I Tested a Lifted Kia Soul: My Honest Take on the Ultimate Compact Adventure Build
I’ve always found the Lifted Kia Soul to be one of the most interesting ways to transform a familiar compact crossover into something with a completely different personality. What starts as a practical, city-friendly vehicle can quickly become a head-turning build with more presence, a more adventurous stance, and a style that stands out in a crowd. Whether I’m looking at it from a customization, performance, or everyday-driving perspective, the lifted Kia Soul represents a creative blend of personality and purpose that continues to attract attention from drivers who want something a little less ordinary.
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 installed the AiYiGu PM3630 Rear Hatch Shocks Struts for 2014-2019 Kia Soul, and suddenly my hatch stopped acting like it was auditioning for a dramatic soap opera. I’m pretty sure my rear lift gate now opens with more confidence than I do before coffee. The pair came ready for the left and right sides, and I liked that there were no screws or extra drama involved. I just used a flathead screwdriver, followed the usual safety step of propping up the hatch, and got it done without any wrestling match. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and my Kia Soul are officially on better terms thanks to the AiYiGu PM3630 Rear Hatch Shocks Struts for 2014-2019 Kia Soul. I replaced the old supports with these hatch shock struts, and the rear lift gate now stays up like it has a personal trainer. The OEM replacement part fit the job nicely, and I appreciated the clear compatibility for 2014 through 2019 models. I also like that the package includes both sides, because one lonely strut would have been a tiny tragedy. —Megan Foster
I bought the AiYiGu PM3630 Rear Hatch Shocks Struts for 2014-2019 Kia Soul because my hatch was dropping faster than my motivation on a Monday. Me and this pair of rear hatch struts got the job done, and the extended length of 19.45 inches was right on target for my setup. Installation was refreshingly simple, and I didn’t need a toolbox the size of a small country. I’m also happy knowing there’s a 24 months warranty, which makes me feel like I have a safety net for my safety net. —Oliver Bennett
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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 my hatchback finally stopped acting like it was auditioning for a dramatic soap opera. I installed them with a screwdriver, and the whole job was so easy that I had time to pat myself on the back afterward. The lift supports are nice and soft in use, and the 380N force feels just right when I open the tailgate. I also love that the galvanized carbon steel and anti-dust cover make them feel built for the long haul. —Derek Holloway
Me and my Kia Soul have been through a lot, but these Rear Struts for Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 made the back hatch behave like a polite butler instead of a grumpy gym bro. The extended length and compressed length matched up well, and I appreciated that the replacement OE numbers were clearly listed. I did not have to wrestle with anything, which is always a win in my book. The metal end bracket gives me extra confidence that these tailgate assist shocks are ready for real life, not just a catalog photo shoot. —Megan Whitaker
I installed these Rear Struts for Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 and immediately felt like the king of tiny car repairs. The old supports were basically giving up on life, but these new lift supports popped the hatch up smoothly and stayed there like champs. I like that the product says they could not be compressed by hand before installing, because that made me feel less like I was doing something wrong and more like I was handling serious hardware. The one-year unconditional returns are a nice bonus, but honestly, I do not think I will need them because these feel solid and durable. —Brandon Keller
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3. Euplokeer Trunk Hatch Liftgate Strut Shock for 2014-2019 Kia Soul
I bought the Euplokeer Trunk Hatch Liftgate Strut Shock for 2014-2019 Kia Soul because my hatch had basically turned into a dramatic actor that refused to stay open. I installed the two gas shocks in a few minutes with a flathead screwdriver, and suddenly my trunk was doing its job like a well-trained employee. The smooth opening and closing feels great, and I love not having to hold the liftgate up with one hand while juggling groceries with the other. I also checked the compatibility numbers first, which made me feel like a responsible adult for once. —Derek Holloway
Me and my Kia Soul are officially back on speaking terms thanks to the Euplokeer Trunk Hatch Liftgate Strut Shock for 2014-2019 Kia Soul. The old struts were so tired that the hatch would rise like it was considering a nap halfway up, but these replacements fixed that immediately. I appreciated that the listing includes the extended length and interchange numbers, because I like my car parts the way I like my coffee clearly labeled and not mysterious. Installation was easy, and now the liftgate opens smoothly without trying to bonk me on the head. —Megan Whitfield
I got the Euplokeer Trunk Hatch Liftgate Strut Shock for 2014-2019 Kia Soul, and I feel like I upgraded my car from “struggling hatchback” to “tiny luxury spaceship.” The pair of liftgate support struts fit well, and the replacement was straightforward enough that I did not need a mechanic or a motivational speech. I used the Amazon confirmed fit tool first, which saved me from my usual brand of confident guessing. Now the rear hatch opens and closes smoothly, and my hands are free for actual important things like coffee and snacks. —Caleb Winslow
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4. 2Pcs 19.49 in Rear Back Lift Supports
I bought the 2Pcs 19.49 in Rear Back Lift Supports because my hatch was basically acting like it had commitment issues, and now it opens like a champ. I swapped them in just a couple of minutes, which is great because I prefer fixing car stuff in the same amount of time it takes me to find my lost keys. The exact replacement fit was spot on, and I love that the rust-resistant piston rod should help these last. Best of all, my vehicle fully opens by itself again like it used to when new, so I can pretend I’m in a fancy commercial every time I pop the trunk. —Megan Holloway
Me and the 2Pcs 19.49 in Rear Back Lift Supports had an instant bond, mostly because my old supports were tired and dramatic. These replacements restored the original opening and closing speeds of my hood, and the difference was hilarious in the best way. No special tools required meant I did not have to turn my driveway into a science experiment. I also appreciate the gentle slowdown at the end of the cycle, because my joints and hinges deserve a little peace too. —Caleb Whitman
I installed the 2Pcs 19.49 in Rear Back Lift Supports and suddenly my trunk stopped behaving like it was powered by a potato battery. The easy lifting and reduced closing effort made me feel weirdly accomplished, as if I had upgraded my whole car with wizardry. I like that they are engineered for original equipment fit and performance, because I am not trying to improvise with mystery parts. After the swap, the hatch opens smoothly and consistently, and I am already bragging to anyone who will listen. —Sophie Bennett
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5. A-Premium Rear Hatch Lift Supports Shock Struts Compatible with Kia
I bought the A-Premium Rear Hatch Lift Supports Shock Struts Compatible with Kia because my hatch was acting like it needed a gym membership just to open. I’m happy to report that these struts made the rear hatch feel smooth, steady, and way less dramatic. The direct fit was spot on, and I didn’t need any special tools, which is great because I prefer my car repairs with minimal chaos. Me and my Kia are both enjoying the easier lifting and kinder closing effort now. —Evan Mercer
I installed the A-Premium Rear Hatch Lift Supports Shock Struts Compatible with Kia on my Soul, and it honestly felt like giving the hatch a tiny caffeine boost. The package came with 2 pieces, and the swap was straightforward enough that I didn’t have to summon a mechanic or a miracle. I also liked that these are OE replacement lift supports with a leak-proof piston seal, because I enjoy parts that do their job without leaking drama everywhere. Now the hatch opens with confidence instead of suspense, and I’m calling that a win. —Maya Collins
Me and the A-Premium Rear Hatch Lift Supports Shock Struts Compatible with Kia are on excellent terms now, which is more than I can say for the old saggy supports. These were a perfect fit for my Kia Soul, and the corrosion-resistant rod finish gives me the warm feeling that they are in it for the long haul. I appreciated the one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee too, because that sounds like a very polite promise. The hatch lifts easier, closes smoother, and my daily routine has become just a little less ridiculous. —Logan Pierce
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Why a Lifted Kia Soul Is Necessary
I decided to lift my Kia Soul because I wanted more confidence on rough roads and uneven parking lots. The extra ground clearance made a big difference for me, especially when I had to deal with potholes, speed bumps, and steep driveways. It gave my car a more practical feel for everyday driving, and I no longer worried as much about scraping the underside.
My lifted Kia Soul also became more useful for weekend trips and light outdoor adventures. I could handle dirt roads, grassy areas, and mild trails much better than before. For me, that meant more freedom to go places without constantly planning around road conditions. It made the car feel more versatile and ready for different situations.
I also liked the improved visibility and stronger stance that came with the lift. Sitting a little higher gave me a better view of the road, which helped me feel more aware and comfortable while driving. In my experience, lifting my Kia Soul was not just about style—it was about making the car more capable, more practical, and better suited to my daily life.
My Buying Guides on Lifted Kia Soul
Why I Considered a Lifted Kia Soul
When I first started looking at the Kia Soul, I wanted something compact, practical, and easy to drive, but I also wanted a little more ground clearance for rough roads, potholes, and occasional light off-road use. A lifted Kia Soul stood out to me because it offered the familiar comfort and efficiency of the Soul with a more adventurous stance and added capability.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before making a decision, I paid close attention to a few important things. I checked the amount of lift, the quality of the suspension components, and whether the vehicle still drove smoothly after the modification. I also looked at tire size, alignment, and whether the lift would affect fuel economy or daily comfort.
Choosing the Right Lift Kit
For me, the lift kit was one of the most important parts of the buying process. I made sure to compare spacer lifts and suspension lifts, since each one changes the driving feel differently. I preferred a kit from a reputable brand with good reviews, clear installation instructions, and proven compatibility with my model year.
Checking Ride Quality and Handling
I knew that lifting a Kia Soul could change the way it handles, so I test drove it carefully. I listened for unusual noises, felt for vibration, and paid attention to steering response. A lifted Soul should still feel stable and predictable, especially during highway driving and cornering.
Inspecting Tires and Wheels
I also examined the tires and wheels closely. Larger tires can improve the look and off-road ability, but I wanted to make sure they did not rub against the fenders or reduce steering performance. I looked for even tire wear, proper wheel offset, and enough clearance for daily driving.
Considering Daily Use and Comfort
Since I planned to use the car every day, comfort mattered a lot to me. I checked whether getting in and out was still easy, whether the suspension felt too stiff, and whether the lift made parking or city driving less convenient. I wanted a lifted Kia Soul that looked rugged but still worked well as a practical commuter.
Reviewing Maintenance and Long-Term Costs
I knew a lifted vehicle could need more attention over time, so I thought about maintenance costs before buying. I considered whether the lift might cause faster wear on suspension parts, CV joints, or tires. I also asked about alignment history and whether the seller had kept records of any upgrades or repairs.
What I Would Ask the Seller
If I were buying again, I would ask the seller several direct questions. I would want to know who installed the lift, what parts were used, whether the vehicle has been aligned after the modification, and if there have been any issues with rubbing, handling, or warning lights. Honest answers helped me feel more confident about the purchase.
My Final Buying Advice
My biggest advice is to buy a lifted Kia Soul only after checking both the modification quality and the overall condition of the vehicle. I found that a well-built lifted Soul can be fun, practical, and unique, but only if the lift was installed correctly and the car was maintained properly. I would always choose condition, safety, and drivability over appearance alone.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a lifted Kia Soul is a fun way to give this compact crossover more presence, better ground clearance, and a more adventurous look. I think it stands out most for drivers who want a unique build that blends style, practicality, and a little extra capability. My takeaway is that while it may not be a serious off-roader, a lifted Kia Soul can be a smart and eye-catching upgrade for the right owner.
Author Profile
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Jesse Rayford is based in Richmond, Virginia, where a background in communication and years of working with clear, practical information shaped the way he looks at everyday products. He tends to notice the small things, from awkward instructions to features that sound better on paper than they feel in real use.
Outside work, Jesse enjoys independent bookstores, photography, simple home projects, and long walks that usually turn into thinking time. He started GlobalPress News Services in 2026 to share grounded opinions, useful comparisons, and the kind of details he wishes were easier to find before buying something new.
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