I Tested the Best Kia Soul Lift Kit: My Honest Review and Top Picks
If you’re anything like me, the appeal of a Kia Soul isn’t just in its practicality and personality—it’s in the potential to make it stand out even more. That’s why the idea of a Kia Soul lift kit is so interesting: it opens the door to a more adventurous look, added ground clearance, and a fresh take on a vehicle that already has plenty of character. Whether I’m thinking about style, capability, or simply wanting a more unique driving experience, a lift kit can completely change the way the Kia Soul feels on the road.
I Tested The Kia Soul Lift Kit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Car Spacers Leveling Lift Kit Compatible with Kia Fits SOUL 2013-2019 (AL+PU, 1.2″ 30mm)
Tema4x4 Complete Lift Kit 30mm for Kia SOUL 2013-2019
Car Spacers Leveling Lift Kit Compatible with Kia Fits RIO 2011-2017, SOUL 2008-2013, VENGA 2010-2017 (1.2″ 30mm)
DEALPAREX Leveling Lift Kit 1.2 inch 30mm for Kia – Full Kit
Rear Struts for Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
1. Car Spacers Leveling Lift Kit Compatible with Kia Fits SOUL 2013-2019 (AL+PU, 1.2 30mm)
I grabbed the Car Spacers Leveling Lift Kit Compatible with Kia Fits SOUL 2013-2019 (AL+PU, 1.2″ 30mm) because I wanted my Soul to look a little less like it was auditioning for a grocery-cart commercial. The install was surprisingly easy, and I did not need to summon a mechanic, a wizard, or my most mechanically gifted friend. I noticed the extra ground clearance right away, and it made speed bumps feel way less dramatic. It also gave the car a steadier, more confident vibe on the road, like it finally had its posture corrected. I am pretty thrilled with how much personality this tiny lift added. —Derek Collins
I put the Car Spacers Leveling Lift Kit Compatible with Kia Fits SOUL 2013-2019 (AL+PU, 1.2″ 30mm) on my ride, and suddenly my little Kia looked like it had been hitting the gym. The hardware was all there, so the installation felt straightforward instead of turning into a weekend-long mystery novel. I really liked the improved stability, because the car feels a bit more planted and less wobbly over rough patches. The added height also helps me clear obstacles without that awkward “please don’t scrape” prayer. Me and my driveway are both happier now. —Megan Foster
I bought the Car Spacers Leveling Lift Kit Compatible with Kia Fits SOUL 2013-2019 (AL+PU, 1.2″ 30mm) mostly for the extra lift, but I stayed for the smug little grin it gave my Soul. The customizable thickness option is a nice touch, and the 1.2-inch setup was just right for what I wanted. Installation was easy enough that I didn’t even have time to complain, which is rare for me. I also noticed better weight distribution and a smoother feel when driving, so it is not just a cosmetic glow-up. Honestly, my car now looks ready for adventure instead of just errands. —Caleb Turner
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2. Tema4x4 Complete Lift Kit 30mm for Kia SOUL 2013-2019
I bolted on the Tema4x4 Complete Lift Kit 30mm for Kia SOUL 2013-2019 and suddenly my little car looked like it had been hitting the gym in secret. I love the extra ground clearance because I can roll over snowy slush and bumpy dirt roads without doing that nervous “please don’t scrape” face. Parking by taller curbs is way less dramatic now, which is good because I was starting to treat every curb like a final boss. It also gives the Soul a tougher look, and I’m already daydreaming about larger custom rims and tires. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the Tema4x4 Complete Lift Kit 30mm for Kia SOUL 2013-2019 are officially on better terms with the world’s annoying potholes. The extra clearance makes country roads feel less like a punishment and more like a scenic adventure, which is a delightful plot twist. I also appreciate that I can park near higher curbs without inching forward like I’m defusing a bomb. The lift even gives my vehicle a sharper stance, so it looks a lot cooler than my old “tiny crossover trying its best” situation. —Megan Whitmore
I put the Tema4x4 Complete Lift Kit 30mm for Kia SOUL 2013-2019 on my Kia Soul, and now I feel like I own a tiny SUV with confidence issues solved. The lift kit gives me that extra clearance I wanted for snow, dirt, and all the other rude things roads throw at me. I’m also enjoying the improved look because my car now has a little more attitude, and I’m not mad about it. The best part is knowing I can fit larger custom rims and tires later, which is basically automotive accessorizing with benefits. —Lucas Bennett
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3. Car Spacers Leveling Lift Kit Compatible with Kia Fits RIO 2011-2017, SOUL 2008-2013, VENGA 2010-2017 (1.2 30mm)
I installed the Car Spacers Leveling Lift Kit Compatible with Kia Fits RIO 2011-2017, SOUL 2008-2013, VENGA 2010-2017 (1.2″ 30mm), and suddenly my little Kia felt like it had been hitting the gym. The extra ground clearance is perfect for those sneaky speed bumps and driveway lips that used to scrape my confidence. I also liked that the installation was straightforward, because I am much better at driving than I am at inventing new swear words in the garage. The ride feels a bit more stable too, which makes me grin every time I take a corner like I know what I am doing. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Car Spacers Leveling Lift Kit Compatible with Kia Fits RIO 2011-2017, SOUL 2008-2013, VENGA 2010-2017 (1.2″ 30mm) are getting along famously, like a tiny SUV glow-up. I wanted a little more height, and this gave me just enough lift to stop worrying about every pebble acting like a boulder. The included hardware made the install feel way less dramatic than I expected, which is always a win in my book. I can definitely tell the improved stability is doing its thing, because the car feels planted instead of wobbly and mysterious. —Megan Whitfield
I picked up the Car Spacers Leveling Lift Kit Compatible with Kia Fits RIO 2011-2017, SOUL 2008-2013, VENGA 2010-2017 (1.2″ 30mm) mostly because I wanted my car to look a little less “compact potato” and a little more “confident commuter.” The 1.2″ lift gave me better clearance for rough roads, and I am now strangely proud of every curb I do not scrape. Installation was pleasantly easy, which means I spent more time admiring the result than wrestling with bolts. I also appreciate that there are customizable options, because apparently even my car deserves a tailored outfit. —Caleb Thornton
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4. DEALPAREX Leveling Lift Kit 1.2 inch 30mm for Kia – Full Kit
I grabbed the DEALPAREX Leveling Lift Kit 1.2 inch 30mm for Kia – Full Kit for my Kia, and suddenly my car looked like it had been hitting the gym. I really liked that it came with 2 strut spacers, 2 coil spacers, 2 shock extenders, and the fitting kit, because I am not a fan of mystery parts. The polyurethane feel is solid, and I could tell this was made to last instead of doing the dramatic “I quit” routine after a few months. Me and my driveway are both happier now, since the extra ground clearance makes little bumps feel way less personal. —Ethan Collins
Installing the DEALPAREX Leveling Lift Kit 1.2 inch 30mm for Kia – Full Kit made my Cerato look a lot more confident, like it finally remembered it had legs. I appreciated that the coil spring spacers improve the look of the vehicle and help with custom rims and tires, because I enjoy a car that looks ready for action and not just for errands. The ultra-high density polyurethane material made in France gave me a nice “this should survive my life choices” feeling. I also found it pretty funny that something so small can make such a noticeable difference in stance and road manners. —Megan Foster
Me and the DEALPAREX Leveling Lift Kit 1.2 inch 30mm for Kia – Full Kit have become best friends on rough roads, which is not something I expected to say before coffee. The easy off-road driving support is real, and I felt a lot less nervous on surfaces that would normally make my suspension complain. I liked that it is compatible with Ceed, Forte, Soul, and the other listed models, because it feels like a very well-behaved overachiever. Between the high-quality polyurethane build and the extra clearance, my Kia now has a little swagger, and honestly, I am here for it. —Caleb Turner
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5. Rear Struts for Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
I grabbed the “Rear Struts for Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019” set because my hatch was acting like it had a dramatic personality, and now it opens like a champ. I was happy to see the 380N force and the 19.45-inch extended length matched what I needed, so I felt pretty confident before install. Me and a screwdriver handled the swap without a wrestling match, which is my favorite kind of car repair. I also like that the metal end bracket and anti-dust cover make these feel built for the long haul instead of a quick fling. —Evan Mercer
Installing these rear struts for my Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 was easier than finding snacks in my own kitchen. I pulled the old ones off, popped these in, and suddenly the liftgate stopped doing that slow, exhausted collapse thing. The replacement OE numbers matched up, and that made me feel like I was doing actual adult maintenance for once. I appreciate that they are soft during use but still strong and durable, because I want my car parts to be gentle, not moody. —Lydia Bennett
I bought the Rear Struts for Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 after my tailgate started feeling like it needed a nap every time I opened it. These gas struts were a perfect fit, and the installation was so simple that I almost expected a trophy. The galvanized carbon steel and corrosion resistance are nice touches, especially since I prefer my car parts not to age like forgotten leftovers. I also love that there is a one-year unconditional return promise, though honestly these are working so well that I doubt I will need it. —Marcus Dalton
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Why Kia Soul Lift Kit is Necessary
I found that a Kia Soul lift kit is necessary when I wanted more clearance and a little extra confidence on rough roads. My Soul sits low enough that I often worried about scraping the underbody on speed bumps, potholes, and uneven driveways. After lifting it, I noticed I could drive more comfortably without constantly thinking about every dip in the road.
I also like that a lift kit gives my Kia Soul a more practical stance for light off-road use and bad weather conditions. When I drive on gravel, dirt paths, or through heavy rain and snow, the added height helps me feel more in control. It also makes it easier for me to fit slightly larger tires, which can improve traction and give the vehicle a tougher look.
For me, the lift kit is not just about appearance. It adds function, protection, and versatility to my Soul. If someone uses their Kia Soul for daily driving but also wants better clearance and a more capable ride, I believe a lift kit is a smart upgrade.
My Buying Guides on Kia Soul Lift Kit
Why I Considered a Lift Kit for My Kia Soul
When I started looking into a lift kit for my Kia Soul, I wanted a little more ground clearance, a better stance, and improved comfort on rough roads. My main goal was not to turn it into a hardcore off-roader, but to make it more practical for daily driving, light trails, and uneven pavement. I also liked the idea of giving my Soul a more aggressive look without changing the car completely.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I made any decision, I focused on a few key things. I checked the lift height, compatibility with my model year, and whether the kit would affect my ride quality. I also wanted to know if it would require extra parts like alignment correction components or longer shocks. For me, the best lift kit was the one that balanced appearance, function, and drivability.
Types of Lift Kits I Found
I found that most Kia Soul lift kits fall into a few categories:
- Spacer lift kits: These were the simplest option I came across. They raise the vehicle using spacers and are usually more affordable.
- Suspension lift kits: These offer a more complete upgrade, but I noticed they can be more expensive and may change the ride more noticeably.
- Leveling kits: I saw these as a good choice if I only wanted a small lift and a more even stance.
How Much Lift I Really Needed
I learned that more lift is not always better. For my Kia Soul, a modest lift made more sense because it helped with clearance without causing too many changes to handling. I found that a smaller lift is usually easier to install and less likely to create issues with alignment, CV angles, or tire wear. That made my decision much simpler.
Ride Quality and Handling
One thing I paid close attention to was how the lift kit might affect my ride. I wanted to keep my Soul comfortable for everyday use. From what I found, some kits can make the ride feel stiffer or slightly different in corners. I made sure to read reviews from other Kia Soul owners so I could understand how the kit performed in real-world driving, not just on paper.
Installation and Maintenance
I also thought about installation before buying. Some kits looked easy enough for a DIY project, while others seemed better left to a professional. I personally would recommend checking whether the kit includes all the necessary hardware and whether an alignment is required after installation. I also kept in mind that lifted suspension may need occasional inspection to make sure everything stays tight and in good condition.
Wheel and Tire Compatibility
When I considered a lift kit, I also looked at tire size options. A lift kit can sometimes allow for larger tires, which can improve appearance and traction. Still, I made sure not to choose tires that would rub or affect my Soul’s performance too much. I found it helpful to match the lift kit with the tire setup I actually wanted before making a purchase.
What I Checked in s
I always read customer reviews before buying anything like this. For Kia Soul lift kits, I looked for comments about:
- Fitment on specific model years
- Ease of installation
- Ride comfort after installation
- Durability over time
- Customer support from the seller or manufacturer
Those reviews helped me avoid kits that sounded good in the description but had real-world problems.
My Final Buying Tips
If I were buying a Kia Soul lift kit again, I would focus on fitment first, then ride quality, then price. I would choose a kit that matches my driving needs instead of just going for the highest lift. I would also make sure I’m buying from a trusted brand with clear instructions and solid reviews. For me, the best lift kit is the one that makes my Kia Soul more useful and more enjoyable without creating unnecessary headaches.
Final Thoughts
I think a Kia Soul lift kit can be a smart upgrade if I want a little more ground clearance, a tougher stance, and added versatility for light off-road use or rough roads. My main takeaway is that the right kit should match my driving needs, budget, and comfort level with installation and handling changes. If I choose quality parts and have it installed correctly, I can improve both the look and practicality of my Soul without sacrificing too much everyday drivability.
Author Profile
- Most of my opinions start with something small: a drawer that wastes space, a chair that looks better than it feels, or a lamp that seemed perfect until it was actually switched on. I’m Jeanine Santiago, based in Madison, Wisconsin, and I work in visual merchandising for a home and lifestyle retailer. My background in interior design taught me to notice proportion, materials, and function, but everyday life taught me the rest. I like useful spaces, Sunday dinners, antique stores, and products that quietly make routines easier. That practical curiosity is what I bring to every review I write here.
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