Often described and marketed as a crossover since its introduction,[4][5] the Soul is a hatchback with a box proportion[6][7] and tall roof, which are designed to maximize its interior space.

The New York Times reported "the boar's attitude of strength and capability was the image [Torpey] wanted for a new model aimed at hip urban youths.

[15] The first generation was marketed with a six-speaker stereo system that includes a CD player, a USB port for iPod connection, and Sirius Satellite Radio.

As a result, the gasoline offers a 10 kW (14 bhp) increase in power compared to its predecessor, while returning improved fuel economy.

[21][22] The Kia Ignition Soul, in orange, is based on the Soul+ model with offset black striping and blacked-out 18-inch rims, an alloy gas cap, and a rear spoiler.

[24] Referred to as Ghost Soul by Car And Driver, the visual upgrades include gray-blue paint with a gray stripe running from the headlights to the C-pillar, unique 18-inch wheels, side-marker lights on the fender vents, and a new body kit with a rear spoiler.

and Sport models with upgrades that include fog lights, a sunroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated leather seats, and chrome interior trim.

[20] The Soul White Tiger Special Edition was showcased at the 2010 SEMA[25] and comes with features such as Clear White with Grey exterior graphics, body colored bumpers, sport rear spoiler, black 18-inch alloy wheels, black fender vents with side marker repeater, rear bumper applique, alloy fuel door, black leather seat trim, heated front seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, push button start with smart key, illuminated sill plates, automatic climate control and front fog lights.

The new Soul Flex delivers a 44% improvement in fuel efficiency compared with the existing gasoline model, as well as superior power and torque.

[27] Higher trims feature a 2.0-liter unit producing 106 kW (142 bhp) connected to a standard five-speed manual transmission with a four-speed automatic available as a stand-alone option.

[28] A 1.6-liter diesel engine producing 94 kW (126 bhp) and 260 N⋅m (192 lb⋅ft) torque is offered in European models instead of the 2.0-liter gas, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

[31] The Soul was awarded the maximum five star safety rating by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), but only on the New Zealand version.

Kia's Soul Searcher was designed to capture the spirit of Korean and Far Eastern culture, with a focus on achieving personal inner peace and creating a calm cocoon for the occupants.

The Soul Hamstar Edition, introduced in 2011, featured body colored bumpers, rear sport spoiler, black 18-inch wheels, black fender vents w/side marker repeater, rear bumper applique, matte alloy fuel door, Hamstar exterior graphics, black leather seating, heated seats, hamstar edition floor mats, smart key push button starting, automatic climate control, fog lights, and leather steering wheel and shift knob.

[39] The Soul Hybrid/Eco-Soul is a concept vehicle with a Gamma 1.6L gasoline engine, an electric motor rated 15 kW (20 PS; 20 hp) and 105 N⋅m (77 lbf⋅ft), continuously variable transmission, ISG (Idle Stop&Go), regenerative braking.

[47] Featured songs include "Do What You Do" by Marz, "Fort Knox" by Goldfish, "Junkyard" by The Potbelleez, "colors" by Calvin Harris, "The Choice Is Yours (Revisited)" by Black Sheep, "Applause" by Lady Gaga and, during the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO.

In October 2011, the Kia Soul Hamsters were inducted into the Madison Avenue Walk of Fame, advertising industry's equivalent of Hollywood and Vine.

[49][50] As an April Fool's Day joke, Kia published a press release on a new environmentally friendly concept based on the Soul in 2010, called the Air Propulsion and Retardation Installation Line.

[56] The Soul was named to the Kelley Blue Book's '5 Great Deals' List,[57] and recognized by the Texas Auto Writers Association as 'Best Value'.

[59] The Soul'ster was also awarded 2009 Concept Truck of the Year[60] and named to "Top 10 Back-to-School Cars" List by Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com.

[64] Also that year, the car was named one of "10 Great And Safe Rides For Teens" by Autoweek magazine,[65] and was given the "2010 Automotive Excellence Award" By Popular Mechanics.

The redesign features a wraparound greenhouse, high-mounted tail lights, large trapezoidal lower air intake and "floating" body color panel set into the liftgate.

The front subframe uses four bushings (the first generation has none) and the shock absorbers on the rear torsion beam axle are now mounted vertically allowing for more suspension travel.

[75] The Kia Track'ster concept was equipped with a custom 19-inch wheels designed by Kia's California design team and HRE, 360 mm (14 in) Brembo vented and cross-drilled front disc brakes with six-piston calipers, 350 mm (13.6 in) rear brake discs with four-piston calipers, angled roof accented with Inferno Orange, lengthened front door with smooth billet push-style handles, carbon fiber lower side valances in Inferno Orange and incorporate functional rear-brake cooling ducts, back hatch incorporates a horizontal Inferno Orange "backpack" panel five inches wider than a production Soul, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 190 kW; 250 PS (250 hp), electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system, and a short-throw six-speed manual transmission.

Powered by a 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, the Soul EV has a target range of over 190 km (120 mi) and fast charging capability of 100 kW DC via a CHAdeMO connection.

[86] The vehicle was first showcased at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2014[87] where Kia announced the Soul EV will be offered in California, Oregon, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland.

[88] Kia demonstrated their upcoming "Drive Wise" sub-brand at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show with a Soul EV modified with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology.

[89] Euro NCAP test results for a LHD, 5-door hatchback variant on a 2014 registration: Kia Motors once again teamed up with David&Goliath to promote the Soul using anthropomorphic hamster characters.

[105] For the 2023 model year, Kia updated the Soul, giving it revised headlights, taillights, front bumper, and rear fascia, along with new two-tone color combinations and new wheel designs.

[106] Additionally, the turbo version was discontinued in the US, making the 2.0-liter Nu MPi naturally aspirated engine with CVT transmission the only available powertrain.