The fastest Kia Soul you can buy from the factory is the turbocharged gasoline variant, which tops out around 130 mph (about 210 km/h). The all-electric Soul tops out notably lower, near 90 mph (about 145 km/h). This article breaks down why that’s the case and how speeds have changed across generations and markets.
Top speeds by variant and generation
The following quick guide consolidates factory-claimed top speeds for key Soul variants. Numbers are approximate and can vary by model year, market, tires, and electronic limiter settings.
- 2009–2013 Kia Soul (2.0-liter gas): top speed around 120 mph (193 km/h).
- 2014–2019 Kia Soul Turbo (1.6-liter turbo): top speed around 130 mph (209–210 km/h).
- 2020–present Kia Soul Turbo (1.6-liter turbo in higher trims): top speed around 130 mph (209–210 km/h).
- Kia Soul EV (electric): top speed around 90 mph (145 km/h).
In practical terms, the turbo gasoline Souls lead on straight-line speed, while the electric Soul prioritizes efficiency and range over the absolute top-end pace. Market-specific limiter settings can cause small variations.
Generation-by-generation snapshot
First generation (2009–2013)
The original Soul offered a practical, fun-to-drive package with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine. Its top speed hovered around 120 mph (193 km/h), enough for highway cruising and spirited city driving, but it was not designed as a performance hatchback.
Second generation (2014–2019)
The introduction of the Turbo variant with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine delivering about 201 horsepower changed the speed profile significantly. Top speed rose to about 130 mph (210 km/h), and 0–60 times dropped into the mid-to-high six-second range depending on configuration and tires. This generation solidified the Soul's sportier, more playful character while remaining a practical compact hatch.
Third generation (2020–present)
Continuing with the turbo 1.6-liter option in higher trims, the latest Souls maintain a top speed around 130 mph (210 km/h). Updates focused on refinement, safety, and efficiency, with performance kept in line with the model’s everyday-use identity rather than track-focused tuning.
Soul EV specifics
The electric Soul emphasizes efficiency and usable torque over extreme top-end speed. Its electronically limited top speed sits around 90 mph (approximately 145 km/h), with range and charging capability varying by battery size and year. Electric variants typically offer strong real-world acceleration, even if their top speed is lower than turbo gasoline models.
What to know about speed and choice
For buyers prioritizing outright speed, the turbo gasoline Soul is the clear choice, delivering the highest factory top speed in the lineup. If you value zero-emission driving or all-around efficiency with reasonable performance, the Soul EV offers solid acceleration with a much lower top end. Always check the specific model year, trim, and market, as final top-speed figures can vary due to limiter tuning and tire choices.
Summary
Across its generations, the Kia Soul’s fastest version is the turbocharged gasoline model, with a top speed around 130 mph. The electric Soul, while quick off the line, is limited to about 90 mph. Generation-to-generation updates have improved efficiency, safety, and everyday performance without fundamentally changing the maximum speeds of the turbo and electric variants. When shopping, confirm the exact top speed for your intended market and trim, as these figures can differ slightly by year and region.