2015 KIA SOUL EV DETAILED REVIEW AND ROAD TEST

EV Channels Review

The 2015 Kia Soul EV is presented as a highly practical and comfortable electric commuter, potentially the best in its class below the Model S. The reviewer highlights its spacious interior, particularly rear passenger headroom, and a surprisingly practical cargo area with a deep well. Key advantages include standard DC fast charging, a heat pump for efficient climate control, and standard heated/cooled front seats and heated steering wheel, which are more energy-efficient than heating the entire cabin. The reviewer notes the EV's ride quality is slightly better than the gasoline version due to its weight, and handling is surprisingly composed for an EV, feeling more planted than the base gasoline Soul. Downsides include slower acceleration compared to some competitors, longer braking distances due to weight and low-resistance tires, and the absence of HID headlamps and an uplevel sound system found in higher gasoline trims. Despite these compromises, the reviewer concludes the Soul EV is a compelling option, especially for those with moderate commutes, offering significant value and practicality, making it a personal favorite.