2026 Kia Soul EV Specs, Features, MPG

2026 Kia Soul EV Specs, Features, MPG – The Kia Soul EV is a popular option for people wishing to convert to electric vehicles because of its reliable drivetrain and attractive looks. We have evaluated Kia’s new Niro EV and the 2026 Soul in recent months. Both vehicles are excellent. In Kia’s US portfolio, these two vehicles are among the most well-liked. The 2026 Kia Soul EV is the result of combining the finest features from both.

You’ve probably heard about the 2026 Kia Soul by now, with its modern twist on the car’s boxy shape. The Soul has a little greater curb appeal than the upright hatchback, which only slightly outperforms it in this new model because of its sharper lines and thin lighting components. 2026 Kia Soul EV Specs

Table of Contents

2026 Kia Soul EV Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior & Interior

Similar to the Niro EV, the EV’s internal shift-by-wire electrical technology takes the place of the gear lever seen in the normal Soul. It isn’t difficult, but it does require some modification. The interiors of the two Souls are almost the same, save for my preproduction test car’s excellent fit and finish, ample head and legroom, and cozy seats.

The infotainment system of the EV uses Kia’s most recent UVO software and features the same 10.2-inch touchscreen as previous Soul models. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. Because there is no lag when you swipe between panels or press icons in the split-screen setup, it is really simple to use. Despite not being the most sophisticated system on the market, UVO is often praised by everyone at Roadshow for being incredibly simple. The configuration of the 2017 Kia Soul EV is the same.

Even though the EV’s baggage space is significantly less than that of the regular Soul due to the battery storage, the hatchback’s form ensures that it is still very practical. When the rear seats are folded, the 2026 Kia Soul EV is expected to have a load capacity of 47.3 cubic feet, according to the German VDA measurement system. As of yet, there are no official US dimensions available.

The US opts for a little bigger SAE measurement, which is probably near the 49.5 cubic feet of the Kia Soul EV from the previous generation. Although the 2026 Soul is somewhat larger than its predecessor, the EV’s battery has expanded in size, taking up more space underneath the cargo floor.

But aside from its greater range, I would much prefer own the Kia Soul EV than the Leaf Plus. From its luxurious interior and striking exterior to its improved driver involvement, the Soul is a more intriguing vehicle all around. For the same reasons, I would prefer it to a Hyundai Kona Electric or a Chevy Bolt.

Even the Niro EV doesn’t seem like a big risk to me because Kia will be selling the two cars next to one other. Despite having comparable inside space, the Niro has a little larger cargo capacity than the other small hatchbacks. However, the Soul’s superior onboard electronics and more aggressive off-road strategy continue to help it win.

2026 Kia Soul EV Specs

Engine & Performance

The GT-Line trim level of the gas-powered Kia Soul EV has full LED front illumination. This implies that the headlights are LED-equipped on top, while the foglights and turn signals are situated in wider apertures on each side of the grille. The Kia Soul EV has LED taillights around the back and a little “Eco Electric” badge in the hatch’s bottom right corner.

Nexen N’Priz AH8 all-season tires in the 215/55 series and model-specific 17-inch alloy wheels are compatible with all Kia Soul EVs. The EV will come in seven two-tone options, much like its regular Soul sibling.

The Niro EV’s 64-kWh lithium-ion cell is the larger battery in dispute. Compared to the 27-kWh pack used in the previous Kia Soul EV, this is a significant improvement. The 2026 Kia Soul EV is incredibly fast because to an electric engine that delivers 201 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels via a single-speed gearbox. Because of its quick electric motor, which is constantly ready to go, this automobile actually scoots. A 62 mph sprint will take 7.6 seconds, according to Kia.

Driving the Kia Soul EV is familiar and pleasant. I can easily maneuver the Soul during the morning rush hour in Seoul, South Korea, because to its small size, upright seating posture, and excellent sightlines from all directions. The entire riding experience is comfortable and agreeable, and power is supplied fast and in abundance.

The Kia Soul EV is lively on more adventurous routes in the Korean countryside’s slopes. It sits a little lower to the ground, weighs around 140 pounds less than a Niro EV, and has a faster steering ratio (12.8:1 against 13.3:1). Because of its smoother handling and improved turn-in response, the Kia Soul EV is a little more enjoyable to drive. It’s fun to watch this steer.

The Kia Soul EV features four driving modes: Normal, Sport, Eco, and Eco+, just like its Niro sister. Normal and Eco seem to be the greatest choices for daily commuting, even if I enjoy how Sport mode makes the throttle snappier. (I promise you that driving the Kia Soul EV in Sport mode is always fun.)

Different levels of brake regeneration are activated by steering-wheel paddles; the top Level 3 option provides the one-pedal EV driving features that many people, including me, adore. You may release the brake while you’re stationary by pressing the Auto Hold button on the center console, but the Soul won’t regenerativeally brake to a full stop like some other EVs. 2026 Kia Soul EV Specs

2026 Kia Soul EV Fuel Economy

The Kia Soul EV’s incredibly competitive driving range is one of its key features. With a 243-mile range rating, the Kia Soul EV outperforms the Nissan Leaf Plus (226 miles), Chevrolet Bolt (238 miles), and Kia Niro EV (239 miles), according to the EPA. The Soul’s EPA-rated 258-mile range is only surpassed by the Hyundai Kona Electric. Although your mileage may vary as usual, I have found that Hyundai and Kia EVs are simpler to get to the EPA-estimated range than their rivals. According to Kia, the Kia Soul EV will also include a cold weather package that includes a battery warmer to assist avoid a noticeable loss in range during cold weather.

Additionally, the Kia Soul EV takes a lot longer to charge than the Niro due to its battery pack. It will take nine hours and thirty-five minutes to completely charge the battery using a 240-volt Level 2 charger. You can get an 80 percent recharge in 75 minutes if you switch to 50 kW DC fast charging. That time can be reduced to 54 minutes if you locate a 100-kilowatt DC charger. It will take a full 63 hours to charge your Kia Soul EV using a standard 110-volt household plug, so you’d better postpone your weekend plans.

It’s interesting to note that Kia will also market the 39.2-kWh battery-powered Kia Soul EV in other areas. According to Kia, the “midrange” Soul has a range of about 154 miles and produces 134 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. I didn’t hold my breath when a Kia official informed me that “the final decision hasn’t been made” about this option’s availability in the US.

2026 Kia Soul EV Safety Features

The Kia Soul EV comes with a number of cutting-edge driving aids that make driving a little more comfortable. Blind spot detection, lane departure warning, pedestrian recognition, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capabilities, and lane-keeping assistance are all included. Steering assistance, a feature of the Nissan Leaf’s ProPilot technology, is the sole feature lacking. 2026 Kia Soul EV Specs

2026 Kia Soul EV Release Date & Price

When the Kia Soul EV comes in the US later this year, its price will be revealed. Prior to any incentives, the starting price should be in the typical range of $35,000 to $40,000.

However, the primary disadvantage is availability: like the present model, Kia only intends to introduce the 2026 Kia Soul EV in around a dozen states. Keep your fingers crossed, though, since the ultimate goal is to generate sales throughout the country. Kia would be smart to make the 2026 Soul available to as many EV buyers as possible, considering how attractive it is.

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.