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In reply to the discussion: Do you have a KIA Soul? How do you like it? [View all]politicat
(9,808 posts)I have been really happy with it. I have about 60k on it, and I haven't had any issues that weren't recalls. (The rear window wiper can get squeaky; the AC compressor in the early models needed to be swapped.)
It's perfectly comfortable for me, at 5'3", and is my "daily" driver. (I don't drive daily; I work from home.) My 6'3" spouse found the legroom a bit cramped, especially in the front passenger seat. His knees are too close to the glovebox. We had the seat mount moved back an inch, which was not cheap and not really worth it. Head, hip and shoulder room are fine. My late grandmother, who had mobility issues, found it easy to get into and out of the front passenger seat -- much easier than her HHR. Her walker, then her wheelchair, always fit fine. When we had a wheelchair in, we could only carry one other passenger, in the back smaller seat. The split back seat is extremely useful. I am comfortable in it for long trips, and had to make several between the Midwest and the Rockies; if Spouse and I both need to go, we either take his car or the train and rent.
With seats down, it has gobs of carrying capacity -- half an Ikea kitchen, including countertop. It also parks anywhere, thanks to the short wheel base.
I get 28 to 31 mpg, but I drive conservatively and am very good on maintenance. I have never gotten it stuck in snow, and the traction control is very good, even in the high Rockies. I have not gone off-road -- bad for car and ground. It does have a timing belt, rather than a chain, so make sure it gets replaced between 50K and 60K miles. Kia offers some really good maintenance packages if you buy new/certified used from a K dealer; they are worth the money.
Downsides: it has fairly big blind spots at 4:30 and 7:30 because of the large pillars. You have to be obsessive about using all three mirrors and checking over shoulder. Because the rear window is more or less vertical, it gets FILTHY and rain easily obscures it without the wiper. That wiper does not have variable intermittent on mine, so figuring out the speed can be delicate. High speed is not its strongest suit. It really is happiest when its green ECO light is showing, so if you're trying to pass while climbing a hill.... not so much. If your local driving culture teaches that freeway speed limits are lower limit suggestions, you may find yourself frustrated with the acceleration, pickup and mileage, because it gets noticeably less efficient above 70 MPH. (I actually ran this experiment, driving across Kansas. If I kept it in the green, 31-32 mpg. If I went 75-80, 27-28 mpg.) The high, square profile means high wind (40+ mph) can get uncomfortable. If you like to drive with windows down... I'd suggest something else. It gets an airflow reverb that hits my ears badly. At 60K, mine's door/window seals and sound-barrier are getting less efficient so the drive has gotten more white-noisy. The interior finish is plastic, some of the plastics will show scratches and dust.
But those downsides do not change my recommendation. I have been really happy. I wanted a Honda Element, but those were not available when I bought my Soul.