Verdict
B
Small SUV · South Korea · 2009-Present
Kia Soul
Kia Soul — spec data and generation history.
Years
2009-Present
Generations
3
Segment
Small SUV
Kia's box-on-wheels small SUV — three generations in the UK. Mk1 (2009–2014, AM) and Mk2 (2014–2019, PS) had petrol and diesel engines; Mk3 (2019–2024, SK3) launched as Soul EV only in the UK, then later added a 1.6 hybrid. Mk4 (Soul EV from 2024 / international name e-Soul) is now exclusively electric in the UK — same 64.8 kWh battery family as the Niro EV. Funky styling, square footprint, surprisingly tall cabin. The Soul has always been the Kia for buyers who want the badge but not the looks of the Niro / Sportage.
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
2009-2014
Mk1
→
1.6 GDi 2 — 138 bhp, 0-62 in 9.8s.
Verdict
C
BHP
138
0–60
9.8 s
Top
117 mph
MPG
40.0 mpg
Used
£1,500-£5,500
- + Striking square styling
- + Big airy cabin
- − Engines underwhelming
- − Plastic-heavy interior
2014-2019
Mk2
→
1.6 GDi Mixx — 130 bhp, 0-62 in 11.0s.
Verdict
C
BHP
130
0–60
11.0 s
Top
113 mph
MPG
40.0 mpg
Used
£4,500-£11,000
- + Even bolder styling
- + Soul EV optional
- − Soul EV 27 kWh modest range
- − GDi engines unchanged
2019-Present
Mk3 (Soul EV)
→
Soul EV 64 kWh — 201 bhp, 0-62 in 7.6s.
Verdict
B
BHP
201
0–60
7.6 s
Top
104 mph
MPG
280.0 mpg
Used
£15,000-£30,000
- + EV-only in UK gives focus
- + 64 kWh battery range competitive
- − 100 kW DC charging modest now
- − Cabin no longer the most stylish
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
2009-2014 · Mk1
- 1.6 GDi piston ring oil consumption
- Coil pack failures
- Suspension top-mount knocks
2014-2019 · Mk2
- 1.6 GDi oil consumption (same Theta engine)
- 6AT delayed shifts
- Soul EV (27 kWh) battery degradation
2019-Present · Mk3 (Soul EV)
- 64 kWh battery health monitor recall
- OBC failures (12V drain)
- Software updates required