Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (torsion beam or independent depending on market/variant), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, stabilizer bars, bushings.
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic or electric depending on variant), steering column, steering rack and pinion, tie rods, steering wheel.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc or drum depending on variant), brake calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, brake booster, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnostics, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), horn, wipers, power windows, power locks.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant circuits, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, controls, cabin air filter.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belt pre-tensioners, occupant sensors, related control modules.
Procedures Included
Preventive Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid), spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, identification of common faults and their remedies.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment for all major vehicle systems.
Detailed torque specifications, service limits, component tolerances, and alignment data.
Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine 1 Displacement:
1.6L (1591 cc)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder (DOHC, CVVT)
Engine 1 Power Hp:
Approx. 122 hp @ 6300 rpm
Engine 1 Torque Lb Ft:
Approx. 115 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Engine 2
Engine 2 Displacement:
2.0L (1975 cc)
Engine 2 Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder (DOHC, CVVT)
Engine 2 Power Hp:
Approx. 142 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque Lb Ft:
Approx. 137 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Management
ECU:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with integrated diagnostics.
Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (later models may offer 6-speed)
Features
Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate clutch (Manual)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent.
Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 160.6 inches (4080 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.5 inches (1790 mm)
Height:
Approx. 63.4 inches (1610 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 100.0 inches (2540 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 2700 lbs (1225 kg) for 1.6L Manual
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 3000 lbs (1360 kg) for 2.0L Automatic
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Refer to vehicle's VIN plate for exact GVWR.
Cargo
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 19.4 cu ft (550 liters)
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approx. 53.4 cu ft (1512 liters)
Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
N/A for 2009 (typically 4-star or 5-star rating for rollover).
IIHS Crash Test Results:
Good ratings in front and side impact tests for models equipped with optional side airbags.
Active Features
ABS:
Standard on all models.
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) or ESC (Electronic Stability Control) - Standard on most later models, potentially optional on early 2009 models depending on market.
Traction Control:
TCS (Traction Control System) - Often integrated with ESC.
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags.
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats.
Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input. Optional upgraded audio systems with more speakers available.
Connectivity:
Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming (often optional on lower trims).
Climate Control:
Manual climate control standard, optional automatic climate control on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional depending on trim level.
Rearview Camera:
Not typically available on 2009 models.
Lighting
Headlights:
Halogen reflector headlights. Projector-style headlights may be available on higher trims.
Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions (refer to owner's manual for specifics).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 10,000 to 15,000 miles (16,000 to 24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 to 100,000 miles (96,000 to 160,000 km) for iridium-tipped spark plugs (check manual for exact specification).
Coolant Change Interval:
Initial change at 60,000 miles (96,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years thereafter.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Viscosity:
0W-20 or 5W-20 (check owner's manual for specific engine requirement).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0-4.5 quarts (3.8-4.3 liters) for 1.6L, 4.5-5.0 quarts (4.3-4.7 liters) for 2.0L (with filter change).
Coolant Type:
Asian Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Known Issues
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some 1.6L Theta II engines experienced oil consumption issues, though less prevalent in the 2009 model year compared to later iterations.
Suspension Noise:
Occasional reports of front suspension creaks or rattles, potentially due to worn bushings or struts.
Door Lock Actuators:
Reports of failure in door lock actuators, affecting remote locking/unlocking.
Catalytic Converter:
Some early models might have experienced premature catalytic converter failure, often due to engine misfires or oil burning.
Tire Size
Standard Tire Sizes:
195/65R15, 205/55R16, 215/55R17 (depending on trim level).
Tire Pressure
Recommended Pressure:
Typically 32-35 PSI (2.2-2.4 bar) for front and rear tires (check doorjamb sticker).
Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Brand Philosophy:
Kia, as part of the Hyundai Motor Group, focuses on offering value, quality, and increasingly stylish vehicles.
Model Evolution
First Generation Launch:
2009 (First model year for the Kia Soul in North America and other markets).
Design Inspiration:
Design concepts showcased at international auto shows, notably the Kia Soul Burner and Kia Soul Diva concepts.
Production
Assembly Location:
Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea (Kia Gwangmyeong Plant).
Production Years:
2009-2013 (First Generation)
Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Kbb Best Deals Award:
Kia Soul has historically been recognized by Kelley Blue Book for its 'Best Deals'.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings can vary by specific model year and engine, generally considered average to above average for its class.