When the 2014 Kia Soul made its debut, it wasn’t simply refreshed, it was fundamentally reengineered. Kia didn’t attempt to reinvent what made the Soul a cultural standout; instead, it refined everything that owners already loved while elevating the driving experience, interior sophistication, and technological capability. The result is a model that feels grown-up yet still unmistakably youthful. I remember driving the 2014 Soul during an early media preview and being genuinely surprised by how much tighter, quieter, and more premium the second-generation model felt compared to its predecessor.

This was the moment when the Soul fully evolved from a quirky, boxy hatchback into a legitimate urban utility vehicle designed for the demands of modern city and suburban life.

A Design Evolution Inspired by the Track’ster Concept

Kia’s California design studio used the bold Track’ster concept as the creative foundation for the 2014 Soul. You’ll notice the influence in the stronger stance, bolder wheel arches, sculpted body lines, and lowered, wider proportions. The new platform extends the wheelbase to 101.2 inches and increases width while subtly lowering overall height—creating a stance that’s more assertive and more athletic.

Key exterior enhancements include:

• A stronger, more sculpted front fascia with a wider intake
• LED front positioning lights and available LED rear “halo” lamps
• A revised liftgate opening widened by 2.4 inches for easier cargo loading
• A floating body-color panel integrated into the tailgate, a direct Track’ster cue
• Playful new color palette options like Solar Yellow, Kale Green, and Inferno Red

This redesign successfully matures the Soul while preserving its iconic boxy identity—one of the automotive world’s rare examples of character preserved through evolution.

Interior Refinement: Soft-Touch Materials & Circular Design Language

Step inside, and the 2014 Soul’s interior feels dramatically more upscale compared to the outgoing model. Kia replaced most hard plastics with soft-touch materials across the dash, doors, and key touchpoints. The cabin adopts a circular “ripple effect” theme inspired by the Track’ster’s interior design language.

Key interior improvements include:

• Better lateral and thigh support in redesigned seats
• Circular speaker housings with available LED mood lighting
• Round push-button start module exclusive to the Soul
• Circular steering-wheel button clusters for intuitive use
• Sculpted door panels with circular motifs for window and lock switches

The 2014 model also delivers more interior space:

• Front legroom increases to 42.9 inches
• Rear legroom grows to 39.1 inches
• Cargo capacity increases to 24.2 cubic feet

Kia also tackled noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) aggressively. Expansion foam is used throughout body cavities, a reinforced cargo-area isolation pad reduces road noise, and thicker carpets layer polyurethane insulation—collectively lowering cabin noise by roughly 3 dB.

Trim Levels Tailored for Every Personality: Base, Plus, and Exclaim

Base

The Base Soul already arrives well-equipped with:

• Power windows and door locks
• Heated mirrors
• Telescopic steering wheel
• Six-speaker audio system with USB/AUX
• Bluetooth connectivity

Options include an automatic transmission, 16-inch alloys, and remote keyless entry.

Plus (+)

The Soul Plus enhances both style and comfort:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Turn-signal mirrors
• Storage console with armrest
• UVO eServices availability
• Rear camera display

Upgrades like navigation, Infinity® premium audio, mood lighting, and panoramic sunroof become available.

Exclaim (!)

The flagship Exclaim transforms the Soul into a small luxury crossover:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED positioning lights & LED “halo” tail lamps
• Projector headlights
• High-gloss interior trim
• Power driver’s seat with lumbar
• Cooled glove box
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Optional premium features include ventilated front seats, HID headlights, Supervision TFT display, push-button start, and automatic climate control.

For a subcompact urban vehicle, this trim structure delivered a level of personalization and sophistication unmatched in its segment at launch.

Technology: The Most Advanced Soul Yet

The 2014 Soul leaps ahead with a suite of new technologies:

UVO eServices (2nd Gen)

• Improved voice command
• Vehicle diagnostics
• Parking minder
• App-based connectivity

8-inch Capacitive Touchscreen

• Kia’s largest Soul display at launch
• Faster responses and multi-touch capability
• Unified audio/video/navigation menus to reduce distraction

Pandora® Integration

No smartphone app needed—Pandora is built directly into the headunit.

SiriusXM Data Services

Free 3-month trial includes:

• Weather
• Traffic
• Fuel prices
• Sports scores
• Movie times
• Stock updates

Technology becomes a major selling point, giving the 2014 Soul an edge over similar-sized competitors.

Powertrain: More Torque, Better Response, and Smoother Driving

The 2014 Soul continues with two engines, both tuned for improved low-end torque:

1.6L GDI (Base)

• 130 hp
• 118 lb-ft of torque
• Better throttle response around town
• Manual or automatic transmission options

2.0L GDI (Plus & Exclaim)

• 164 hp
• 151 lb-ft of torque
• Stronger midrange power
• Paired exclusively to a six-speed automatic

Both engines benefit from:

• Improved torque delivery at low RPM
• More refined idle quality
• Enhanced fuel efficiency through updated tuning

This Soul feels noticeably more eager in city driving—exactly where most owners spend their time.

Driving Dynamics: Tighter, Quieter, More Confident

A 28.7% increase in torsional rigidity gives the 2014 Soul a far more stable platform. Kia engineers strengthened the cowl, B-pillars, C-pillars, and cross members while integrating Ultra High Strength Steel across 66% of the chassis.

Key ride and handling upgrades include:

• New front subframe with 4 bushings for smoother impact absorption
• Steering box moved forward for better balance
• Revised McPherson setup with relocated stabilizer bar
• New vertically mounted rear shock absorbers for increased travel
• Flex Steer™ system offering Comfort, Normal, and Sport modes

The result is a Soul that drives with more composure and confidence while feeling significantly quieter and smoother on uneven pavement.

Why the 2014 Soul Feels Grown-Up

Imagine a driver commuting daily through packed city streets, dodging potholes, merging through tight spaces, and requiring strong outward visibility. The 2014 Soul feels tailor-made for this environment:

• Higher seating position = SUV-like confidence
• Larger greenhouse = better sightlines
• Smaller footprint = easy parallel parking
• Retuned suspension = smoother over broken asphalt

This is why so many urban buyers gravitate toward the Soul, it meshes perfectly with city living while remaining comfortable and capable on longer highway trips.

Related: 2013 Kia Soul Overview

Conclusion

The 2014 Kia Soul represents a pivotal transformation in the model’s history, a vehicle redesigned from the ground up to be more premium, more dynamic, and more technologically advanced while maintaining its iconic personality. Kia managed to evolve the Soul without losing its charm, creating an urban utility vehicle that is both familiar and fresh. For buyers who value style, space, technology, and individuality, the 2014 Soul remains one of the standout vehicles of its era.

FAQs

1. Is the 2014 Kia Soul fully redesigned?

Yes. It features a new platform, stronger chassis, updated engines, improved suspension, and a significantly upgraded interior.

2. What engines are offered on the 2014 Soul?

A 1.6L GDI with 130 hp and a 2.0L GDI with 164 hp.

3. Is the 2014 Soul more spacious than before?

Yes. It offers increased legroom, shoulder room, and cargo capacity.

4. What tech features are new?

A new 8-inch touchscreen, Pandora integration, UVO eServices, and expanded SiriusXM data services.

5. Which trim is the most premium?

The Soul Exclaim (!) offers the most features, including LED lighting, power seats, and optional ventilated leather seats.