6-Speed Automatic Transmission with Sportmatic™ Shift Control
Features
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
GL-4 SAE 75W-85 (Manual Gear Oil)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
160.2 in (4069 mm)
Width:
69.7 in (1770 mm)
Height:
63.0 in (1600 mm)
Wheelbase:
100.4 in (2550 mm)
Ground Clearance:
6.1 in (155 mm)
Interior
Passenger Volume:
98.7 cu ft (2795 L)
Front Headroom:
40.9 in (1039 mm)
Front Legroom:
41.4 in (1052 mm)
Rear Headroom:
39.5 in (1003 mm)
Rear Legroom:
37.9 in (963 mm)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
19.3 cu ft (546 L)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
49.4 cu ft (1399 L)
Weights
Curb Weight Min:
2,877 lbs (1305 kg)
Curb Weight Max:
3,075 lbs (1395 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
4,012 lbs (1820 kg) - 4,189 lbs (1900 kg) (approx.)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating 2013:
4/5 Stars (Overall)
NHTSA Front Crash Rating 2013:
4/5 Stars
NHTSA Side Crash Rating 2013:
5/5 Stars
NHTSA Rollover Rating 2013:
4/5 Stars (FWD)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel disc brakes with ABS)
Ebd:
Standard (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
Hsa:
Standard (Hill Start Assist)
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (ESC)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Dual front, front side-impact, side curtain (front and rear)
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front, 3-point rear with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
UVO Entertainment System (Optional on select trims), SiriusXM Satellite Radio, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system
Display Size:
Up to 7-inch touch-screen display (UVO system)
Audio System Options:
Standard 4-speaker or optional 6-speaker audio system
Driver Assistance
Rearview Camera:
Optional (integrated with infotainment system)
Parking Sensors:
Not commonly available or standard on 2013 models
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Optional (for hands-free calling and audio streaming)
Usb Port:
Standard or Optional (for media playback and charging)
Auxiliary Audio Input:
Standard
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Use synthetic oil for this interval. Check owner's manual for severe driving conditions.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed or at 15,000 miles (24,000 km) under dusty conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed or at 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement 1:
105,000 miles (169,000 km) for 1.6L GDI engine (Iridium type)
Spark Plug Replacement 2:
105,000 miles (169,000 km) for 2.0L MPI engine (Iridium type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 60,000 miles (97,000 km) under normal driving conditions. Check owner's manual for severe conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace as needed, typically around 60,000-100,000 miles (97,000-161,000 km).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Capacity 1:
4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter (1.6L GDI)
Engine Oil Capacity 2:
4.2 quarts (4.0 liters) with filter (2.0L MPI)
Engine Oil Viscosity Recommendation:
SAE 0W-20 (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified)
Coolant Type:
HSA (Hyundai/Kia Super Long Life Coolant), a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water
Known Issues
Engine Lambda Sensor Failures:
Occasional reports of upstream O2 sensor failures leading to check engine lights.
Transmission Hard Shifting:
Some owners report occasional hard shifts or hesitation in the automatic transmission, often resolved by a fluid change or software update.
Brake Pad Wear:
Front brake pads may wear slightly faster than expected in some instances, especially under spirited driving conditions.
Interior Rattles:
Minor interior rattles or squeaks can develop over time, particularly around the dashboard or door panels.
HVAC Blower Motor Failure:
Infrequent reports of HVAC blower motor failure, often preceded by intermittent operation or unusual noises.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Kia Founding:
Founded in 1944 as Korea's first manufacturer of bicycles and later motorcycles, trucks, and passenger cars.
Model Evolution
Soul Introduction:
The Kia Soul was first introduced for the 2009 model year as a concept vehicle, with production beginning in late 2008.
Ps1 Generation Years:
2010-2013MY
First Generation Updates:
The 2013 model received a significant mid-cycle refresh, including updated styling, improved interior materials, and the introduction of the GDI engine on the 1.6L variant.
Production
Assembly Location:
Gwangmyeong, South Korea (Kia Gwangmyeong Plant)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Kbb Best Resale Value:
Often cited by Kelley Blue Book for good resale value in its segment.
Insurance Institute For Highway Safety IIHS:
Awarded 'Top Safety Pick' status by IIHS for the 2010-2013 model years (depending on specific testing criteria year-to-year).