2015 Kia Soul Exclaim Detailed Review and Road Test

[@devinmaxam9113]

I would like to mention that the cargo floor can be flipped to give a hard plastic floor surface for muddy or sharp items so as to not rip the carpet. If you remove the cargo divider below the floor, the load floor itself can actually be dropped lower and slide into place (though somewhat awkwardly.) I have the spare tire kit and with lowering the floor was able to fit a full size wheelchair in the back and still have some room.

[@barbhaugen8044]

I'm getting a new Kia Soul on this Thursday I test drove it and it was amazing I can't wait to own it

[@fordxbgtfalcon]

Same here, just got mine today, it was a left over 2019 model. wish it was the 2020 model but that was way out of my price range. but it's still an awesome little car!

[@thestroll1]

We have a 2014 Soul..Love it! Can't believe the room and seat comfort.

[@diy-fixit9566]

I was just lucky enough to receive a 2014 exclaim with low millage and at a decent price. I really love the look of this little utilitarian vehicle. OK only front wheel drive, but 2,700 LBS make it fast for most people on highway driving or city commutes. The wilder colors seem to look better then the bland one. I choose white, but think alien green, red, cloud white and possibly silver will look great in the earliest years. Now orange looks lovely.

[@jimbrown341]

The best colors BY FAR is the Fathom Blue and the Inferno Red. Everyone and their grandmother has the White it seems. I see the white one every day on the road. The Fathom blue is rare and it makes the car look like a professional/executive/CEO of the family. The Inferno Red looks stunning with the 18 inch wheels. The same with the Fathom Blue. You really need the 18 inch wheels, it compliments the body of the car so much better. I've seen all of the colors in person. Also the best way to drive the car (IMO) is with sport mode on. The handling is like the tires or glued to the road. I love the feel of that. It makes the car feel so secure, like it and the road are one. Well, that's with the 18 inch tires anyway. I'd imagine that the 17 inch wheels don't handle as nicely as the 18 in sport mode. The 18 inch wheels are wider. More surface area to hug the pavement.

[@Medmann48]

We went out today & bought a 2016 Kia Soul+ model in Caribbean Blue, love it!

[@bobscherr1]

This was an excellent review. Giving number rating for each feature of the car really helps to tell what you actual think of that feature.

[@iLVbnM3]

My car's twin!!! Lol... I LOVE my Soul!, but I hope they add the turbo engine to lineup... could definitely use a lil extra power! Great review, as always!

[@hottrucker24]

im gonna buy one tomorrow...2015 base model with 9k miles

[@islandgirl103]

Cute ending! Alex, fyi the 2015 Kia Soul also offers a different color leather with some exterior colors of the Exclaim model. I believe it's called the "Umber leather Package," and adds gloss black wheel inserts and a dark brown Nappa leather interior. Optional on cars that are colored blue or white. Also, did you have a chance to try out the ventilated seats? I live in Florida and those sound fantastic right now!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Yes you're right. The final specs for the 2015 model were not out when the filming was done so the details weren't available. The cooled seats worked very well which is surprising on a less expensive vehicle like this.

[@Ken-vl4wk]

CJ VN The inserts on the wheels are not black, they are silver. I have the Exclaim model with Umber package.

[@waynerhea6649]

I love the way you review cars

[@stephane7484]

i just buy a 2014 Soul!, i love it. Great video, always

[@demondmccray8582]

How has it been. Did it have any constant problems?

[@dionaeaqi07]

Very smart use of the deep Soul storage. Actually, that's plenty volume to put luggages.

[@MrKikoboy]

According to the salesperson I talked with last week AWD will be offered on the Soul next year ( although he suggested I wait a bit and let them work the bugs out...)

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It seems that it may happen for the 2016 model year, certainly not sooner as 2015 has already launched. If it does it will mean an increased ride height and a possible loss of rear cargo capacity. In addition it is uncertain if it will come to the USA as the Soul's MPG numbers aren't exactly high and AWD would drop their fleet average numbers.

[@MrKikoboy]

Alex on Autos yes years on cars are kinda like years on dogs minus 6 - I'm not sure why Kia can't quite match Hyundai's fuel economy on comparable models - I also own a 2012 Tucson and (bearing in mind it's summer in Canada - I mean July ( same thing) I got 6.8 l/100km on my last highway drive - I am quite sure I can't get that on a Sportage - but having just bought a Rio EX for an around town car I was fairly happy with 5.5l/100km on my drive back from the dealer with a whopping 268km on the car...I think the Soul would sell with AWD in the north here but I am guessing they will face some serious competition from the supposedly upcoming Honda HRV which is (the thinking goes ) going to slot in between the Fit and the CRV and also be offered with AWD - I am guessing the price point won't be hugely different and both being new models will be interesting to see how many bugs each has in the first year - I am guessing the Honda will probably have the CVT while the Kia sticks with the 6 speed auto and GDI....my bet is the Honda will win on fuel economy but the Kia will be loaded with stuff that you can't get at the same price point with Honda...always enjoy your reviews and thinks you have the best clear cut info without bias for anyone looking to research a new car purchase...I know I used your reviews before I went shopping ( and then ended up buying something that wasn't even on the radar! )....cheers...

[@latinoheatcali]

Great review. I'm thinking of getting the exclaim with sun and sound package.

[@mountainhobo]

Pity more and more manufacturers now offer manual transmission only on base models, as if people bought manuals only because they can't afford automatics. This would be a good candidate for a manual. I used to have Kia Sephia, and it was great with a manual, and I easily exceeded EPA MPG. My current Hyundai Elantra Wagon only offered manual on base, and I regret buying it. Base seats are awful and uncomfortable (Sephia seats were fantastic). I do own a Toyota Camry with a an automatic, and while comfortable and competent, it bores me to tears.

[@zxbc1]

Good review, once again Alex. However, I'm beginning to notice more and more that the stereo sound mixing in the driving portion (second half) tends to be a little weird. I wear a fairly high quality headphone and it sounds as if the right side is louder than the left, and the mixing is slightly jarring. I don't know the process behind your video editing so I can't make more comments on that, but perhaps you can check it out yourself. I'm sure people who use speaker will find it less uncomfortable, but stereo issues in youtube videos really irk me. Keep up the good work!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Thanks for letting me know, I'll look closer into this.

[@kc5077]

Drop that new 1.6 turbo and you'd have some fun. Also with the Scion XB getting axed the Soul has the last man standing award.

[@richcruz936]

Wow that was a very informative review especially on the trunk space and the handling vs competitors!

[@Retiredmco]

Alex fantastic review bro. Completely agree with your review. I bought 2014 with whole shabang package. Love it so much, always appreciate your review on the Evo system. I'm subscribing to your page. keep up good work.

[@cassiocm]

Kiaaaaa please. Put the 1.6 turbo on this thing. That would seal the deal for us as we downsize from our Sorrento after becoming empty nesters. MPG wouldn't change much from the 2.0, but fatter torque would make it a joy.

[@jhindson88]

Love the car bought the EV version - waiting for delivery. Wish sun roof was available in the EV version.

[@jimmyallanmummert3068]

This car runs wonderful no problems gas mileage is great I have my progressive industria liability insurance and the car runs wonderful thank you my signature doesn't work

[@luck02]

Great review, I asked in another thread about a b250 review but I've since realized that's only in Canada :(

[@dcuccia]

Great review as always Alex. Loved all of the trunk space details. Out of curiosity, do you know how the battery pack in the EV affects trunk space or rear legroom?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It appears that the battery is almost entirely under the Soul. This will likely result in a reforming of the footwells slightly and it also may occupy s small amount of the spare tire well. All in all it is a very compact battery because the energy density appears to be about 33% higher than a Tesla Model S

[@marcfuhrman3564]

Excellent review, as always Alex! I'm slightly surprised with how low the fuel mileage is. Is this simply due to it's aerodynamics or is it due to something else (undersized engines, inefficient gearing, etc)?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Most likely the aerodynamics and the wider tires on the Soul. The same engine and transmission get much better mileage in the smaller cars.

[@magales45]

Oe of the best reviews of any car. Thanks except for that singing at the end LOL

[@attrition197]

What a super detailed review thanks alex!

[@ansonlouie]

Hi, thanks for reviewing the Kia Soul. I have also watched your review of the Mazda 3. I'd like to ask which car is better overall, this one or the new Mazda 3 hatchback? The Soul is somewhere between a subcompact and a compact so I'm not sure this will be an apples to apples comparison. In particular, I'd like to know which one fares better in terms of cargo space and rear passenger comfort, as well as fuel economy. The Kia Soul in our country is being offered in a 1.6L diesel engine, and the Mazda 3 uses a 1.5 gas engine. Thanks a lot!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The Mazda3 is the better handling vehicle and the more efficient one as well. The Soul is the more comfortable vehicle with more cargo room.

[@waynerhea6649]

this car is amazing honestly I would take this over a Hyundai sonata this comes with so much more features than that and the space is reletivley the same and If you ask me I think it looks better than it anyway.[2010-2014]

[@candy5742]

I drove this same exact vehicle today and it drove like a pick up truck to me it’s fast and I was a little scared

[@Skott62]

Great review. Lots of good info. Thanks for posting it.

[@benmunger]

great review. I love the detail that you go into. Subscribed!

[@tonyheffernan6235]

Excellent in-depth review

[@A_guan]

Alex you should review more minivans like the Honda Odyssey or upcoming Sedona Ps I already know you've reviewed the sienna already

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I'm trying hard to get the new Odyssey in for a review, it is high on my list.

[@rccrashburn]

I can't believe that nobody has complained that there is no spare tire!!! Alex, what's going on with no spare tire included??

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Some models do have a spare, but most do not. This is a pervasive trend with most new car designs not even including a place where a spare could go. By ditching the spare they save money, reduce weight and increase fuel economy and cargo room. Supposedly a large number of folks don't want to change their tire either and instead elect to call a tow truck. Go figure. I still like a spare so I'd buy the optional spare or keep a spare of my own in the back. While this is possible in the Soul, there is no way to jam a spare in many new cars out there because there is simply no spot for it to go.

[@Medmann48]

+rccrashburn Just FYI, you can pickup a donut spare tire & jack for the Kia Soul off Ebay for $200

[@techexplorer9382]

Wow ! I see a Stage Career ahead of you . Joe

[@number7redking]

Took our 2013 2.0L Kia Soul for a 8 hour road trip and previously my V6 Nissan Pathfinder had similar fuel economy. Never buying Korean again, ride is nimble but harsh. Maybe it needs to be broken in (only 20k on it) but not happy with the quality.

[@maeb96]

Great Review as always. Are you reviewing the Audi a4/a6 anytime soon?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I hope so but I don't have a date yet.

[@bluejaywoman3421]

I have not found anywhere that lists the internal demensions. like the length, width, depth of the truck compartment in the various configurations. That would be useful info.

[@masteratgaming6197]

hey alex for the kia soul 2015 do all vehicles have the feature of the speaker lights? or is it only a certain model? cause the model i bought doesn't have that feature but when i read the manual, it showed that feature but the car didn't have it. any thoughts or suggestions?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It is an optional feature so not all models have it.

[@4N2IN0JA]

Can you put a 2" receiver hitch on it? That soul would be perfect if it could tow a dirt bike trailer with some high profile all terrains on it.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I know there are after-market kits available but towing capacity is quite low.

[@werbrown]

Great review Alex, thanks.

[@dcpc08161992]

The fuel economy is @27mpg for the SOUL! but I think you reported the Honda Fits gets @35mpg...hmmm. That is like 8 miles per gallon difference in gas economy between the two cars.

[@SharonNelsonhavingfun]

Excellent review

[@tntmyth]

Alex. I'm looking at a 2016 Kia Soul +. Kia currently offers the 2016 with an inexpensive Designer Package for $500 which includes 18" Alloy Wheels, Gloss Black Inserts,Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel/Gearshift Knob. It seems like a deal but you have driven both the Plus and the Exclaim models and you mentioned in your video that you actually preferred the Plus model. Do you prefer the ride on the 17" wheels that come standard with the Plus model or do you feel that that $500 Designer Package upgrade to the 18" wheels and the other goodies on the package is a worthy upgrade considering the slightler harsher ride but improvement in handling? I wouldn't be spending the extra money for the Primo Package you recommended in the video as this is mainly a car for work to visit customers.

[@Medmann48]

+Gary Brown Gary last month we bought a 2016 Kia Soul+ with the $500 designer package so even though we have a Plus model we got the 18" Alloy wheels. The designer package also got us the two-tone white with red roof that my wife wanted. The designer package also gets you the leather wrapped steering wheel & leather wrapped gear shift knob. For what you get the $500 adder is not a bad deal. Really though it's all about the deal you can get from the salesman, we paid $15,700 which came out to $17,300 out the door with tax & title. The trick is to get all the rebates & discounts that you can get. You will be surprised how accommodating the salesman can be when he thinks he has a sale & then senses you are about to walk out the door.

[@jowowetan]

this has been a surprising car for me, all in good ways. i'd compare this with the current Scion xB. it shows how much more values in the soul and how cheap and outdated the scion xB is.

[@patrickt3632]

Very nice review! What's your opinion on the Soul's road feedback through the steering wheel? I am looking for a fun small hatch that that has decent interior and fun to drive. Your video really helps me decide to choose the Soul over the Mk3 Mazda3. I live in Hochiminh City in Vietnam and cars can be very expensive here (price x 250% ish).

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Patrick T The Soul's steering is very numb

[@vanpham986]

+Alex on Autos Hi Alex, can you please explain further on what you mean by "numb"? Thanks.

[@matt4398]

my 2 cents, many car reviewers want road feel and slam cars for what they call numb steering. I have bought the cars they say have road feel and I prefer the numb steering. I end up feeling bumps and choppy pavement more in the wheel and if your tires aren't balanced every 5000 miles you feel it it your steering wheel. I like an isolated, quiet, smooth car. where I drive it's all straight highway or bumpy city roads, if I could carve threw canyons like the reviewers I might want more steering feel.

[@olaggan5463]

Alex, don't take this the wrong way, but damn ! !!! You look good in those tight jeans ! . Oh, nice review of the car also.

[@ginarsampson8198]

great review! By any chance have you seen the cloud white vehicle yet? I've ordered a 2015 Kia Soul Exclaim with the whole shabang. Kia hasn't updated their US website for the colors. I was wondering if the cloud white, is pretty similar to the clear white. Thanks for any info you can share.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I haven't yet but it does look good from what I've seen online.

[@SHADOWBOXERBAYBEE]

Gina Sampson I hope you love your Cloud white. I saw one on the showroom floor and saw it had a tinge of very light green in it due to the florescent lights inside. I wonder how the color changes with the sun, on overcast days. It sure was beautiful. I had to video that Soul when I saw it. It was simply stunning.

[@ginarsampson8198]

I LOVE my cloud white Soul!! And the tan leather interior with the copper-ish accents. It does seem to catch other colors at times, which I think is pretty cool!!! Cheers :-)

[@Beautifulblessings88]

Hi good review i'm getting my first car which will happen to be a Kia Soul I went to my local dealer and looked and got to get in one. I really like the sunroof,back up camera, and uvo system with voice talk with navigation and also the ECO fuel version. Which one would you recommend getting?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I really lean towards the + model with the Primo package which I believe cannot get the ECO package as well. The ECO package will save you gas in the city especially as long as you don't need the A/C running at stop lights. If you live in a warmer climate or do a great deal of highway driving then you may not find the Eco package as good of a deal.

[@Beautifulblessings88]

ok thanks for the reply. I was also looking at the 2014 model the Exclaim and I really like the sun and sound packageI think that's the one for me.Can the Exclaim come with the rearview camera?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

reggaetonloverbaby I like the Exclaim model and it is a good option as long as you like the interior color. You have a bit more choice in the + with primo package although you do give up the nicer headliner and the larger tires the Exclaim gets. As I understand it all models with the touchscreen LCD have a backup camera.

[@Beautifulblessings88]

ok thank you I really like the fathom blue in the Exclaim because I really want the Sun and Sound pack it's more my style

[@duke6024]

Wife just got 2015' she's happy

[@adele_with_a_b]

nice review! where's the road noise though... is the cabin that quiet or did you post edit the soundtrack?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Abdel Gomez Perez Road noise never comes across well on video, it seems that some harmonics get amplified by the mic and some aren't properly caught by the mic. There was no post processing to remove noise.

[@kaylagarland7567]

Hello I just have a question about the exterior Color on the soul. I've noticed in the new commercial for the Kia soul ev that the Color was black with the red trim &I love that! I really want that & I also notice it also like that with a blue base & white trim. So my question is, is it just the ev model's that come like that or is it standard on some?. Thank you!: ) .

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

We should know very soon, I'll be driving the EV in about 2 weeks.

[@kaylagarland7567]

Oh Okay thank you!

[@jeez3k]

great vids, but u should do better regarding links in the discription

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I really do need to get on that. What would you like to see down there?

[@jeez3k]

Add links to every vid on the car, and related cars/vids like u do at the end of every vid. But mobile views are huge, and they need links, not annotations. Add ur Facebook page as well. Thats a start at least :)

[@masteratgaming6197]

are you saying that there are no kia souls in lighting speaker

[@Statimtek]

Is the updated 1.6 liter motor something to be concerned about as far as reliability, problems?

[@Statimtek]

***** I have one.It drives just fine.

[@Statimtek]

***** I drive rather aggressively and have no issues with my 1.6 L = )

[@KathyMillionKitzmiller333]

Great detail !!! Thanks, K

[@mashakotova1872]

*Only 18* 👇👇👇 422663.loveisreal.ru

[@dennisscipio]

Alex, how to feel when the Nissan Cube is being discontinued this year, and do you have plans to review one?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Since it is being discontinued I won't be reviewing one, however I always felt the Cube was a little too strange, a little too expensive and a little underpowered for America.

[@dennisscipio]

Alex on Autos A good replacement is that Nissan should import the Micra because it's currently not available in the United States to compete with the likes of the Mazda2, Mitsubishi Mirage, Smart ForTwo, etc. plus it's base price( well for Canada is a surprising $9,998

[@branja3108]

Is it that inside the Kia soul is smaller than a civic or corolla ? or is it that over all these cars a re bigger than the kia ?

[@uhmeizuhngralphf0549]

I LIKE THAT CAR!

[@Mojo_Mike]

Wow, a fully loaded Soul! is just about 2x the cost of a base model.

[@excelsciors]

My Kia seats are too hard. I need to replace them. Who does that kind of work? I am near Los Angeles!

[@buildmorefarms1007]

How does the Soul do in the snow?

[@chingerelganzorig9284]

nice but do some diesel car review man

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I'll have a Q5 TDI very soon.

[@danario97]

Have you seen the new 2015 Toyota Yaris? They releasee pictures I think on Thursday. Could you add that to your "list"?

[@bijouxnoir]

So I test drove this exact car today, and I was pretty disappointed. It's slow! No thank you.

[@DinNDee]

Can someone tell me where you can rent a kia soul in NC for test driving? Thanks for any tips

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I have had Souls as rentals from Hertz before, you might also call Enterprise

[@JMb10124]

What car did u rate 10 / 10 in front seat?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I usually reserve 10/10 for seats that are very comfortable and highly adjustable so they can accommodate a wide variety of body shapes. I believe the only seats I have given 10 at this time have been the BMW "Sport Seats" which are a 24-way design with an articulating back, adjustable thigh cushions, bolsters, 4-way lumbar support and butterfly headrests.

[@ElegyMoto]

Random question, but do you write a script and read off it or just do it live?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

A bit of both and neither. I usually just write down the specs that I want to cover and be sure, of memorize s few details and then make it up as I go along according to the same format that I usually use.

[@martingrabske1884]

The MPG is rather disappointing I am averaging 21 MPG with the1.6L

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Otto Hulse Wow, that is horrible!!! Maybe it will improve over time.

[@martingrabske1884]

buildmorefarms100 Man, I sure hope so. : /

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Otto Hulse stickshift or automatic?

[@martingrabske1884]

buildmorefarms100 Stick

[@emanhamden5126]

بالعافية عايش بهاي المنطقة شنو الجنة . نتحسر على شارع نظيف مبلط مشجر باوعت الشارع اخذ انتباهي تكثر

[@tonyyi2510]

is have 4x4 ? I like smallest 4x4

[@TheFreshPrinceTorr]

Hello Alex, how tall are you?

[@SHADOWBOXERBAYBEE]

TorrenceMiguel he looks about 5'10"

[@cadsux]

+TorrenceMiguel He's 6 feet tall. His assistant is 6 feet 5 inches, who usually sits in the front passenger seat first, then Alex sits in the seat behind to comment on leg room.

[@eyeonart6865]

No spare tire

[@BTC909]

Nice except for the freaking gas mileage.

[@jimmyallanmummert3068]

My singer works well

[@jtremix3703]

REPENTNOWANDTRUSTJESUSCHRISTOURLORDANDSAVIORPLEASE❤

[@박성철님박상철님]

크크크크크킅ㅌㅌㅌㅌ

[@tjfreak]

Looks like they designed the car around those gianormous tail lights,in fact,the whole back end is looks seamy,exaggerated & swollen.

[@dionaeaqi07]

Very smart use of the deep Soul storage. Actually, that's plenty volume to put luggages.

[@Retiredmco]

Alex fantastic review bro. Completely agree with your review. I bought 2014 with whole shabang package. Love it so much, always appreciate your review on the Evo system. I'm subscribing to your page. keep up good work.