The Kia Soul is a compact crossover SUV that is known for its unique design and impressive features. It’s a popular choice for city driving, but can it handle a road trip? Let’s find out.
Comfort and Space
One of the most important things to consider when taking a road trip is comfort. The Kia Soul has plenty of space for passengers and cargo, making it an ideal choice for long drives. Its boxy shape allows for ample headroom, legroom, and storage space.
Seating
The Soul can comfortably seat up to five passengers. The front seats are well-cushioned and supportive, while the back seats offer enough space for adults to sit comfortably. Higher trims come with leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Cargo Space
The Kia Soul offers 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which is enough to fit several suitcases or camping gear. If you need more space, you can fold down the rear seats to expand the cargo area to 62.1 cubic feet.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Another important factor in deciding whether or not to take a Kia Soul on a road trip is its performance and fuel efficiency.
Engine Options
The base model comes with a 147-horsepower four-cylinder engine that provides sufficient power for highway driving. Higher trims come with a turbocharged engine that delivers more power (201 horsepower) and better acceleration.
Fuel Efficiency
One of the Soul’s biggest advantages is its fuel efficiency. The base model gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while higher trims get slightly lower gas mileage due to their more powerful engines.
Safety Features
Safety is crucial when embarking on a road trip, and the Kia Soul doesn’t disappoint in this regard. It comes with a host of advanced safety features, including:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keeping assist
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
Entertainment and Technology Features
Long drives can be tedious, but the Kia Soul’s entertainment and technology features can help keep you entertained and connected. Some of its notable features include:
- An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- A six-speaker audio system (higher trims come with a premium Harman Kardon audio system)
- A wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones (higher trims)
The Verdict: Can You Take a Kia Soul on a Road Trip?
In conclusion, the Kia Soul is definitely capable of handling a road trip. Its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, advanced safety features, and entertainment technologies make it an ideal choice for long drives. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, the Kia Soul won’t disappoint.