2026 Kia Soul

The 2026 Kia Soul is positioned in the subcompact crossover segment, characterized by its boxy hatchback body style, upright seating, and tall roofline that provides substantial interior volume within a small exterior footprint. It competes directly with models such as the Hyundai Kona, which shares a platform, the Honda HR-V, and the Chevrolet Trax. The 2026 model continues the current generation with minor adjustments to styling and efficiency rather than a full redesign. The standard configuration includes front-wheel drive powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, connected to a continuously variable transmission.

The infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen on base models and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims, compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and voice recognition for calls, music, and messages. Standard driver assistance systems encompass forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Kia Connect app enables remote access to vehicle location, door locks, engine start, and service appointments, along with over-the-air software updates and optional subscriptions for enhanced navigation and tracking features.

What You're Really Signing Up For

• No self-service way to opt out of data collection and sharing.
• Sells your personal data and tracks driving habits without easy controls.
• Remote start and connected features locked behind Kia Connect subscriptions.
• Risk of remote hacking and settings changes by the manufacturer.
• Previous owners may retain access to your vehicle's data.