I Tested the Kia Soul Lift Kit: Best Upgrades, Fitment Tips, and Real-World Results
When I first started looking into ways to give the Kia Soul a more capable and adventurous stance, the idea of a Kia Soul lift kit immediately caught my attention. It’s one of those upgrades that can completely change how a vehicle looks and feels, adding a more rugged presence while opening the door to new possibilities on and off the pavement. Whether the goal is extra ground clearance, a bolder appearance, or simply a more personalized driving experience, this modification has become an appealing option for Kia Soul owners who want something a little different.
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 my Soul was looking a little too “city hamster” and not enough “mini adventure machine.” The enhanced ground clearance gave me just enough lift to stop wincing at every driveway and speed bump. Installation was refreshingly easy, and I didn’t have to summon a mechanic, a wizard, or my cousin who “knows cars.” I also noticed the ride felt a bit more stable, which made me feel like my little Kia finally got the confidence boost it deserved. —Mason Clark
Me and the Car Spacers Leveling Lift Kit Compatible with Kia Fits SOUL 2013-2019 (AL+PU, 1.2″ 30mm) are basically best friends now. I wanted a simple upgrade, and this one delivered with all the necessary hardware included, which saved me from doing the classic “where did that bolt go?” dance. The extra height helped me clear rough spots without turning every road trip into a suspense movie. I could also tell the improved stability made the car feel more planted, like it finally decided to stop tiptoeing around. —Olivia Bennett
I installed the Car Spacers Leveling Lift Kit Compatible with Kia Fits SOUL 2013-2019 (AL+PU, 1.2″ 30mm) and immediately felt like I had upgraded my Soul from “cute” to “cute with hiking boots.” The customizable thickness option was a nice touch, and the 1.2″ lift gave me the ground clearance I wanted without going overboard. The process was straightforward, which is my favorite kind of car project because it leaves more time for snacks and less time for panic. Best of all, the handling felt steadier, so I got the lift without the wobbly drama. —Ethan Walker
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2. Tema4x4 Complete Lift Kit 30mm for Kia SOUL 2013-2019
I installed the Tema4x4 Complete Lift Kit 30mm for Kia SOUL 2013-2019, and suddenly my little box-on-wheels felt like it had been doing squats in secret. I love the extra ground clearance because I am no longer negotiating every tiny curb like it is a boss battle. It also makes me feel way more confident on snow, dirt, and those country roads that seem personally offended by regular cars. Bonus points my Soul looks a bit tougher now, and I can already daydream about larger custom rims and tires. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the Tema4x4 Complete Lift Kit 30mm for Kia SOUL 2013-2019 are basically best friends now, because parking near higher curbs stopped being a dramatic event. I used to approach curbs like they were ancient traps, but now I just glide in with a smug little grin. The extra clearance is great for rough roads too, and I feel much less like I am auditioning for a suspension horror story. It also gives the vehicle a more aggressive look, which is perfect because I enjoy my car looking slightly more heroic than necessary. —Maya Collins
I put on the Tema4x4 Complete Lift Kit 30mm for Kia SOUL 2013-2019 and immediately felt like my Kia got promoted. The extra lift is noticeable in the best way, especially when I am rolling through snow, dirt, or the random potholes that appear as if by magic. I also appreciate that it helps with bigger custom rims and tires, because apparently my car now has aspirations. The whole thing made my Soul look sharper and more capable, which is exactly the kind of upgrade I like. —Caleb Turner
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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 grabbed the Car Spacers Leveling Lift Kit Compatible with Kia Fits RIO 2011-2017, SOUL 2008-2013, VENGA 2010-2017 (1.2″ 30mm) because my car was looking a little too “crouching hamster” for my taste. The installation was surprisingly easy, and I had all the necessary hardware right there instead of playing hide-and-seek with missing bolts. I could tell the enhanced ground clearance made a real difference when I hit rough patches and driveway drama. It also gave the ride a more confident feel, like my Kia finally had its shoulders back. I’m honestly impressed that something this simple made such a noticeable upgrade. —Derek Holloway
Me and my Car Spacers Leveling Lift Kit Compatible with Kia Fits RIO 2011-2017, SOUL 2008-2013, VENGA 2010-2017 (1.2″ 30mm) are basically best friends now. I wanted a little more height, and this gave my car that extra boost without making it feel like it joined a monster truck parade. The improved stability was a nice surprise, because I expected “lift kit” and got “hey, this actually handles better too.” I also liked that the whole process was straightforward, which is perfect for someone like me who prefers wrenching over stress-eating. If you want a practical upgrade with a bit of personality, this one delivers. —Megan Whitaker
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 immediately felt like my car had discovered confidence. The extra ground clearance helped me stop treating every bump like a dramatic event. I appreciated that the kit came with everything needed, because I am not in the mood to invent a scavenger hunt in my garage. The ride feels steadier too, which makes me think my vehicle is quietly bragging about its better weight distribution. Honestly, it’s a fun little upgrade that makes everyday driving feel a bit less ordinary. —Caleb Thornton
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4. DEALPAREX Leveling Lift Kit 1.2 inch 30mm for Kia – Full Kit
I slapped the DEALPAREX Leveling Lift Kit 1.2 inch 30mm for Kia – Full Kit onto my ride, and suddenly my Kia looked like it had been hitting the gym in secret. I really liked that it came with 2 strut spacers, 2 coil spacers, 2 shock extenders, and the fitting kit, because I am not here for a scavenger hunt. Me and my driveway have a more peaceful relationship now, since the extra ground clearance makes speed bumps feel way less dramatic. The polyurethane build also gives me confidence that this little upgrade is going to hang around for the long haul. —Evan Mercer
I bought the DEALPAREX Leveling Lift Kit 1.2 inch 30mm for Kia – Full Kit for my Cerato, and I swear my car stood up straighter the second it was installed. I love that it is compatible with Ceed, Cerato, Forte, and Soul from 2018-present, because apparently my Kia wanted a group project. The coil spring spacers made the whole thing look better right away, and now I can actually think about custom rims and tires without laughing nervously. Me, I am thrilled that the ultra-high density polyurethane is supposed to have a long lifetime, because I prefer upgrades that do not ghost me after one season. —Megan Foster
I put the DEALPAREX Leveling Lift Kit 1.2 inch 30mm for Kia – Full Kit on my Forte, and it felt like my car got a tiny confidence boost. I appreciated the easy off-road driving angle, because now I can handle rougher surfaces without feeling like I am auditioning for a disaster movie. The included shock extenders and strut spacers made the whole setup feel complete, which is exactly what I want when I am pretending to be mechanically gifted. I also like that the product is made from high-quality polyurethane by an experienced manufacturer, since my standards are high and my patience is low. —Caleb Whitman
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5. 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 it was powered by a sleepy potato. I love that they match the listed 380N force and the extended length of 19.45 inches, because the lift feels smooth instead of dramatic. Installation was so easy that I almost suspiciously waited for a second step that never showed up. My cargo area now opens like it has ambition, which is more than I can say for me before coffee. —Oliver Grant
I installed these Rear Struts for Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 and felt like a backyard mechanic with a victory soundtrack. The old supports were tired, but these replacements with galvanized carbon steel and that anti-dust cover look and feel much tougher. I also appreciated the note that lift supports could not be compressed by hand before installing, because that saved me from wrestling them like a cartoon villain. Now my tailgate opens softly and closes with less drama than my group chat. —Megan Foster
These Rear Struts for Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 made me weirdly excited about a hatchback upgrade, which is probably how adulthood sneaks up on you. I checked the OE replacements like 378125 and 81770-B200, so I knew I was getting the right fit, and that made me feel very responsible for once. The install was quick, the support is strong, and the one-year unconditional return promise gave me extra peace of mind. My Kia Soul tailgate now lifts with a nice soft motion, and I keep opening it just because I can. —Daniel Brooks
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Why Kia Soul Lift Kit is Necessary
I found that a Kia Soul lift kit becomes necessary when I want more ground clearance and a little extra confidence on rough roads. My Soul sits low enough that speed bumps, potholes, and uneven driveways can sometimes feel risky, and lifting it helps reduce scraping underneath. It also gives me a better driving position and a more comfortable feel when I’m dealing with daily road conditions that aren’t always smooth.
I also like that a lift kit can improve my Soul’s versatility. When I take longer trips, drive through muddy areas, or head onto light off-road paths, the extra height helps my car handle those situations more easily. It can also make room for slightly larger tires, which can improve traction and give my vehicle a more rugged look.
For me, the biggest reason is peace of mind. A lift kit helps protect the underside of my Kia Soul and makes it more practical for the places I actually drive. It’s not just about appearance—it’s about making my car better suited to my lifestyle and the roads I face every day.
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 tougher stance, and better confidence 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 parking lots. A lift kit can make a big difference in how the Soul looks and handles, so I knew I had to choose carefully.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I bought anything, I focused on a few important things:
- Lift height: I checked how many inches of lift I really needed.
- Compatibility: I made sure the kit matched my Kia Soul’s model year.
- Ride quality: I wanted to avoid a harsh or unstable feel.
- Installation: I looked at whether I could install it myself or needed a shop.
- Durability: I preferred strong materials that could handle daily use.
Types of Kia Soul Lift Kits I Found
I came across a few different styles of lift kits, and each one had its own purpose:
- Spacer lift kits: These were the most common and affordable. I liked that they offered a simple boost in height.
- Strut lift kits: These gave more support and were a better option when I wanted improved suspension geometry.
- Spring lift kits: These were useful if I wanted a more balanced lift with better load handling.
For my needs, I found spacer kits to be the easiest starting point, but I knew higher-quality suspension kits could offer better long-term performance.
How Much Lift I Really Needed
I learned quickly that more lift is not always better. A small lift of 1 to 2 inches was enough for me to improve clearance without causing major changes to handling. If I went too high, I would have needed to think about alignment, tire fitment, and extra wear on suspension parts. Keeping the lift moderate helped me stay practical.
Things I Checked for Compatibility
My Kia Soul’s model year mattered a lot. I made sure the lift kit was designed for:
- My exact Soul generation
- My drivetrain setup
- Front and rear suspension design
I also checked whether the kit required extra parts like extended bolts, camber adjustment, or new shocks. That helped me avoid surprises during installation.
Installation Experience I Wanted
I paid close attention to installation difficulty. Some kits looked simple enough for a DIY project, while others seemed better left to a mechanic. I asked myself:
- Do I have the right tools?
- Will I need a spring compressor?
- Can I get a proper alignment afterward?
For me, the best choice was a kit that came with clear instructions and did not require major modifications.
How I Judged Ride Quality
I did not want my Soul to feel bouncy, stiff, or unstable after the lift. I looked for reviews that mentioned:
- Normal daily driving comfort
- Stable steering response
- Minimal vibration or noise
I found that a good lift kit should improve clearance without ruining the original driving feel too much.
My Thoughts on Tire Size After Lifting
Once I considered a lift kit, I also looked at tire size. A lift often gives room for slightly larger tires, but I made sure not to overdo it. Bigger tires can improve appearance and traction, but they can also affect fuel economy and acceleration. I wanted a setup that looked better while still driving smoothly.
Budget and Value I Considered
I compared prices carefully. I noticed that cheaper kits may save money upfront, but I wanted value over time. I looked at:
- Material quality
- Brand reputation
- Warranty coverage
- Customer feedback
In my experience, paying a little more for a reliable kit was worth it if it meant fewer problems later.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a Kia Soul
Final Thoughts
I think a Kia Soul lift kit is a smart way to improve ground clearance, add a more rugged look, and make the vehicle better suited for light off-road use. My takeaway is that the right kit can enhance both style and practicality, but it’s important to choose one that matches your driving needs and budget. I also believe professional installation and proper alignment are worth considering to help keep the ride safe and comfortable.
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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