2015 Kia Soul Earns Third Straight Active Lifestyle Award

2014 Kia Soul ・ Photo by Benjamin Hunting

Combining stylish appeal and a versatile cabin, the 2015 Kia Soul was obviously designed for folks who like to get busy. 

Which no doubt explains why Kia's hamster-riffic "urban passenger vehicle" just earned its third consecutive Active Lifestyle Vehicle Award, presented by Carspondent.com. The win came, unsurprisingly, in the "Urban" category, but it was only achieved after the 2015 Kia Soul was put through its paces at an Arizona microfactory site owned by Local Motors (the company behind the Rally Fighter).

There, the 2015 Kia Soul impressed a unique panel of judges made up of more than 100 athletes and similarly minded automotive journalists, including Nina Russin, founder of the Active Lifestyle Vehicle program.

Said Russin: “The fact that the Kia Soul has won our Urban Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year three consecutive years speaks to how strong the product is. The Soul’s cargo area is versatile enough to meet the needs of triathletes, cyclists, skiers and kayakers, yet the car is compact for easy maneuverability and very stylish; something that’s especially important to buyers in this segment.”

Proving those points, even though it's just a few inches longer than a subcompact Honda Fit, the 2015 Kia Soul can swallow up to 61.3 cubic feet of cargo with its rear seats folded—or provide more than 100 cubic feet of passenger space with those seats in their upright positions. Customers also should know that the brand has made some minor adjustments to the 2015 Kia Soul lineup for the new model year, offering a new UVO eServices infotainment/connectivity package for the base model and a fresh "Umber Color" package for the top-of-the-line Exclaim trim.

Photo by Benjamin Hunting

Added Michael Sprague, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Kia Motors America: “Winning the Active Lifestyle Vehicle award for the third consecutive year speaks to the popularity of the Soul’s young-at-heart personality, good looks and practicality for active and athletic consumers. With its eye-catching design, expansive cargo capacity and premium technology options, the Soul stands out in its segment as a winner for anyone on the move.”

The 2015 Kia Soul is on sale now with an MSRP of $15,100.

Photo by Benjamin Hunting