2013 Kia Soul Review

OVERALL RATING 4.0 of 5.0
  • Performance
    3.6 of 5.0
  • Cost of Ownership
    4.8 of 5.0
  • Interior
    4.0 of 5.0
  • Reliability
    3.5 of 5.0
29 Oct 2013
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Based on the KIA Rio, the 2013 KIA Soul is a solid and reliable urban crossover. The 2013 model of the car comes with a number of improvements on the previous model. There are some new additions and upgrades, but not enough to overwhelm the customers. If you are in the market for a five-door crossover, this is the perfect vehicle for you.

Here’s a look at the features and drivability of the 2013 KIA Soul in more detail.

Powertrain

The 2013 Soul Base 4DR is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and delivers up to 138 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. However, it isn’t the only option available to you. The other trim levels have a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 164hp. In both cases, you can choose between a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission. The performance of the engine does not suffer regardless of the transmission you select. You can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 8 seconds.

Fuel Economy

KIA’s hatchbacks are known for being fuel efficient and the 2013 Soul Base 4DR is no different. You can drive up to 25 miles per gallon in the city. The mileage increases on the highway, where you can get 30 miles per gallon. Though not as economical as Rio, the 2013 Soul Base 4DR offers decent fuel economy that ensures that you don’t have to spend much money on buying gas.

Trim Levels

There are three trim levels available for the 2013 KIA Soul Base 4DR Hatchback. As mentioned above, the standard trim comes with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine while the other trims have a 2.0-litre engine. The first trim comes equipped with a sunroof, bigger wheels and fog lights. The second trim option has a voice navigation system along with heated front seats and 18” aluminum wheels. Differences aside, standard features on all three trim levels are:

  • Keyless entry
  • Air-conditioning
  • ABS and driveline traction control
  • 6-speed transmission (manual or automatic)

Interior

The first thing you will note about the 2013 Soul Base 4DR is the space it provides. After all, it is based on KIA Rio, one of the roomiest cars on the market. You can easily accommodate five passengers in the car with room to spare. Moreover, the 53.4 cubic feet of cargo space ensures that you don’t have to compromise on the rear seating to fit your luggage in. That aside, the trim level you select will determine the features added to the interior of the car.

Safety

The 2013 KIA Soul Base 4DR Hatchback has a number of top of the line safety features. There are six airbags in the car that are sensitive to minor collisions as well. So you don’t have to worry about the airbags not popping out when you need them to. To further guarantee your safety, the front seats have head restraints. In addition, the car comes with electronic stability control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, hill assist control, traction control and tire pressure monitoring. All these features make the Soul Base 4DR a safe ride for you.

Overall, the 2013 KIA Soul Base 4DR Hatchback is a solid and reliable car. It delivers in terms of performance, fuel economy and space. Therefore, if you are in the market for a five-seater crossover vehicle, this is the car for you.