[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/kia-soul-ev-reviews\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/kia-soul-ev-reviews\/","headline":"Kia Soul EV reviews – what the critics think","name":"Kia Soul EV reviews – what the critics think","description":"If you\u2019ve read our round-up of reviews on Ford\u2019s Focus Electric, you\u2019ll know that simply replacing a petrol engine with electric workings doesn\u2019t always make for a successful electric vehicle (EV). However, Kia\u2019s Soul EV – the brand\u2019s first ever all-electric car – proves that it can be done. Yeah, if you came here wanting to know if the Soul EV is any good then that was a bit of a spoiler so we may as well come out and […]","datePublished":"2017-09-28","dateModified":"2017-09-28","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Kia-Soul-EV-feature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Kia-Soul-EV-feature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/kia-soul-ev-reviews\/","about":["LATEST CAR NEWS"],"wordCount":566,"keywords":["electric car","EV","Kia","Kia Soul EV","nissan leaf"],"articleBody":"If you\u2019ve read our round-up of reviews on Ford\u2019s Focus Electric, you\u2019ll know that simply replacing a petrol engine with electric workings doesn\u2019t always make for a successful electric vehicle (EV).However, Kia\u2019s Soul EV – the brand\u2019s first ever all-electric car – proves that it can be done. Yeah, if you came here wanting to know if the Soul EV is any good then that was a bit of a spoiler so we may as well come out and say it, this is one of the most enjoyable electric cars on the market right now.Its boxy exterior makes it an instant no for some motorists but for those still on board, the Soul\u2019s right-angled frame is a jaunty bonus.The Soul EV has been on sale for a couple of years now, and like the Leaf, it is one of the more visually striking, but what do the elite of UK motoring journalism think?Autocar gave the electric Soul a middling three stars. They liked how it comes with the same seven-year warranty offered on any other Kia model, something that would help reassure buyers sitting on the fence.They also looked fondly on how Kia had done more than just bolt in electric workings and had carried out physical changes to make it more lighter and aerodynamic, such as restyling the front end and blanking out the front grille.With a 10.8-second 0-62mph sprint possible from its 109bhp electric powertrain, the Soul EV delivered a compelling, dynamic, smooth, torquey and quiet drive, Autocar said.However, they felt the whole package felt a bit dated, with the likes of VW\u2019s e-Golf and Merc\u2019s B-Class Electric Drive surpassing it even before launch.The Soul EV\u2019s 132-mile range is also small change compared to the 250 miles possible in the new Renault Zoe.Auto Express (AE) was kinder, awarding it four stars from a possible five and describing it as near faultless.One major drawback though was its limited mileage range, and during longer trips, they suffered serious range anxiety, with the thought of becoming stranded with an empty battery being a constant worry.During their long-term test, AE rarely left the M25 which is ideal because central London has plenty of charging points. They described it as a \u2018Zen\u2019 car due to its relaxing nature out on the road. However, they added that the peace was smashed when the range dropped because the car constantly reminds you of the low range every 30 seconds whenever battery capacity falls below 25 per cent.The Telegraph\u2019s Chris Knapman also bemoaned the car\u2019s range, musing that the Kia Soul EV would be ideal for anyone who lived on a tiny island like Jersey. He did say it was \u201creally quite pleasant to drive\u201d and liked the nicely appointed interior.CarWow.co.uk rated it 7.6 out of ten and labelled it as an ideal second car. They praised its low running cost and its well-equipped cabin, but were less impressed by its heavy nature and expensive entry price that exceeds \u00a330k.VerdictIt\u2019s impossible to hate the Soul EV. Out on the road, it has buckets of personality and its lofty driving position makes it unique.But with such a high asking price, it\u2019s just tough to recommend ahead of electric rivals like the Nissan Leaf and BMW i3."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Kia Soul EV reviews – what the critics think","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/kia-soul-ev-reviews\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]