Pros: Impressive room for four adults, despite the small overall size; generous levels of standard equipment; lots of “with-it” available features; classy-for-the-class interior materials
Cons: Drivetrain is a bit unpolished at times; significant engine noise in some driving situations
CG Says: At a glance, the 2014 Kia Soul doesn’t look all that different than the 2013 model, but it is actually an all-new design. The new platform is 0.6 inches wider than before and rides a wheelbase that’s almost an inch longer. Kia claims the Soul’s chassis is 30 percent stiffer than the one used on the outgoing model. To this end, the Soul has an upgraded suspension and a switch that allows the driver to tune the steering weight to their liking in three different modes: Comfort, Normal, and Sport. Also, the Soul gets a display screen in the instrument cluster and a touchscreen in the middle of the dash for infotainment and navigation functions. Other changes include fresh-yet-familiar exterior styling with cues taken from the company’s 2012 Track’ster concept, more sound deadening material in the body, soft-touch surfaces in the interior, new seats, a strip of LEDs in the headlights, and LED taillights.
