be my next lease since my Civic got totaled. When I switched to the civic I was appalled at how little the trunk worked for my lifestyle. I was taking the gas pig out multiple times per week. I now know a hatchback is what I have to have, and the new features on this are looking amazing.

 

[nerp]

Decent vehicle. I perfer low-slung cars and sedans but this is an OK looking ride and isn't totally ridiculous in concept and execution.

 

[heymrdj]

Decent vehicle. I perfer low-slung cars and sedans but this is an OK looking ride and isn't totally ridiculous in concept and execution.

The low slung part is what creates such a crappy comfort level for long distance driving. Having your legs so far out in front of you instead of up and down like is natural creates alot of discomfort.

 

[iamwiz82]

I'm confused by the pics from Slashgear. It's a jumble of photos from two different generations with no explanation nor a similar angle to compare against.

 

[Kaido]

I am so on this car. I'm waiting for some ! models to hit the lots so I can check it out, it may be my next lease since my Civic got totaled. When I switched to the civic I was appalled at how little the trunk worked for my lifestyle. I was taking the gas pig out multiple times per week. I now know a hatchback is what I have to have, and the new features on this are looking amazing.

Yeah, we have a 2013 Civic on lease and it's actually really great. Although my wife missed the Fit/Soul for the extra roominess/space. And yeah, the features are crazy!

* Panoramic sunroof
* Heated & Cooled seats
* Heated steering wheel
* 8" touchscreen with Backup camera
* Pushbutton start with keyless entry
* Hill-start assist control
* Auto-dimming rearview mirror
* Power folding side mirrors with LED turn signals
* LED daytime running lights

Sounds like you're describing a Mercedes instead of a Kia :biggrin:

 

[Kaido]

I'm confused by the pics from Slashgear. It's a jumble of photos from two different generations with no explanation nor a similar angle to compare against.

If you scroll down a bit, they have a 2013 vs. 2014 video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avb3OaXkXpE

But yeah - like, my question is, is that darker forest green available stateside? I'm really digging that color on the new design :thumbsup:

 

[Kaido]

Decent vehicle. I perfer low-slung cars and sedans but this is an OK looking ride and isn't totally ridiculous in concept and execution.

The low slung part is what creates such a crappy comfort level for long distance driving. Having your legs so far out in front of you instead of up and down like is natural creates alot of discomfort.

That's one of the things I like about the Soul. It looks like a small SUV, but really it's only about as big as a Honda Fit. So you get to sit up nicely and have a very good amount of ride stabilization (great on the highway), but you're also not struck driving some huge monstrosity. I like being able to zip around and grab tighter parking spaces without any hassle. Honestly the Soul has been my favorite car I've had to date. I'd definitely be willing to sell my S80 for a new one :sneaky:

 

[jaha2000]

My big issue with it is the MPG are terrible for what it is...
My buddy had one. I rode in it recently (its got about 40k on it now) and the thing is falling apart.

 

[Mermaidman]

My big issue with it is the MPG are terrible for what it is...
My buddy had one. I rode in it recently (its got about 40k on it now) and the thing is falling apart.

The trick is to sell a Kia/Hyundai before it falls apart, or lease it like Kaido did.

Yeah, why the fuel economy so bad? Otherwise, am big fan of the Seoul! :awe:

 

[Kaido]

My big issue with it is the MPG are terrible for what it is...
My buddy had one. I rode in it recently (its got about 40k on it now) and the thing is falling apart.

Falling apart? I returned my Soul on lease with 40K on the clock and it was mint, the heck did he do it it? :biggrin:

But yeah, MPG-wise - that's one of my biggest complaints. 28 MPG is garbage for a modern small car (or 29, as it seems to be). Sure, it's not very aerodynamic, but the Cube gets 31 MPG highway and the Soul is nearly the same size:

http://motoringrumpus.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/2011-nissan-cube-kia-soul-rear.jpg

I'd also like to see a model with a CVT. The next-gen CVT on the Nissan cars is surprisingly nice (and quiet); most of the reviewers are complaining about the 6-speed auto tranny hunting for gears while driving. I don't remember having that problem with mine tho.

 

[Kaido]

The trick is to sell a Kia/Hyundai before it falls apart, or lease it like Kaido did.

Yeah, why the fuel economy so bad? Otherwise, am big fan of the Seoul! :awe:

Haha, right?

I'm actually on the fence between a 2014 Soul and a 2014 Soul EV. The sales guy said they won't be in my market for awhile, but I'm sure my aging Volvo would hold out for the wait. Rumor is $35k, 118 miles on the battery. I could definitely live within that driving distance! $35k would be a lot for a Kia, but not having to pay for gas would be nice too - plus minimal maintenance. Although the current Soul goes nearly 400 miles on a tank of gas, it just doesn't get fabulous gas mileage.

 

[nerp]

The low slung part is what creates such a crappy comfort level for long distance driving. Having your legs so far out in front of you instead of up and down like is natural creates alot of discomfort.

Not sure what you mean. I've never had comfort issues in a normal sedan. I wasn't talking about a racecar.

 

[heymrdj]

Not sure what you mean. I've never had comfort issues in a normal sedan. I wasn't talking about a racecar.

I mean when you sit 14 hours in a car like I do parts tend to go numb when you sit so low. When on the road for hours, the large seat to floor distance makes it alot easier to stretch the legs out. It also keeps pressure off the back.

 

[Kaido]

I mean when you sit 14 hours in a car like I do parts tend to go numb when you sit so low. When on the road for hours, the large seat to floor distance makes it alot easier to stretch the legs out. It also keeps pressure off the back.

Wow, what are you doing for 14 hours in a car all the time? You need my Volvo with lazyboy seats haha!

 

[Kaido]

Colorizing page here:

http://soul.kia.com/worldwide/en/wb/@page/event_01.asp

11 new colors:

1. Clear White
2. Bright Silver
3. Titanium Grey
4. Black
5. Newport Blue
6. Toffee Brown
7. Acid Green
8. New Vanilla Shake
9. Inferno Red
10. Mustard
11. Electronic Green

I definitely love the darker Electronic Green. This car is definitely on my list of next cars! Love the crazy amenities too.

http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content...-1020_20130828_11_25_39_Pro-2014-kia-soul.jpg

he official debut is in a couple of days:

http://soul.kia.com/worldwide/en/wb/@page/index.asp

I like the brown in the press shots, kind of make it look like a Jeep:

http://soul.kia.com/worldwide/en/wb/@page/usp_01.asp

Although in person it's a lot lighter & I don't like it as much:

http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content...-1020_20130828_10_49_22_Pro-2014-kia-soul.jpg

 

[jagec]

My big issue with it is the MPG are terrible for what it is...

Agreed. The last two rentals that I had were a Hyundai Sonata and the Kia Soul (in both cases substitutes for the economy sedan I wanted). I remember being very impressed by the Sonata...it felt very comfortable, quiet, and powerful, but I was able to get almost 35 MPG out of it (highways, no traffic). The Soul was underwhelming. Funny looking, certainly nowhere near luxurious, and bad mileage. No thanks. I think something like the Honda Fit does everything that the Soul does, but with much better styling, mileage, handling, and a stronger brand.

 

[ThatsABigOne]

Definitely do not like the looks of the new generation. I really like the older one. The older gen looks with features of the new gen is a win-win.

I definitely like the new interior. Simple and gets the job done.

 

[Kaido]

Agreed. The last two rentals that I had were a Hyundai Sonata and the Kia Soul (in both cases substitutes for the economy sedan I wanted). I remember being very impressed by the Sonata...it felt very comfortable, quiet, and powerful, but I was able to get almost 35 MPG out of it (highways, no traffic). The Soul was underwhelming. Funny looking, certainly nowhere near luxurious, and bad mileage. No thanks. I think something like the Honda Fit does everything that the Soul does, but with much better styling, mileage, handling, and a stronger brand.

We had both at the same time - a Honda Fit and a Kia Soul. My wife absolutely loved the Fit. Magic seats, bubble top for roominess, zippy, good MPG, Honda reliability. She's been bugging me to get another actually :biggrin: However, I really liked sitting up in the Soul (like a desk chair), as well as the extra stability from the wideness of the car on the highway - no bouncing around or squirrelyness.

I'm not pleased with the Kia Soul's mileage either. Sure it's a box, but it's a very small box. You don't realize just how small until you park it next to something like the Fit and realize that it's not SUV-sized at all, it's more like a chopped-down Forester. So I definitely think they could do a whole lot better. At the very least, I think a CVT would be a huge help, both in terms of the driving experience and with the gas mileage. They do have an electric one coming out, supposedly 118 miles for $35k, so we'll see how that pans out.

 

[Kaido]

Definitely do not like the looks of the new generation. I really like the older one. The older gen looks with features of the new gen is a win-win.

I definitely like the new interior. Simple and gets the job done.

Yeah. I think they simply raised the nose to fix the safety issues they previous generation had, and basically stole the design from the current Scion xB. Ah well. I also don't like the solid-colored side door panels; I liked having it broken up with the door bumper guard, both for looks and for functionality. I can only imagine what the side of the car will look like after a few years of parking lot visits

 

[mmntech]

I don't like what they've done with the front and the back. Trying to make it look like the Nissan Juke?

MPG should be a lot better than it is. It's the same curb weight as the Elantra. I wouldn't think bumping engine size up 200cc would bog it down that much. Aerodynamics?

 

[Kaido]

I don't like what they've done with the front and the back. Trying to make it look like the Nissan Juke?

MPG should be a lot better than it is. It's the same curb weight as the Elantra. I wouldn't think bumping engine size up 200cc would bog it down that much. Aerodynamics?

It could definitely use a Turbo model, or even something like the BRZ's 200 HP engine. I mean it's fine as a commuter car, but the chassis definitely feels like it could handle more. I also wish there was a stick-shift version in the 2.0, not just the 1.6.

 

[BlitzPuppet]

God that car is and always has been FUGLY.

 

[exar333]

Normally a MT option is great, but the current Soul's MT is horrible. Really 'meh' on this vehicle all-around...

 

[Kaido]

Normally a MT option is great, but the current Soul's MT is horrible. Really 'meh' on this vehicle all-around...

Other than the lack of power (which wasn't really that bad actually) I didn't like the clutch pedal. I believe it's hydraulic and it felt like playing a video game - I didn't get any feedback from the clutch pedal like I do in my older stick-shift cars. iirc it was the same thing in the Honda Fit - fun to drive but it was just weird driving with that clutch.