Depending on the engine type, used Kia Soul vehicles can be had with a 2.0 L or 1.6 L gas engine, both of which have an output of up to 142 horsepower. The front wheels of the used 2011 Kia Soul are driven.
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The Kia Soul from 2011 has all-wheel drive.
The 2011 Kia Soul, which is affordably priced, includes a big cabin, a distinctive and trendy design, good fuel efficiency, and a long list of standard safety features.
The 2011 Soul’s interior is roomy for passengers, but the hatchback has a small trunk and a rough ride, especially with the base engine.
The CarGurus View
The Kia Soul is probably not going to be a top pick for consumers seeking strength and thrilling driving. The 2011 Soul is an urban-chic car that is unmistakably aimed at the younger generation. It has plenty of space for passengers (but not for cargo), a nice list of technology and safety features (especially given its low price), and an engine that has enough power for cruising around town but not for highway acceleration. The 2011 Soul is undoubtedly a boxy vehicle that is better suited for a night out with friends and a drive to a city restaurant than it is for off-road or performance driving.
At a Glance
The Kia Soul is proof that ideas can come to you at any time. According to designer Mike Torpey, the Soul was first motivated by a documentary he saw about wild boars while in Korea. In fact, the original drawing for the Soul featured a wild boar carrying a rucksack to represent the boxy car’s strong, rugged appearance, “cool stance,” and “ready to go attitude. It’s obvious that this vehicle is geared more toward style and enjoyment than performance. The Kia Soul is made for younger people who want to be able to take the party “to go” thanks to its low pricing, front-speaker lights that can flash in rhythm with the music on the sound system, and color options like Alien, Molten, Ignition, and Denim.
This year, the 2011 Soul is back in four grades for all front-wheel drive cars (the Soul offers no all-wheel- or four-wheel-drive options, despite its claims of boar-like ruggedness). The Base Soul, Soul + (plus), Soul! (exclaim), and Soul Sport are the available trim levels. The standard Soul has 15-inch tires, a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, and a 5-speed manual transmission. It also has the lesser of the two available engines. A few common features are included inside the Base, such as an AM/FM/CD/MP3 music system with satellite radio, 4 speakers, and a USB/Auxiliary jack. Standard features include power windows, locks, and air conditioning.
The Plus adds a bigger engine (a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder) and enhances a number of features, including wheels (16-inch, 5-spoke alloy), power side mirrors as standard equipment, optional foglights, and a power sunroof. The inside now has 6 speakers and tweeters for the base audio, however the Plus has an upgrade option that would add 8 speakers, a subwoofer, a 315-watt external amplifier, and speaker lighting. The center console armrest with storage and the 6-way driver’s seat adjustment are added with the Plus. The grade has steering-wheel-mounted audio, cruise, and Bluetooth controls in addition to remote keyless entry.
The! (exclaim) is the next trim level up for the Soul, adding 18-inch wheels, standard foglights, heated power mirrors, and a power sunroof with tilt to the exterior while standardizing an improved audio system and a steering wheel and gearshift knob wrapped in leather on the interior. This trim level offers the Kia’s premium package, which includes heated front seats and leather seats.
A standard rear spoiler on the liftgate, different front and back fascia, and side sills, as well as an available power sunroof, are all features of the Soul Sport. Metal pedals and a sport-tuned suspension for a firmer ride are features of the Sport model. The Sport is also compatible with the Premium Package.
Drivetrain
The Base and + trims come with a standard 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive, while the! and Sport trims come standard with a 4-speed automatic transmission (with an additional option for the +). The 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine used in the Base is rated at 26 mpg on the city/highway and produces 122 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 115 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The fuel efficiency ratings for the other three models, which use a 2.0-liter I4 DOHC engine, are 24/30 for both manual and automatic transmissions. This engine produces 142 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 137 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm.
Ride & Handling
Although road tests showed 0-60 times between 8.3 and 8.8 seconds, which are decent for the class, the Soul’s engine has been criticized by some as being somewhat underwhelming and best suited for driving in the city. Critics complain about loud engine noise during highway acceleration and call for more gears to make shifting easier for both automatic and manual gearboxes. The Soul seems to have a considerable weakness in noise, both during engine acceleration and from wind and road noise at high speeds. The manual transmission has been criticized for having ambiguous and even erratic shifts, despite the fact that it can offer a significantly sportier ride. Another complaint against the automatic transmission was that it needed an extra gear for smoother shifting without prolonged high rpm during acceleration.
The independent front suspension used by the Base, +, and! includes MacPherson struts, coil springs, gas shock absorbers, and a stabilizer bar. A torsion beam arrangement with coil springs and gas monotube shock absorbers makes up the rear suspension. The Soul’s ride quality typically receives favorable reviews, with steadiness in the turns despite some apparent body lean. Some claim that the sport-tuned suspension on the Sport trim provides a firmer but yet comfortable ride. With 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels that match those on the Soul!, the Sport level also has the largest tires of the group. The larger wheels may be more aesthetically beautiful, but the ride will be harsher and louder as a result.
Cabin & Comfort
The 2011 Soul Base’s interior has five seats with black interior fabric; the Plus adds the Soul branding. The! interior color palette changes to a sand and black design with houndstooth accents. The Sport adds some speed to the interior with metal pedals and a black-and-red color scheme. The! or Sport can come with heated leather seats as part of the optional Premium Package. Most people believe the seats to be reasonably supportive and pleasant. Although the back seat is a little cramped for three adults to sit comfortably in, and there is no rear center armrest, the cabin has plenty of leg- and headroom for adults. Except for the rear corners, where the roof pillars obstruct the view, the car is easy to get into and out of thanks to the high seats and tall door apertures.
In comparison to rival vehicles like the Honda Fit, Nissan Cube, and Scion xB, the All Soul’s rear seats fold (but not flatly) in a 60/40 split to offer 53.4 cubic feet of cargo space in the back (and 19.3 cubic feet while the seats are up). The space’s actual usefulness is also in doubt because, according to assessments, the hatch opening is too small to load heavy goods. However, there is more storage available, including a two-level glovebox and a bin above the instrument panel. Metal finish trim is also present on the instrument panel, door panels, and inside door handles of the +,!, and Sport. Despite having hard plastic fittings, most people concur that the inside does not seem cheap (although some do note a lack of padding, even on the armrests).
The Kia Soul excels at standard technology, and many people appear impressed by the long list of extras that are unusual for cars in this price range. In fact, Kia states that its influence may be seen in the interior design “very precise audio system. The Base trim includes a 3-month trial subscription to SIRIUS satellite radio in addition to regular AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with four speakers. The Plus adds six speakers and a set of mounted tweeters on the instrument panel. With 8 speakers, a center speaker, a subwoofer, a 315-watt external amplifier, and front-door speaker lights that can be set to stay on, turn off, or dim to a low setting, the! and Sport move one step further up the audio ladder “mood-setting, or sync with the music’s beat (available as part of the +’s Audio Upgrade Package). All trims include power windows and locks, air conditioning, and USB/auxiliary input jacks as standard equipment. All modelsaside from the Basecome standard with cruise control, remote keyless entry, Bluetooth for hands-free calling, and audio, cruise, and phone controls located on the steering wheel.
Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Kia Soula its Top Safety Pick for 2011 thanks to its standard antilock disc brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, and traction control, along with six airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2011 Soul received a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration after being evaluated in accordance with their updated criteria. Additionally, the Soul received four stars in the front crash and rollover tests (with a 15.1 percent chance of a rollover). However, side crash tests were given a flawless grade.
What Owners Think
A handful of 2011 Kia Soul characteristics have impressed owners. First off, the low pricing, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty (which also includes 5-year/60,000-mile roadside support), and fuel efficiency have generally been praised (especially as gas prices climb). The antilock disc brakes, electronic stability control, traction control, and standard airbags of the Soul delight owners despite its affordable price. Owners love the under-floor storage compartments under the rear cargo floor, which are frequently noted as being big and spacious in the cabin. Another benefit of technology is the stereo, SIRIUS satellite radio, and Bluetooth hands-free phone (although the light-up speakers seem to appeal mostly to the younger members of families). Although some owners yearn for more adjustments (lumbar or front-passenger height adjustment) or greater side support in the cushions, the chairs are not particularly pleasant for lengthy trips. The power has received mixed reviews, and numerous customer evaluations indicate a desire for a 5-speed automatic transmission rather than a 4-speed. Most owners believe the ride itself to be satisfactory. Although road and tire noise are observed, the handling is praised in general. Overall, owners are pleased with their Souls, and having one is, well, a soul-satisfying experience thanks to the car’s appearance, fun factor, mileage, and list of standard equipment.
What’s your take on the 2011 Kia Soul?
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GuruTVSVP I love my Soul 2U because it has a funky style, is sporty, comfortable for everyone, has plenty of headroom, and I can pack a lot of stuff into the trunk and fold-down back seat. It also performs well and is enjoyable to drive, and my grandkids now play “Hamster Car” when we are out and about. It’s a great car.
Paige I adore mine to pieces. I haven’t had any problems with it, and it is quite adaptable. My Penelope is constantly prepared to get moving!
Kia Soul has either FWD or AWD.
Although the Kia Soul doesn’t come with AWD, it can be purchased with front-wheel drive instead (FWD). For this little SUV, Shelby drivers will have the option of customizing their drivetrain and powertrain: 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque are produced by the 2.0-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine found in most Kia Soul grade levels.
Will the Kia Soul have a successful 2011?
If you’re searching for a 2011 small used car with top safety ratings, plush seats, and reasonable cargo space, the boxy Kia Soul is a wise choice.
Are there any 2011 Kia Soul recalls?
Certain Kia Soul vehicles with the model years 20102013 and the production dates of January 8, 2009, to October 2, 2013, are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). During the curtain air bag’s deployment, a headliner plate can come off. Tip: Not all vehicles from the same year, make, and model are subject to recalls.
Does Kia produce a Soul 4WD?
Nowadays, most SUVs and some cars have all-wheel drive (AWD). The AWD drivetrain moves all four tires simultaneously, which is especially advantageous on roads with slick or loose terrain. The car has far better traction with AWD compared with FWD or RWD. Ever questioned whether Kia produced an AWD Soul? We have enquired as to whether the Kia Soul has ever been offered with an AWD drivetrain. Here is what they gave us.
Sadly, the Kia Soul was never offered with all-wheel drive. Even though the Kia Soul was only offered with front-wheel drive, it was still a reliable car overall, so this is not a terrible thing. The Kia Soul drives effectively on slick or loose ground because traction control corrects the vehicle when it slips.
Additionally, FWD cars often get higher gas efficiency than AWD cars because they tend to be lighter. If you use your Kia Soul constantly, it will be to your advantage. The final point is that compared to AWD, a FWD is much less expensive to repair and maintain. Continue reading below for more details about Kia and the Kia Soul.
Does fwd function in snow?
FWD cars are safe in the snow, right? If you have winter tires and drive defensively, FWD cars and crossovers are absolutely safe to drive in the snow. A FWD drive vehicle’s front tires bear the majority of the weight, which gives the powertrain good grip.
Can a Kia Soul handle the snow?
When fitted with snow tires, the Kia Soul can manage snow pretty well. The Soul has front-wheel drive, which, when combined with the engine’s weight distributed over the wheels, results in good traction. The Soul is a good option for winter driving thanks to a number of comfort and safety features.
What issues are there with 2011 Kia Souls?
The 2011 Soul has a small number of concerns, including issues with the suspension, vibration while braking, and the stability control system.
The most frequent issue that manifests itself in the first 10,000 miles is a problem with the electronic stability control system. The stop lamp switch is subject to a recall; after it is been changed, the issue is resolved.
Another issue in the first 12,000 miles is vibrations when braking. Usually, increased vibration is caused by worn-out rotors and pads. A new set of rotors costs about $400, and replacing the brake pads costs about $200.
At about 100,000 miles, worn-out suspension control arms become a problem. Over time, the suspension parts deteriorate and need to be changed, which costs about $600.
Including the headliner plate coming off and the stop lamp switch, the 2011 Soul has two recalls. The stop lamp switch, which can impair the operation of the brake lights, is the subject of the most significant recall.