Segment:
Subcompact Crossover / Compact Hatchback
Target Audience:
Young urban professionals, small families, individuals seeking practical and stylish urban transport.
Key Competitors:
Nissan Juke, Chevrolet Trax, Mini Countryman, Fiat 500X.
Unique Selling Proposition:
Distinctive boxy styling, spacious and versatile interior, good value proposition, emphasis on urban practicality.
Styling:
Iconic, retro-futuristic, upright styling that set it apart from conventional hatchbacks and SUVs.
Interior Space:
Surprisingly spacious cabin for its exterior dimensions, with generous rear-seat legroom and ample cargo volume.
Value For Money:
Offered a compelling blend of features, practicality, and distinctive styling at a competitive price point.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management (ECM), fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (M/T), automatic transmission (A/T), clutch, driveline components (driveshafts, CV joints), differential.
Chassis Suspension:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, brake system (front and rear brakes, ABS, EBD), wheels, tires.
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, power windows, power door locks, mirrors, audio system, HVAC controls, body control module (BCM), chassis control module (CCM).
Body Interior:
Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, seats, airbags, safety restraints, doors, hood, tailgate, glass, HVAC components.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake pad inspection, belt inspection/replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), on-board diagnostics (OBD-II) procedures, wiring diagrams, connector pinouts.
Repair Overhaul:
Engine overhaul procedures, transmission removal/installation, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair/replacement, body panel repair.
Installation Adjustment:
Component installation procedures (e.g., alternator, starter, fuel pump), alignment specifications, brake bleeding procedures, clutch adjustment.
Depth Level:
Detailed, OEM-level technical information suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using scan tools, multimeters, pressure gauges, and specialized diagnostic equipment.
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive torque specifications for all critical fasteners and components.
Clearances Tolerances:
Specific engine and component clearances and tolerances for rebuilds and critical adjustments.
Engine 1 Name:
1.6L Gamma G4FC Inline-4
Engine 1 Displacement:
1591 cc (97.1 cu in)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
77.0 mm x 85.4 mm (3.03 in x 3.36 in)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
135 hp @ 6,300 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
121 lb-ft @ 4,850 rpm
Engine 2 Name:
2.0L Theta II G4ND Inline-4
Engine 2 Displacement:
1998 cc (121.9 cu in)
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm (3.39 in x 3.39 in)
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Engine 2 Horsepower:
164 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
147 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Emission Control:
Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors (O2), Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV).
Transmission Type 1:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (M/T)
Transmission Type 2:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission (A/T) with Sportmatic Shifting
Transmission Coolant:
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - Refer to manual for specific type (e.g., SPIII or equivalent).
Gear Ratios Manual:
Refer to manual for specific gear ratios (varies by engine and final drive).
Gear Ratios Automatic:
Refer to manual for specific gear ratios (varies by engine and final drive).
Length:
160.6 in (4079 mm)
Height:
63.4 in (1610 mm)
Wheelbase:
100.4 in (2550 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 6.1 in (155 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 98.4 cu ft (2786 L)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approx. 19.3 cu ft (547 L)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approx. 53.4 cu ft (1512 L)
Curb Weight 1.6L:
Approx. 2,794 lbs (1267 kg)
Curb Weight 2.0L:
Approx. 2,972 lbs (1348 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Refer to VIN sticker/manual.
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended / Not Specified
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 stars (for AWD models, if applicable, though FWD is standard)
IIHS Crash Test Ratings:
Good in front-offset, side, rear, and roof strength tests (as per 2013 standards). Check IIHS for specific sub-model ratings.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Esc:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats, LATCH system for child seats.
Child Safety Locks:
Standard on rear doors.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input and USB port. Optional SiriusXM satellite radio.
Display:
Optional UVO infotainment system with 4.3-inch touchscreen display (available on higher trims).
Rearview Camera:
Optional rearview camera integrated with the infotainment display.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming.
Usb Port:
Standard USB port for device charging and media playback.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Refer to manual for severe conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 24 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 miles (19,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium spark plugs typically last up to 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Refer to manual for exact interval.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-20 (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 L) with filter for 1.6L; Approx. 4.7 US quarts (4.4 L) with filter for 2.0L.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol-based coolant, pink/red color (e.g., Hyundai/Kia Super Long Life Coolant).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.3 US quarts (6.0 L)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Refer to manual; typically a specific power steering fluid or ATF. Check cap or reservoir.
Common Complaints 1:
Occasional reports of engine oil consumption in some 1.6L and 2.0L engines, particularly with higher mileage. Regular oil level checks are advised.
Common Complaints 2:
Potential for premature wear of front suspension components (e.g., control arm bushings, sway bar links) due to urban driving conditions.
Common Complaints 3:
Some owners report interior rattles or squeaks, common in vehicles with extensive plastic trim.
Common Complaints 4:
Transmission shift quality issues in automatic transmissions, potentially related to fluid degradation or control module software.
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Parent Company:
Hyundai Motor Group
First Generation Launch:
2008 (Korea), 2009 (North America)
Model Year 2013 Significance:
Part of the first-generation run, with minor styling and feature updates from earlier years. The platform established Kia's niche in the urban crossover segment.
Second Generation Launch:
2014 (for model year 2014)
Assembly Locations:
Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea (Main Plant); also produced in Malaysia and Iran.
Jdp Power Rankings:
Kia vehicles generally score well in J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS) and Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). Specific ratings for the 2013 Soul should be checked.
Insurance Institute For Highway Safety IIHS:
Top Safety Pick (for models meeting specific criteria) for earlier years, likely also applicable for 2013 models based on crash test performance.
Kbb Ratings:
Kelley Blue Book often rated the Soul highly for its practicality, distinctive style, and value.
Emission Standards:
Meets EPA and CARB emission standards for its model year.
🏆 Professional Vehicle Manual Information
Comprehensive technical documentation for maintenance, repair, and operation