Kia Soul EV review

If you’re ready to ditch petrol and diesel in favour of pure-electric power, few electric cars will make it as easy to do as the Kia Soul EV.

But like a band’s difficult second album, things are more difficult for the Kia this time around. In its previous and first generation, it was one of only a few EVs you could buy. Now, it has a sharp new look and a fantastic 280-mile range but is competing against a much longer list of pure-electric cars.

These include similarly sized and priced cars like the Hyundai Kona EV, Peugeot e-2008, and Nissan Leaf, as well as the forthcoming VW ID.3. And, of course, there are plenty more EV options if you want to spend more.

But the Soul EV has something up its sleeve that should make it a strong contender – it’s based on the superb Kia e-Niro, which is one of the very best all-round EVs currently on sale.

You wouldn’t know this from the outside, mind, because they look totally different. The more practical and reserved e-Niro is a bit boring in comparison. The Soul has a high bonnet, squinting LED headlights and a raked roofline. It’ll certainly turn more heads.

Things aren’t quite so in-your-face inside. Sure, there are some funky details on the doors, some ambient lighting and the circular drive selector helps mark the Soul EV out from other Kias but on the whole, the sea of dark black plastic is a bit drab, if well put together.

The first generation Soul EV was one of the first electric cars on sale at the time. This latest one rides a wave of new models from a wide range of manufacturers.

Let’s not beat around the bush – if you nee a large boot, then the more sensible e-Niro is for you. There’s lots of room in the front of the Soul EV and even a couple more adults in the rear will sit comfortably, but its boot is smaller than the e-Niro’s and more awkwardly shaped.

The Soul EV has a big 64kWh battery which can be charged in 10.5 hours from empty to full using a 7kW wall box charger at home. However, it’s possible to go from 10-80% in just over an hour using a 50kW charger. A full charge at home will cost about £9.50, which is some £32 cheaper than fueling the average petrol car over the same range.

Talking of range, the Soul EV’s 280-mile combined figure eclipses all of its alternatives’. One thing that’ll hurt it, though, is getting carried away with its strong acceleration, which helps when ducking and diving in town.

On country roads, the Soul EV benefits from its instant punch when overtaking, too, although its light steering doesn’t really inspire you to drive quickly. Better to sit back and enjoy its comfort over bumps and preserve that range. It’s the same story on the motorway, where the Soul EV is generally a relaxing place to spend time at speed.

So, if you can live without a huge boot and love the looks, the Kia Soul EV will make the transition to electric cars extremely easy. If you’re convinced, head over to our Kia deals page for the very best prices.