2020 Kia Soul EV Review And Range Test

This week we've been testing the new 2020 Kia Soul EV. In a word, it's been 'amazing'. This EV has great range, great spec and is a great drive. Between us, we really struggled to find any credible faults. All in all, to date, one of our favourite EV's and we highly recommend that if you're looking for a new car in this category, you take a test drive in one of these.

[@richardnicholls3633]

Great video! Really interesting hearing your views on the Kia Soul.

[@libellula3313]

Thanks for another great review and pertinent to my final choice. I have eliminated the Zoe, no CCS as standard and no battery cooling, and the large screen display is only on top of range. So now debating the Kia and MG (sunroof!). Covid restrictions on test driving are not yet lifted all over France, but hope to test drive both very soon. I like the boxiness and extra headroom of the Kia. Thanks again for your perfectly timed reviews.

[@AdamPurcell]

Really enjoying my 2020 Soul EV (also in that blue/black combo). The range is ridiculously long compared to my previous two EVs (first gen LEAF and 30kWh previous gen Soul EV). It's a very nice drive with it, too. What with that range, the switch to CCS and the long warranty, I hope to keep this car for many years. My previous EVs felt like stepping stones but this is the destination.

[@ruudkraan7072]

I have one and every day I have a smile in my face, when I drive!! This is a super car. Absolute.

[@johncarson1427]

Thanks for the great review, just saw your show with Ken B.which was very informative also. Trying to make the switch to EV, but have issues with the other half. You are Indeed a lucky fellow.

[@dissentingpeter4524]

I love you real world reviews. What I’m disliking are the commercial interruptions in the video - this one has three!

[@DavidEglese]

The boot comparison to Niro is interesting. I’ve just got a Niro and the pram we have is no issue at all with lots of room to spare, no faffing with the boot floor or jamming things in.

[@gracestallman2379]

While I got my 2016 EV Soul six months ago and LOVE it. But I can't wait to get to test drive one of these once they FINALLY come to the US. I got to sit in one a few months ago when a Canadian couple drove their's down for Fully Charged EV 2020 show.

[@AFlyingCookieLOL]

The noise is because of the tires. I changed to the Bridgestone Quiettracks from costco and it made quite a large difference. The issue is with the Eco tires. The issue is also dependent on the road and the soul is very quiet with good tires and good roads. The higher frequency noise is reduced significantly and the ride is much softer and makes bumps much better. And yes, I own the exact same soul 64kwh. You can change out the 4 tires and keep them as backup. And yes, driving at night on the soul is awesome. Visibility is outstanding because of the lights. Hope this helps someone with their purchase

[@robsmith1a]

Always enjoy your revies. Great looking car. I find it a bit disappointing that three years after buying (my now with a new keeper) Zoe EV prices have increased quite a lot (not so much the list price as the deals available). I may buy another EV when they are cheaper and hopefully there's something on the market I really desire (practicality isn't a great concern for me). I have gone back to petrol and the thing I notice immediately is the inconvenience of buying petrol compared with the ease of home charging plus a little anxiety at buying something that could easily break.

[@mrdsn189]

Great review, thanks!

[@a1dox]

James you make a good point about the range meaning less need for public charger use, and I agree. I also think that the opposite is true. I can fill ours on the rapid in town once a week while popping to the shops, and have enough range not to have to bother plugging it in to the Zappi at home. Now the Soul will pre-heat without being plugged in too, the same will apply in the Winter.

[@fredericborloo1910]

James and Kate, great review as always! Thank you! You might just have convinced me to get one. But about the range in horrendous conditions : Say if a typical EV would consume about 15kWh/100 km, then at 100kph, it would consume electricity at a rate of 15kW. Assuming, for simplicity, that 2/3rds of that is due to aerodynamics, then 10kW would go to overcoming air resistance and 5kW to the tire friction and driving peripherals. Air resistance or drag increases as a square of the airspeed relative to the car. Now, if the car drives at 100kph in a 50kph headwind, it feels the airflow at 150kph. So it’s air resistance increased by 1,5 x 1,5 (1,5 squared)... or a whopping 2,25 times MORE drag! So... the 10kW has now become 10 x 2,25 = 22,5kW!! Add the 5kW tire and peripheral resistance and you get to 27,5kW, which, at 100kph, results in a consumption of 27,5kWh/100km. Now imagine we turn around and drive with the same wind. Now the car feels only 50kph wind (100-50). So now we need to apply a factor of 0,5 x 0,5 = 0,25. The car is feeling only 25% of the drag it did if there was no wind at all. So,.. 10kW x 0,25= 2,5kW. Add the fixed 5kW for tire friction and peripherals and it results in 7,5kW. So 7,5kWh/100km at 100kph!! Conclusion: driving in a 50 kph headwind at 100kph results in a whopping 4 times higher consumption! So if you were driving in terrible conditions, but with a tailwind, you might get great range. Aerodynamics are not a thing, they are eveything! Thanks again for the great review. Hope this helped.

[@johnkeepin7527]

You’re right with the sums overall. When I first saw this design, the first thing I thought was that it wouldn’t be ideal with a body structure like that on higher speed journeys. Tyre rolling resistance depends a bit on what the manufacturer supplies, as it varies a fair bit from grade A to E. You’d have thought they automatically go for the lowest ( say E ) to get the best performance range wise. Looking on the bright side, it might do well with a tail wind with a van like layout!

[@effin1233]

Great review on a great car thank you

[@stephenclay6852]

Hi James. Like the review on the Kia Soul Ev. But I would like to point out we have had both the soul in diesel form and the Kia Niro hybrid. We now have the Kia e Niro 4. We chose the electric Niro over the soul because one the boot is a better design as you don’t have to stack stuff on top of each other to get the same size load capacity. Two. I know this is subjective but I prefer the looks both inside and out of the Niro. But to put you right on a couple of points the soul does have mood lighting around the speaker grills and at the top of the doors at the side of the dash.and you can disable the lane keep assist. It’s all done from the menu system controls on the steering wheel. And finally it most definitely should come with a puncture repair kit included.

[@richardwaller7721]

Thanks for another really enjoyable review. It’s made me very happy as an owner of a Kona owner who’s lucky enough to to benefit from the same efficiency and equipment. I’ve also heard people on fora complain about the auto hold but have tended to think that if that’s all you can find to fault then in must be a pretty good car! In terms of noise, I was wondering if it comes equipped with the same Nexen tires that the Kona does? This is another common complaint with the Kona that a number of owners (including myself) have fixed by getting different tyres (I run Michelin Cross Climate + and they seem to be fine). Thanks again and look forward to the next test. Going upmarket with an EQC?

[@Jamesandkate]

Kind words, and you're very welcome. It does have the same tyres, incidentally, but in reality, not slot to moan about. How they achieve this efficiency is beyond me 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@peterdonnelly6732]

There are always going to be two camps on the Auto Hold feature. I only turn it on when I'm expecting a long wait at a light and just want to relax my foot. The rest of the time I prefer the creep. I suppose it wouldn't be difficult to define the default state in settings.

[@RWBHere]

EV's are rapidly becoming mainstream. This is a fine example of what can be done without spending Tesla money on a car. The purchase price is still premium, but, for people with higher annual mileages, the running costs easily recoup that higher initial cost. And that boot looks plenty big enough for my mobility buggy. Thanks for the balanced review, James and Kate.

[@markcornwall8132]

Had ours for 3 weeks now and agree with all you said. Overall if you actually live with it for any length of time you realise just how practical it is, but practical isnt exciting when your getting a car and looks that are more mainstream tend to win out. Anything that looks different seems to be hard for people to get past it seems. Personally having owned the previous Soul EV and found the boot more than sufficient we quite like the Souls different looks and so we are also guilty of buying on looks as well I suppose. As for boot size its a bit weird because with the boot floor lowered its much bigger than it looks. Oh and thats from a former Niro owner.

[@RWBHere]

I wonder whether Kia have captured that TARDIS effect which the old Rover Metro used to have? (i.e It could carry a lot more than people expected for a small car.) It certainly sounds as though that's the case.

[@irishlore]

Hi, do you find the road noise to be quite loud as they mentioned in the video. Thanks

[@markcornwall8132]

@@irishlore Its noticeable on some surfaces but not bad overall. Certainly not a dealbreaker. The tyres being nexens is likely the cause of any noise, but I will stick with them. The car itself is really very good and boot space is actually well shaped to fit a lot of stuff in. I have had cars with a bigger boot that wouldnt take as muck stuff because of their shape.

[@whatwouldyoudoslides8038]

The front of the Vehicle looks really niceit resembles the Range Rover Evoque ... it's the boot they failed at .. they could have made it a bit more Square instead of round so it's Wider .. allow bigger wheel arches to allow larger wheel if the Customer wants and Larger bottle holders interior .. and Insulate the panels to reduce outdoor noise , let the buttons keep there settings so the driver won't have to keep switching them on they have a Top Seller 👑 .

[@liamjpbrady]

I've had my Soul for about a month now. Here in Ireland, they DO have front sensors, they DO have mood lighting and they DO have a rear arm rest! I thought equipment was always lacking here, compared to UK. Looks like it's not the case with the Soul EV (called eSoul here!). We don't get the black plastic stuff on wheel arches or bottom of doors, though...

[@Jamesandkate]

Wow, why do we get the low spec variant 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@MartinSonderby]

Hi James and Kate, I really enjoy the simple way you approach your review. It not about speed and all that - its about the everyday practicallity about having to use the cars. I have for some time been going back and forth about the Kia E-Soul and E-Niro. I really want some of the models that are to years from now - but my current car is 10 years old and we drive the long journeys in my car... I think i tend to drive more like Kate in terms of getting to most out of my fuel powered VW UP. My basic question is: if Kate drove to the two cars the same way in the same weather and all that - would they be the same miles/km at the end? Or is the E-Soul shape a problem compared to the E-Niro? The charging is another thing compared to newet cars - but they are most expensive... Best regards Martin - Denmark

[@berthogendoorn722]

Road noise was bad initially with my Nixon EV tires, I removed and replaced with any other high quality tire and it is very quiet!

[@mikek2218]

Looks good overall, but I'm a bit concerned by the apparent low ground clearance. Where I drive, I have some very rough roads (including gravel), and lots of snow in the winter. How would it do in those conditions?

[@Zimpaz]

Is that yacht blue? The 2020 Niro comes in that and it looks great

[@whocares264]

love this one ......must be the useable ev around

[@dcvariousvids8082]

On the Kia eNiro, if the ‘Auto Hold’ is left on while reversing, the car can kangaroo backwards. Requiring the driver to deselect the ‘Auto Hold’ before reversing. Have Kia fixed this with the eSoul, by turning it off by default?

[@andrewwebster6025]

I’m hoping to go electric in the not too distant future , haven’t completely made up my mind what I want but I always seem to come back to the Soul. I like that it only has one model and everything included as standard. Like the looks as it’s a bit different. I think I will have to get one otherwise I will regret it if I don’t

[@jeandevine5110]

I am particularly interested in an EV that works with a V2G charger, so I can export electricity back to the house. Some people claim the Soul does this do you know if the CHAdeMO connection is bi-directional to allow this. Thanks

[@glennmoloney7460]

Hi James & Kate. Great review as usual with both your points of view. It's interesting the specs of this car for different countries.. The spec for Norway appears to have features you mentioned were missing... When I watched Bjorn Nyland's review of this vehicle it had front parking sensors, heated / ventilated front seats & heated rear seat + it had this light show when playing music. For reference kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYvYmmehed2ad7c (Lighting show at approx 26min mark). Cheers guys :).

[@SwissOliver]

hi, not sure if you told this but what was the main reason vs the kia e-niro (niro ev)? also: are you still happy with it? Btw great video, loved it

[@paulmcwilliams8641]

I have not driven one, because I am still having my home assessed (it may have a looped supply) for it's ability for a 7.5kwh charger. However I have a need for a vehicle that can take my wife's wheelchair with the back seats up. The Soul, with the floor in the lowest position, takes it standing up.That is not a double entendre by the way. Being able to put the wheelchair in vertical is the best way of lifting it in and out, as the weight is close to ones chest, with less back strain.

[@berthogendoorn722]

Lane departure warning in North America recalls the last setting!

[@clivethomas6864]

It’s a shame they don’t add adjustable rear seats that slide forward and backward as in the Skoda Yeti.

[@MarkSherwen]

Yes, I though that, Kia did this in the Venga but haven't offered it in the Soul.

[@stvutelvc]

@@MarkSherwen Had them in the Yeti and never used it once in 7 years.... I guess it's the batteries under the floor that exclude it in the Soul?

[@SNORKYMEDIA]

the Nissan note did this too -such a brilliant idea

[@irishlore]

Hi, i saw that some people were complaining about the wind noise. Is it really noticeable

[@berthogendoorn722]

auto hold also switches off when restarting the car in North America

[@rodneyoneill75]

Thanks for the review. The road noise is a deal breaker in my case.

[@stvutelvc]

Don't knock it till you've tried it Rod... our Soul had over inflated tyres when we took delivery... it happens!

[@irishlore]

That's what i would have a problem with also.

[@lm971120]

I think there are a few reasons that Kia/Hyundai EVs seems more ‘efficient’, especially compared to the Leaf. Firstly the battery capacity advertised by Hyundai/Kia are ‘usable capacity’ instead of the ‘gross capacity’ the others advertise. So when you’re comparing it with a Leaf e+ you’re actually comparing a 64kwh vs a 56kwh car, hence unsurprisingly it seems ‘more efficient’ if you compare the range. Secondly the Leaf doesn’t have any active thermal management at all, hence tend to suffer a lot during cold or warm weather, and the charging speed also suffers especially when doing two rapids in a row.

[@jeffruebens8355]

The noisier tires probably add more range for the battery. I am a fan of Pirelli tires for how quiet they are and how long they last. See the April 2019 issue of Consumer Reports. The April 2020 issue did not include detailed tire info.

[@MarkSherwen]

Another thing that seems odd (like the front parking sensors), the previous generation were fitted with Michelin Energy Saver tyres but this new one has Nexen tyres.

[@charlesholder8009]

Almost purchased a petrol Soul 3 years ago as a second car. But with 3 grandchildren in tow the boot was just too small. Shame but the Suzuki S-Cross won the day.

[@waltergordon4682]

Wot is the difference between height and depth ?

[@MarkSherwen]

I get a border collie in my first generation Soul EV so I guess you could get a German Shepherd in the new one.

[@AlanBurn]

Thanks Mark. It was me asking James and Kate about the German Shepherd!

[@no-oneman.4140]

As a matter of interest how does it compare to the Tesla Model 3 which costs a lot more, is it worth paying the extra ??? The Soul's range beats the SR+ ..... and range is king.

[@ScottThomasPhoto]

Seems everyone is stuck on your noise comments. You compared it to the Zoe but can you also compare it to the Niro EV? I am also jealous of everyone who has the 2020 Soul EV. Still waiting in the States for Kia to announce when people can order one for 2021. So far, nothing. My Honda Clarity PHEV lease is up late in 2021. Would like to get an eSoul in Mars Orange with all the goodies.

[@paulcox4369]

I think your puncture repair kit may have gone missing! Mine definitely came with one at no extra cost.

[@stvutelvc]

We have one too, free of charge !

[@Jamesandkate]

Oh, thanks for the info

[@0tispunkm3y3r]

James/Kate - roughly how tall are you guys? Helpful to know when you do the space/sitting tests.

[@Jamesandkate]

Hi. I'm 5'10" but have a neck like a giraffe. If your under 6'4 you'd be okay.

[@theanorakchannel2496]

Hi, this is one for people in the UK predominantly I suspect. These have just come onto the motability scheme, and it looks like one of the best EV options on there. The downpayment is two grand, but you would get this back in the fuel savings over the time of the lease. I’m totally blind, and having watched this video I have a couple of questions which no doubt those of you with site would be able to answer. FYI, my car is driven by two carers and three of my friends who volunteer for me, this is another new aspect to the motability scheme which some people may not know. You can now have up to 5 named drivers. First, does it have roof rails? I need to be able to get my tandem and bike carrier on the roof. Second, the dog thing again, I have a Labrador with whom I always travel. Do you think she would fit? Also is the boot height from the ground an SUV height, or more an estate car or normal hatchback height? Finally I have a bad back having fallen down a flight of steps that I didn’t know was there, my own fault for not looking where I was going! I assure you I was not blind drunk! Anyway do you know if it’s possible to spec the electrically adjustable passenger seat as an option? I need lumbar support as I get very stiff and sore on longer journeys. I also need to be able to adjust the seat up and down and so on in order to move around a little bit while being driven. Thanks for your help people, Rob

[@jamesplater4250]

Thank you for review. I will test drive one just worried about road noise. No parking sensors?.

[@Jamesandkate]

Both of those didn't cause us any issues tbh. It really is a smashing piece of kit 👌🏻

[@jamesplater4250]

Thank you will get one if rd test goes ok Driving 2017 Rav4 hybrid Tank but great car!

[@peterbrook6866]

Great review. I'm amazed at Kate's comment that the eniro looks nicer! The eniro is surely one of the ugliest cars ever made 😂.

[@ReevansElectro]

If you place your iPhone in the proper place (clearly marked out) you can easily wirelessly charge your iPhone.

[@rhiantaylor3446]

I don't own an EV and do my share of long motorway journeys typically at a little over 60 mph, just enough not to hold up the heavy lorries. I am aware that EVs are not at their best on motorways and would be interested to know how this sort of speed figures from a range point of view. Is this sort of speed going to achieve WLTP figures or how much should I expect to de-rate ?

[@Jamesandkate]

In this EV, you should derate. I drive at 79/75, if id have driven at 60 it would have been well over it WLTP mileage. This particular car sits in a catagory all of its own, it actually does what it says on the tin.

[@descb600f]

So this is doing better range than my Model 3 SR+ on the motorway at 70 to 75mph, crazy.

[@Jamesandkate]

It is. I'm rather surprised as it's shape doesn't warrant it, but the Koreans definitely have some efficiency skills that everyone else should learn

[@st4849]

@@Jamesandkate ...and that's why I don't buy the popular belief that an EV must be designed from the ground up as an EV otherwise it'll never be very good. KIA builds these cars (e-Niro, etc...) with petrol engines also yet they're extremely good EVs.

[@garden-Railway]

Great. Review as ever , but you didn’t mention the most important thing .price.

[@LeeOades]

About 45 secs in, James says it costs £34,295

[@stephenjames8470]

Hi James, I’m interested in getting this car for 5 days like you 2 have. Can you pass on the details on the car dealership so I can drive this for free as well. Regards

[@andrewthorne6653]

Watch the video till the end

[@HectorHernandez-lt4nt]

👍🤙

[@theta2170]

Still surprised by how expensive this thing is, though. That or the lease deals are trashy as for most EVs.

[@The-Salty-Bager]

What do you think is better the soul or the ID3 ?

[@Jamesandkate]

ID.3 with a 77kWh pack. Based on practicality and looks.

[@The-Salty-Bager]

EV James and Kate I cannot afford the 77kwh only the 58kwh and not bothered about practicality. Want best to drive, Only driven ID3 at the moment it was good but really rolled in the corners and the suspension felt very soft almost to the point of making passengers feel sick. The one I test had adaptive suspension and even in sport mode it was way to soft. Did you find this in the one you drive ?

[@dickmartino9933]

Freudian slip about taking it home :)

[@nakkadu]

Android auto is better (imo) than Apple so I'm disappointed there's only part of the screen used, I wonder why?

[@berthogendoorn722]

and we have arm rests in Canada in the back

[@chrisbannister1233]

I so wish it had a panoramic roof. Otherwise, this is the perfect car for me.

[@fchau]

I feel itchy looking at that sweater.

[@JeanPierreWhite]

Did you bring Florence a stick of Blackpool rock?

[@Jamesandkate]

Not this time, it was a flying visit 😁

[@JeanPierreWhite]

@@Jamesandkate Such a bad parent. Just kidding ;-) I used to live near Blackpool many moons ago in a town called Thornton-Clevelyes.

[@t5jerry]

Dear James and ( Bree) ..... desperate housewives, you were both 'trying" to explain the noise inside the Kia soul, fairly noisy, quite noisy were terms you were using. Why don't you make life easier for yourselves AND your viewers, Theres LOTS of free decibel noise app's available , simply download 1 onto your phone's, make sure you use the SAME stretch of road each time you do the noise reading, phone in same position etc and your problem is solved, simples. Don't you just LOVE me. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@stvutelvc]

Noise isn't just a numerical value, it is mostly subjective. Our XC40 D4 was good on the books, but rubbish in real life... tyre roar on a bad surface was terrible, and the engine noise when accelerating was several times louder than anything you get with the Soul. We actually find the new Soul to be much easier to live with as regards noise... it is there, but not intrusive at all... maybe it's the big smile on your face that cancels it out for us?

[@benb1578]

I like this idea. Others can use the same app to get an idea in their own car.

[@t5jerry]

@@benb1578 well it's not rocket science, BUT it is a way to get a very ACCURATE reading and is extremely easy to repeat as long as the criteria is repeated , ie, same stretch of road, same phone AND app, and phone in same position, either handheld or in a cradle, obviously James and (Bree) Kate bears quite a resemblance to "Bree Van Der kamp" from desperate housewives, anyway I digress, I don't think they (James and Bree) like my suggestion as they've not commented on it 😤😤😤

[@stvutelvc]

@@t5jerry Sorry still disagree... we had a 'noise' issue in our brand new Volvo XC40 that ended up in us selling the car. We could hear it in all the (6+) loan cars cars we had while Volvo tried to fix the problem. When it was (properly) tested, it was way down at 18-20Hz, and many people seem not to pick up on it. Volvo's UK tech team eventually wired it up and confirmed it was there but could not fix it. I still maintain 'noise' is something you must experience for yourself. Does the app give you the Db level for every frequency it measures? Does it distinguish between road noise, suspension noise, tyre noise, wind noise and engine noise... as all of these have a different affects on your individual senses. At best it is a comparison tool, but certainly not something I would base the purchase of my car on. See Teslabjorn... he does the number crunching videos... let James and Kate to real life opinions.

[@AFlyingCookieLOL]

The issue is the tires. Changing to Bridgestone quiet track lessons the upper frequency noise. Eco tires are not good but you can keep them as backup.

[@TL-xw6fh]

You must have a Soul with a 80+ kWh battery! How can it possibly do 280 miles per charge when the consumption is 3.7 miles per kw??? Do the math and it cannot possibly have a 64kWh battery (usable capacity is only 51.2kWh) based on the consumption.

[@TheEVside]

Great review just not a fan of the look of the car

[@cez8017]

But eNiro is better on boot space. Much better...

[@stvutelvc]

Buy a Niro then... and leave all the Souls for those people with a more interesting outlook in life!

[@cez8017]

@@stvutelvc i like eSoul more. I've driven both for about 600 miles. But in video they say that eSoul is better on boot space, which is not true... :-)

[@andrewdyson4255]

Like the car but for very little more you can get a Niro with a much bigger boot, so the Niro wins hands down for me

[@stvutelvc]

Each to their own I suppose... but tried the E-Niro and went for the Soul... there's more to a car than the size of the boot !!!

[@andrewdyson4255]

There isn’t when you’ve a big dog lol

[@petecoventry6858]

Kia is better than the Ioniq at lane keeping - I've owned both a Ioniq and a Niro - and that's my view. I now have a Zoe and it's LKA is about as useful as tits on a fish :D

[@mrglwatson]

Shame is it so much money

[@t5jerry]

And another thing......James tends to exaggerate things, the range is "phenomenal" , when he "could" say, the range is "excellent" . And the drive back was "horrific" , I didn't hear about any tornados or bodies strewn on the motorway, I thought that it had rained, as the late great Michael winner used to say " calm down dear, it's a commercial" 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@grahamjohnson4702]

Sorry £34,000 for a compromised boot, no way and the front looks like a bulldozer, previous front better. Why do so many comments have so many EV/ Soul/Niro cars, they can't be that satisfying.

[@MarkSherwen]

I have the previous generation Soul EV which has a smaller boot but I find it plenty big enough, it takes a weeks shopping or a border collie (not at the same time) and my previous cars have been large estate cars so I have been used to something much larger. The Soul EV is so pleasant to drive that I cannot see myself ever wanting to change it.

[@stvutelvc]

Lotus Evora... £90K for a compromised boot... don't know why they bother to make them at all!

[@descb600f]

Have to say I'm the complete opposite on looks and think this version is much better and I did like the previous look.

[@gingerbarry3831]

It’s not for me, lacks Soul.

[@Jamesandkate]

Thats quite witty :-))))

[@gingerbarry3831]

@James and Kate, Available for weddings, christenings and bar mitzvah’s 😀