Introduction

The 2015 Kia Soul is a quirky and compact hatchback that blends funky styling with practicality. Known for its boxy yet spacious design, the Soul is one of Kia’s most popular vehicles, offering a fun-to-drive experience, solid fuel efficiency, and a surprisingly roomy interior. With its unique appearance and competitive pricing, the 2015 Soul stands out in the subcompact crossover market.

History & Origins

The Kia Soul was first introduced in 2008 as a small, urban-friendly vehicle with a distinctive boxy shape. Aimed at younger, style-conscious drivers, the Soul quickly gained a following thanks to its fun personality and affordability. By the time the 2015 model hit the market, the Soul had already earned a reputation for reliability and practicality, and it received a notable redesign in 2014, which continued into 2015. This generation of the Soul improved upon its predecessors with updated technology, a more refined interior, and enhanced driving dynamics.

Engine & Performance Options

The 2015 Kia Soul offers two engine options to cater to different performance needs:

• 1.6-Liter Inline-4: Delivers 130 horsepower and 118 lb-ft of torque. This engine comes standard with the base trim and offers a 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission.
• 2.0-Liter Inline-4: Produces 164 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. This engine is available on higher trims (like the Plus and Exclaim) and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Both engines are relatively fuel-efficient, with the 1.6-liter offering an EPA rating of 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway, and the 2.0-liter offering 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway.

Design & Features

The 2015 Kia Soul’s design stands out with its boxy, urban-friendly shape and wide stance, making it look modern and youthful.

• Exterior Design: Features like a high roofline, bold front grille, and distinctively shaped headlights give it a unique look.
• Interior Design: The Soul’s cabin is surprisingly spacious for its size, with ample headroom and a high seating position that offers good visibility. The interior features quality materials with a mix of soft-touch surfaces and plastics. Available two-tone interior options add to its fun character.
• Technology: The 2015 Soul comes equipped with a 4.3-inch touchscreen (on higher trims), Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and an optional UVO infotainment system with voice recognition.

Trim Levels & Variants

The 2015 Kia Soul is available in three primary trims:

• Base: Includes the 1.6-liter engine, basic features like air conditioning, a 4-speaker audio system, and power windows.
• Plus: Upgrades to the 2.0-liter engine, adds a larger touchscreen display, automatic climate control, and a rearview camera.
• Exclaim (formerly Exclaim Soul): The top-tier trim, offering a more refined interior, upgraded infotainment options, leather upholstery, and additional features like a sunroof and premium audio system.

Safety & Technology

Safety features in the 2015 Soul include:

• Standard Safety: Front, side, and curtain airbags, traction control, stability control, and antilock brakes.
• Advanced Features: The Exclaim trim adds more safety tech such as rear cross-traffic alert and a rearview camera.
• Crash-Test Ratings: The 2015 Soul received high marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), including a 5-star overall safety rating.

For technology, the 2015 Soul offers:

• UVO eServices: This optional system provides features like remote vehicle diagnostics, location tracking, and hands-free phone operation.
• Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard on all trims for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Fuel Economy & Efficiency

Fuel economy for the 2015 Kia Soul is competitive for its class:

• 1.6L Engine: EPA estimates of 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway (manual transmission) or 25 mpg city/30 mpg highway (automatic transmission).
• 2.0L Engine: EPA estimates of 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway.

This makes the Soul an excellent option for those looking for an efficient, everyday commuter vehicle.

Market Comparison

When compared to rivals like the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa Note, and Fiat 500L, the 2015 Kia Soul stands out due to:

• More Space: The Soul offers a larger cabin and cargo space than many of its competitors, giving it an edge in terms of practicality.
• Design & Style: The Soul’s unique styling is a key selling point, attracting buyers looking for a more distinctive vehicle. It’s one of the few cars in the compact hatchback segment with such a bold personality.
• Standard Features: The 2015 Soul comes with more standard features than many of its competitors, such as Bluetooth connectivity and a touchscreen interface.

Pricing

The pricing for the 2015 Kia Soul is relatively affordable for the segment, especially when considering the high level of standard features.

• Base Trim: Starting around $15,000 USD (for a used model in good condition).
• Exclaim Trim: Higher trims can reach around $22,000 USD, especially with added options and features.

Notable Awards & Accolades

The 2015 Kia Soul earned recognition for its blend of design, value, and performance:

• J.D. Power and Associates Dependability Award: The Kia Soul was recognized for its solid reliability in the small car category.
• Top Safety Pick: The 2015 Soul received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick designation due to its strong crash-test performance.
• Best Subcompact Car for the Money: The 2015 Soul was praised by U.S. News & World Report for its combination of low cost of ownership and high value.