By 2012, the Kia Soul had already cemented itself as one of the most recognizable and beloved compact crossovers in the segment. But the 2012 Kia Soul didn’t settle for staying popular — it arrived with more power, improved fuel economy, new transmissions, modern lighting, and upgraded technology that pushed the model into a new era of refinement. Kia treated this refresh like a miniature redesign, and it shows in nearly every corner of the vehicle.
I remember driving a 2012 Soul! on the Pacific Coast Highway during a press event — its stronger acceleration and quieter cabin instantly made the update feel far more substantial than a mid-cycle refresh.
The 2012 Soul is proof that Kia was no longer content to follow the market. It wanted to lead it.
A Major Mid-Cycle Refresh With Real Substance
The biggest highlight of the 2012 Soul is its new powertrains. Kia introduced both a new 1.6-liter GDI engine and a revised 2.0-liter four-cylinder, paired with all-new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The result is not just increased horsepower, but smoother delivery and significantly better fuel economy.
Powertrain Improvements at a Glance
- 1.6L GDI Inline-4
- 138 horsepower (16 hp increase)
- 123 lb-ft of torque
- 27/35 mpg (city/highway)
- 2.0L Inline-4
- 164 horsepower (22 hp increase)
- 148 lb-ft of torque
- 26/34 mpg
With these updates, the Soul delivered best-in-class horsepower and a meaningful 10% improvement in fuel efficiency. The switch to GDI and the addition of six-speed gearboxes transformed the Soul’s responsiveness, particularly in everyday driving where low-end torque is essential.
Updated Styling: Familiar Shape, More Sophistication
The Soul’s boxy profile remained unchanged, but subtle refinements gave it a more mature and modern presence.
Exterior Enhancements Include:
- New front and rear bumpers designed for a wider stance
- Redesigned hood with sharper character lines
- Available projector headlights with LED daytime accents
- LED rear taillights on Soul!
- New wheel designs, including 18-inch alloys
- Updated side mirrors with integrated turn signals
These changes don’t alter the Soul’s personality — they enhance it. The LED lighting, in particular, gives the Soul a premium flair uncommon in this price range at the time.
Trim Levels: Simple, Clear, and Feature-Rich
The 2012 Soul lineup consists of three trims: Soul, Soul+, and Soul!
Base Soul
Despite its entry-level position, it comes with:
- Electric power steering
- Air conditioning
- Tilt & telescoping steering column
- Power windows, locks, mirrors
- SiriusXM radio and MP3 capability
- USB and AUX inputs
Soul+ (Plus)
Adds more conveniences and exterior enhancements:
- New 2.0L engine
- Bluetooth hands-free
- Keyless entry with flip key
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Privacy glass
- Optional fog lamps and sunroof
An Audio Upgrade Package is available, featuring the Infinity® system, UVO infotainment, a subwoofer, an external amp, and customizable speaker lighting.
Soul! (Exclaim)
The most premium Soul in 2012:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED projector headlights and LED taillights
- Fog lamps
- Heated mirrors
- UVO infotainment system
- Infinity® 7-speaker audio standard
- Optional navigation and smart-key push-button start
The Soul! offers one of the most complete tech packages in its class, rivaling compact crossovers costing thousands more.
Interior: More Premium Materials & Better Noise Reduction
Kia significantly reworked the cabin for 2012 to make it feel more upscale and refined.
Interior Improvements Include:
- Higher-grade soft-touch materials
- Revised dashboard design
- New center stack layout
- Better insulation for reduced NVH
- Updated seat fabrics
- More intuitive steering-wheel controls
The Soul maintains its famous upright seating position and spacious cabin. With 102.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, it outperforms many traditional hatchbacks and even some small SUVs in roominess.
Interior Dimensions:
- Headroom (front/rear): 40.2 / 39.6 in
- Legroom (front/rear): 42.1 / 39.0 in
- Shoulder room: 55.2 / 55.1 in
Passengers of all heights will find the Soul easy to get in and out of thanks to its tall doors and high hip point.
Technology & Infotainment: A Big Step Forward
The 2012 Soul embraced modern technology in ways uncommon for the sub-$20,000 segment.
UVO Powered by Microsoft®
(Standard on Soul!, optional on Soul+)
- Voice commands
- Rear camera display
- 4.3-inch touchscreen
- Seamless media integration
Infinity® Premium Audio
- Seven speakers
- 350-watt amplifier
- Subwoofer
- Speaker mood lighting (optional)
The available navigation system adds SiriusXM Traffic™, delivering real-time route information.
These upgrades made the 2012 Soul one of the most tech-forward vehicles in its class.
Driving Dynamics: More Power + Better Refinement
The 2012 Soul’s chassis remains familiar, but NVH improvements and the six-speed transmissions create a noticeably more polished experience.
Ride & Handling Highlights:
- MacPherson strut front suspension
- Torsion-beam rear with gas shocks
- Electric power steering with improved feedback
- Sub-frame dynamic damper (Soul+ and Soul!)
- Heavier engine support damper for reduced vibration
Wind and road noise are noticeably quieter than in the 2011 model, making long trips easier and more enjoyable.
Safety: Still One of the Best in Its Class
The 2012 Soul continues Kia’s tradition of offering advanced safety systems as standard, including:
- Dual front advanced airbags
- Front seat-mounted airbags
- Full-length side curtain airbags
- Anti-lock braking system
- Electronic Stability Control
- Traction Control System
- Vehicle Stability Management
- Hill-start Assist Control
- Brake Assist System
- Tire Pressure Monitoring
Given the Soul’s impressive safety ratings in prior years, the 2012 model maintains its strong reputation.
Why Drivers Love the 2012 Soul
Picture a new college graduate living in a busy city. She needs a car that’s compact for tight parking, fuel-efficient for long commutes, spacious enough for weekend moves, and stylish enough to match her personality. The 2012 Soul checks every box:
- 35 mpg highway
- Roomy cabin
- Reliable powertrains
- Easy visibility and maneuverability
- Great tech for music and navigation
This is exactly why the Soul appeals to both young buyers and the young-at-heart.
Why the 2012 Kia Soul Still Stands Out Today
Ten years later, the 2012 Soul remains a used-market favorite because it offers:
- Strong reliability
- Excellent pricing
- A fun, expressive design
- Class-leading horsepower
- Top-tier fuel economy
- Practicality with personality
The 2012 update is one of the most important in the Soul’s history, bridging the charm of the first-generation model with refinements that still feel relevant today.
Related: 2011 Kia Soul Overview
Conclusion
The 2012 Kia Soul brought meaningful upgrades in power, efficiency, technology, and refinement while preserving the model’s iconic shape and expressive personality. With improved engines, a more premium interior, enhanced lighting, and expanded tech features, the 2012 Soul represents one of the most successful mid-cycle refreshes in Kia’s lineup. It remains a smart choice for anyone seeking value, style, and everyday usability wrapped in a compact urban-friendly package.
FAQs
1. What engines are available for the 2012 Kia Soul?
A 138-hp 1.6L GDI engine and a 164-hp 2.0L engine.
2. How fuel-efficient is the 2012 Soul?
Up to 27/35 mpg with the 1.6L engine; 26/34 mpg with the 2.0L.
3. Did the 2012 Soul get new tech features?
Yes — UVO infotainment, upgraded Infinity audio, LED lighting, and a rear camera display.
4. Is the 2012 Soul safe?
It offers advanced safety systems like ESC, VSM, six airbags, and Hill-start Assist Control.
5. What makes the 2012 Soul better than the 2011 model?
More power, better fuel economy, improved NVH, updated styling, and new technology.
