KIA e-Soul MJ 2022: test, impressions & experiences

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KIA e-Soul MJ 2022: test, impressions & experiences-e-soul

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Et was April 2019 when KIA invited to the exit of the new KIA e-Soul to Frankfurt. For a detailed test and driving report, as you are used to from us, there was simply not enough time. So we did this in November 2019. Now, almost two years later, the KIA e-Soul is once again a guest at Elektroauto-News.net, in model year 2022.

The new KIA logo, which adorns the hood of the e-Soul, immediately catches the eye. In addition, the Stromer also brings further updates and upgrades. The test report will concentrate on these in detail. For all other points, I recommend checking out the e-Soul model year 2019. But it can already be said that KIA has listened to the criticism from the community and has aligned the vehicle’s innovations accordingly.


KIA e-Soul MJ 2022: test, impressions & experiences-test

Before we go into more detail, however, a note: As you are used to from my other test reports, the test of the KIA e-Soul is completely subjective and looks at the electric vehicle from my perspective. In doing so, I try to pick up all the relevant points and also reproduce interesting technical details that I encountered during my somewhat longer test drive with the vehicle.

If you have any questions, just let me know and I’ll try to answer them. You are welcome to send me your personal experiences with the KIA electric car so that we can share them with the other readers. You can find out more about electric cars in general on this page.


KIA e-Soul in model year 2022 – That has changed!

In the detailed test report of the e-Soul, I made it clear that our test car at the time came in a Neptune Blue & Black finish, which brings a little color to the dreary autumn everyday life. I was to find out with the 2022 model year that it could be a bit more conspicuous. Because then the Stromer came in the paintwork Space Gadget Green. It is no longer possible to hide. However, it is guaranteed to attract attention. In general, the KIA e-Soul is still available in numerous one- and two-tone paint finishes. There are currently 14 color variants to choose from. A distinction is made between seven single-colour paint finishes and seven two-tone combinations, in which the roof and the exterior mirrors are painted in a contrasting colour.


KIA e-Soul MJ 2022: test, impressions & experiences-impressions

In addition to the equipment variants, the e-Soul differs in terms of battery size. The KIA e-Soul is available on the market in two battery sizes – also in the current 2022 model year. A distinction is still made between a 39.2 kWh variant and a 64 kWh variant, which was found in our test car. There are still no differences when charging, but both battery variants have been upgraded to a 3-phase on-board charger in MY 2022, which leads to reduced charging times. In the small battery variant, however, only for an additional charge of 500 euros.


KIA e-Soul MJ 2022: test, impressions & experiences-e-soul

The new standard 26 cm navigation system, which enables access to the online service KIA UVO Connect, plays another important role in the current variant of the e-Soul. We remember that KIA first used the UVO telematics system in the e-Soul in 2019. This enables the driver to monitor and control numerous vehicle functions. Among other things, UVO provides real-time information on charging stations and also offers the option of programming charging.

In addition, UVO enables the vehicle to send an alarm to a server in the event of an emergency, notify emergency services and transmit the vehicle’s GPS data – which also turns on a microphone so that emergency services can speak to the driver or occupants of the vehicle be able.


KIA e-Soul MJ 2022: test, impressions & experiences-experiences

Another notable upgrade is the fact that the stronger of the two e-Soul versions has been approved for a vertical load of 100 kilograms. This makes it possible to mount a trailer hitch. The Stromer is still not allowed to tow real trailers, but it is still possible to mount a commercially available carrier system, for example for bicycle transport.

Purely electric on the go: the facts about e-Soul

I mentioned the most important innovations in the previous section. Below you should of course get a detailed overview of the vehicle. In the short run there is a look at the technical data of the Stromer.


KIA e-Soul MJ 2022: test, impressions & experiences-test

Since our test car was equipped with the optional SUV design package (EUR 990.00 extra), the vehicle is 4.220 mm instead of 4.195 mm, the width is calculated with 1.825 mm specified instead of 1.800mm. The height of the SUV and normal version of 1.605mm. In terms of wheelbase, the e-car has a length of 2.600mm.

The entry-level variant of the all-electric car comes with a 39.2 kWh battery and an output of 100 kW/136 hp and consumption according to WLTP of 15.6 kWh/100 km. Located above this is the 64 kWh version of the e-Soul, which also comes with the more powerful electric drive. This puts 150 kWh / 204 hp on the road with a consumption according to WLTP of 15.7 kW/100 km. It is not possible to get the “weaker” e-Soul version with the stronger drive, the same applies vice versa. However, both variants have the same CO2 emissions of 0 grams; as is known to be the case with e-cars.

The fact that the e-Soul comes with four driving modes (Comfort, Sport, Eco, Eco+) has not changed. You can make your own choice depending on whether driving pleasure or energy efficiency should be the priority. The driving modes also influence the regenerative braking system, the air conditioning and the possible top speed. I have explained them in detail here.

So much for the technical data and facts of the electric car from KIA. In the next paragraph we deal with the topics of range, actual consumption and charging options. Again, only subtle differences to the previous model year are recognizable.

Range, consumption and charging options of the KIA e-Soul – including update for charging at home

The KIA e-Soul 64 kWh (e-Soul 204) should be able to cover a range of up to 452 kilometers (WLTP cycle combined). This had to be proven. Before we turn to the everyday range or consumption, however, first a few facts about our test car, clearly summarized.

  • Front-wheel drive – electric motor with 150 kW/204 hp and 395 Nm max. torque

  • Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds

  • Top speed of 167 km/h

  • 64 kWh lithium ion battery (gross)

  • Energy consumption per 100 km (weighted) 15.7 kWh

  • Range (combined) 452 km according to WLTP

  • 0 g/km CO2 emissions, combined

From pure city trips, over overland- to highway rides was again everything. So I had the opportunity to map a very good cross-section through the routes that the Stromer from KIA would probably have to master under “normal circumstances”. In the end, the speedometer showed around 410 kilometers, which I covered. Sufficient to get a first picture of the Stromer.

In the first detailed test of the Stromer, I wrote: “With 17.2 kWh – 19.5 kWh, we were in the range of an acceptable additional energy consumption. But it must also be noted that this definitely increases if you give more power. It is therefore important to pay attention to which drive mode you are in and whether you are gentle with the power pedal.In comparison, there were clear differences, which is certainly supported by the fact that my driving behavior has changed a bit and I’m a little more leisurely on the road.

However, it has been shown that the e-Soul from KIA was able to keep its consumption well below 15 kWh on average for the first 150 km – mostly only on country roads and in the city. Only with the Autobahn and thus higher speeds did the average increase to around 17.5-18.1 kWh. If the battery of the e-Soul is slowly but surely empty, there are different ways to charge it.


230 V household socket; 12 A (standard charging cable)
29 hours

from 0% to 100% of the battery capacity


AC charging station (230 V) with 4.6 kW power
15 hours

from 0% to 100% of the battery capacity


AC charging station (230 V) with 7.2 kW power
9 hours 35 minutes

from 0% to 100% of the battery capacity


AC charging station (400 V) with 10.5 kW power (3-phase)
7 hours

from 0% to 100% of the battery capacity


50 kW DC charging station
75 minutes

from 0% to 80% of the battery capacity


At least 80 kW DC charging station
54 minutes

from 0% to 80% of the battery capacity

That’s what the KIA online service UVO Connect is all about…

KIA promises that its UVO Connect will launch a new digital era of mobility. Here, the manufacturer relies on the combination of KIA Live, which continuously provides real-time information, supplemented by the UVO app, which allows vehicle functions to be controlled conveniently and intuitively via your own smartphone. I only touched on both superficially in the previous review, so let’s take a look at how the services can support us in everyday life.

  • Traffic information in real time

  • weather forecast

  • local search

  • charging stations

  • parking facilities

Are the services that are available on the new standard 26 cm navigation system. The results of this continuous exchange of information are displayed on the navigation system. For example, the traffic information is updated every two minutes and included in your own route planning. The local search helps to find the right restaurant if you want to take a break and with the charging station finder you can be sure that you won’t run out of electricity.

The UVO app allows even more ways to influence e-soul. This is available for both Android and Apple smartphones. As KIA indicates, the app offers many functions that give the driver data on the status of their own KIA e-Soul and the current journey. If you are not near your own vehicle, you can use the app to remotely control a number of functions.

The vehicle information that you receive via the UVO app includes: location, vehicle status, trip statistics and notifications that are sent due to activities on the vehicle. The localization is certainly exciting if the Stromer is parked in a large parking lot and cannot be found immediately after the shopping trip. I have listed the functions of the remote control below:


air conditioning

The air conditioning can be activated and regulated via smartphone. This makes it possible for the interior to be at the ideal temperature right from the start of the journey.


charge control

The battery can be charged by remote control not only
monitor, but also start, pause and continue


route planning

With the “Send to Car” function, planned routes and
intermediate destinations (“points of interest”) to the navigation system
be transmitted


KIA e-Soul model year 2022 – A summary of the changes to the Stromer

Two weeks with a Stromer go by pretty quickly. Especially when the new model year is only supposed to be “little things” in quotation marks. And yet, from my point of view, KIA has focused on the right little things that have been changed. In particular, the 3-phase on-board charger should be emphasized, which makes the charging experience on the home wallbox more entertaining.


KIA e-Soul MJ 2022: test, impressions & experiences-e-soul

The fact that the more powerful of the two e-Soul versions has been approved for a vertical load of 100 kilograms is also a plus point for the KIA e-car. Is it possible to take your own bikes with you if you don’t just want to be on four wheels?. The KIA Live functions and UFO app already integrated in the previous version have been refined a little and the former is presented even better on the larger navigation screen in the center console.

All in all, a solid update/upgrade of an e-vehicle that has its fans on the market. But one thing is also clear: the design of the Stromer continues to attract attention. In the case of the EAN test car, this is additionally supported by the not exactly inconspicuous paint finish in Space Cadet Green. What experiences have you been able to gain yourself with the KIA e-Soul and does the 2022 model year of the Stromer appeal to you?

The KIA e-Soul was provided to me by KIA free of charge for this test report for a period of two weeks. However, this does not affect my honest opinion written here.

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6 thoughts on “KIA e-Soul MJ 2022: test, impressions & experiences”

  1. A good car that Kia keeps making particularly attractive with offers in leasing portals. Suitable for first cars and well affordable for average earners who can wait for a bargain.

    Reply

  2. Soul for the soul. With the Soul, KIA has put one of the best BEVs on wheels for everyday use in town and country, especially as a second car with long-distance qualities such as a long range . As with all front-wheel drive BEVs, a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive would be desirable, since the drive wheels want more grip with the power. The airy interior with fairly sophisticated equipment and classic fittings without digital deficits is also great.

    Reply

  3. I wonder why these dates don’t fit together – who can’t do math?

    64 kWh lithium ion battery (gross)

    Energy consumption per 100 km (weighted) 15.7 kWh

    Range (combined) 452 km according to WLTP

    15.7 kWh divided by 100 km times 452 km would be 70.964 kWh – at gross 64 kWh, net approx. 57kWh – ???

    Where does the 14 kWh come from? – presumably through lobby-controlled, legally permitted pretentious calculations.

    Battery 57 kWh net divided by 15.7 kWh per 100 km times 100 would be a range of 363.05723 km.
    Battery 57 kWh net divided by 452 km times 100 would be 12.6 kWh consumption per 100 km.

    The 452 km are probably only possible when driving in town, otherwise 300 to 360 km (without the motorway).

    With a small battery probably around 280 km in town, otherwise 185 to 220 km (without the motorway).

    And the battery weight: 315 kg (39.2 kWh) / 457 kg (64 kWh) (Source: kia.com – PDF: price list)

    Reply

  4. Nice report on a technically very well equipped e-vehicle. I’ve been driving the Soul with my wife since 2019 and I’m always delighted at how much fun the car is. It is not a problem with this car to consume 10-12kw/h per 100km in appropriate weather if you do not use consumers such as heating and air conditioning permanently. We also save a few euros in fuel with the vehicle, approx. 450€ per month. We had the Sorento and Sportage before, not to mention the annual road tax. If you can charge your e-vehicle at home, you have a clear advantage.Once from.0 loaded to 100% for less than 20 euros.(all losses omitted).
    What was left in euros at the gas station now goes towards paying off the soul.
    The vehicle almost pays for itself.
    My driving profile is approx. 100 km per day mostly country roads and city.
    In the 2 years we drove almost 55000 km.
    We would take the step towards e-mobility again and again.

    Reply

  5. At the end of November 2020 I took over my e-soul in the strong version and have been almost 44 since then.000km driven. I am very satisfied with this vehicle. Charging success on your own wallbox with 22A three-phase power. On the way I use fast charging stations and am happy that after visiting the toilet and a cup of coffee more than 80% are available again. The vehicle’s only downside is its pathetic turning circle. There should be an urgent improvement in the next model. Curves and bottlenecks, which I used to master in one go with my Daimler E-Class, often require repeated repositioning. This is beyond annoying. Since the new EV6 also fails here, I will probably look around the market again for a successor vehicle.

    Reply

  6. Space Cadet Green is my absolute dream color. And the Kia E Soul is the best electric car I’ve looked at so far. It’s my dream car. Unfortunately, I didn’t know all the advantages of these electric cars that well and that’s why I decided on his brother the Hyundai Kona Electric a year ago. Today, however, I would buy this KIA E Soul because it is better divided in the interior. Many keys are also easier to reach here than in the Kona.

    Reply

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