Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Kia Soul III e-Soul 42 kWh (136 Hp)
Overall Rating
Kia Soul:
The Kia Soul is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Kia from 2008 to 2025. Often described and marketed as a crossover since its introduction, the Soul is a hatchback with a box proportion 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.
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....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III Overview:
Kia Soul (III). With a weight of 1535 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.9 s). The top speed reaches 155 km/h. A vehicle that combines characteristics of SUVs and hatchbacks for versatility. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Kia Soul III achieved a respectable 4-star Euro NCAP rating, demonstrating solid adult and child occupant protection, though some areas like vulnerable road user protection could be improved.
e-Soul 42 kWh (136 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Provides smooth and quiet electric power, with sufficient acceleration for urban environments and comfortable cruising, though less potent than the larger battery option.
Fuel Economy
Good electric range for city driving and daily commutes, with very low running costs. A practical and efficient entry into EV ownership.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive styling
- • Spacious interior for its size
- • Available electric powertrains with good range
- • User-friendly infotainment system
- • Good warranty
Cons:
- • Some interior plastics feel cheap
- • Rear torsion beam suspension can be firm
- • Limited engine options in some markets
- • Boxy design not for everyone
- • Higher trims can be expensive
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (facelift 2016): 2017 - 2019).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Kia |
| Model: | Soul |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | e-Soul 42 kWh (136 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2019 |
| End of production: | May, 2022 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | BEV (Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type: | Crossover |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Electricity |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 155 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.3 kg/Hp, 88.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.9 kg/Nm, 257.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1535 |
| Max. weight: | 2025 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 490 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1339 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 315 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4195 mm mm [55mm more] |
| Width: | 1800 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1605 mm mm [8mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2600 mm mm [30mm more] |
| Front track: | 1565 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1575 mm |
| Front overhang: | 865 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 730 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 155 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.6 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | One electric motor drives the front wheels. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 1 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 305 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 300 mm [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Electric: | |
|---|---|
| Net (usable) battery capacity: | 39.2 kWh |
| Gross battery capacity: | 42 kWh |
| Battery technology: | Lithium-polymer (LiPo) |
| Battery location: | Below the floor |
| System power: | 136 Hp @ 2600-8000 rpm. |
| System torque: | 395 Nm @ 0-2400 rpm. |
| All-electric range: | 276 km |
| Electric motor power: | 136 Hp @ 2600-8000 rpm. |
| Electric motor Torque: | 395 Nm @ 0-2400 rpm. |
| Average Energy consumption: | 15.6 kWh/100 km |
| Electric motor location: | Front axle, Transverse |
| Electric motor type: | Synchronous |
| Battery weight: | 315 kg |
| Electric motor model/code: | EM16 |
| Battery voltage: | 327 V |
Is the Kia Soul the king of its class? Share your thoughts.