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Expert Rating

Kia Soul EV

(2020 – present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

69
%
B

Used car score:

69
%
B

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

70
%
C

Safety Rating:

-

Eco Rating:

100
%
A

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

74
%
A

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

69
%
B

Used car score:

69
%
B

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

70
%
C

Safety Rating:

-

Eco Rating:

100
%
A

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

74
%
A

Summary


The Kia Soul EV 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.

With its boxy style, the Kia Soul EV is unlike anything else in the new car market. It does mean that headroom is pretty good, however…

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.

As of January 2024, the Soul has an Expert Rating of 69%.

Soul highlights

  • Nippy performance
  • Low running costs
  • Competitive battery range
  • Well-equipped from entry-level

Soul lowlights

  • Divisive exterior styling
  • Light steering
  • Smaller boot than its rivals
  • Expensive

Key specifications


Body style: Small five-door hatch
Motor: electric, battery-powered
Price: From £32,845 on-road

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


Media reviews


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

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Autocar

+

Business Car

+

Car

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Company Car Today

+

Discover EV

+

Eurekar

+

Fleetworld

+

Green Car Guide

+

Honest John

+

Move Electric

+

Parkers

+

The Sun

+

The Sunday Times

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

What Car?

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of January 2024, 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


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

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.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of January 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Kia Soul EV to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusive from extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Soul EV, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models280 milesB280 – 280 milesB – B
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models31C31 – 31C – C

Here is the running cost information we currently have on the Kia Soul EV – cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Though we don’t currently have information on the car’s maintenance costs, the Soul EV’s battery range is competitive with rivals in its class, and its insurance premiums reportedly sit at around the market average.

Awards


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

2023

  • Auto Trader Awards – Best Value Electric Car

2022

  • What Car? Electric Awards – Best Small SUV

2021

  • Auto Trader 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

BYD Atto 3 | Cupra Born | DS 3 E-Tense | Fiat 500e | Honda e | Hyundai Kona Electric | Jeep Avenger | Kia Niro EV | Mazda MX-30 | MG 4 | Mini Electric | Ora Funky Cat | Peugeot e-208 | Peugeot e-2008 | Renault Zoe | Smart #1 | Tesla Model Y | Vauxhall Corsa Electric | Volkswagen ID.3

Buy a Kia Soul EV


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Subscribe to a Kia Soul EV


Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)

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Used car finance

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The Kia Soul EV has received positive reviews with praise for its quirky styling. It's decent to drive, with a good range compared to many electric cars.Kia Soul EV