The 2022 Kia Soul arrives with minimal changes. The old oval-shaped logo is gone, replaced with Kia’s new futuristic one. The 10.3-inch infotainment display with navigation is now offered on all but the base LX model, which gets an 8.0-inch unit (previously 7.0 inches). You can equip the LX model with a Technology package, including automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. S, X-Line, and GT-Line models all provide dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, wireless smartphone charging, and two more USB ports as standard equipment. Kia’s added a few more standard features on mid-level trims, while a new LX Technology Package that lets shoppers add advanced safety features has been added to the base trim.
The off-road inspired Soul X-Line trim features rugged, textured and contrasting exterior body cladding, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, roof trim, front fog lights, and satin silver exterior accents. Drive easy, with available features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat that helps with visibility, heated front seats and steering wheel, and power sunroof. Available interior features like mood lighting let you set the tone, and reactive Speaker Lights with Multiple Ambience Themes bring the available Harman Kardon® Premium audio system to life. Enjoy seating for five, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, plus a large tailgate opening for up to 62 cu. ft. of cargo space. And with 101 cu. ft of passenger room, Soul gives you more room than a 2021 Toyota RAV4.
The available Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) system monitors the position of your Soul under certain conditions and may apply steering corrections if it senses you drifting outside your lane. Standard on S, X-Line, GT-Line, EX, and Turbo trims. If the available Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) system detects objects in the driver’s blind spot, this radar-based detection system sends out visual and/or auditory signals to help warn you of objects not in your field of view. Standard on S, X-Line, GT-Line, EX, and Turbo trims. Available Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) uses a radar system, designed to help detect a potential collision and automatically apply the brakes in a variety of circumstances. Standard on S, X-Line, GT-Line, EX, and Turbo trims. The available Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) system scans for oncoming obstacles as you back up.
Kia offers two engines in the Soul. The base option is a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which comes paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). At our test track, a Soul X-Line needed a full 8.0 seconds to reach 60 mph, but it doesn’t feel underpowered in normal driving. In fact, the base engine feels peppy around town, and the CVT willingly selects lower gear ratios when you’re looking to pass someone. The top-spec Turbo model comes with a 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The Soul carries an EPA rating as high as 35 mpg for highway driving and as low as 27 mpg in the city—not bad for a seemingly nonaerodynamic box on wheels.
LX, S, X-Line, GT-Line, EX and Turbo trims return for 2022. All versions except the base LX trim now get the Soul’s larger multimedia screen as standard; the 10.25-inch display comes with navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are again standard (through a wired connection, not wireless). Other additions to all trims above the LX include dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, a wireless smartphone charger and dual USB charge ports. There’s also news for the LX trim: It’s losing its manual transmission. A continuously variable automatic is now the sole transmission for all trim levels except the Turbo, which continues to pair a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic with its 1.6-liter turbo engine. (Other trims get a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine.)
