The 2024 Kia Soul continues to do what it has always done best—offer something genuinely different in a market crowded with lookalike compact crossovers. More than a decade after it first redefined the boxy small-car segment, the Soul remains a practical, character-filled urban companion. For 2024, Kia hasn’t chased dramatic reinvention. Instead, it has sharpened the Soul’s appeal with thoughtful updates, most notably a new EX Designer Package and enhanced security technology, while preserving the qualities that made the model a long-standing favorite.
This approach feels intentional. The Soul already knows its audience: drivers who want usability, comfort, and style without the bulk or cost of a traditional SUV. The 2024 model leans into that identity with confidence.
Design that balances familiarity and flair
At a glance, the 2024 Soul looks instantly recognizable. Its upright stance, short overhangs, and squared-off silhouette remain unchanged, and that’s a good thing. These proportions are central to the Soul’s charm and directly contribute to its excellent visibility and interior space.
What’s new is how Kia has refined the details. The standout update is the EX Designer Package, which adds 18-inch alloy wheels, upgraded seating with a mix of cloth and artificial leather, and a rich Umber interior color theme. This package subtly elevates the Soul’s personality, giving it a more premium, curated feel without sacrificing its playful character.
In traffic or parked curbside, the Soul still turns heads—not because it’s flashy, but because it confidently refuses to blend in. In an era of aggressively styled compact SUVs, its clean, upright design feels refreshingly honest.
Interior comfort with an emphasis on everyday life
Step inside the 2024 Soul, and the theme continues: familiarity enhanced by refinement. The dashboard layout is straightforward and user-friendly, with controls that fall easily to hand. Kia has wisely avoided overcomplicating the interior with gimmicks, focusing instead on comfort and intuitive technology.
The seating position remains one of the Soul’s strongest assets. The tall roofline translates into excellent headroom for both front and rear passengers, making long drives far less tiring than in many lower-slung competitors. The new EX Designer Package further improves the experience with upgraded upholstery that feels more upscale than the price might suggest.
From personal driving experience, the Soul’s cabin feels like a place designed for real people. Whether navigating daily commutes or spending an afternoon running errands, it’s easy to settle in and forget you’re in a compact vehicle.
Technology and security that matter
While the Soul has always been practical, the 2024 model quietly raises the bar in technology and security. One of the most noteworthy additions is a new smart key “sleep mode” for models equipped with Smart Key. After locking the vehicle, the key’s signal goes inactive after a short delay, reducing the risk of relay theft. It’s a subtle feature, but one that shows Kia is paying attention to real-world concerns.
Infotainment and connectivity remain strong, with modern interfaces that support smartphone integration and easy navigation through menus. Rather than overwhelming the driver with layers of digital clutter, the system focuses on clarity and responsiveness—qualities that matter far more during daily use.
Powertrain: simple, efficient, and proven
The 2024 Kia Soul uses a single powertrain across the lineup: a 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an automatic transmission, this setup prioritizes smoothness and efficiency over outright performance.
In city driving, the Soul feels responsive enough to keep pace with traffic, while highway cruising is calm and composed. This engine choice aligns perfectly with the Soul’s mission as an urban-friendly vehicle designed for daily use rather than aggressive driving.
Fuel economy remains competitive, particularly in the EX trim, making the Soul an appealing option for buyers mindful of long-term running costs. It’s the kind of powertrain that fades into the background—in a good way—allowing drivers to focus on the journey rather than the mechanics.
Safety as a core strength
Safety continues to be one of the 2024 Soul’s defining strengths. A wide range of driver-assistance features comes standard across all trims, reinforcing Kia’s commitment to accessibility rather than exclusivity.
Standard systems include forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, high beam assist, driver attention warning, and rear occupant alert. These features work cohesively, offering reassurance without feeling intrusive.
Higher trims and options introduce additional capabilities like blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and navigation-based smart cruise control. In busy urban environments or on longer highway journeys, these systems provide a noticeable sense of calm and control.
Space efficiency that continues to impress
One of the Soul’s biggest advantages hasn’t changed: how much space it offers relative to its footprint. The upright design allows for generous passenger room, especially in the rear seats, where headroom often surprises first-time occupants.
Cargo capacity is equally impressive. With the rear seats folded, the Soul can accommodate everything from bicycles to flat-pack furniture. Picture a real-world scenario: a weekday commute, followed by a grocery run, then a weekend trip that involves hauling sports gear or luggage. The Soul handles it all without complaint, and without the parking challenges of a larger SUV.
This practicality is where the Soul quietly outshines many rivals.
| Attribute | Kia Soul (2024) | Honda HR-V | Toyota C-HR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Headroom | Excellent | Good | Average |
| Cargo Flexibility | High | High | Limited |
| Standard Safety | Extensive | Moderate | Moderate |
| Urban Maneuverability | Very Good | Good | Average |
| Ownership Value | Strong | Medium | Medium |
The table highlights why the Soul remains such a compelling option for urban and suburban drivers alike.
Ownership costs and long-term value
Beyond features and design, the 2024 Soul continues to make sense financially. Competitive pricing, strong fuel efficiency, and Kia’s reputation for reliability help keep ownership costs predictable. Insurance rates tend to be reasonable, and maintenance requirements are straightforward.
The addition of enhanced security features also adds long-term peace of mind, especially for owners who park on the street or in shared spaces. For buyers planning to keep their vehicle for several years, the Soul offers a reassuring balance of modern tech and proven engineering.
Related: 2023 Kia Soul Overview
Conclusion
The 2024 Kia Soul doesn’t try to be everything to everyone and that’s exactly why it works. With the introduction of the EX Designer Package, enhanced security measures, and a continued focus on safety and practicality, it feels more refined without losing its unique personality. It remains an ideal choice for drivers who value space, comfort, and individuality in a compact, city-friendly package. In a segment full of compromises, the Soul continues to stand confidently on its own terms.
FAQs
What’s new in the 2024 Kia Soul?
The biggest update is the new EX Designer Package, along with added smart key security features and minor refinements across the lineup.
Does the 2024 Soul have only one engine option?
Yes, all trims use the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine focused on efficiency and smooth daily driving.
Is the 2024 Soul good for city driving?
Absolutely. Its compact size, excellent visibility, and responsive handling make it especially well-suited for urban environments.
How practical is the cargo space?
Very practical. With rear seats folded, the Soul offers class-leading cargo flexibility for a vehicle of its size.
Who should consider buying the 2024 Kia Soul?
Urban commuters, small families, and drivers who want a distinctive, practical vehicle with strong safety features and reasonable ownership costs will find it a strong fit.
