Kia Soul EV - TopCarNews

Kia Soul EV (2020 – Present) | Expert Rating

[hide]

Summary

The Kia Soul is a small hatchback that, at least in the UK, is only available with an electric motor. The current model is the third generation Soul, which was launched in 2019 and arrived in the UK in early 2020.

As a result of the coronavirus panemic and nationwide lockdown, we only have about 20 reviews of the Kia Soul EV in our database as of August 2021. As more reviews are published, we will update this page. It also means that the Soul’s overall Expert Rating of 76% may shift by a few points as more reviews are added.

The Kia Soul EV has received very positive reviews so far, with particular praise for its distinctive (albeit divisive) exterior styling. It’s considered decent enough to drive and had a good range compared to many other electric cars. However, its interior is far more conventionally and conservatively designed than the outside, and interior space isn’t as good as some other cars at a similar price.

Key specifications

Body style: Small five-door hatchMotor: electric, battery-poweredPrice: From £34,295 on-road*
* price includes £3,000 government plug-in car grant

Launched: Spring 2020Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

Score: 9 / 10“The Kia Soul EV might be one of the best electric cars you can buy. It’s great to drive, interesting to look at, comfortable and will return up to 280 miles of electric range and exceptionally low running costs.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The all-electric Kia Soul EV combines quirky design with enormous capability.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Kia Soul EV builds on the funky charm of its predecessor by maintaining the quirky styling, but upping the performance dramatically. It’s zippy to drive and boasts a very impressive range on a single charge. If you’re in the market for an electric car, it’s definitely one of the first cars to check out.”
Read review

Autocar

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Third generation of Kia’s boxy compact crossover goes electric-only in the UK, combining zero emissions with charm and character.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 64kWhScore: 8 / 10“First European outing for third generation of Kia’s boxy compact crossover, which will be sold here only in electric form.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“Love-them-or-hate-them looks aside, the Kia Soul EV successfully pulls off the trick of offering an exceptionally good electric range at a reasonable price. A reliable 250+ miles on a single charge is nothing to sniff at – in fact, it’s enough for the majority of drivers to use as their only car.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Kia Soul EV is a distinctive zero-emissions car with impressive performance.”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Kia Soul EV is an electric car that stands out from the crowd with its looks and has great electric range despite its modest price. It isn’t the most practical choice, however.”
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: First Edition 64kWh“A stylish electric family car with a long range, impressive performance and lots of kit, all for a fairly competitive price.”
Read review

Eurekar

“The Kia Soul EV reaches 62mph in a sprightly 7.5 seconds and continues smoothly on to a 104mph top speed, all completed with a mannered and well balanced demeanor.”
Read review

Fleetworld

Model reviewed: First EditionScore: 8 / 10“An intriguing EV that satisfies the usual electric anxieties, but that comes at a sales-phenomenon-restricting price.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: First EditionScore: 9 / 10“The new Kia Soul EV looks better than its predecessor, it has a much longer range and it’s excellent to drive. It still has a practical body style, and the quality of the interior has improved. Is there anything wrong with it? Not really. Well, except that it’s too quirky to fit in any of the conventional car categories.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“So confident is Kia that electric cars are the future, the Soul is now sold exclusively as an electric vehicle. It uses the same 204hp electric motor and 64kWh battery pack as the e-Niro, travelling 280 miles from a charge.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Rage overviewScore: 9 / 10“Super cool crossover with improved performance and range.”
Read review

The Sun

Model reviewed: Range overview“Keep things simple but classy with the Kia Soul EV – the perfect electric ride for one-car families.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“While the smaller, boxier Kia Soul EV is less practical and pleasing to drive than the e-Niro, it’s a more compact model for use around town and goes as far per charge. It’s a more fun and funky design, too, so will appeal to those who prefer to stand out from the crowd.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: First EditionScore: 8 / 10“The Kia Soul EV is one of the most accomplished electric cars out there. Its range is more than enough to manage most of your driving on super-cheap home charges. And if you need to stop at a charging station, you’ll probably be done in the time it takes you to sit and have a coffee.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Good news: it’s like an e-Niro, only a bit more interesting.”
Read review

What Car?

Score: 8 / 10“If you’re considering an electric car, the Kia Soul EV is definitely worth considering. Although some may find the ride a touch firm, it has strong performance, an impressively long range and comes very well equipped.”
Read review

Which?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7.8 / 10“If range anxiety has been putting you off buying an electric car, the Kia Soul EV could change your view.” Rated a BEST BUY.
Read review

Safety rating

No safety rating

As of September 2021, the Kia Soul EV has not been crash tested by Euro NCAP. If and when it is put through its paces by Euro NCAP, we will publish the results here.

Eco rating

No eco rating

The Kia Soul EV has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP.

As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and inevitably the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic before resuming later in the year.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Kia Soul EV has received

2021

Auto Trader New Car Awards – Best Value Electric Car

2020

World Car Awards – World Urban Car
UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Crossover

2019

DrivingElectric Awards – Best Medium Electric Car

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Kia Soul EV, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Buy or lease a Kia Soul EV

Regardless of whether you’re looking for a new or used Soul EV, The Car Expert’s partners have thousands of cars to choose from

Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple.

We only have the best used cars for sale from selected dealers.

Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing.

The UK’s automotive search engine. All the cars in one place.

Personal contract hire deals from Hippo Leasing.

Personal contract hire deals from Rivervale Leasing.

Personal contract hire deals from Moneyshake.

Personal contract hire deals from Pink Car Leasing.

Keyword: Kia Soul EV