Kia Soul Generation 1 (2010–2013)

Kia Soul Generation 1 (2010–2013) — production years, market prices by model year, NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, and live listings for sale on VehiSales.

Kia Soul — body generations

Generation Produced Facelift
Generation 1 2010–2013 —
Generation 2 2014–2019 —
Generation 3 2020–2025 —

Vehicles within one generation share the same platform and body style.

Engines used in the Soul

Engine families this model shipped with, by NHTSA VIN build data — each links to every model that shares it.

Engine Years in this model Also used in VIN builds ⓘ
Kia 2.0L 4-cylinder 2016–2023 9 models 25

Kia Soul fuel economy: every year & engine (EPA) →

Used Kia Soul prices by year →

About this generation

Once in production, the Soul's interior plastics and a harsh ride became points of criticism, and both were upgraded during the first year of production. The interior featured two front bucket seats and a rear flat-folding bench seat, the latter adjustable to prioritize passenger or cargo volume. Standard equipment included a stereo audio system with six-speakers, CD player, USB port, and Sirius Satellite Radio. Optional audio equipment included additional speakers, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and Bluetooth connectivity.

Options included themed special editions as well as 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, racing stripes, "dragon" and "houndstooth" graphics, and LED turn indicators. For 2011, the Soul was updated with more conventional pull-out door handles, standard metallic interior trim, redesigned instrument cluster, leather shift boot, and switchblade style fold-in integrated key and remote, with an optional Smart Key available in the Exclaim ("!") trim.

For model year 2012, the Soul received revised exterior and interior styling and new powertrains. In North America the updated 1.6 liter engine, featuring direct injection, makes; the 2.0 liter engine makes and of torque. The 1.6 now delivers in the city and on the highway. The 2.0 returns in the city and on the highway. New features included navigation, UVO infotainment, leather and heated seats and automatic climate control.

As part of the 2012 upgrades, European models were fitted with new 1.6-liter GDI gasoline or 1.6 CRDi diesel engines, both of which can be specified with an automatic gearbox or a new six-speed manual gearbox, replacing the five-speed unit in the old version. As a result, the gasoline offers a increase in power compared to its predecessor, while returning improved fuel economy. The modified 1.6 CRDi diesel returns and has cut its CO 2 emissions from 138  g/km to 129g/km – particularly important for the European market where taxation is based on carbon emissions.

The 2013 North American Soul received upgrades including 3 new colors, a bulged hood, revised grille with black chrome accents, LED red tail lights, LED amber front turn signals under the headlights and white LED running lights under the front turn signals. The exterior Kia badges became now smooth instead of raised lettering. Inside, audio controls were relocated to the steering wheel and Bluetooth became standard across the range.

Upper trims included power folding heated mirrors with turn signal repeaters. The center display for sound system was previously red LED and was revised to include a full color range. Kia offered four Special Edition Soul in 2010: Denim (below), Ignition, Dragon (below), and Ghost as primarily visual upgrades. The Denim is a limited (1200 units) version of 2010 Soul+ for the US market. Appearing in June 2009, it features a blue body color with white racing stripes, white painted side-view mirrors, and white, 18-inch, lead wheels.

The Kia Ignition Soul, in orange, is based on the Soul+ model with offset black striping and blacked-out 18-inch rims, an alloy gas cap, and a rear spoiler. Upgraded equipment according to AutoBlog: upgraded stereo, moon roof, keyless remote entry, tinted windows, cruise control, Bluetooth, and then some. The Shadow Dragon edition is based on the Soul trim line and was limited to about 1,900 units. Exterior details include shadow black paint with matte-black dragon graphics on its hood and tailgate, gloss-black bumper inserts, a body-color rear wing and 18 inch black alloy wheels.

The interior features heated, black leather trimmed seats. Referred to as Ghost Soul by Car And Driver, the visual upgrades include gray-blue paint with a gray stripe running from the headlights to the C-pillar, unique 18-inch wheels, side-marker lights on the fender vents, and a new body kit with a rear spoiler.

Source: Wikipedia — Kia Soul — First generation (AM; 2008), CC BY-SA.

EV battery & charging

Variant Battery (usable) Consumption DC fast charge
30 kWh 30.0 kWh 17.6 kWh/100km up to 50 kW
27 kWh 27.0 kWh 17.6 kWh/100km up to 50 kW

Source: Open EV Data (MIT license).

Recalls & complaints by year (NHTSA)

Year Recalls Complaints Most reported
2010 3 134 Electrical System, Structure, Air Bags
2011 3 193 Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical System
2012 3 514 Engine, Steering, Service Brakes
2013 3 659 Engine, Steering, Service Brakes

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

For sale right now