The most important thing they did was get rid of GDI gas direct injection, KIA/Hyundai went back to multipoint feel injection, no more carbon buildup on intake valves.
It's nice that a basic roomy hatchback still exists. Even for a base model this is very well equipped and the digital gauge cluster is nice. I've heard rumors that Kia is going to discontinue the Soul because sales are slipping. Removing the AWD option and turbo engine is to push buyers to crossovers. The Soul is bigger than you'd think, with the height it's the same size or bigger than some subcompact crossovers. They're not as funky as they used to be but they're still good at doing car things.
Always loved the Soul's quirky styling in a practical form factor. Shame that it has been getting the shorter end of the stick in Kia's stable of crossover offerings.
Great value for the money! Not a big deal to have halogen bulbs for the price since it’s a base model. Also a more reliable engine makes it a win-win! If I had a kid graduating or aging parents this is what I’d buy them. Cheap to own and maintain, user friendly, reliable and awesome warranty.
Kia and Hyundai are the bang for the buck imo. It’s a shame they’re not that reliable. When it comes to brand, there’s no variety in reliability and it sucks.
They are literally the most reliable brand according to jdpower and consumer reports. The problem is that most people buying a base Kia/Hyuindai never change their oil.
The newer ones aren't that reliable, but the ones from the 90s and early to mid 2000s definitely are. Kia and Hyundai are so cheap they don't put much effort or passion in barely anything they build. 😂
@@TheRealCatof That is not true as a technician Kia and Hyundai are the bic lighters of the automotive industry and JD powers is just a marketing firm and they never interview automotive technicians and mechanics for a real honest review Scotty Kilmer tell the truth about which vehicles are good or bad don’t trust consumer reports or JD powers.
I just bought this vehicle two days ago and I am a retiree that only tools around not even once a week. I traded in a car that I bought in 2015 that had less than 3000 miles on it, to make my point I’m very excited to have this vehicle as I think it drives really nice and it serves all my needs very well. All the safety features that it provides are worth talking about and I noticed you didn’t do that.
I have the 2024 model which is basically the same vehicle. For 2024 they offered a tech package and I got that ONLY because I needed blind spot detect that is NOT included for this year by default. That's the only safety feature I required because almost all major roads in Palm Beach County are at least 4 lane.
I bought a 2018 Kia soul and I love it. I was looking for a vehicle with a manual transmission, and it has a 6 speed. The EVT transmissions are known for having VERY expensive issues. This car won't win any races, its slow on take off. The gears are close ratio and you will be in 4th by 40mph. That said, once you get in 5th and 6th gear, it's very peppy. Fuel mileage is awesome. I tend to fill up every 2 weeks. Interior space is geared to passengers. The back seats are roomy but the trunk space is minimalistic. A turbo and an option for 4wd would really make it awesome.
I remember when they just appeared on the market. A very quirky automobile and at first impression ugly looking. Since then my view has changed, but Kia's reliability has not.
@@josericardotrevino8088 I would be so sad if they replaced the soul with the seltos. The seltos is such a run of the mill boring looking mini crossover. Same with the Hyundai Kona.
We had a 15 for our first Soul. Liked it enough to get a 23 LX. My favorite part was the cost for a car in 2023 was very affordable. Yes, the LX is simple and affordable and does what it needs to do. My major gripe is IVT transmission. Dont like any version of CVT trans. Also the front seat.... for some reason with the seats in the 23 vs 15... my butt seems to slide forward and under me under an emergancy braking
Hi from Hawaii. My 2005 xb was totaled from being rear ended forcing me into the car in front of me. I miss my Wagon model and I like the boxy shape for large items in the back seat and trunk. I'm really glad you addressed that the XB and the Soul is a good transition.
The lack of USB-C is the most puzzling thing about this vehicle as it's been out for years. Why are USB connection updates still lagging in today's cars given USB-C has been in cellphones and laptops for at least the last four years? If someone has the older USB connections, they can purchase an adapter to use their older technology. It's a real pain for me to keep purchasing USB-C to older USB connector adapters.
It seems like most people forgot about that car now, ans i think its because most people are buying trucks and SUVs, and i mean bigger crossovers and SUVs. They say that the cheapest new vehicle is the Ford Maverick, but its actually the Soul cuz its still got plenty of features and great materials for the money, and its also peppy and zippy as well!!
I have a 2021 Kia Soul S x it’s been good so far! It’s actually pretty peppy in Sport mode. The main thing is I got a lot of room for a great price, and no turbo. But darn it, it doesn’t have a grab handle above the driver even though there’s an indent for one. Your LX has that! Seen at 6:53
