About 2018 Kia Soul The Kia Soul enters 2018 with minor enhancements. Kia's iconic urban passenger vehicle is a fun, funky and functional approach to everyday driving. From a quality standpoint, Soul has ranked #1 in the J.D Power Initial Quality Study in its category for three consecutive years. The 2018 Soul focuses on expanding the availability of UVO3 across the model range, adding the innovative infotainment system to the Base Convenience Package as well as to Soul Plus as standard equipment. The Soul Plus Primo Package now adds Smart Cruise Control and Autonomous Emergency Braking. The new Soul Plus Primo "Lit" Package includes HID headlights and LED positioning lights to enhance Soul's on-road presence. The Soul is available in three trim levels: Base with manual or automatic 6-speed transmission; Soul Plus with the 6-speed automatic; and the Exclaim turbo with the 7-speed DCT. Soul's 1.6-liter, 201-horsepower turbocharged engine offers fuel economy of 28 mpg combined, which is slightly better than the combined mileage of the 2.0-liter normally-aspirated 161-hp engine in the Soul Plus and in the Soul Base 1.6-liter, which produces 130 horsepower. Performance in the turbocharged Exclaim is further enhanced by the 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission, which makes for more dynamic acceleration and contributes to a more engaging driving experience. In addition to the turbo engine, the Exclaim includes specialized trim and sportier features, including: exclusive 18-inch wheels; red-accented body trim; chrome grille surround, unique Soul tailgate badge; and, for the first time on Soul, dual chrome twin-tip exhaust. The Exclaim also gets a standard leather-wrapped, D-shaped steering wheel, pushbutton start with smart key and integrated Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.