2026 Kia Soul EV Review, Specs, Dimensions – In recent months, we have assessed Kia’s 2026 Soul and the new Niro EV. Both cars are quite good. These two cars are among the best-selling models in Kia’s US lineup. The best aspects of each have been combined to create the 2026 Soul EV.
The 2026 Kia Soul, with its contemporary take on the car’s boxy form, is likely familiar to you by now. The upright hatchback, which only marginally beats the Soul in this new model because to its thinner lighting components and sharper lines, has a somewhat better curb appeal. 2026 Kia Soul EV Review
2026 Kia Soul EV Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior & Interior
The front lights on all Soul EVs with the gas-powered GT-Line trim are all LED. This suggests that the foglights and turn signals are located in broader apertures on each side of the grille, while the headlights are LED-equipped on top. The Soul EV features a little “Eco Electric” badge in the lower right corner of the hatch and LED taillights around the back.
Nexen N’Priz AH8 all-season tires, which are part of the 215/55 series, are mounted on a unique set of 17-inch alloy wheels that are exclusive to each Soul EV model. Like its normal Soul sister, the EV will be available in seven two-tone variants.
The gear lever used in the standard Soul is replaced with internal shift-by-wire electrical technology in the EV, just like in the Niro EV. It’s not hard, but it does need some adjustment. Except for my preproduction test car’s superb fit and finish, plenty of head and legroom, and comfortable seats, the interiors of the two Souls are nearly identical.
The EV’s infotainment system has the same 10.2-inch touchscreen as earlier Soul models and runs Kia’s most modern UVO software. Navigation, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay are standard features. The split-screen layout is quite user-friendly because there is no latency when you press icons or slide between panels. Everyone at Roadshow commends UVO for being so easy to use, despite the fact that it isn’t the most advanced technology on the market. The new Soul EV has the same configuration.
The hatchback’s design makes it incredibly useful even if the EV’s cargo capacity is much smaller than the standard Soul’s because of the battery storage. Although official US specs have not yet been released, the German VDA measurement system predicts that the 2026 Soul EV will have a luggage capacity of 47.3 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded.
A somewhat greater SAE measurement—likely close to the 49.5 cubic feet of the previous Soul EV model—is chosen in the US. The EV’s battery has grown in size, taking up more room beneath the cargo floor, despite the 2026 Soul being somewhat larger than its predecessor.
2026 Kia Soul EV Specs
Engine & Performance
The bigger battery in question is the 64-kWh lithium-ion cell used in the Niro EV, which is a major improvement over the Soul EV’s 27-kWh pack. An electric motor that sends 201 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels over a single-speed transmission makes the 2026 Soul EV incredibly quick. This car genuinely scoots due to its fast electric engine, which is always ready to go. According to Kia, a sprint at 62 mph will take 7.6 seconds.
One important characteristic of the Soul EV is its extremely competitive driving range. The Nissan Leaf Plus (226 miles), Kia Niro EV (239 miles), and Chevrolet Bolt (238 miles) are all shorter than the Soul EV’s stated 243-mile range. Only the Hyundai Kona Electric surpasses the Soul’s EPA-rated 258-mile range.
I’ve discovered that Hyundai and Kia EVs are easier to get to the EPA-estimated range than their competitors, however your mileage may vary as usual. Kia claims that in order to help prevent a notable drop in range in cold weather, the Soul EV will also be offered with a cold weather package that includes a battery warmer.
Because of its battery pack, the Soul EV takes much longer to charge than the Niro. Using a 240-volt Level 2 charger, the battery will be fully charged in 9 hours and 35 minutes. By switching to 50 kW DC fast charging, you may get an 80 percent recharge in 75 minutes. If you can find a 100-kilowatt DC charger, that time can be cut down to 54 minutes. Additionally, you may want to postpone your weekend plans because charging your Soul EV with a typical 110-volt household outlet would take a full 63 hours.
Notably, Kia will offer the lower-range 39.2-kWh battery-powered Soul EV in several locations. Kia claims that the “midrange” Soul generates 134 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque and has a range of around 154 miles. When a Kia representative told me that “the final decision hasn’t been made” about the availability of this option in the US, I didn’t hold my breath.
The Soul EV is a well-known and comfortable car. The Soul’s compact size, erect seating position, and superior sightlines from every angle allow me to navigate it with ease during Seoul, South Korea’s morning rush hour. Power is delivered quickly and abundantly, and the overall riding experience is pleasant and comfortable.
On more daring routes through the slopes of the Korean countryside, the Soul EV has a playful attitude. It weighs around 140 pounds lighter than a Niro EV, sits a touch lower to the ground, and has a quicker steering ratio (12.8:1 against 13.3:1). It’s a touch more fun to drive the Soul EV because of its enhanced turn-in response and smoother handling. This steer is entertaining to watch.
The Soul EV has four driving modes: Normal, Sport, Eco, and Eco+, just like its Niro sibling. Although I like how the Sport mode improves throttle response, Normal and Eco appear to be the best options for frequent travel. (I can assure you that it’s always enjoyable to drive the Soul EV in Sport mode.)
Steering-wheel paddles are used to activate several levels of brake regeneration; the top Level 3 option offers the one-pedal EV driving characteristics that many people, including me, love. The Soul won’t regenerativeally brake to a complete stop like some other EVs, but you may release the brake while you’re still moving by pushing the Auto Hold button on the center console.
2026 Kia Soul EV Safety Features
Numerous state-of-the-art driving aids that make driving a bit more comfortable are included with the Soul EV. Included are lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capabilities, pedestrian identification, blind spot detection, and lane departure warning. The only thing missing from the Nissan Leaf’s ProPilot technology is steering assistance.
However, I would much rather buy the Soul EV than the Leaf Plus for reasons other than its longer range. The Soul is a more captivating car overall, from its opulent interior and eye-catching design to its enhanced driver participation. I would rather have it than a Chevy Bolt or a Hyundai Kona Electric for the same reasons.
Since Kia will be selling the two vehicles next to each other, I don’t think the Niro EV poses a significant concern. The Niro can carry somewhat more stuff than the other compact hatchbacks, even if its inside size is comparable. The Soul still wins, though, thanks to its better onboard electronics and more aggressive off-road mindset. 2026 Kia Soul EV Review
2026 Kia Soul EV Release Date & Price
Prices will be available when the Soul EV is introduced in the United States later this year. The beginning price should be between $35,000 and $40,000 before any incentives are offered.
The main drawback, though, is availability: similar to the current model, Kia only plans to launch the 2026 Soul EV in about a dozen states. However, because the ultimate objective is to create sales across the nation, keep your fingers crossed. Given how appealing the 2026 Soul is, Kia would be wise to make it available to as many EV purchasers as possible. 2026 Kia Soul EV Review
Note: The details included in this blog post are derived from pre-release material that was accessible when the article was written. If you want the latest information, you should check official sources or call your nearest dealership.
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