First Drive: The Kia Soul Isn't Just for Hamsters Anymore

TGR Staff - Photos by Kia - 09/04/2023

The Kia Soul will forever be associated with those catchy hamster commercials from over a decade ago. However, the 2023 Kia Soul proves that the Soul has evolved beyond just being a quirky car with a catchy marketing campaign, it is the last of the boxes with the Nissan Cube, Scion xB, and Honda Element all being discontinued in favor of SUVs.In fact, Kia calls this version of the Soul a "Compact Crossover SUV." No matter if you call it a hatchback or an SUV, this latest generation of Kia Soul offers a lot of unique features, great design, and of course, incredible value, but here are five reasons why you should give the Kia Soul a closer look:

A Decade of Evolution: Since its debut in 2010, the Kia Soul has evolved significantly. While it started as a boxy, car-shaped hatchback, it has transformed into a subcompact crossover, adapting to changing market preferences. The third-generation Soul embraces its identity as a crossover, offering a tall and SUV-like presence.

Simplified Lineup: The 2023 Kia Soul lineup has been streamlined to four trims: LX, S, GT-Line, and EX. We dove the GT-Line which is the sportiest version. All trims come with automatic transmissions and essential features like cruise control. Kia has eliminated the manual transmission and the basic models without cruise control or Bluetooth, simplifying the buying process.

Thoughtful Interior: Inside the Soul, you'll find a spacious and practical cabin. With comfortable seats, good legroom for passengers and an emphasis on space and functionality, the Soul caters to the needs of various buyers. The upright rear seat and ample headroom make it easy to install baby seats, and there's enough room for ride-sharing passengers.

Efficient Powertrain: The 2023 Kia Soul is powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine mated to an Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT). This powertrain generates 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, delivering adequate performance and fuel efficiency. It cruises comfortably on the highway and returns a commendable 33 mpg.

Refined Driving Experience: While the Kia Soul may not be a sports car, it offers a refined and confident driving experience. It rides comfortably, feels stable on curvy roads, and handles freeway driving with ease. Despite its classification as a crossover, it doesn't exhibit excessive top-heaviness or instability, providing a smooth and enjoyable ride.

The 2023 Kia Soul has survived and adapted to the changing automotive landscape, offering practicality, efficiency, and value for a wide range of buyers. So, don't let outdated perceptions fool you—the Kia Soul is a good car that deserves consideration for its good looks, practicality, and affordability. It's not just for hamsters anymore; it's for anyone looking for a reliable and enjoyable ride.