Kia Soul – Don’t Box Me In

When it comes to driving uniquely styled multi-purpose vehicles, Kia’s got Soul.  Is that enough to get into the good graces of the car buying public?  Well, don’t be a square.  See for yourself what the 2013 Kia Soul has to offer.

Kia Soul Trims and Feature Highlights

The Soul is a compact wagon/hatchback that offers four doors and seating for five.  For 2013, Kia offers Soul in base, +, and ! trims (see how quirky it is?), and begins at a nice and affordable $14,400.  Prices top out at around $23,000, so feel free to go crazy on the extras, which are plentiful.  Kia offers two engine choices for Soul, depending on trim: a 1.6 liter direct injection inline-4 offering 138 horsepower, or a slightly larger 2.0 liter I4 worth 164 HP.

Other standards include up to 30 combined MPG, good safety ratings, and tons of practicality for both people and things.  Kia has also given shoppers the opportunity to fine tune their Soul with lots of tech options.  Bluetooth comes standard on all models, and you’ll also be able to load up on navigation, Microsoft backed UVO infotainment, an upgraded Infinity audio system, rearview camera, push-button start, power sunroof, and heated leather seats.  You can even add Eco tech featuring a start/stop system to help sip fuel more consciously.  Most of these features can be had in the form of packages on + and ! trims (if not already standard).

Are you ready to harness all that is the 2013 Kia Soul?  Get to CarWoo!  Right here, right now.

Kia Soul Performance

Soul gets two engine choices for 2013.  Base models are handed a 1.6 liter inline-4 that nets a nimble 138 horsepower and 123 lb.-ft. of torque.  Soul + and ! trims are handed a slightly more muscular 2.0 liter inline-4 that produces 164 horses and 148 lb.-ft.

Base Soul and Soul + come with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed automatic, and the latter is the only choice for Soul !  All models, regardless of engine or transmission choice, are front-wheel drive.

Kia Soul Fuel Economy

EPA estimates give the base Soul 27/35/30 (city/highway/combined) MPG for either transmission; Soul + and Soul ! numbers drop 1 MPG in each category for 26/34/29.  If you are shopping Soul + or Soul ! and are going to miss those MPGs, you can opt for the Eco Package, which lets you have 27/35/30 on the 2.0 liter models.

Kia Soul Interior Highlights

Kia has fitted Soul with quality cabin materials, and there is no lack of modern tech to be had if so desired.  A telescoping steering wheel and easy to access layout give drivers plenty of comfort and control.  Beautifully designed from the insider’s perspective, Soul offers both front and back seat passengers plenty of head and leg room to work with.  Cargo space is similarly acceptable, offering up 53.4 cubic feet with the 60/40 split folding rear seats folded, or up to 23.7 cubes with all seats upright (19.3 for + and ! trims).

Kia Soul Safety

Every 2013 Kia Soul is equipped with four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability & traction control, and an airbag system that includes full-length side curtain bags.  A rear camera is optional for Soul + and standard on Soul !.

In crash testing, the 2013 Soul received 4/5 stars overall from the NHTSA.  The IIHS gave 2012 models a Top Safety Pick award; 2013 models have a good chance to repeat the honor.

Kia Soul Summary

The Soul offers up affordable style along with unsurprising practicality, so there’s a lot to love right away.  Add to that some of the very un-entry-level feature options, and you’ll be happy when you unbox this little bundle of good times.

Put some Soul into your life.  Get there the easy way by using CarWoo!