2010 Kia Soul Road Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published September 25, 2009

2:28 min

At first glance, the new Kia Soul looks a lot like every other box-on-wheels � a normal, front-wheel-drive tall wagon. And then there�s that name � Soul. It sort of implies a lot more than just a functional Scion-style economy wagon. A quick check of the spec sheet shows the Soul to be a little wider than its rivals, plus our Soul Sport tester came with some fairly beefy tires. The Sport version also adds a stiffer front antiroll bar and more aggressive springs. The Soul�s wide footprint with plenty of rubber helps it stick through tight corners. At the track that means a 65.8 mph slalom run - an impressive speed and much quicker than the Scion XB. The big Hankook tires undoubtedly account for the Soul�s above-average braking ability too. The standard four-wheel disc brakes help the boxy Kia stop from 60 mph in 128 feet. But for all the fun, there is a price to pay. On the highway, there�s plenty of road noise and the ride can be busy. Keeping up with traffic on that highway is no problem thank to the 2 � liter, 142 hp inline four that�s standard on all Soul Sport, Plus and Exclaim models. When paired with the five speed manual transmission, the Soul Sport scoots from 0-60 in 8.8 seconds. The vague shifter isn�t perfect but there�s a four speed automatic available too. Inside the cabin, the Soul�s materials are average but the Sport model comes with some notable upgrades versus the mid-level Plus model. Black-and-red seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob as well as an upgraded stereo with subwoofer and external amp are akk included. Judged only on the surface, this Kia doesn�t seem much different that other boxy, budget priced compacts. But like the name implies, the Soul offers a little more. The 2010 Kia Soul is a thoughtfully packaged car that�s more fun to drive than other boxes. And it�s that extra bit of attitude that ultimately helps it live up to its name.