🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Soul

Year:

2011

Country Of Origin:

South Korea

Vin Prefix:

Known prefixes include 3K

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Subcompact Crossover SUV / Compact Car

Target Audience:

Younger demographic, individuals seeking distinctive styling and practicality

Key Competitors:

Nissan Cube, Scion xB, Mini Cooper Countryman, Fiat 500L (though Soul is generally smaller than the latter two)

Styling:

Distinctive, boxy, upright styling with a unique profile

Interior Space:

Surprisingly spacious interior for its exterior dimensions, generous headroom and legroom

Value Proposition:

Affordable pricing, good feature content for the price point

📋 Manual Details

General Operation:

Yes

Maintenance:

Yes

Safety Systems:

Yes

Infotainment Controls:

Yes

Troubleshooting:

Basic user-level troubleshooting

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 400-500 pages (typical for this model year)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed booklet (original factory issue)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Basic operational information, fluid checks

Chassis:

Brakes, steering, suspension (user-level checks)

Electrical System:

Lighting, wipers, horn, power accessories, basic fuse identification

Climate Control:

HVAC operation and controls

Safety Features:

Airbags, seat belts, child seat installation (LATCH), ABS, Traction Control (ESC)

Infotainment:

Audio system operation, navigation (if equipped), Bluetooth pairing

Normal Operation:

Vehicle startup, driving techniques, parking, fuel economy tips

Instrument Panel:

Indicator lights, gauges, warning messages explanation

Lighting Controls:

Headlights, fog lights, interior lighting operation

Wipers Washers:

Operation, fluid level checks

Tire Changing:

Step-by-step guide for replacing a flat tire, spare tire location

Fluid Checks:

Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid levels

Fuse Replacement:

Location of fuse boxes and identification of common fuses

Key Fob Operation:

Locking, unlocking, alarm functions, battery replacement

Child Restraint:

Proper installation of child seats using LATCH or seat belts

Depth:

Owner-centric; covers basic operation, fluid checks, minor user-serviceable items, and troubleshooting common dashboard warnings. Does not cover in-depth mechanical or electrical diagnostics or repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Printed, bound booklet

Quality:

Standard factory print quality, designed for durability and readability

Type:

Stapled or perfect bound

Type:

Durable, coated paper stock to withstand use

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

G4FC (1.6L), G4KD (2.0L)

Displacement:

1.6-liter (1591 cc) and 2.0-liter (1998 cc)

Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 16 valves

Horsepower 1.6L:

122 hp @ 6300 rpm

Torque 1.6L:

117 lb-ft @ 4850 rpm

Horsepower 2.0L:

142 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 2.0L:

137 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm

Induction:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual (standard on 1.6L, optional on 2.0L)

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic (optional on 1.6L, standard on 2.0L EX)

Automatic Features:

Electronic control, overdrive

Manual Features:

Clutch operation

📐 Dimensions

Length:

160.8 inches (4085 mm)

Width:

69.5 inches (1765 mm)

Height:

64.8 inches (1645 mm)

Wheelbase:

100.4 inches (2550 mm)

Front Headroom:

40.2 inches (1021 mm)

Rear Headroom:

39.5 inches (1003 mm)

Front Legroom:

41.4 inches (1052 mm)

Rear Legroom:

39.4 inches (1001 mm)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

19.3 cubic feet (546 L)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Folded:

49.4 cubic feet (1400 L)

Curb Weight 1.6L:

Approx. 2700-2800 lbs (1225-1270 kg)

Curb Weight 2.0L:

Approx. 2800-2950 lbs (1270-1340 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash:

4 stars (Driver), 4 stars (Passenger)

NHTSA Side Crash:

5 stars (Driver), 5 stars (Passenger)

NHTSA Rollover:

4 stars

IIHS Front Crash Test:

Good

IIHS Side Crash Test:

Good

IIHS Roof Strength:

Good

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard

Traction Control System:

Standard

Anti Lock Braking System:

Standard

Electronic Brake Force Distribution:

Standard

Brake Assist:

Standard

Airbags:

Dual front, front side-impact, roof mounted curtain airbags

Seat Belts:

3-point with pretensioners and load limiters (front), 3-point (rear)

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system

Active Head Restraints:

Standard on front seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 with auxiliary input and USB port. Optional upgraded sound systems with SiriusXM satellite radio available.

Navigation:

Optional navigation system available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Not typically standard, may have been an optional accessory.

Bluetooth:

Available on some trims for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Auxiliary Input:

Standard

Usb Port:

Standard

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles or 24,000-48,000 km)

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months

Spark Plugs:

Inspect at 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (depending on plug type)

Coolant Replacement:

Initial replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years thereafter

Transmission Fluid:

Automatic: Check periodically, replace as needed (refer to severe service schedule). Manual: Not typically specified for replacement unless leaking.

Engine Oil:

API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 (preferred), SAE 5W-30 can be used in very high temperatures

Coolant:

Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Blue, OAT - Organic Acid Technology), or equivalent with Korean Vehicle specification.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Transmission Fluid Auto:

SP-III or SP-IV (check specific vehicle application)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4, SAE 75W-90

Engine Noise:

Some owners report ticking or knocking noises, often attributed to fuel injectors or valve lifters. Generally considered normal if not accompanied by performance issues.

Paint Quality:

Some reports of minor paint chipping or fading over time, particularly on white or lighter colors.

Suspension Wear:

Occasional reports of premature wear in suspension components like struts or ball joints, especially in vehicles driven in harsh conditions.

Transmission Performance:

Some early 4-speed automatic transmissions might exhibit less refined shifts compared to newer designs. Proper fluid maintenance is crucial.

Standard Size:

195/65R15 (LX, EX 1.6L), 205/55R16 (EX 2.0L)

Pattern:

5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)

Recommended Psi:

Typically 32 PSI (Front and Rear), check driver's side doorjamb placard for exact specifications.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand:

Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944, is one of South Korea's oldest automakers. Known for its value-oriented vehicles and growing reputation for quality and design under Hyundai Motor Group ownership.

Generation:

First Generation (2009-2013)

Introduction:

The Kia Soul was introduced in late 2008 for the 2009 model year. It was designed to appeal to a younger, style-conscious demographic with its unique design and spacious interior, differentiating itself from traditional hatchbacks and small SUVs.

Manufacturing Plant:

Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Kbb Best List:

Kelley Blue Book's Top 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000 (2009)

Consumer Reports:

While not consistently top-ranked, Consumer Reports often highlights its practicality and value, though some years flagged reliability concerns in specific areas.

Fuel Economy Epa Estimate 1.6L Auto:

24 MPG City / 31 MPG Highway / 27 MPG Combined

Fuel Economy Epa Estimate 2.0L Auto:

23 MPG City / 30 MPG Highway / 26 MPG Combined

Fuel Economy Epa Estimate 1.6L Manual:

26 MPG City / 31 MPG Highway / 28 MPG Combined