In a market crowded with look-alike compact crossovers, the 2019 Kia Soul Overview continues to do something refreshingly different, it embraces its individuality. Square, upright, and unapologetically quirky, the Soul isn’t trying to be rugged or luxurious. Instead, it focuses on being practical, efficient, and genuinely enjoyable to live with. For 2019, Kia refined the formula with smarter standard features, better technology availability, and a trim lineup that caters to very different types of drivers.
This model year marks one of the final chapters of the second-generation Soul, and it shows a maturity that comes from years of feedback. From college students and first-time buyers to urban commuters and small families, the 2019 Soul manages to appeal across demographics without losing its personality.
Design That Prioritizes Function Without Losing Personality
The first thing you notice about the 2019 Kia Soul Overview is its shape. The tall roofline and near-vertical sides aren’t just design statements, they serve a purpose. Visibility is excellent, cabin headroom is generous, and ingress and egress are effortless. Parking in tight city spaces feels stress-free thanks to the compact footprint and standard rear camera.
Inside, the design continues to emphasize usability. Controls are large and logically placed, the dashboard layout is intuitive, and the seating position offers a commanding view of the road. Even the base model now includes a five-inch touchscreen with voice recognition, a move that significantly improves daily usability compared to earlier years.
During a week-long city drive, I found the upright seating and wide windshield surprisingly relaxing during rush-hour traffic—something that’s rare in this segment.
Trim Levels That Actually Mean Something
Kia didn’t just create trims for marketing purposes; each version of the 2019 Soul feels distinct.
The base 1.6L model is budget-friendly and efficient, ideal for drivers who want simplicity and low ownership costs. Step up to the Plus trim, and the Soul transforms into a more refined daily driver with a stronger 2.0-liter engine and access to advanced driver assistance features. At the top sits the Exclaim trim, which brings turbocharged performance into the mix something few rivals in this price range can offer.
Rather than forcing buyers into expensive packages, Kia allows meaningful customization depending on priorities: fuel economy, performance, or safety technology.
Engine Choices That Match Different Lifestyles
The 2019 Soul offers three distinct powertrains:
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L I-4 | 130 hp | 118 lb-ft | Budget buyers, city driving |
| 2.0L I-4 | 161 hp | 150 lb-ft | Balanced daily use |
| 1.6L Turbo I-4 | 201 hp | 195 lb-ft | Performance-oriented drivers |
The base engine is adequate for urban commuting and delivers respectable fuel economy. The 2.0-liter engine feels more confident on highways and is the sweet spot for most buyers. The turbocharged option, however, genuinely surprises quick acceleration, strong mid-range torque, and a playful character that makes on-ramps and overtakes genuinely fun.
This variety allows the Soul to compete not just with subcompact SUVs, but also with compact hatchbacks and even entry-level performance cars.
Fuel Efficiency That Supports Real-World Use
Efficiency remains one of the Soul’s strongest assets. Even the more powerful trims maintain competitive fuel economy, making the vehicle easy on the wallet long after purchase.
EPA estimates range from 27 to 28 mpg combined depending on the configuration. In real-world mixed driving city traffic during the week and highway cruising on weekends most owners can expect consistent results without hypermiling.
For drivers who want a practical vehicle without committing to hybrid complexity, the Soul strikes an effective balance.
Safety Tech Without Luxury Pricing
One of the most impressive aspects of the 2019 Soul is how accessible advanced safety features have become. On the Plus and Exclaim trims, buyers can opt for systems typically found in more expensive vehicles, including blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and smart cruise control.
While these systems don’t replace attentive driving, they significantly reduce fatigue and add confidence during long trips or congested urban driving. In daily use, features like rear cross-traffic alert are particularly valuable in crowded parking lots.
Space Utilization That Defies Its Size
Despite its compact exterior, the 2019 Soul offers excellent interior packaging. The tall roofline translates into generous headroom front and rear, while rear legroom comfortably accommodates adults.
Cargo space measures 24.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats more than many competitors. Fold the seats down, and the Soul becomes surprisingly capable for weekend trips, moving apartments, or hauling bulky gear.
Imagine a weekend scenario: two adults, luggage, a folded stroller, and groceries all fitting without stress. That’s where the Soul quietly excels.
How It Stacks Up Against Rivals
Compared to competitors like the Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, and Hyundai Kona, the Soul stands out by offering more interior space than the C-HR, better value pricing than the Kona, and simpler, more intuitive controls than the HR-V.
While some rivals offer all-wheel drive or sportier styling, few combine affordability, space efficiency, and personality as effectively as the Soul.
Ownership Perspective and Long-Term Value
Kia’s strong reputation for reliability, paired with competitive ownership costs, makes the 2019 Soul an appealing long-term choice. Insurance rates are generally reasonable, maintenance is straightforward, and resale values have remained steady due to consistent demand.
Add Kia’s warranty coverage into the equation, and the Soul becomes especially attractive for buyers who plan to keep their vehicle for many years.
Related: 2018 Kia Soul Overview
Conclusion
The 2019 Kia Soul Overview isn’t trying to chase trends and that’s exactly why it works. It offers honest practicality, thoughtful engineering, and just enough character to make every drive feel a little less ordinary. Whether you prioritize affordability, efficiency, technology, or even a touch of performance, there’s a Soul configuration that fits.
In an era where many vehicles blur together, the Soul continues to stand apart not by being loud, but by being smart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Kia Soul reliable for daily use?
Yes, it has a strong reliability record, simple mechanical components, and low maintenance costs, making it suitable for daily commuting.
Which trim is best for most buyers?
The Plus trim offers the best balance of power, features, and value, especially with optional safety technology.
Does the 2019 Soul feel underpowered?
The base engine is adequate for city use, but drivers seeking stronger acceleration should consider the 2.0-liter or turbocharged trims.
How does it perform on long trips?
The Soul’s upright seating, stable ride, and fuel efficiency make it comfortable for highway driving and weekend travel.
Is it good for families?
While not a large SUV, it works well for small families thanks to easy access, strong safety options, and flexible cargo space.
