The boxy hunk is powered by either a 2.0L inline-four or a 1.6L inline four-pot. This has bought in a lot of relief when compared to the confusing three engine options which were present on the outgoing model. The power produced is decent for city runs and weekend getaways.
A 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic does the work of translating the power to the wheel in a linear fashion. This duo of gearbox makes it a car that is fun to drive.
Engine and Transmission
The majority of the trims are powered by a 2.0L inline-four engine which produces a generous 147 horses and 132 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful 1.6L turbo produces 201 horses and 195 lb-ft of torque. The naturally aspirated unit is coupled to a 6-speed manual and a CVT which Kia likes to call Intelligent Variable Transmission(IVT). The IVT helps in extracting the better fuel economy of the motor.
|
Models
|
Kia Soul LX
|
Hyundai Kona SE
|
Honda HR-V*
|
Subaru Crosstrek*
|
|
MSRP
|
$17,490
|
$20,100
|
$20,620
|
$21,895
|
|
Engine
|
2.0L Inline-4
|
2.0L Inline-4
|
1.8L Inline-4
|
2.0L Flat-4
|
| Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
AWD |
|
Transmission
|
6-speed Manual
|
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
|
CVT-Automatic
|
6-speed Manual
|
|
Power (hp @ rpm)
|
147@6,200
|
147@6,200
|
141@6,500
|
152@6,000
|
|
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)
|
132@4,500
|
132@4,500
|
127@4,300
|
145@4,500
|
*2019 figures used for reference purpose
The Kia is surprisingly powerful when compared to its competition. It’s twin, the Hyundai Kona boasts the same output but costs more. Honda HR-V is costlier yet less powerful. Subaru Crosstrek is the most powerful of the lot but it's premium pricing takes away the upper hand.
How quick is the Kia Soul?
Kia is a small car. This also helps in shedding a lot of weight which eventually makes it quicker. It sprints to 60mph in 8.4 seconds and crosses a quarter-mile in 16.5 seconds. This is not mind-blowing quick but for a car of such caliber, this is impressive and sufficient for city runs.
|
Models
|
Kia Soul LX
|
Hyundai Kona SE
|
Honda HR-V*
|
Subaru Crosstrek*
|
|
0-60 MPH (sec)
|
8.4s(est.)
|
8.3
|
8.6
|
8.7
|
|
Quarter Mile (sec)
|
16.5
|
16.3
|
16.3
|
16.3
|
| Top Speed (MPH) |
128 |
132 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Engine
|
2.0L Inline-4
|
2.0L Inline-4
|
1.8L Inline-4
|
2.0L Flat-4
|
|
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15k mi/yr)
|
6.5
|
5.9
|
5.9
|
7.0
|
How does the Kia handle?
Kia has worked on the chassis of the Soul and has made it sturdier and stiffer. It features an Iso-structure compound of advanced high-strength steel which improves the rigidity and reinforces the body's integrity. In Spite of having an unconventional boxy design, Soul is very agile and stable. It can gulp in miles without a hiccup. The small footprint also helps it to be nimble in cities.
The turbo engine is a lot more fun but the price bump doesn’t make sense and so most of the customers opt for the naturally aspirated one. Kia has managed to squeeze out most of this engine with the well-timed IVT which makes the ride both fuel-efficient and peppy.
Is the braking as bright as the looks?
The braking on Soul is snatchy as the brakes act in too quickly. So the input should be linear to avoid being abrupt. The front rotors are 11 inches in diameter and the rear at 10.3 inches.
|
Models
|
Kia Soul LX
|
Hyundai Kona SE
|
Honda HR-V*
|
Subaru Crosstrek*
|
|
Brake Rotors Front (in)
|
11
|
12
|
11.5
|
11.6
|
|
Brake Rotors Rear (in)
|
10.3
|
11.2
|
11.1
|
10.8
|
|
60-0 MPH (ft)
|
N/A
|
133
|
N/A
|
131
|
|
Curb Weight (lbs)
|
2802
|
2890
|
2902
|
3113
|
Braking on all of the competition is in the same vicinity. All the cars have similarly specced brakes but the Subaru takes longer to come to a stop due to its weight.
