The Kia Soul lineup currently includes two gasoline engines and a dedicated electric variant: a 2.0-liter inline-4, a 1.6-liter turbo, and the all-electric Soul EV with its own powertrain.
In the latest generation available in many markets, the base 2.0L engine delivers efficient daily driving with modest power, the 1.6L turbo provides stronger performance for those who want more punch, and the Soul EV replaces the internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery pack. Engine availability and specs can vary by market and model year, so the following breakdown reflects typical current offerings in the United States and similar regions.
Gasoline engine options
Below are the primary gasoline powertrains found in the current Kia Soul lineup. The list focuses on standard configurations seen in recent model years.
- 2.0-liter inline-4 — 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque; paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), Kia’s name for its CVT. Front-wheel drive is standard. This setup emphasizes efficiency and smooth everyday driving.
- 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 — about 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque; paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT). Front-wheel drive is standard, with this variant aimed at stronger acceleration and a more spirited drive in higher trims (e.g., X-Line, GT-Line).
In these gasoline configurations, a manual transmission is not offered in the U.S. market; the base engine uses IVT and the turbo uses the DCT automatically.
Electric option: the Kia Soul EV
The Soul EV is Kia’s all-electric variant and replaces the traditional engine with a high-voltage electric motor and battery pack. The power output and range depend on the specific year and pack installed.
- Electric motor — typically around 201 horsepower (about 150 kW) with peak torque near 291 lb-ft (394 Nm). This motor drives the front wheels in most versions.
- Battery and range — main configurations feature a large lithium-ion pack (most recently around 64 kWh) delivering EPA-estimated ranges in the mid- to high-200 miles range, depending on year and driving conditions.
All Soul EV versions are front-wheel drive and support various charging options, including home and public charging. Exact numbers (horsepower, torque, battery size, and EPA range) can vary by model year and regional market.
Summary
In summary, Kia’s Soul lineup offers two internal-combustion engine options—a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine and a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine—and a fully electric Soul EV that uses a BEV powertrain with a high-capacity battery. Transmission choices differ by engine: IVT for the 2.0L and a 7-speed DCT for the turbo. The Soul EV delivers electric propulsion with strong torque and a substantial driving range, subject to year and configuration. For exact figures, check the specific model year and market.