My One Week 2014 Kia Soul Test Drive Experience

Kia provided the Kia Soul for me to test drive. As always, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Last week I was telling you how it had been a while since I was able to test drive a car, and then all of a sudden I was able to do two in two weeks!  This time I was able to drive the 2014 Kia Soul, and I have to tell you, I had a blast – this car/mini-SUV is awesome!

For those who have followed my blog for a while, you might remember I test drove the 2012 Kia Soul a couple of years ago.  I enjoyed it then, but I have to tell you, they’ve made this vehicle even better.

It’s hard to miss the Soul (after all, Kia did a tremendous job marketing their product with those “you-can-get-with-this-or-you-can-get-with-that” mice a few years back). It rained the day they dropped it off so you’ll have to pardon the rainy pics. I got the Latte Brown color this time with gray interior. And as cute as the outside is, it’s the interior of the 2014 Soul that blew me away.

For starters, it’s important to note that I did have the Primo Package Trim, which comes with leather, immediately making you feel like you’re stepping into luxury even though it’s technically not a luxury line. I also quickly noticed that I got a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, as well as a Push Button start button and smart key, meaning that I literally never need to take my key out of my purse. So nice! (What I didn’t immediately notice was that the steering wheel itself is heated, along with the heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats.) Living in Florida, I especially appreciate the cooling factor of the ventilated seats.

What should I talk about next (there was so much!)?  Let’s continue with the Primo Trim Package, which also includes:

• Panoramic sunroof with power sunshade (which is fun even in the rain!);
• Speaker lights that bump and glow in concert with the music you play;
• Front fog lights;
• Engine immobilizer.

There is more, but that gives you the idea. With all that luxury, I’m sure you would expect to pay a ton, but it’s only $3000 to add everything I just mentioned in the last two paragraphs, which I thought was a total steal.

They also gave me the 8” Touch Screen with Navigation and Rear Camera Display, which is an absolute must-have for me in my next vehicle. Included in the Audio package is the Infinity Sound System, Sirius XM Traffic, Automatic on/off headlights, and Automatic Climate control.

Some of you might not find the $1900 price tag worth it unless you get all of those features, but I would pay it just to have the touch screen Navigation and Rear Camera Display, that’s how much I loved having it.

I loved driving the Kia Soul.  The feel of the steering wheel, the intuitive nature of the Nav screen, the Bluetooth Technology with voice command – all of these features made for a luxury driving experience.

But even without the upgrades, you’re still getting a great bang for your buck. As I mentioned previously, the Bluetooth Technology with voice command is standard, and so are the USB/auxiliary ports, as well as the 12V power outlets. You get a 3-month Sirius Satellite Radio subscription, and everything is power (power doors and power windows).

It’s also relatively spacious, and the LATCH feature for Asher’s carseat were super easy to find and use. The back seats also fold without much effort, making it easy to maneuver and handle whatever items are in your hands.

As with all Kia’s, it comes with a 10/yr 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, as well  which is the best in the business, and really sets your mind at ease just in case something major goes wrong during those first few years you own your Soul.

The smaller 2.4L engine still leaves a little bit to be desired for me personally, but the 2014 Kia Soul is cute on the outside, gorgeous on the inside, and get this – the basic package comes in at just over $18,000, brand spanking new. Can you believe that? With the goodies that I mention above, you’re still under $25k, and you are driving and living like a queen (or king).

I loved my 2014 Kia Soul Test Drive Experience. I can’t wait to drive it again, quite frankly. I’d love to know from you who have the Soul if you feel the same! Leave a comment here or on Facebook and let us know!