The 2022 Kia Soul arrives at a moment when buyers are more selective than ever. Compact crossovers are everywhere, yet few manage to balance personality, practicality, and value as confidently as the Soul. For this model year, Kia chose refinement over reinvention. Rather than chasing radical changes, the brand focused on polishing the details that owners actually notice—technology, safety, and everyday comfort—while keeping the Soul’s instantly recognizable character intact.
Sales momentum going into 2022 told Kia it was on the right track. With demand climbing year over year, the Soul returned largely unchanged in structure and powertrain, but with subtle updates that quietly elevate the ownership experience. This approach makes the 2022 version feel mature, cohesive, and very much in tune with real-world driving needs.
Styling updates that modernize without overdoing it
Visually, the most noticeable update is the refreshed Kia badge. The new logo appears on the hood, liftgate, and wheel caps, lending the Soul a more contemporary look that aligns with Kia’s newer models. It’s a small change, but one that immediately makes the vehicle feel newer and more premium.
Color options were also adjusted, with Steel Gray replacing Sparkling Silver on several trims. It’s a minor tweak, yet it gives the lineup a slightly more sophisticated edge, particularly on urban-focused trims like the S and EX.
Crucially, Kia didn’t tamper with the Soul’s proportions. The upright stance, boxy silhouette, and short overhangs remain, preserving the design advantages that make this vehicle so easy to live with—excellent visibility, easy parking, and efficient use of space.
Cabin technology takes a meaningful step forward
Inside, the 2022 model year brings some of the most valuable updates. Mid-level trims such as the S, X-Line, and GT-Line now come standard with a large 10.25-inch touchscreen featuring built-in navigation. This is a notable upgrade in a segment where advanced infotainment systems are often optional or reserved for top trims.
Dual-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, push-button start, and multiple USB charging ports further enhance daily usability. These aren’t flashy features, but they directly impact comfort and convenience—especially for drivers who spend a lot of time commuting or traveling with passengers.
Even the entry-level LX benefits from improvements. The standard infotainment screen grows to eight inches, and the newly introduced LX Technology Package bundles alloy wheels with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. This means buyers on a tighter budget no longer have to sacrifice safety or modern tech.
From firsthand time spent behind the wheel, one thing stands out: the cabin feels intuitive. Everything works as expected, without the need to dig through menus or consult the manual—something that often gets overlooked in spec comparisons.
Powertrains that prioritize choice over compromise
The engine lineup carries over unchanged, and that consistency works in the Soul’s favor. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 147 horsepower, delivering smooth and predictable performance for everyday driving. It’s well-suited to city traffic, highway cruising, and the kind of stop-and-go situations most owners face.
For drivers who want more energy under their right foot, the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine remains available. With 201 horsepower, it transforms the Soul’s personality. Acceleration feels confident, merging is effortless, and the vehicle genuinely surprises those who expect it to be purely utilitarian.
Fuel efficiency remains competitive across the range, especially with the naturally aspirated engine, making the Soul a sensible choice for long-term ownership without constant fuel-cost anxiety.
Safety that feels thoughtfully integrated
Safety has become a defining strength of the 2022 Kia Soul. A wide array of driver-assistance features is standard or widely available across trims, including forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver attention warning.
What sets the Soul apart is how accessible these features are. You don’t need to jump to the most expensive trim to get meaningful protection. Even the upgraded LX variant offers a safety suite that rivals what some competitors charge thousands extra for.
In real-world use—busy parking lots, lane changes on highways, or urban driving—the systems operate smoothly without being intrusive. They assist rather than distract, which is exactly how modern safety technology should behave.
Space efficiency and everyday versatility
One of the Soul’s biggest strengths continues to be how much space it extracts from its compact footprint. Rear-seat headroom is generous, the seating position is comfortable, and the cargo area is impressively flexible. With the rear seats folded, the Soul can handle bulky items that would challenge many competitors.
Picture a typical week: weekday commuting, grocery runs, a spontaneous furniture pickup, and a weekend road trip. The Soul adapts effortlessly to each scenario without feeling overworked or oversized.
Compared with rivals like the Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, and Hyundai Kona, the Soul consistently stands out for interior room and ease of use. While others may lean toward sleeker styling or sportier suspension tuning, the Soul prioritizes comfort and practicality—qualities that matter long after the novelty wears off.
| Feature | Kia Soul (2022) | Honda HR-V | Toyota C-HR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Screen Size | Up to 10.25-inch | Smaller | Smaller |
| Turbo Option | Yes | No | No |
| Rear Passenger Space | Excellent | Good | Average |
| Safety Features at Base | Strong | Moderate | Moderate |
| Overall Value | High | Medium | Medium |
This comparison highlights why the Soul resonates with such a broad audience. It doesn’t excel in just one category—it performs well across the board.
Ownership costs and long-term appeal
Beyond the showroom, the 2022 Soul continues to make financial sense. Competitive fuel economy, reasonable insurance rates, and Kia’s strong warranty coverage combine to keep ownership costs predictable. Maintenance is straightforward, and parts availability is widespread.
For buyers considering the vehicle as a used or certified pre-owned option, the 2022 model year stands out as a particularly balanced choice—modern enough to feel current, yet proven enough to inspire confidence.
Related: 2021 Kia Soul Overview
Conclusion
The 2022 Kia Soul doesn’t rely on dramatic changes to make its case. Instead, it refines an already successful formula with smarter technology, broader safety access, and subtle design updates that enhance daily life. It’s a vehicle designed for people who value comfort, versatility, and individuality without unnecessary complexity.
In a crowded compact crossover segment, the Soul remains refreshingly honest. It knows what it is, executes it well, and delivers consistent satisfaction—mile after mile.
FAQs
What’s new in the 2022 Kia Soul compared to 2021?
The most notable updates include the new Kia logo, larger standard infotainment screens on select trims, added technology features, and improved safety packaging on the LX.
Is the turbo engine worth choosing?
If you enjoy quicker acceleration and more engaging driving, the turbo variant is absolutely worth considering. For purely economical driving, the standard engine is sufficient.
Does the 2022 Soul have good resale value?
Yes, strong demand, reliability, and competitive ownership costs help support solid resale value.
Is it suitable for long highway drives?
The Soul remains stable, comfortable, and quiet enough for extended highway trips, especially in higher trims.
Who should consider buying the 2022 Kia Soul?
Drivers who want a compact vehicle with excellent space efficiency, modern tech, strong safety features, and a distinctive personality will find it a compelling choice.
