Kia Soul Three Generations (2010-present)

Three distinct generations. 1st gen AM (2010-2013): 1.6L Gamma I4 (122 hp 2010, 138 hp 2012+ refresh) or 2.0L Theta II (142 hp 2010, 164 hp 2012+). Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic (six-speed from 2012). FWD only. Boxy upright styling — clear Scion xB inspiration. 2nd gen PS (2014-2019): based on Track'ster concept, 28.7% improved torsional rigidity, longer wheelbase. 1.6L Gamma (130 hp), 2.0L Nu GDI (164 hp later 161 hp), six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Soul EV added 2014: 27 kWh battery, ~93-mile EPA range, 109 hp electric motor, single-speed reduction gear. Initially California-only then expanded to ZEV states. Red Line limited edition (2014, 2,000 units) with body kit, 18-inch wheels, red accents. 2017 mid-cycle refresh added 1.6L Gamma turbo (201 hp) + 7DCT. Built at Kia Gwangju, South Korea. 3rd gen SK3 (2020-present): SK3 platform shared with Niro/Seltos. 2.0L Atkinson Nu I4 (147 hp) with six-speed manual or IVT (CVT) — manual dropped 2022. 1.6L Gamma turbo (201 hp / 195 lb-ft) on GT-Line Turbo with 7-speed wet DCT — discontinued in US after 2022, leaving only the 2.0L NA + CVT. Soul EV (3rd gen): 64 kWh battery shared with Niro EV, 201 hp electric motor, 200+ mile range. 2023 facelift: revised lights and bumpers, two-tone colors, dropped X-Line trim. Currently the third-row Soul is in its final years; rumored to be replaced or discontinued.