Can a Kia Soul tow a small trailer? (5 examples)

In this article, we will discuss: Can a Kia Soul tow a small trailer? We will recommend five small trailers that any Kia Soul can tow, and also discuss how the car performs in matters of the engine, towing capacity and equipment. 

Can a Kia Soul tow a small trailer?

A Kia Soul can tow a small trailer, but depending on the car’s manufacture year, it can tow more or less weight. A Kia Soul from 2017, for example, can tow up to 3300 lbs. (1500 kg); the 2019 model has a maximum towing capacity of 2884 lbs (1300 kg), and the newest 2021 model gets to 8900 lbs (4096 kg), as you will see in the table below. 

 The manufacturer doesn’t recommend towing with a Kia Soul older than 2017. The previous models couldn’t tow more than 1000 lbs (453 kg) in any case. 

2021 Kia Soul Towing Capacity

Best 5 small trailers for a Kia Soul

Below we recommend five small trailers that would be perfect for your Kia Soul:

Caretta – The oldest brand on the European market, the Caretta caravan from Turkish manufacturer Basoglu debuted in 2008 taking inspiration from the American style. The range includes four models: the flagship Caretta 1500 version, a 4 × 4 version and two utility vehicles (Cargo and Shop).

Hero Camper – This Danish caravan is characterized by a body height above the standard of the “mini” type, offering at the same time more roominess. The galley, however, remains in the rear, protected by a tailgate. It is equipped with a sink, storage space and a place for a refrigerator. 

Hundred Miles Teardrop trailer – This Toulouse manufacturer started production in 2018 and has since offered its caravans not only for sale but also for hire. The originality of the product lies not only in its construction (aluminum sandwich panel) but also in the particular style with the painted wooden wheel fenders. Another find is the indoor table option.

Micro Teardrop Trailer – This Breton manufacturer offers a catalogue with customization possibilities. The offer is based on the Micro, the Teardrop, the 4 × 4 Prestige, not to mention the Mini, which can be towed by a trike or a sidecar. There are also two new features, in a larger box: two versions for 3 and 4 people, with bunk beds.

My Tiny Camp – Locally purchased wood and aluminum, insulation and paints that are non-aggressive for the body: My Tiny Camp is positioned as an eco-responsible caravan, made in France and that you can maintain yourself. Like its counterparts, it can be equipped with much optional equipment.

Other questions you may be interested in

Can an Impala tow a trailer?

Can I tow a trailer with electric brakes without a brake controller?

Are older travel trailers built better?

Kia Soul: a short review

Plain and simple, there is no way to get confused – you recognize a Soul from miles away and you don’t need to be a car expert to recognize it. It is one of those cars with its own personality.

It impresses us with:

• LED rear skulls
• Tinted windows
• Metallic rear diffuser
• Electronically Folding Heated Side Mirrors
• LED fog lights
• Bulb rear fog lights
• LED headlights
• LED daytime running lights
• Directional lights in side mirrors
• Rails in awning
• 17 “aluminum wheels

The current generation was introduced to our market in the first quarter of 2019. And just under a year away, KIA decided to upgrade the Soul lightly and make a realignment in the process. Since the arrival and success of Seltos, the firm has had to rearrange its pieces.

However, it is the ideal pretext to get behind the wheel of the KIA Soul 2021, after all, we had only been able to handle the electric version. The top version EX Pack is phased out and will now only be available on LX and EX trim levels. In fact, our test unit corresponded to the latter level.

In terms of equipment, everything remains the same, except that some elements such as a 10.25-inch touch screen are released. The interface is very comfortable and intuitive and still maintains compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Another novelty is the gain of LED headlights or the newly designed wheels. Probably the only exterior change to note.

Inside doors, the quality of materials does not disappoint. In fact, it is one of Soul’s strong points. Most plastics are soft and nice. 

Towing with a Kia Soul: Equipment and safety

When it comes to safety on the road, Kia Soul surprises us with a large variety of features:

• Manual air conditioning
• Bluetooth
• Engine start button
• Rearview camera with dynamic lights
• Wireless charger for smartphone
• 4.2 “monitoring cluster
• 10.25 ”multimedia touch screen with AM / FM
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
• Cruce control
• Audio controls behind the wheel
• Electrochromic rearview mirror
• Ambient lights on speakers (8 solid colours + 6 themes)
• Leather-covered gear lever
• Rain sensor
• Audio system with 6 built-in speakers
• Power windows with safety function
• Leather-lined steering wheel
• Front, side and curtain airbags
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS brakes
• ISOFIX anchoring system
• Hill-start assist system (HAC)
• Rear parking sensors
• Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

In terms of equipment, there is no complaint either. But even so, there were some shortcomings that we would have liked to have such as automatic air conditioning and an electric tailgate. Not very tall women will suffer to close it. From then on, you have everything you need.

Space is abundant both forward and back. The driving position, yes it is like a minivan. Tall and comfortable. To highlight the visibility towards the front. Only the trunk, with 433 litres is somewhat small compared to other models.

Kia Soul: Engine and Performance

Soul’s dynamic image is backed up by handling that genuinely surprises. One would think that being a crossover that dispensed with the turbo variant present in the past generation, everything would focus excessively on comfort. And no, luckily it is not.

The set-up results in a good balance. It filters well the imperfections of the road, although it has a slight hardness that, although not uncomfortable, lets us feel what is under the wheels. 

This characteristic is appreciated on the road where, together with well-calibrated steering (in my opinion, one of the best in KIA) it shows surprising stability. It not only attacks the straights well but also the curves. Something that we would not expect in the first instance.

As for the engine, it resorts to a four-cylinder 2.0-litre (Atkinson cycle) of 147 hp and 133 lb-ft, which is a dumbbell with an IVT transmission (CVT). Although it is far from being a hot hatch, it does move with enough ease and agility. Overtaking is an easy task and you will have no problem. In fact, this engine gives it a distinctly travelling vocation. It’s easy to travel miles in this vehicle. Paddles behind the wheel are missed.

• 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
• 147 HP and 133 lb.-ft. of torque
• IVT transmission (8 simulated speeds)
• Front-wheel drive
• Official consumption of 17.46 km/l.

Without a doubt, the KIA Soul is a product more round than square. It boasts a balance between quality feel, equipment, space, performance and style. Even, in some issues, it surpasses its theoretical older sister. 

Perhaps, the style that, although it emulates an SUV, does not make it such and ends up alienating some likely buyers (it is one of the few vehicles easily recognizable as a crossover). 

Do you agree with us? Please let us know if you have any questions or comments about the content!

References

• FAQ: Can A Kia Soul Tow A Teardrop Camper? – AutoacService
• Campers and Trailers for All Kia Models | SylvanSport
• Kia Soul Towing Capacity | CarsGuide