Kia Soul

Kia Soul
2023 Kia Soul GT Line
Overview
ManufacturerKia
Production2008–present
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact crossover SUV
Body style5-door hatchback[1][2]
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive

The Kia Soul (Korean: 기아 쏘울) is a subcompact crossover SUV[3] manufactured and marketed by Kia since 2008. Often described and marketed as a crossover since its introduction,[4][5] the Soul is a hatchback with a box proportion[6][7] and tall roof, which are designed to maximize its interior space. Despite its SUV-like styling, the Soul was never available with all-wheel drive, instead it is exclusively a front-wheel drive vehicle.[8]

The Soul first appeared in 2006 in the form of a concept model displayed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The production model made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in 2008. During its introduction, Kia stated that the Soul is aimed at the North American market, and targeted towards buyers in the 18 to 35-year old range.[9]

The second-generation model was introduced in 2013 for the 2014 model year, which featured a larger exterior and interior dimensions along with a reworked chassis, while keeping its boxy styling.[10] The Soul is currently in its third generation, which was introduced in 2018 for the 2019 model year.[3] Since 2014, Kia has also marketed a battery electric variant as the Soul EV.

The name "Soul" comes from the homophone of Seoul, the city that hosts Kia's headquarters.[9]

  1. ^ "2023 Kia Soul Prices, Reviews, and Pictures". Edmunds. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  2. ^ Donea, Delia. "Kia Soul Specs & Photos - 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013". AutoEvolution. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  3. ^ a b Donea, Delia. "Kia Soul Specs & Photos - 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022". AutoEvolution. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  4. ^ "Kia Soul Production Version Revealed". Carscoops. 22 May 2008. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  5. ^ "Kia Soul: first pictures". CAR Magazine. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  6. ^ "Box Car Battle 2011: Kia Soul Dominates, Nissan Cube Languishes in Sales". MotorTrend. 6 January 2012. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  7. ^ "2010 Kia Soul Review & Ratings". Edmunds. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  8. ^ "Kia Soul news - Our Soul: surprisingly big - 2008". Top Gear. 17 July 2008. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  9. ^ a b Popa, Bogdan (7 April 2010). "Kia Soul review". AutoEvolution. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  10. ^ "Kia Soul Specs & Photos - 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018". AutoEvolution. Retrieved 17 March 2023.