Some vehicles get judged by their shape before anyone gives them a fair chance. The 2022 Kia Soul has dealt with that since day one. The boxy profile makes people assume it is a quirky niche vehicle. It is not. It is one of the most practical versatile and well equipped vehicles in its segment and Ken Ganley Kia Mentor in Mentor Ohio consistently has buyers walk in expecting one thing and driving home convinced of another. Here is what the Soul actually delivers.
The Design Is Intentional Not Accidental
The boxy shape is not a limitation. It is the whole point.
That tall roofline and upright profile create something most crossovers in this price range cannot offer. Exceptional headroom front and rear. A cargo area that is genuinely usable because it is square rather than tapered. Visibility that makes urban driving and parking less stressful than most competitors. These are practical advantages that come directly from the shape buyers sometimes dismiss on first glance.
For 2022 Kia updated the exterior with the new brand badge and kept the signature design elements that make the Soul instantly recognizable from any angle. Slim LED daytime running lights, distinctive C-pillars styled to resemble airplane wings, and the vertical rear window give it a look that is genuinely unique without trying too hard. Six trim levels with different styling packages mean buyers can find a Soul that matches their personality from clean and understated to bold and sport focused.
Two Engines and Six Trim Levels Worth Understanding
The 2022 Soul comes in LX, S, GT-Line, X-Line, EX, and Turbo trims. That range covers a lot of different buyers.
The standard 2.0 liter four cylinder producing 147 horsepower pairs with an Intelligent Variable Transmission and handles everyday driving smoothly and efficiently. Fuel economy is solid for a vehicle this size and the ride is comfortable enough for longer drives without feeling like hard work. For buyers who primarily commute and run errands this engine does everything needed without complaint.
The Turbo trim steps up to a 1.6 liter twin scroll turbocharged engine producing 201 horsepower paired with a 7 speed dual clutch transmission. The difference in real world driving is noticeable immediately. The Soul Turbo pulls confidently from a stop and feels genuinely quick at highway speeds. It also adds the Soul GT-Line styling elements that push the exterior toward a more aggressive look. For buyers who want personality and performance in the same package the Turbo trim is the one worth looking at closely.
The Interior Surprises People
Most buyers do not expect the Soul’s interior to feel as good as it does.
The cabin design takes what Kia calls acoustic inspired elements and uses shapes and textures across the dashboard and door panels that feel intentional and premium without being overdone. Available ambient lighting adds to the atmosphere especially on evening drives. The available Harman Kardon premium audio system with subwoofer and amplifier is genuinely impressive for a vehicle in this price range.
Technology is strong across the lineup. S, X-Line, and GT-Line models got a standard 10.25 inch display screen with navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and dual USB chargers for 2022. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make phone connectivity effortless. Available features like a 10 speed power driver seat with lumbar settings, dual zone climate control, and a heated leather wrapped steering wheel elevate the higher trims into genuine comfort territory.
Cargo space is one of the Soul’s strongest selling points. Maximum cargo with the rear seats folded is 62.1 cubic feet. That is a number that beats a lot of larger crossovers in the same segment. The square load floor makes it genuinely practical for furniture runs, sports equipment, and weekend trips where most vehicles with a more stylish profile would struggle.
Safety Tech That Comes Standard
Every 2022 Soul comes with a meaningful suite of driver assistance features regardless of trim level.
Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Lane Following Assist are all standard across the lineup. The available LX Technology Package for 2022 adds 16 inch alloy wheels along with blind spot collision warning, rear cross traffic collision warning, and safe exit warning to the base trim making it genuinely accessible for safety focused buyers at a lower price point.
Higher trims add Smart Cruise Control that maintains a following distance from the vehicle ahead and Lane Changing Assist that monitors for vehicles in adjacent lanes during lane changes. For buyers in Mentor Ohio who want modern safety tech without paying premium prices the Soul delivers a strong package at every trim level and the 10 year or 100,000 mile Kia powertrain warranty means used examples still carry significant coverage that adds real peace of mind to the buying decision.
