The new 2014 Kia Soul, earlier models known for their striking shape and marketing campaign featuring human-size, dancing hamsters, is back, brighter and better then ever and redesigned for 2014.
The 2014 Kia Soul
The latest edition features smoother, more sophisticated lines, bigger dimensions, greater heft, and better materials, while retaining the same great base price and solid performance. The 2014 Kia Soul definitely appeals to the younger generation, but parents are eyeballing this car now too.
Kia Left the Rest of the Pack In the Dust!
It’s hard to believe that only a handful of years ago, the streets were filled with (at the time) design-defying square, boxy hybrid hatchbacks/crossovers. The Nissan Cube, the Scion xB, and the Honda Element all fought for market share and car buyers’ dollars alongside the Kia Soul. Fast-forward to 2014, and only the Soul remains rolling along. Clearly, the public has spoken — and for good reason.
What You Get – What a Deal
The 2014 Kia Soul hasn’t changed much where it counts most: price, reliability, and style. Whether it’s your first car or your tenth car, whether you’re buying for yourself or a loved one, you’ll be pleased by the 2014 Kia Soul’s starting cost of less than $15,000 — well below the competition. A fully loaded model rings in at $26,000 — still a great price, considering the amount of car you get.
What do you get for your money? At the low end, you’ll have to settle for stick shift (then again, maybe you prefer manual), and an automatic transmission pushes the cost higher. At a very affordable $15,495, the base model comes with power locks, windows, and mirrors, heated mirrors for shifts in weather, a tilting/telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth hands-free compatibility, and a six-speaker sound system with inputs for USB and auxiliary connections, not to mention SiriusXM satellite radio (the first three months are free).
Serious High Tech Elegance and Functionality
Several more options packages are available, all of which nudge the price tag northward, but if you’re in the market for heated/cooling seats, a heated steering wheel, climate control, a premium Infinity audio system, a navigation system, a sunroof, a rear camera, or more, they’re worth a look. The Android-based UVO eServices infotainment system (a $500 package), for example, uses an excellent new eight-inch capacitive display screen.
Solid and Safe
Whichever model you choose, you can expect a more aggressive front face, more prominent tail lamps, higher-quality soft-touch interiors, a stronger frame, and improved chassis and suspension (resulting in a better ride and handling), as well as Kia’s trademark circular design motifs and a large, bright info screen. Also standard are six airbags, with dual front airbags, seat-mounted side bags, and full-length side curtain bags. Wind and engine noise are less noticeable
Settle into the Kia Soul and you’ll immediately notice the new steering-wheel controls and a center consol tipped slightly toward the drive — for more convenience and fewer distractions while you’re on the road, of course. Another great new discovery that we loved are the new and very comforable seats, that are the look and feel of seats in a luxury automobile, and fit the body well.
The Kia is a Blast!
The Kia Soul veritably screams for friends and fun, so let them pile in. Unless they’re exceptionally tall, passengers in the back can look forward to a good proportion of headroom and legroom. However, keep in mind that the Soul remains a subcompact, though two adults can comfortably sit in the back.
When you’re on your own — or maybe bringing along one companion — you’ll find plenty of cargo room. As a hatchback/wagon, the Kia Soul transforms with a flick of the rear seats. Presto! You know have lots of room for Costco, Target, or Home Depot purchases
Kia Soul is Capable, Safe, Fun To Drive, with Good Gas Mileage
Once you’re on the road, you can expect a comfortable, capable drive on city streets and highways. Don’t expect to race up a steep hill in the Kia Soul, but you can pass most other cars in the express lane. Steering is easier too, thanks to a new optional system that lets you toggle between three effort levels. The Kia Soul could be taken out for a drive through a more rugged environment, but at heart, this is a city car that will take you through heavy traffic, packed parking lots, and strings of stoplights.
The 2014 Kia Soul enjoys good mileage, typically around 23 mpg or 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, through all the models.
If you’re in the market for a new car, the 2014 Kia Soul checks all the boxes:
* Style
* Price
* Performance
As a solid, economy car, it’s a no-brainer, but questions may arise after you get it home — namely, who gets to drive the Soul. Will you take it to Target, or will your kids and their friends pile in no their way to a bonfire on the beach? Then again, the upside is having a striking, dependable vehicle that’ll take you all over town, perhaps loaded with a carload of pals or the week’s groceries and supplies.
Come to think of it, the 2014 Kia Soul is a nice problem to have.
We love the new 2014 Kia Soul. But don’t take our word for it. Here are some impressive accolades from the Kia Website.
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