2019 Kia Soul EV

Spaciousness is a key attribute of the 2019 Kia Soul EV, and this small wagon provides ample room for passengers and cargo. There’s a generous selection of standard equipment on board, and base models are affordably priced. However, this electric car offers less driving range than some of its rivals.

The 2019 Kia Soul EV is a compact crossover wagon that seats five passengers, and it comes with a fully electric powertrain. This EV is the electrified counterpart to the gas-powered Kia Soul. You can choose between base and Plus (+) trim levels, and all models are front-wheel drive.

Shoppers who are in the market for an EV have an ever-growing range of choices to consider. The Soul EV competes with small electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt and Hyundai Kona.

For the 2019 model year, the Soul EV’s EV-E trim level has been discontinued. Also, the latest version of Kia’s touchscreen interface is now provided as standard equipment.

Exterior

Many modern crossovers employ a design language that features lots of fluid, organic lines, but the Soul EV walks a different path. This model’s sheet metal has an upright, boxy look, and this styling works to set the crossover apart from the pack. The front fascia showcases upswept headlights and a sculpted bumper, and the car’s profile spotlights a sloping roofline and an angular silhouette.

The Soul EV comes with standard exterior features such as 16-inch alloy wheels, projector-beam headlights, rear privacy glass and heated power-adjustable side mirrors with integrated turn signals. The range of optional equipment includes front fog lights, power-folding side mirrors and a panoramic sunroof.

Interior

The Soul EV’s cabin is spacious and pleasant. A curvy dash encircles front-row passengers, and the broad center stack is home to large, legible controls. Tall windows and a high seating position combine to give the driver excellent outward visibility. Both the front and rear seats provide good legroom for passengers.

Kia’s Soul EV offers an impressive amount of cargo space. With the rear seats in place, the model provides 18.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This figure swells to 49.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Base models come with an exhaustive range of standard interior features. The list includes cloth upholstery with blue stitching, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, chrome interior accents, 60/40-split folding rear seats, heated front seats, air conditioning and a heated steering wheel. You can upgrade your Soul EV with options such as ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats and leather upholstery.

Performance

With the Soul EV, you get a vehicle whose ride quality is poised and smooth. As with many EVs, torque is abundant, which translates into quick acceleration. Power is sent to the front wheels via a single-speed direct-drive automatic transmission.

A lithium-ion polymer battery pack is matched with an electric motor to provide an output of 109 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. Both AC and DC charge ports are standard on all models. With DC fast charging, the Soul EV can charge 90 percent of its range in just 46 minutes. Regenerative braking helps this car replenish its charge.

According to the EPA, the Soul EV can travel for up to 111 miles between charges. The Chevy Bolt’s driving range more than doubles that figure. The Soul EV’s mileage comes in at 124/93 MPGe city/highway.

Technology

Kia has equipped the Soul EV with an appealing range of standard tech amenities, but certain essential options aren’t offered. Base models come with an infotainment system, an 8-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, HD and satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity and keyless entry and ignition.

Front and rear parking sensors are optional. The Soul EV isn’t available with driver-assist features such as a blind-spot warning system or forward collision mitigation. Also, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration aren’t offered.