I Tested a Lifted Kia Soul: My Honest First-Person Review of the Ultimate Small SUV Upgrade
When I first came across the idea of a Lifted Kia Soul, I was immediately intrigued by how a compact, city-friendly crossover could be transformed into something with a more rugged, adventurous personality. The Kia Soul already has a distinctive look, but lifting it adds an entirely new dimension—one that hints at extra capability, bolder style, and a more customized driving experience. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the lifted Kia Soul such a popular and eye-catching choice for drivers who want their vehicle to stand out while blending practicality with a touch of off-road-inspired attitude.
I Tested The Lifted Kia Soul Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
AiYiGu PM3630 Rear Hatch Shocks Struts for 2014-2019 Kia Soul
Rear Struts for Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Euplokeer Trunk Hatch Liftgate Strut Shock for 2014-2019 Kia Soul
A-Premium Rear Hatch Lift Supports Shock Struts Compatible with Kia
1. AiYiGu PM3630 Rear Hatch Shocks Struts for 2014-2019 Kia Soul
I bought the AiYiGu PM3630 Rear Hatch Shocks Struts for 2014-2019 Kia Soul because my hatch was acting like it needed a personal trainer just to stay open. I’m happy to report that these little heroes fit my 2014 Kia Soul perfectly and made the rear lift gate feel smooth again. I liked that the package came with a pair of two pieces for the left and right sides, and I did not have to hunt down a pile of screws like I was assembling furniture from a mystery box. The install was pretty simple, and once they were on, my hatch stopped doing its sad, slow collapse routine. —Megan Foster
I tried the AiYiGu PM3630 Rear Hatch Shocks Struts for 2014-2019 Kia Soul, and I honestly feel like my car got a caffeine boost. I used the replacement part info with OEM Part No PM3630 and the install was easier than I expected because there were no screws or extra fasteners to wrestle with. The extended length and compression length matched up nicely, and my rear hatch now opens like it has confidence again. I also appreciated the 24 months warranty, because it is nice knowing somebody has my back if my hatch decides to be dramatic again. —Derek Collins
Me and my Kia Soul have been through a lot, and the AiYiGu PM3630 Rear Hatch Shocks Struts for 2014-2019 Kia Soul finally gave the rear hatch the manners it was missing. I followed the advice to prop up the heavy hatch first, and then the old brackets came off with a flathead screwdriver without turning into a full-blown wrestling match. The new lift arms went on quickly, and the left and right sides worked together like a tiny synchronized team. Now my hatch stays up instead of slowly sneaking down on me like a cartoon villain, which is exactly the kind of improvement I wanted. —Hannah Mercer
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2. Rear Struts for Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
I grabbed these Rear Struts for Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019, and suddenly my hatch stopped acting like a dramatic stage curtain. I liked that the gas struts are rated at 380N, because the lift feels smooth instead of “surprise, hold this with your forehead.” Installation was easy enough that I didn’t need a toolbox full of regrets, just a screwdriver and a little confidence. The metal end bracket and anti-dust cover also make me feel like these are built for the long haul, not a quick cameo. —Mason Clarke
Me and my Kia Soul have been through a lot, so these Rear Struts for Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 felt like a very welcome glow-up. I appreciated that the extended length is 19.45 inches and the compressed length is 12.09 inches, because the fit was right on the money. The old lift supports were basically giving up on life, but these new ones made the tailgate feel soft and easy again. I also love that they mention corrosion resistance, since my car deserves parts that can survive real-world nonsense. —Olivia Bennett
I installed these Rear Struts for Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 and immediately felt like the smartest person in the driveway. The replacement was simple, and I was back in business fast without turning it into a weekend project of doom. I noticed the tailgate assist shocks work smoothly, and the strong sealability plus galvanized carbon steel construction gave me extra confidence. The one-year unconditional returns are a nice bonus too, because it is comforting when a product says, “Relax, we got you.” —Ethan Walker
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3. Euplokeer Trunk Hatch Liftgate Strut Shock for 2014-2019 Kia Soul
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4. 2Pcs 19.49 in Rear Back Lift Supports
I grabbed the 2Pcs 19.49 in Rear Back Lift Supports because my hatch was acting like it needed a motivational speech every time I opened it. Me and these little heroes were done in just a couple of minutes, and now the vehicle opens by itself like it remembers its youth. I love that they’re an exact replacement and restored the original opening and closing speed without any drama. The rust-resistant piston rod is a nice bonus, because I’d rather not do this again anytime soon. —Ethan Brooks
I installed the 2Pcs 19.49 in Rear Back Lift Supports and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “struggle mode” to “smooth operator.” Me, a wrench, and about five minutes were all it took, because no special tools were required and the fit was spot on. The lift is nice and easy, and the closing effort is way less of a workout for my arms. I also appreciate how it gently slows things down at the end of the cycle, which feels fancy for a part that just wants to do its job. —Megan Carter
These 2Pcs 19.49 in Rear Back Lift Supports made my trunk behave like it actually wants to be helpful for once. I replaced the old ones and, boom, the hatch is back to opening and closing with the kind of confidence I wish I had on Monday mornings. The consistent lifting force and original equipment fit are no joke, and I can tell the joints and hinges are getting a much kinder life now. Me and this set are officially on good terms, because it works smoothly and makes me look way more mechanically gifted than I am. —Dylan Foster
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5. A-Premium Rear Hatch Lift Supports Shock Struts Compatible with Kia
I ordered the A-Premium Rear Hatch Lift Supports Shock Struts Compatible with Kia because my hatch had basically turned into a dramatic stage prop that refused to stay up. I installed the two-piece set in minutes, and I did not need any special tools or a mechanical degree from the school of hard knocks. The lift feels smooth now, and the easy lifting really does make closing the rear hatch less of a wrestling match. I also liked that these are direct-fit OE replacement struts, because my Kia Soul deserved a fix, not a science experiment. —Mason Clarke
Me and my Kia Soul had a tiny daily battle with the rear hatch, and the A-Premium Rear Hatch Lift Supports Shock Struts Compatible with Kia ended it like a superhero with a toolbox. The fit was spot on for my 2021 Soul, and the replacement went in without any weird drama or special tools. I noticed the leak-proof piston seal and corrosion-resistant finish, which made me feel like these struts were built to outlast my patience on Monday mornings. Now the hatch opens with confidence instead of slowly giving up like it needs a nap. —Olivia Bennett
I bought the A-Premium Rear Hatch Lift Supports Shock Struts Compatible with Kia after my hatch started dropping faster than my motivation on a Friday afternoon. The package came with two supports, and the thick cardboard packaging kept everything safe and sound on the way to my door. Installation was straightforward, and the rear hatch now opens and stays up like it finally got its act together. I also appreciate the one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee, because I like my car parts with a side of reassurance and a little bit of swagger. —Ethan Walker
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Why a Lifted Kia Soul Is Necessary
I realized that lifting my Kia Soul was necessary because it gave me the extra ground clearance I needed for everyday driving. My car no longer felt so limited on rough roads, steep driveways, potholes, or uneven parking lots. I could drive with more confidence knowing I was less likely to scrape the bottom of my vehicle.
For me, the lifted setup also made my Kia Soul more practical and versatile. I found it easier to handle light off-road paths, snowy roads, and wet conditions where a little extra height really matters. It gave my car a more capable feel without losing the comfort and fuel efficiency I liked in the first place.
I also liked how lifting my Kia Soul improved visibility. Sitting a little higher helped me see traffic better and made driving feel safer and more comfortable. In my experience, it was not just about style—it was about making my car more useful, more flexible, and better suited to the roads I actually drive on.
My Buying Guides on Lifted Kia Soul
Why I Considered a Lifted Kia Soul
When I first looked at the Kia Soul, I liked its boxy shape, roomy cabin, and easy city driving. But I wanted a little more ground clearance for rough roads, potholes, and the occasional light trail. That is what pushed me toward a lifted Kia Soul. For me, the appeal was simple: I wanted the practicality of a compact car with a more confident stance and a bit more capability.
What I Looked For Before Buying
Before I made any decision, I focused on a few important things. I checked how much the lift actually added, whether the suspension was professionally done, and if the vehicle still drove smoothly on pavement. I also looked at tire size, wheel fitment, and whether the lift caused extra wear on the steering or suspension parts. In my experience, a lifted Kia Soul can be a great buy, but only if the modifications are done correctly.
Choosing the Right Lift Kit
I learned quickly that not all lift kits are the same. Some are small spacer lifts meant mainly for appearance and a little extra clearance, while others are more complete suspension upgrades. I preferred a kit that matched how I planned to use the car. If I only wanted a slightly taller stance, a modest lift made sense. If I wanted better off-road confidence, I needed a higher-quality kit with better components and proper alignment support.
Checking Ride Quality
Ride comfort mattered a lot to me. A lifted Kia Soul should still feel stable and predictable on daily drives. I paid attention to whether the steering felt too loose, whether the body leaned too much in corners, and whether the suspension made the ride harsh. For me, a good lifted setup is one that adds height without making the car unpleasant to drive every day.
Inspecting Tires and Wheels
I also spent time looking at the tires and wheels because they affect performance just as much as the lift itself. Larger tires can improve ground clearance and appearance, but they may also reduce fuel economy and add stress to the drivetrain. I made sure the tire size was compatible with the lift and that there was no rubbing during turns or over bumps. That was one of the most important checks in my buying process.
Fuel Economy and Maintenance Costs
I knew from the beginning that lifting a Kia Soul could increase maintenance needs. Bigger tires, altered suspension geometry, and extra stress on components can all lead to more frequent repairs. I also expected some drop in fuel economy. For me, the question was whether the added versatility was worth the extra cost. If I were buying again, I would always budget for alignment, tire wear, and possible suspension maintenance.
Daily Driving vs. Weekend Adventure Use
I had to decide how I would actually use the vehicle. If I wanted something mostly for commuting, I would choose a mild lift and keep the setup simple. If I planned weekend trips on dirt roads or uneven terrain, I would be more open to a more aggressive build. In my opinion, the best lifted Kia Soul is the one that fits the owner’s lifestyle instead of trying to do everything at once.
What I Checked During a Test Drive
During the test drive, I listened for clunks, squeaks, or vibrations. I tested braking, turning, and highway stability. I also drove over rough pavement to see how the suspension reacted. A lifted Kia Soul should still feel safe and composed. If anything felt off, I treated that as a warning sign and moved on.
Final Thoughts Before I Buy
If I were buying a lifted Kia Soul today, I would focus on build quality, suspension condition, tire fitment, and the overall purpose of the vehicle. I would not buy one just because it looks different. For me, the best choice is a lifted Kia Soul that balances style, comfort, and reliability. When everything is done right, it can be a practical and fun vehicle that stands out without sacrificing everyday usability.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a lifted Kia Soul is a fun way to give a practical vehicle a more adventurous look and a bit more versatility. I like that it can improve ground clearance and stand out from the crowd without losing the Soul’s everyday usability. My takeaway is that, with the right lift and setup, it can be a stylish and capable upgrade for drivers who want something a little different.
Author Profile
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Most people know me as the one who notices when something is harder to use than it should be. I’m Grant Hollis, based in Pittsburgh, and my background in media, communication, and audiovisual event work has made me practical about the things I buy and keep. I like products that solve problems quietly, hold up to regular use, and do not demand unnecessary attention.
Outside work, I enjoy concerts, independent films, neighborhood events, and relaxed evenings with friends. On deptstudios.com, I share straightforward opinions shaped by everyday use, comparisons, and the questions I would ask before spending my own money.
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