New 2022 Kia Soul EV electric SUV: prices, specs and details

Kia has given the Soul EV electric SUV an update, and introduced the new Maxx trim level which replaces the ‘First Edition’ model in the line-up that’s been available since the car launched. Available to order now, first deliveries of the Kia Soul EV Maxx are expected to begin later this year. 

The Kia Soul EV Maxx gets the same level of equipment as the First Edition specification it replaces, including 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, black leather upholstery, heated front seats and Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard. The Soul EV is also now available in two new metallic paint colour options, and features Kia’s updated logo.

The Soul EV retains its 64kWh battery and 201bhp electric motor, which is enough for 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds and a maximum range of 280 miles. This is slightly less than both its sister cars, the Kia e-Niro and Hyundai Kona Electric, are capable of when fitted with the same battery.

The Kia Soul EV remains eligible for the UK government’s £2,500 plug-in grant, which brings the price of the new Maxx version down to £32,445. It’s now the third member of Kia’s electric range, sitting alongside the more practical e-Niro and all-new EV6.

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Kia Soul EV charging

The Kia Soul EV boasts 100kW DC rapid charging capabilities, meaning that if you can find a fast enough charging point you can top up the battery from 10-80% in just 47 minutes. Fully topping-up the 64kWh battery from a 7kW home wallbox takes around ten and a half hours. 

The Soul EV’s charging socket is found under a panel at the front of the car. Four drive modes can be chosen: Normal, Eco, Eco+ and Sport, with each offering varying levels of acceleration, regenerative braking power and interior ventilation in order to either maximise performance, comfort or driving range as required.

Paddles behind the steering wheel let you adjust the strength of the regenerative braking – sending energy back into the battery and thus boosting range – while a single-pedal driving mode acts in much the same way as Nissan’s E-Pedal system. 

Styling

The Soul EV's looks were last updated when Kia introduced the current, third-generation model back in 2020. The car’s styling wasn’t radically altered, although Kia says every panel is new. Fans of the original will recognise the familiar boxy profile instantly, but at the front and rear there are now smoother, more aerodynamic bumpers.

The LED headlamps are integrated into the 'brow' of the car up front, while the Soul EV also gets its own design of five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels, distinct from those available on the petrol-powered Soul (which is no longer being offered in Europe).

The car is 4,195mm long –  55mm longer than its predecessor – with boot space rising from 281 in the old car to 315 litres. Buyers are able to choose from one single-tone paint finish, Snow White Pearl, and three two-tone paint options with contrasting roofs, all of which cost £575 extra.

Interior, technology and specifications

The Soul EV gets an impressive array of driver aids and safety kit as standard, including traffic-sign recognition, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. As well as autonomous emergency braking (which brakes the car for you if an imminent collision is sensed), LED headlights, a reversing camera and parking sensors.

Inside, there's a rotary shifter to select drive, neutral, reverse and park, as well as 10.25-inch colour infotainment touchscreen with a rear-view camera and parking sensors. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity and wireless smartphone charging all feature, as does voice recognition. A seven-inch digital instrument cluster sits behind the steering wheel, and a head-up display projects key information onto the windscreen so that drivers needn’t divert their eyes from the road ahead.