MY FIRST 2000 MILES WITH THE 2020 280-MILE ELECTRIC KIA SOUL EV

EV Channels Review

Jonny Smith shares his initial impressions after 2,000 miles with the 2020 Kia Soul EV, highlighting its surprising agility and speed, which belies its somewhat quirky "Victorian hat" or "Stormtrooper helmet" design. He praises the "glorious 64kWh battery pack" and Kia's honest range estimations, noting that while the claimed 280 miles WLTP is rarely seen on the dash, real-world efficiency is excellent, often exceeding 4 miles per kWh on shorter trips and over 3.5 on longer, high-speed journeys. The reviewer commends the efficient heat pump, driver-only climate control, and the standard heated steering wheel and seats. However, criticisms include a smaller boot than rivals, limited passenger seat adjustability, and a preference for the car's cleaner aesthetic without the "SUV trim pack" cladding. Despite these points, Smith concludes the Soul EV offers a fantastic EV package with impressive range and performance for its price point, making it a strong contender against more expensive rivals like the Tesla Model 3.