Positioning:
The Kia Soul, launched in 2008, carved a unique niche as a stylish and practical urban crossover, appealing to younger demographics and those seeking an alternative to traditional sedans and SUVs. Its boxy, distinctive design set it apart.
Competitors:
Key competitors included the Nissan Cube, Scion xB, and to a lesser extent, the Mini Cooper, Honda Fit, and Ford Fiesta due to their practicality and compact size.
Design Philosophy:
Focus on bold, distinctive styling, spacious interior for its class, and a range of customization options.
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System (ECM), Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (FWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear), Wheels and Tires
Body & Electrical:
Body Exterior, Body Interior, HVAC System, Restraints System (Airbags), Lighting System, Instrument Cluster, Audio System, Body Control Modules (BCM), Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors), Wiper & Washer System, Exterior & Interior Trim
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Changes, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Caliper and Rotor Replacement, Steering Rack Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair and Replacement, HVAC Component Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides, Error Code Explanations, Electrical Circuit Diagrams
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers from basic maintenance to in-depth diagnostics and complete component rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications, wiring diagrams, and component removal/installation procedures.
Engine 1 Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1591 cc)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, CVVT
Engine 1 Power:
Approx. 124 hp @ 6300 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 115 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Engine 1 Fuel System:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Engine 2 Configuration:
Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, CVVT
Engine 2 Power:
Approx. 142 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 137 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm
Engine 2 Fuel System:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Emission Standards:
Meets EPA standards for its model year.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 stars (for 2011 models)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard
Traction Control:
Standard
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard
Airbags:
Front, Front Side, Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input. Optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Bluetooth:
Available on select trims for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Check manual for severe driving conditions.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (under normal driving conditions). Inspect more frequently if driving in dusty environments.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
60,000 miles (for standard spark plugs); Check manual for specific plug type.
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Check manual. Kia typically recommends inspection, with changes based on driving conditions, often around 60,000-100,000 miles for severe use.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial change at 105,000 miles, then every 30,000-50,000 miles thereafter. Refer to specific coolant type.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-20 (API SM or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity 1.6L:
Approx. 3.8 US quarts (with filter)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (with filter)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W/80 or 75W-90
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol Base, 50/50 mixture with distilled water (typically orange or pink colored for Kia)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Complaint 1:
Minor oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket.
Common Complaint 2:
Check engine light due to various sensor issues (e.g., crankshaft position sensor, O2 sensors).
Common Complaint 3:
Brake wear, particularly front pads and rotors, due to typical urban driving cycles.
Common Complaint 4:
HVAC system issues, such as blower motor failures or AC refrigerant leaks.
Parent Company:
Kia Motors Corporation, part of the Hyundai Motor Group.
Generation:
First Generation (2008-2013)
Introduction Year:
2008 (for model year 2009 in most markets), 2010 in North America.
Assembly Location:
Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
Safety Award Example:
Received Good ratings in front-offset, side-impact, and rear-impact crash tests from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) for earlier models, though specific 2011 ratings should be verified.
Fuel Economy Rating:
EPA estimates varied by engine and transmission, typically in the range of 24-26 MPG city and 31-33 MPG highway.
