The 2011 Kia Soul + is known for its distinctive boxy design paired with surprising practicality, making it one of the most recognizable compact cars of its era. Introduced as part of the first generation of the Soul, this model stood out in a market dominated by traditional sedans and hatchbacks by offering a taller, more upright shape that maximized interior space and visibility. The Soul quickly gained popularity among younger buyers and urban drivers who wanted something practical, affordable, and visually different from the norm. Sitting in the middle of the lineup, the Soul + trim struck a balance between value and added comfort. It built upon the base model by including 16-inch alloy wheels, upgraded cloth upholstery, fog lights, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. Power windows, power locks, keyless entry, air conditioning, and cruise control all came standard. On the technology side, the + trim featured Bluetooth hands-free calling, a six-speaker audio system with USB and auxiliary inputs, and iPod integration, giving it a more modern feel than many competitors at the time. Higher trims added options like a premium sound system and additional styling accents, but the + trim delivered the most well-rounded feature set for everyday use. Under the hood, the 2011 Kia Soul + is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 142 horsepower and 137 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. This larger engine, compared to the base model, gives the Soul + noticeably better acceleration and confidence in highway driving. Fuel economy remains respectable, with EPA estimates around 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Its upright seating position, tight turning radius, and composed suspension make it easy to maneuver in city environments while still remaining comfortable on longer drives. The 2011 model represents an important point in the Soul’s early history. Kia designed the Soul to appeal to buyers who wanted crossover-like practicality without the size or cost of a true SUV. Its tall roofline, wide-opening doors, and flexible cargo area made it especially useful for daily errands, commuting, and light hauling. This generation also came standard with stability control, traction control, and multiple airbags, contributing to solid safety credentials for a compact vehicle of its time. In the compact hatchback segment, the Kia Soul + competed with vehicles like the Nissan Cube, Scion xD, and Mazda3 hatchback. What set the Soul apart was its combination of interior space, unique styling, and strong value proposition, backed by Kia’s long factory warranty when new. The + trim, in particular, appealed to buyers who wanted more power and features without moving into the highest price range. For buyers looking for a practical, reliable, and character-filled compact car, the 2011 Kia Soul + remains an appealing option. It offers a roomy interior, useful features, and a proven drivetrain in a package that still feels fun and different. Whether used as a daily commuter, a first car, or a versatile city runabout, the Soul + continues to stand out as a smart and practical choice in the used car market.