Kia Soul EV: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Kia Soul EV comes in three distinct specifications across two generations, and the best choice depends mainly on how much performance you want. The first-generation CVT has 110 hp, 285 Nm, an 11.2-second 0–100 km/h time and a 145 km/h top speed. In the second generation, the 39.2 kWh AT raises output to 136 hp and 395 Nm, cutting the acceleration time to 9.9 seconds.
The Kia Soul EV comes in three distinct specifications across two generations, and the best choice depends mainly on how much performance you want. The first-generation CVT has 110 hp, 285 Nm, an 11.2-second 0–100 km/h time and a 145 km/h top speed. In the second generation, the 39.2 kWh AT raises output to 136 hp and 395 Nm, cutting the acceleration time to 9.9 seconds. The quickest option is the second-generation 64 kWh AT, with 204 hp, 395 Nm, 0–100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and a 167 km/h maximum speed. Range, battery longevity, reliability and prices are not measured in the supplied data, so they cannot decide this comparison.
Kia Soul EV generations and versions
The first-generation Kia Soul EV was produced from 2014-01-01 to 2020-02-29. It is a Hatchback 5-door offered in one version, named CVT. Its electric powertrain produces 110 hp (81 kW) and 285 Nm, with the motor mounted Front, transverse. Drive is FWD through a 1-speed Variable gearbox.
The second generation began on 2020-03-01 and has no recorded stop date. It remains a Hatchback 5-door but offers two versions: 39.2 kWh AT and 64 kWh AT. Both are electric, FWD and use a 1-speed Automatic gearbox. They also share a quoted 395 Nm, while their outputs differ substantially: 136 hp (100 kW) for the 39.2 kWh AT and 204 hp (150 kW) for the 64 kWh AT.
Kia Soul EV engine and specs comparison
All three versions use an Electro powertrain and Electro fuel designation. Because an electric powertrain has no displacement figure in the supplied specifications, displacement must be reported as not measured rather than inferred. Cylinder count, cylinder layout and boost are also not measured.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 generation — CVT | 110 hp (81 kW) | 285 Nm | not measured | Electro | not measured | not measured | not measured | 1-speed Variable | FWD |
| 2 generation — 39.2 kWh AT | 136 hp (100 kW) | 395 Nm | not measured | Electro | not measured | not measured | not measured | 1-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2 generation — 64 kWh AT | 204 hp (150 kW) | 395 Nm | not measured | Electro | not measured | not measured | not measured | 1-speed Automatic | FWD |
A power-per-litre comparison cannot be calculated because displacement is not measured for any version. The useful numerical comparisons are therefore output, torque, acceleration and weight per horsepower.
Moving from the first-generation CVT to the second-generation 39.2 kWh AT adds 26 hp and 110 Nm. Choosing the 64 kWh AT instead of the 39.2 kWh AT adds 68 hp, although both second-generation versions retain the same 395 Nm figure. Against the first-generation CVT, the 64 kWh AT provides 94 hp and 110 Nm more.
Kia Soul EV performance, acceleration and economy
| Generation and version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 generation — CVT | 11.2 s | 145 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 2 generation — 39.2 kWh AT | 9.9 s | 155 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 2 generation — 64 kWh AT | 7.9 s | 167 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
The 39.2 kWh AT reaches 100 km/h 1.3 seconds sooner than the first-generation CVT, and its top speed is 10 km/h higher. The 64 kWh AT is 2.0 seconds quicker than the 39.2 kWh AT and adds 12 km/h to the maximum speed.
The largest performance step is between the first-generation CVT and the second-generation 64 kWh AT: the newer, more powerful version cuts 3.3 seconds from the 0–100 km/h time and raises top speed by 22 km/h.
Fuel consumption is not measured for any version. Electric-energy consumption and driving range are also not measured, including range by year. Consequently, the version names 39.2 kWh AT and 64 kWh AT identify the database variants, but the supplied figures do not establish how far either can travel.
Kia Soul EV dimensions, weight and ground clearance
Overall length, exterior dimensions, boot dimensions and other body-size measurements are not measured for either generation. Kerb weight and ground clearance are available for every version, while gross weight is measured only for the second generation.
| Generation and version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 generation — CVT | 1,513 kg | not measured | 151 mm | not measured | not measured |
| 2 generation — 39.2 kWh AT | 1,593 kg | 2,025 kg | 152 mm | not measured | not measured |
| 2 generation — 64 kWh AT | 1,682 kg | 2,180 kg | 152 mm | not measured | not measured |
The 39.2 kWh AT weighs 80 kg more than the first-generation CVT, while the 64 kWh AT is another 89 kg heavier than the 39.2 kWh AT. The total kerb-weight increase from the CVT to the 64 kWh AT is 169 kg. Ground clearance changes only from 151 mm in the first generation to 152 mm in both second-generation versions, a difference of 1 mm.
Weight per horsepower highlights how effectively each version offsets its extra mass. The first-generation CVT carries approximately 13.8 kg per hp, compared with approximately 11.7 kg per hp for the 39.2 kWh AT and approximately 8.2 kg per hp for the 64 kWh AT. The 64 kWh AT is the heaviest version, but it also has the strongest power-to-weight relationship and the quickest measured acceleration.
The second generation changes more than output. Its front suspension remains Independent, spring, while its rear suspension is Independent, spring. The first-generation CVT instead has an Independent, spring front suspension and a Semi-independent, torsion rear suspension. Every version uses Ventilated disc front brakes and Disc rear brakes.
Which Kia Soul EV version should you buy?
Choose the first-generation CVT if the priority is the lowest kerb weight among the listed versions and its measured performance is sufficient. It weighs 1,513 kg, produces 110 hp and 285 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 11.2 seconds and has a 145 km/h top speed. It is the only first-generation choice, so buyers comparing earlier examples are selecting condition and history rather than alternative factory outputs within this dataset. Reliability, battery condition and battery life are not measured and require separate inspection evidence.
Choose the second-generation 39.2 kWh AT for the middle position. Compared with the CVT, it gains 26 hp and 110 Nm while adding 80 kg. Its 9.9-second 0–100 km/h time is 1.3 seconds quicker, and its 155 km/h top speed is 10 km/h higher. It also provides the second generation’s Independent, spring rear suspension rather than the earlier Semi-independent, torsion arrangement.
Choose the second-generation 64 kWh AT when acceleration and power are the deciding factors. It has 68 hp more than the 39.2 kWh AT, despite sharing the same 395 Nm torque figure. The additional 89 kg of kerb weight is accompanied by a 2.0-second reduction in the 0–100 km/h time and a 12 km/h increase in top speed. At approximately 8.2 kg per hp, it has a clear numerical advantage over the other versions.
Prices are not measured, so the extra money required for either second-generation version—and what that premium represents in market terms—cannot be quantified here. Based strictly on the supplied specifications, the 39.2 kWh AT is the balanced choice between weight and performance, while the 64 kWh AT is the strongest buy for performance. The first-generation CVT remains the lighter and simpler specification, but its lower output and slower acceleration are clear trade-offs.