2022 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul comes in three trim levels: Base, Plus (+), and Exclaim (!). Thanks to some updates, even the base model offers some nice standard exterior amenities such as power side mirrors, automatic headlamps, privacy glass, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The Plus model comes equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, and heated outside mirrors. To round out the offerings, the Exclaim boasts chrome dual-exhaust tips, red accents throughout, power heated side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, and 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels. Choose from one of 11 color options for the Soul including two two-tone colors and nine single shades. These exterior paint jobs include Clear White, Bright Silver, Titanium Gray, Alien 2, Wild Orange, Inferno Red, Caribbean Blue, Shadow Black, and Mysterious Blue.

Each trim of the Kia Soul comes with its own exclusive engine, but all leave little to be desired. A 1.6-liter inline-four-cylinder engine powers the base model, providing 130 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque. This pairs with a six-speed manual transmission, unless you opt for the available six-speed automatic. For a bit more pep, the Plus model comes with a 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine that's good for 161 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque. It mates with a standard, swift-shifting six-speed automatic. The most impressive performance specs come out of the Exclaim trim courtesy of a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This impressive specimen churns out 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, pairing with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. All three trims come with standard front-wheel drive as the only drivetrain option.

Fuel economy is one of the brightest attributes of the Soul. With the base model and the Exclaim, you'll get up to 31 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in the city. The Plus also measures in with 30 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city. Fuel economy is one of the brightest attributes of the Soul. With the base model and the Exclaim, you'll get up to 31 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in the city. The Plus also measures in with 30 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city. Don't let the small stature of the Soul fool you. It's surprisingly cavernous inside, offering room for up to five passengers along with 61.3 cubic feet of total cabin storage space. This year, it also sees two major upgrades in the form of a standard 5-inch touch screen and voice recognition. A 7-inch touch screen, UVO infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, dual USB ports, steering wheel-mounted controls, and an available Harman Kardon premium audio system round out the entertainment options.

With a plethora of active, passive, and driver-assist safety features, the Soul earns a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some of the top safety amenities include a standard rearview camera, as well as available specs such as autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.