Is the NEW 2023 Kia Soul a better small SUV to buy than a Honda HR-V?

[@jeffmorse645]

The Soul is (and has been) a really good car. Economical, affordable, practical, a little quirky. I've seen everyone from Gen Z to Seniors driving them. We need more cars like that!

[@MarkJohnson-ou6xz]

That is a duplicate of the Soul I'm driving. No issues and lots of compliments on the color!

[@transkodak27]

“If you’re blessed with 10 inches, you gotta use it all” lolll my man Raiti killin it as usual

[@joeyyoung8078]

I like the color. I think it works. I think Kia was smart to keep this car around. There’s a market for it and now they’re the only car company that offers something like this. Great job 👍

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your great thoughts on this one Joey!

[@Misty2464]

I just bought that same model and I actually had to wait two weeks for it to get here because they’re in such high demand. I’m so happy that they did not decide to get rid of their Soul because this is actually the third one that I bought and I love these little cars❤

[@Misty2464]

@Creole Bunny Honestly, I love the safety features. The only issue that I wish that they had was heated seats because I have back problems but other than that so far I’ve had it for two months and love it.

[@donaldsmith-e7k]

@@Misty2464 the ex trim does have heated seats

[@stillwaters4097]

Had one for 5 years and only had to replace the battery and brake pads. No mechanical issues at all.

[@swannyriver75]

I actually love this little car it's fun to drive, easy to park, good on gas, and you can pack things in it pretty well, I hope they keep it around I love it

[@wilfredo-teyrosalesfotos]

I love the fact the team that y’all review ALL cars regardless of what category it falls in. Us the Raiti’s Ride family appreciate it 🤜🏾🤛🏻!

[@RaitisRides]

That really means so much Wilfredo!

[@joecool1089]

I just got my 87yr old folks a ‘23 surf blue EX Soul. Mom loves it!! These cars are perfect for seniors

[@coolbasset]

I've always thought they should make an off road version of the Soul. All wheel drive, higher ride height and aggressive looking tires is all it would need.

[@sarahmoore5289]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@tommyboy4128]

Purchased this beauty last week. GT in surf blue with the black roof. Best $24,820 spent! It’s truly a bargain by today’s ridiculously priced vehicles. It’s by no means of speed demon but it’s got the cool factor and I look for that more than speed for those of you in the market for a small SUV be sure to give this one a look. It just may surprise you!

[@justbeingjasmine9451]

I love mine as well!

[@djkenny1202]

I seriously considered a new base Kia Soul with manual in late 17. Heavily discounted under 14k. Then, I test drove a low mileage 2015 XB manual. It felt way better on the road, engine more torque, higher quality, better space, Loved the instrumentation. I got it $4000 less and zero complaints. It’ll be with me for years.

[@el_covfefe]

One of the things that is rarely mentioned is the verticalness gives class leading headroom and the cargo benefits from it.

[@ewoots]

I just picked this exact model and color car up for my 17 year old daughter today . I think Kia makes great cars and the Soul is perfect for young new drivers. Visibility, safety features easy to drive..(I wish LED lamps were included). We own a 22 Gt-line K5 and a 22 Sorrento and are happy with all of them. Always love watching your reviews! Funny,Corny, and thorough !!! Keep up the good work !

[@Wgirl99]

My first car too! 5 years only needed new brakes and body work from a few…mishaps 😂

[@JT-fq2bl]

LED is available, but it's on the GT-Line with the option package. Kia should make the LED standard on all models. If Toyota & Honda can do it, so can they.

[@hunter7716]

"If you're racing somebody on a skateboard, they might be passing you" 💀💀💀

[@RaitisRides]

It is the truth! LOL

[@ando2xx]

Lmao that shii really had me laughing 😂😭

[@therealist218]

🤣🤣

[@pawsfurGod]

😬😬🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@shagalluckerson5240]

🤣🤣🤣

[@michaelbell75]

Love that color. One of the few decent, surprisingly roomy cars you can get under $25k these days

[@dennisellis327]

I miss those old commercials of the kia soul with the hammers performing funny stuff.

[@mikej238]

I have a 2005 Honda Element with only 68000 miles. Manual Transmission FWD, the Element won that box competition for utility but I have driven The Soul many times for weeks on end , it's much more comfortable and fun to drive.

[@kkp9068]

This car was originally marketed for young people,but the older people were the ones buying them.

[@fibonaccisequence2891]

Easy on budget and most important things, easy to get in and out😂.

[@nwmusic2010]

My husband drives a Soul and I love driving it. These are great vehicles.

[@AD4C]

Man you don't know how much I have enjoyed this Soul video,you are unique, the way you describe things is funny but you get the attention from the customers, I am a proud owner of a 21LX Soul and I don't see much difference with mine. I am very impressed with the fuel economy these Soul has, mine makes 30 to 35 mpg in the city and 40 to 45 mpg in the highway. Definitively is a good choice when buying a small SUV, thanks for your detailed description.

[@jstraub78]

Which engine do you have in yours?

[@jemtec1]

An excellent smaller, more affordable and reliable car that makes sense to keep!

[@jabjab4434]

I have a 2011 for 8 years now. Excellant high head room and I can put my bicycle inside once seats are laid down. It kicks along pretty good. I hit a deer going 60 and it can take a hit head on.

[@chocolatewheelchair]

Did the windshield crack?

[@altonT]

I am on my second Kia Soul. The main thing I would change is I would make the front passenger seat fold forward flat. I have a manual transmission. Need a little more power, downshift and you have it.

[@markrussell.]

I have a brand-new 2022 soul LX with the safety feature additional package on it I can't think of what the name of it is again right now I've got 3000 miles on it I've had it for three months and honestly I am thrilled to death with it just a super great car super fun to drive and the way it looksI get so many comments from people saying how much they like it.

[@samarianosans]

I have a 2013 Kia Soul... that is the perfect utility car . never gonna get rid of it until it breaks haha

[@RaitisRides]

That is fantastic!

[@lisandragonzalez7441]

I have a Kia Soul 2016 and I am in love with it! Im not changing it, not even for a newer one. No one is taking my baby from me! 🥰

[@fernandoruiz734]

I have a 2013 Kia Soul and its amazing and really easy to maintain , its an smart choice 👌🏼

[@skittles3025]

I really like the soul. It's cute, gets great gas mileage and has plenty of room inside. Kia has a gem with the soul.

[@coffeekhan]

Coming from someone who owns two Hondas and has seriously looked at the HR-V, my opinion is that the Soul is undoubtedly the better vehicle.

[@chetlovesmer9549]

Great review as always, Joe. I actually had a Kia Soul as a rental and I was surprised we got our entire foursome and our golf clubs in the vehicle and it was pretty comfortable. It actually surprised me.

[@joeb2588]

I have this engine in my 2018 Elantra SE. It's a base model. I even have a manual transmission. I have 98k. I get around 44-45 mpg in summer time. I change the oil every 4k with synthetic oil and a good filter. At idle, sounds brand new. No engine issues to speak off. However the trade off for that gas mileage is that the car has no power. I mean it gets around but it's slow to go. I'd consider this kia, but only in a manual.

[@realdeal173]

Unfortunately they are not making any more manuals even in the base LX trim. My daughter had a 2013 ! with manual and Houndstooth interior. She got rid of it because of issues with her knees and the clutch action. I wish I would have bought it looking back.

[@JT-fq2bl]

That's why this generation Soul have a IVT to extract all the power from this motor, and it does a excellent job. It's the most the responsive non-sport CVT I ever tested.

[@bho6486]

We rented a Soul earlier this year. The CVT was better than I thought it would be. It is a small vehicle. I really noticed it when driving on the highway. I found the Soul to be very jittery on the highway. Around the city it was a good car and the gas mileage was great.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that great input from your experience.

[@photo_n_art]

I agree, it definitely isn’t a highway car but it’s not what it was designed for 🤷🏼

[@JT-fq2bl]

Those 16in wheels on the LX & S trim does that but, you get excellent fuel economy at 37 MPG highway real-world driving. The 17in wheels on the EX make it more stable on the highway while maintaining ride comfort and increasing fuel economy to 35 MPG. The GT-Line trim with its 18in wheel make the Soul the most stabilize on the highway and the most handling grip, but ride quality suffered the most with highway fuel economy tops at 33 MPG.

[@conradbess5044]

Just got a '21 Soul off lease. Downsized from a Grand Caravan. I'm happy. It'd be nice if some parts (door panels) were soft touch materials, but that would probably increase the cost. Not a deal breaker for me. Can move my wife and kids with ease.

[@michaelkeaton32]

I just got the GT Line, and I love it. I have to say that the gas mileage is better than 28/33. I routinely get 35+ going to work (city driving).

[@elizabethoneill5806]

I enjoy that you take your time explaining the details of the car and throwing in jokes 😂😂 makes the video come alive

[@justinrodriguez5322]

I feel like 2.0 will be better when it comes to longevity what do you guys think 🤔

[@donaldsmith-e7k]

yes it will the gdi engine had some problems

[@islandon22]

It's a cool, funky, young person's first driver. I look at it this way, if you MUST buy a Kia, buy one new, drive it till the Warranty almost runs out and TRADE IT!!!

[@DeadofWinter321]

Kia's have gotten so much better than they were 10 years ago though. My 2015 Kia Forte5 has been far more reliable than the 3 Toyotas I had before it put together. It's an amazing feeling knowing you have a vehicle you can depend on now.

[@maga6319]

@@DeadofWinter321 toyotas is overrated and most people think their cars don't breakdown. They do and i witness it myself.

[@RaitisRides]

Very good point!

[@502Chevy]

Same thing can be said for BMW’s.

[@davidbloomberg9494]

My 2014+ (got with 16,000 miles in 2017) has the gdi 2.0 rated at 164 hp (??) and it gets up to highway pretty quick and easily keeps up with I-95 traffic and then some. Yes I added a catch can and I believe it has helped....at 72,000 miles, time will tell

[@JT-fq2bl]

Make sure you clean those injectors every once in a while and get an immobilizer if your car doesn't have a pushbutton start.

[@doxeylaveda]

We Just(1week ago) purchased the 2023 KIA Soul LX after driving a 2011 KIA Forte EX for 12 years. Enjoyed our Forte! We are missing some of the features we had on our Forte like the fold down cup holder in the back seat and the signal lights on our side mirrors! Not sure why they removed those! Some things you shouldn’t change. Overall, we like the car! And do plan to take it to the beach, but without kids. We are seniors with adult children and and nearly adult grandchildren.😢 We purchased the Mars Orange color Soul. It’s very nice. We liked your review. A good review of the 2023 Soul.

[@JT-fq2bl]

The rear arm rest cup holders are on the top 2 trims (GT-Line & EX).

[@barbaramaccahery5358]

I have this car ordered! Thank you so much for showing it. I am waiting for it to come in in October. Ordered in this color combo, too! Now I can’t wait even more! So excited. I have a 2013 Soul now that I have been very happy with so much so that I am getting another one. Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!

[@isaiahj117]

Perfect car for loading stuffs, delivering, and more without taking any passengers.

[@stevenkreiss2113]

Surprised they gave you the big 10.25 inch screen for entertainment and the full digital dash at this price point. And struts for the hood. Kia is on fire just like their sister brand....

[@JohnHoganN8]

I can see why Kia keep it in the range, serves a lot of different needs, relatively inexpensive and practical. Agree with other folks that it is not a SUV.

[@2004cyrus]

No an SUV by definition is rear wheel drive and on a truck frame like a Dodge Durango

[@antoncrone4877]

I just drove a 2023 version from Orange County, CA to Tempe, AZ. It is a really nice, smooth, quiet ride. It had plenty of acceleration through the mountains, and it gets great MPG. I really didn't think I would like it, but I have changed my mind. I am even considering buying one.

[@xibaozi200jin]

same feeling. the accerlation is more than my expectation

[@jamesstuart3346]

I love the wacky exterior styling. Now if KIA could apply some of that thinking to the interior...

[@vagabond1776]

One of the reasons why boxy subcompacts keep getting axed is cause they lose their luster when they keep growing in size. Another reason is that manufacturers never offered the options their overseas counterparts get…at least provide these in packages (such as, power folding mirrors, sunroof, upgraded sound system, and dual zone climate control). The Soul succeeded cause we got all these, in addition to better interior materials and engine choices. Having said that, the 2nd gen Soul was the best looking…current gen’s nose is too long, making it look awkward (love the headlights, though).

[@ProductShroomz]

Wow! This is a beautiful car. I LOVE electric blue cars💙💙💙 Rav 4 2022💙, TrailBlazer💙, Volkswagen Taos💙 I don't understand why manufacturers don't make this color standard just like red

[@2004cyrus]

It doesn’t usually sell well in the used market: ive sold cars for years and managers hate blue trade-ins. They call it “no-sale” blue

[@zen_coco2658]

I really cant wait to try and get one next year in this color, always loved them and the soul 2023 is perfect lol. Everyone hayes on them but i just love them

[@Theonestrongbusleader]

This 23' Kia Soul small SUV looks amazing. Terrific job with your videos as always Joe.

[@Sunjib12345]

Hi Raiti's Rides How Are You Can You Make The 2023 Kia Carnival SX

[@donaldherzogdrummer8738]

Love my 19 Soul, I really love the new style!!!

[@robertbrown9785]

Im currently driving this car as a loner from Lancaster Kia in PA although its a base model- I LOVE this car! I do door dash and ride share and its perfect- quick around the corners with just the right amount of pep- oh, and the sunroof is a nice touch- Note- my 23 Kia Sportage Hybrid "Zonked" out on me with only 25k miles- left me sit a mile from my house complete loss of power- Ill be trading that huge disappointment asap- Hoping Kia buys it back and ill just drive this! Love your food metaphors! three slices of Kraft cheese! lol

[@nysavvy9241]

My friend has a 22 green Soul. He's happy with it, I like the roominess and gas mileage. My question is will it burn oil or will it catch on fire? Wouldn't a Mazda CX 30 be a better choice?

[@RaitisRides]

It will be interesting to see what happens.

[@Ratodemiami]

Remember the Scion XB!?. That was also a very nice car in this cubism category. I wish Toyota was still making them for the US market.

[@RaitisRides]

This is so very true!

[@2004cyrus]

He mentioned that

[@merrymacmurphy]

i loved my Cube, but now that they no longer make them i am going with the Soul. but i sure miss my Cube!!!

[@joew8695]

Im happy with my 2020 Inferno red and Cherry Black GT line with the 2.0L This S has a lot of options and features that mine doest even tough its a GT Line. The soul handles incredbly well at 120 mph. Its not the most powerful out there but it will get up and going to merge on to the highway. I drive my GT line very aggressively and get the tires to spin and fight traction but its fun quirky and just perfect for what I need day to day especially when the gas prices went up. Loved the review.

[@scottduncanphotography1671]

you sure did ride that surf blue analogy wave to it's death sheeeeesh

[@martingriggs6362]

I love my 2022 Kia Soul LX! 0-60 in 8 seconds isn't bad. Love that color!

[@chocolatewheelchair]

The speed is the least appealing part of the suv. Don’t race it

[@martingriggs6362]

@@chocolatewheelchair I have actually won races on the street with it, the other person may not have known I was racing them - but hey I won!

[@mattmekhaeil]

I remember when nissan had the cube a decade ago that died off and now this is an a good alternative. The color alone is the price of admission if anyone is in the market for one of these

[@RaitisRides]

I think you hot the nail on the head!

[@2cartalkers]

The Soul has got a lot of soul. It is surprisingly roomy inside with huge head and leg room front and rear and coupled to a nice ride for having such a short wheelbase. We replaced an aging Honda Element with a Kia Soul and they really are not competitors. The Element is bigger and was more flexible in seating and load carrying capacity, plus it had clamshell doors all the way around, a real plus when it comes to ingress and egress. The rubber floors made the Element very easy to clean, these are the two areas where the Soul could be a real star if Kia would offer the rubber floors and modify the body to clamshell doors. Pluses of the Soul, much better fuel economy than the Element but again it uses a smaller engine, decent ride quality, easy to park and damn good handling on the GT Line. The radio reception sucks. As for the hard black plastic, don't be taken aback, it is a plus in that it is way easy to clean, nothing sticks to it. We have almost 53,000 miles on our 2020 GT Line and so far it has been very good with no problems. However, the battery died with less than 3 years of age. Kia does keep in touch with its customers, occasionally I get an Email inquiry from their engineers asking me to fill out a report/survey on what needs improvement, this I like. For the money, the Kia Soul is a best buy.

[@omarcortes5754]

Way more practical than I thought it would be.

[@RaitisRides]

Especially on the interior space.

[@mystictk4149]

I never liked these but then 4-5 years ago my brothers friend came over with one and took us somewhere in it; and my opinion changed on how I viewed them.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that great experience with us!

[@mystictk4149]

@@RaitisRides I couldn’t do it without you letting me.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

In Europe, we now only have the Soul as an EV.

[@benedikt13]

Being a fan of reliable, affordable, box shaped vehicles I'll keep my gen1 xb with still under 100k miles and a 5 speed manual. Probably would have bought one of these if they had a manual option. Toyota should just do a Toyota badged bb (scion xb in Japan) and bring it back to the US market now that small suv's are in vogue in a big way. Keep the recipe the same lightweight, fun to drive. quirky goodness. It would sell. Nice review Joe.

[@maga6319]

Those cars aren't reliable. No sir. Especially scion

[@tylenavera7034]

@@maga6319 I've got an 06. But to hit 150k. It runs great. AC went out. Window tech is blown. Speakers busted. Aside from that it's held up very well. Never had any motor issues.

[@sferaebbasta3667]

SOUL IS OK. YOUR VIDEO ARE TOP 💥

[@nikodominiko]

My previous car, never had a problem with it, it’s very reliable, even if a little unstable lol

[@UrbanEconomist5]

I had BAD engine problems with my 2022 Soul… scared to buy another one

[@sebastianrucki246]

The car I learned how to drive in was my moms 2010 Soul when I was 16. It was fun to drive even with the horsepower it had. There cool. 😎

[@davidwilliams6872]

I’ve owned a 2011 2018 and 2020 souls and love them never had a problem the 2020 which was a GT line I recently just traded for my 2023 Sportage Sportage‘s awesome what so was the soul they were they are wild little cars I do like them Kia is doing something right my wife also has a 2022 seltos Which is all wheel drive also my My 2023 Sportage is the X linne

[@RaitisRides]

Oh wow that you for sharing your experiences.

[@brittanyroberson3412]

Just got me a 2023 kia soul its the best choice I made as a first time car buyer it does good with gas as well and love the upgraded features

[@coachmaupin201]

Joe is back with another great review 👍👍🔥🔥

[@GBLecci]

Every time I see this on road I can't imagine how they (Kia) think this is a beautiful car... They should go for a completely new redesign, and give it a new soul. hehe

[@AK-gb9rp]

and apply this paint color to more cars while theyre at it

[@gideonighodalo3476]

KIA - Dare to be different 😂

[@Gen10civic]

I always picture a hamster driving

[@louis20122]

How's the maintenance like timing belt, brake, oil change, etc.? Is it costly to maintain?

[@RaitisRides]

Those are great questions.

[@fibonaccisequence2891]

No belt, chain, brakes are easy, oil change super easy, everything is accessible in Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

[@jucklowe]

We have a 2023 Soul in Gravity Grey,,, my wife loves it,,, and It's growing on me too, though I still prefer my truck. My only complaint (we have the basic one,, the LX I think),,, you get all the tech,,, great screen, binnacle, flawless phone connectivity with Android or Apple Play for Music or Google Maps or whatever,,, I can track it wherever it goes with Ikonconnect,,, but with ALL that tech,,, it doesn't have cruise control. Other than that,,, it's cracking little car. Behave yourself around town (no Sport mode) and it easily gets 32mpg,,,, keep it around 65-70 on the highway and you're up around 40mpg easy. Can't beat it for the price. When we got ours I was lucky enough to get it for MSRP cos my son had a mate that worked at the local dealership,,, cos back in December 2022,,, everywhere was asking 5-6 grand over MSRP (I'd rather walk than pay over sticker),, I assume it's settled down a bit now.

[@goonofathousandvoices6965]

" But we gotta put in the work" aye man wish nothing but the best for you! Keep up the great reviews

[@RaitisRides]

That is so awesome of you to say! I appreciate you tuning in!

[@davidp2888]

This is one of my least favorite vehicles. I always enjoy your reviews and how well you show off the good and bad parts of a car.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for watching David no matter the car!

[@liseohplease]

I love my 2014 Kia Soul. Hoping that I can purchase the 2023

[@deanzulli5091]

Best auto reviews enhanced with humor on You Tube!

[@keawestray249]

I just got a 2024 on Friday. So far I like.

[@LitRandomness]

I liked the pre-facelift version better. Also it’s more of a hatchback but the suv name has grown in popularity so I understand

[@kaylopez435]

THANKs for such a thorough review....YOU ROCK!!!

[@BoopSnoot]

I love it, finally a Kia Soul review! Wish it wasn't peasant grade though, the GT Line Technology package one is much nicer.

[@RaitisRides]

I agree but this is all that they had. Stay tuned for more.

[@broadcastinknowledge]

It will be so interesting seen a kia soul with performance updates ( suspension , twin turbos , etc ) or an off roader type 🤔💭

[@tjbiker49]

Every car reviewer RAVES about having a Turbo. . . . WHY ? . . . . . The turbo lag in nothing but frustrating in town.

[@RaitisRides]

Interesting question.

[@tjbiker49]

Yes Yes Yes . . . . absolutely AGREE with the frustration of the turbo - it's rammed down our throats with almost every car

[@Holly24tm]

Nice detailed video! Love the humor! Any engine or transmission issues with the soul? Thank you!

[@luiselapostolfeliz2421]

I love the Kia Sol I think it's a dandy of a subcompact SUV I feel those incandescent bulbs are good but not the British lights.

[@Kelsoplayz]

That blue spot on the back that has the KIA badge on the rear actually looks like a surf board, lol. Another good one, Joe!

[@RaitisRides]

That is a very good point! Thanks for watching!

[@Kelsoplayz]

@@RaitisRides my wife and I have been watching you for a few years now and we appreciate all that you and your team do 😊 much love, brother!

[@benmartinez6733]

I had a 16" it was great. I am considering a extra car. I like this one.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your ownership info with us Ben.

[@robluck21]

I owned a soul with a 6speed manual and loved it, it sucks that you can't get a manual anymore.

[@derekgaliee4351]

Hi ! Joe 👍 Allways Enjoy your Reviews!😁I Like The Logo behind the glass & the color ! This model Out Survived all the competition in this segment

[@msgreenjojo60pg]

Not again I have a 2011 soul never had any problems oil change air filter spark plugs and that's it. I've been looking at nissan kicks and chevy trax. I think I'm going to get another new soul 10 year powertrain warranty also 😂 might as well stick with what works 26:27

[@RaitisRides]

That is so fantastic to hear! Thanks for sharing that great ownership experience!

[@robinpetrillo9282]

Had one for a rental in Florida last winter and Loved it.

[@jk22222sd]

I'm liking that blue color!

[@neilaltschuler6064]

How is the stereo sound?

[@alfashiioncreary3185]

I got the KIA SOUL LX 2023 color is Mars Orange.I Love it. KIA SOULS R winning, mannn.

[@DarkJediChrisG-1425]

This Soul is a pretty fine little vehicle. Not my type Joe to be honest bit I do love the blue color. It definitely changed its personality a tad little bit so now I see why they're using the chameleons now! But 🐹 will always rule! Lol. Great job guys!

[@kyqorioskygo8999]

You can get a corolla sedan xle for about $28k the Kia soul EX will also cost about $28k

[@NocturneS711]

Good content as always! Remember to drink lots of water in this hot weather!

[@RaitisRides]

You got it man!

[@joed9234]

Joe, You are hysterically funny! I missed quite a few of your jokes at first telling but then caught myself cracking up a few seconds later. Oh and yeah, Great Review! Keep 'em coming..... as it seems you are "so blessed."

[@Yosoypadilla]

Omgeee Joe I just seen you on Fast Lane Cars Video in GR Corolla excited to know your opinion on that new ride😱😄

[@chrissantiago7643]

Killing it with the reviews hope you get to the 23 Camry Hybrid model 🔥

[@thegraggs]

You mention 0-60 at 8 seconds for the Soul. Not bad when compared to the HRV with 10 seconds 0-60.