Kia Soul EV: In-depth review with Ginny Buckley / Electrifying

Read our full review of the Kia Soul EV here:

We're out of the Electrifying studio and on the road to test the 2020 Kia Soul EV. The 2020 World Car of the Year, City Car.

Do subscribe as we have loads of studio reviews and road tests heading this way!

The original Soul EV was the first all-electric car I drove and it won me over with its functional, but cool boxy looks. This is the second version and just like the first it’s a capable, easy to drive, and practical car you’ll find easy to live with. It deals with five people and luggage with casual ease and will come close to its claimed range of 280 miles. It's in the ‘affordable’ range of longer-range EVs and gets a mega 7-year/100,000 mile warranty, which gives you that warming glow of comfort should anything happen to wobble.

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Thanks for joining us on our journey to 'Clear the Air' around hybrid and electric cars, we have new videos arriving every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (a mix of studio explainers and road tests). And please let us know what you'd like see more of!

[chriscutmore]

Hi Ginny, another great review from you! I love the idea of an EV car, I bought a nice Audi A4 Avant new last year, but find I’m not using it, the tax is over £500 a year (first few years), it’s a mild hybrid 190 hp diesel, so not great economy round town ( about 37-39) so now I’m retired, I find I’m not actually going on long trips, and a diesel needs that? this little Soul’ sounds just like the answer’ no tax, charge at home, roomy enough, great range, like the funky look (blue is nicer) so because of your presentation, I have my test drive this Monday, can’t wait!! so thanks Ginny! Keep it up’ and keep safe!! XX💗

[AFlyingCookieLOL]

Just to note: changing to bridgestone quiet track tires makes the car very silent. The stock nexen tires are much noisier

[Android-vkyh]

Good review I like it I think it looks like a bit of a mini Land Rover from the front, it's different and that's s good thing, can see what you're saying about that widescreen would take some getting used to, I believe the older versions of these are also very good option especially for a second car but the government and manufacturers have got to sort out the infrastructure and help people with the cost if they could install a home charging port for a low-cost then evs would take off a lot more. Also regarding the wind noise if everyone starts adopting the Honda mirrors surely that will cut down on the noise and improve aerodynamics👍

[glennoc]

I drove the previous model l, petrol 2.0l version and it drive really well.
It's Ginny from escape to the country!

[lisaj]

Great review, love the look of this, just hoping I can afford one by 2030! Also fabulous road for the demo 👌

[paulcox]

Really don't like marmite but l do love the Soul! Thanks for a very professional video, the drone pilot did well with all those trees about.

[JosephSukhbir]

Great review. It’s concise but conveys the right amount of information.

[buixote]

People complain about *boxy*, but an upside is improved visibility. Seeing out of the sides & rear of those "swoopier" designs is frequently more difficult. We leased the 2016 and liked the car. 2020 looks even better; esp. the range! Paddle shifters are stupid, but it looks like an "industry trend".

[mikebuntting]

The South Koreans really have nailed the range on their ev's. Great car 👍

[howardfreedman]

Great review Ginny. Thanks for that. Quick question. Do the rear seats fold to make a flat cargo area with the back area, or are they elevated somewhat like the gas powered Soul? We like a flat area for our large doggie.

[steveray]

I like Marmite and the Soul. a very good review. I ma liking electrics more and more, as you help show the range and driving characteristics of the vehicles. Thanks.

[Soulboy]

Ginny nails it again, should have been on Top Gear ! Service intervals are the same on mosts ev, s longer ?? 2 years

[backdoormanintheend]

The horsepower and torque come from the electric motor (single, dual?) which is powered by the battery. Most manufacturers recommend keeping your ev plugged in if possible (not just when you need a charge to go somewhere). Good charging stats. Doesn't appear to be available in the states until the 2021 year model?

[Shoaquin]

Fingercross 2021 version get launch soon in US so I can purchase it🤞

[bandtt]

Great car, too bad with the short service intervals(15000km). But small car? It looks huge next to you :)

[melcanuck]

7:48... hoping for a range of 3000 miles for somethiing like a Tesla Model 3, and 1000 mile range average for regular EV using solid state (but less) batteries...

[valmojica]

Can't buy a new Kia ev in the states! Bummer!

[wolvoman]

How is a box eco friendly, depends on what its made from.
I'm waiting for the'R' edition.

[quantumeseboy]

It doesn't look nearly as boxy as Nissan Cube or Kia Ray. It is not that boxy.

[Cybertokyofilms]

Stop parking in the middle of the road 😂