Image via Kia.com
Flashy, punchy, and funky, the 2019 Kia Soul is unlike any other compact SUV on the market. The sporty, critically acclaimed vehicle earns top marks from consumers and critics alike, providing a fun-to-drive experience you’ll want to have again and again. However, choosing the right one isn’t as easy as it seems. With three available models, the 2019 Soul has a little something for everyone. If you’re on the fence about which one suits your needs, here’s a handy guide to help you find the right fit.
Base
The Base model of the 2019 Kia Soul is anything but ordinary, offering numerous standard features at the entry level. On the exterior, the Base gets automatic halogen headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, power side mirrors, and matte black accents. Make the Base stand out from the rest with one of six paint options, including Clear White, Bright Silver, Titanium Gray, Alien 2, Inferno Red, and Shadow Black.
Inside, the Base comes packed with sumptuous features. Premium cloth upholstery, a six-speaker audio system, and Bluetooth highlight these amenities. This year, the Base model also gets a rearview camera, making it easier to back up and navigate tight spaces in reverse.
A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine powers the Soul Base, churning out 130 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque with either a six-speed stick or six-speed automatic transmission. Along with some top-notch acceleration, this engine also gets up to 31 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in the city.
Plus (+)
The mid-tier option of the 2019 Kia Soul is the +, spoken as the Plus. This upgrade provides even more options, such as keyless entry, cruise control, a drive-mode selector, automatic climate control, fog lights, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Plus also gets five extra color choices: Wild Orange, Caribbean Blue, Mysterious Blue, and two different two-tone options.
Under the hood, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine supplies the power, kicking out 161 horsepower and up to 150 pound-feet of torque. An electronically controlled Sportmatic six-speed automatic transmission smoothly shifts you from gear to gear, while also dishing out up to 30 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city.
Exclaim (!)
The Soul Exclaim (!) is the fully loaded variant of the 2019 Kia Soul. Crammed with opulent features, it’s the model to choose if you’re a glutton for the nicer things in life. Some of the top features of the Exclaim include chrome-tipped dual exhaust, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless start, heated power side mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and leather-trimmed seating that cradles you as you drive.
Perhaps the most enticing feature of the 2019 Kia Soul Exclaim is what lies beneath the sheet metal. Here you’ll find a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pairs with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for a heart-pounding 201 horsepower and up to 195 pound-feet of torque. Not only will you sprint from zero to 60 in just 6.5 seconds, but you’ll also get an efficient 31 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in the city.
While the features of the 2019 Kia Soul vary from trim to trim, the allure remains the same. Regardless of which one you drive off the lot, you’ll be more than satisfied with the results.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.