Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Kia Soul EV review

A quirky exterior design makes the Kia Soul EV an interesting left-field alternative to the more-practical Niro EV

Overall rating

4.0 out of 5

Pros

  • Funky styling
  • Long driving range in Explore model
  • Good to drive

Cons

  • Firm ride
  • Dated interior
  • Rivals have faster charging
ModelRangeWallbox charge timeRapid charge time
Urban 39kWh171 miles6hrs 10mins (0-100%, 7.4kW)54mins (0-80%, 77kW)
Explore 64kWh280 miles10hrs 30mins (0-100%, 7.4kW)54mins (10-80%, 77kW)

Kia Soul EV verdict

The Kia Soul injects some funk into the family EV formula, offering head-turning looks as well as an effortless – and sometimes even enjoyable – driving experience. As is often the case with Kias, the Soul comes loaded with standard equipment and a near-unbeatable seven-year warranty should mean it’ll be painless to own. The entry-level Urban model’s limited range means it's only suitable for town and city buyers, but the range-topping Explore’s bigger battery and 280-mile maximum is right up there with the class leaders. However, at roughly the same price as the newer and more spacious Kia Niro EV, we struggle to see why anyone would choose the Soul over its top-selling sibling.

Details, specs and alternatives

Kia isn't holding back when it comes to electric cars. The EV6 offers sharp styling and handling, while the new Niro EV is a more sober and sensible take on the family EV formula. There's also the Soul EV: a distinctive and boxy small SUV, offering a compelling pure-electric package that’s both affordable and stylish. It competes with small electric crossovers like the Peugeot e-2008, DS 3 E-TENSE and Vauxhall Mokka Electric, as well as electric family cars such as the Volkswagen ID.3 and Cupra Born – not to mention the much cheaper MG4 EV.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

While on the outside the Soul EV dons the face of a Stormtrooper – a minor facelift in 2022 saw the new Kia logo being integrated into the gap between the headlights – underneath it’s powered by the same 39kWh and 64kWh batteries as the old Hyundai Kona Electric. Soul EV models fitted with the smaller battery are quite fittingly badged ‘Urban’, as their 171-mile range makes them best-suited for those who spend most of their time driving around town. The Soul ‘Explore’ brings the bigger battery and a more powerful motor.

The Soul Urban is powered by a 134bhp electric motor, getting it from 0-62mph in near-as-makes-no-difference 10 seconds. Step up to the 64kWh Kia Soul EV ‘Explore’ and that punchier 201bhp electric motor cuts the 0-62mph sprint to just 7.9 seconds. Range also increases to 280 miles – the same as you’d get in a Renault Megane E-Tech.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Powertrains are not the only thing that separate the two models, however, as the Explore trim also adds more standard kit. That’s not to say the entry-level Urban comes sparsely equipped, as all cars get LED headlights, an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, part-digital dials, adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera. Explore adds some rugged SUV-esque exterior cladding, a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen and some more driver assistance tech.

No matter which version of the Kia Soul EV you choose, all come with rapid 77kW DC charging capability as well as plenty of safety kit; however, it’s worth remembering the Soul is yet to undergo safety testing by Euro NCAP. Kia’s seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty should bring peace of mind, though.

Click here to see why you can trust DrivingElectric reviews, or for more on the Kia Soul EV, read on for the rest of our in-depth review…

Skip advert
Advertisement

Hello there, I’m Tom Jervis and I have the pleasure of being the Content Editor here at DrivingElectric. Before joining the team in 2023, I spent my time reviewing cars and offering car buying tips and advice on DrivingElectric’s sister site, Carbuyer. I also continue to occasionally contribute to the AutoExpress magazine – another of DrivingElectric’s partner brands. In a past life, I worked for the BBC as a journalist and broadcast assistant for regional services in the east of England – constantly trying to find stories that related to cars!

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Renault 5 review
Renault 5 - front tracking
In-depth reviews

Renault 5 review

Renault’s retro supermini is a stylish EV with plenty of substance
6 Nov 2024
Top 10 best hybrid cars 2024
Best hybrid cars
Best cars

Top 10 best hybrid cars 2024

The best hybrid cars will help reduce your fuel bills without needing to invest big bucks in a new electric car. These are our favourites…
7 Nov 2024
​Top 10 best small electric SUVs 2024
DrivingElectric best small SUVs
Best cars

​Top 10 best small electric SUVs 2024

Small electric SUVs are steadily increasing in popularity thanks to low running costs, practicality and more choice. We run down the best ones for 202…
30 Oct 2024

More on Soul

Top 10 best small electric cars 2024
Small Best EV Cover
Best cars

Top 10 best small electric cars 2024

Small electric cars make a lot of sense for commuting, city life and slashing your running costs. Here, we pick out the best ones to buy in the UK rig…
15 Apr 2024
New 2022 Kia Soul EV electric SUV: prices, specs and details
Kia Soul EV Maxx
News

New 2022 Kia Soul EV electric SUV: prices, specs and details

New Maxx trim level replaces First Edition model, with the brand’s uniquely-styled electric SUV now starting from £32,445 after the plug-in car grant
20 Aug 2021
Kia Soul EV gets one-off 'Boardmasters' surfing-inspired upgrade
Kia Soul EV Boardmasters
News

Kia Soul EV gets one-off 'Boardmasters' surfing-inspired upgrade

Sand tyres, custom roof rack and remodelled interior set beach-ready Soul EV apart
9 Aug 2021
Twin test: Mazda MX-30 vs Kia Soul EV
Mazda MX-30 vs Kia Soul EV
Reviews

Twin test: Mazda MX-30 vs Kia Soul EV

The Mazda MX-30 is one of the most stylish electric cars on sale – but is it a better bet than the family-focused Kia Soul EV?
28 Jan 2021
Kia and Hyundai electric cars to get app-based performance control
Coming soon

Kia and Hyundai electric cars to get app-based performance control

Kia and Hyundai set to introduce smartphone app that controls torque and top speed of its electric cars
24 Apr 2019
New Kia Soul EV review
Reviews

New Kia Soul EV review

The Kia Soul EV follows in the footsteps of the brilliant e-Niro, and delivers almost as much in a cheaper package
28 Mar 2019
Kia Soul EV (2014-2018) electric motor, drive & performance
In-depth reviews

Kia Soul EV (2014-2018) electric motor, drive & performance

Quiet, refined and responsive at low speeds, the Soul EV is at its best around town
9 Jan 2019
Kia Soul EV (2014-2018) running costs
In-depth reviews

Kia Soul EV (2014-2018) running costs

Company-car drivers do best, but everyone will save a packet at the pumps with the Soul EV
9 Jan 2019
Kia Soul EV (2014-2018) reliability & safety
In-depth reviews

Kia Soul EV (2014-2018) reliability & safety

Reliability is assured by an industry-leading warranty, but there’s not much advanced safety kit
9 Jan 2019
Kia Soul EV (2014-2018) review
Kia Soul EV
In-depth reviews

Kia Soul EV (2014-2018) review

The Kia Soul was the first electric SUV to hit the streets, and is worth a look for its style and easy-driving practicality
9 Jan 2019
Kia Soul EV (2014-2018) practicality & boot space
In-depth reviews

Kia Soul EV (2014-2018) practicality & boot space

The boxy outline of the Kia Soul EV hints at the practical and spacious interior inside, which will appeal to family buyers
9 Jan 2019
Skip advert
Advertisement
Kia Soul EV (2014-2018) range, battery & charging
In-depth reviews

Kia Soul EV (2014-2018) range, battery & charging

Less range than newer rivals makes the Soul EV an instant compromise
9 Jan 2019
Kia Soul EV (2014-2018) interior & comfort
In-depth reviews

Kia Soul EV (2014-2018) interior & comfort

There's a surprisingly conventional interior, but the Soul EV comes with plenty of toys for a car at this price point
24 Sep 2018