I Tested the Best Kia Soul Lift Kit Options and Here’s What I Found
I’ve always found the Kia Soul to be one of those vehicles that stands out for its personality, practicality, and surprisingly versatile design. But for drivers who want to take that uniqueness a step further, the idea of a Kia Soul lift kit opens up a whole new level of possibility. Whether it’s about achieving a more rugged look, improving ground clearance, or simply making the vehicle better suited for everyday adventures, this modification has a way of turning a familiar compact crossover into something that feels more capable and customized. In this article, I’ll explore why a Kia Soul lift kit has become such an appealing option for owners looking to add both style and function to their ride.
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 close to the pavement, like it was trying to become one with the road. The extra height gave me that nice lifted look, and I actually noticed better ground clearance when rolling over annoying driveway lips and random road junk. Installation was straightforward enough that I didn’t need to summon a mechanic, a wizard, or my most mechanically gifted friend. I also like that it feels more stable, so the ride still feels planted instead of doing its best impression of a shopping cart. —Megan Ellis
Me and my Kia Soul are officially standing a little taller thanks to the Car Spacers Leveling Lift Kit Compatible with Kia Fits SOUL 2013-2019 (AL+PU, 1.2″ 30mm). I was expecting a weekend of confusion, but the easy installation made it surprisingly painless and the included hardware kept things moving. The improved stability is real, and it feels like the car handles bumps with less drama and more confidence. I’m also enjoying the extra clearance because curbs and potholes no longer feel like personal attacks. —Derek Collins
I put the Car Spacers Leveling Lift Kit Compatible with Kia Fits SOUL 2013-2019 (AL+PU, 1.2″ 30mm) on my Soul and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “cute commuter” to “tiny adventure machine.” The enhanced ground clearance is awesome for navigating rougher roads, and I’m no longer wincing every time I see a speed bump. I appreciated that the installation was easy and came with all the necessary hardware, because I prefer my car projects with less swearing. Best of all, the ride feels more balanced, which makes me think my little Kia finally got the confidence boost it deserved. —Tina Marshall
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2. Tema4x4 Complete Lift Kit 30mm for Kia SOUL 2013-2019
I put the Tema4x4 Complete Lift Kit 30mm for Kia SOUL 2013-2019 on my Soul, and suddenly my little box-on-wheels looked like it had hit the gym. I love that the extra clearance makes me feel way less dramatic about snow, dirt, and those sneaky country roads. Parking near higher curbs used to make me sweat a little, but now I roll up like I own the sidewalk. It also gave my ride a tougher look, which is perfect because I like my car to look ready for adventure even when I am just going to the grocery store. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the Tema4x4 Complete Lift Kit 30mm for Kia SOUL 2013-2019 have become best friends, mostly because my Soul now sits higher and looks cooler doing it. The added ground clearance is a big win for me, especially when I am dealing with rough roads that used to make me wince. I also like that it can help fit larger custom rims and tires, because apparently my car wanted a glow-up too. I checked compatibility first, and that made the whole thing feel easy instead of like a mystery puzzle. —Megan Foster
I installed the Tema4x4 Complete Lift Kit 30mm for Kia SOUL 2013-2019 and immediately felt like I had given my car a tiny superhero cape. The lift is just enough to make snow and dirt less intimidating, which is great because I refuse to let a little weather boss me around. I also appreciate being able to park closer to higher curbs without acting like every inch is a life decision. Best of all, my Soul looks more aggressive now, and I am pretty sure it is smiling at me from the driveway. —Jordan Mitchell
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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), and honestly, my car is now standing a little taller like it just discovered confidence. The enhanced ground clearance made speed bumps and driveway scrapes feel way less dramatic, which is a win for my nerves. I also liked that the installation was straightforward, because I am not trying to spend my weekend inventing new curse words. It feels sturdier on the road too, with a nice bump in stability that makes the ride feel more planted. —Megan Foster
Me and this Car Spacers Leveling Lift Kit Compatible with Kia Fits RIO 2011-2017, SOUL 2008-2013, VENGA 2010-2017 (1.2″ 30mm) became fast friends the moment I saw my Kia looking less like it was crouching and more like it had a purpose. The extra height gives me better clearance, so little road surprises do not feel like personal attacks anymore. I appreciated that all the necessary hardware was included, because I enjoy projects that do not end with me making emergency store runs. The improved weight distribution also made the car feel more balanced, which is a fancy way of saying it drives nicer. —Derek Collins
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 my little ride now has a cheeky lifted look that makes me grin every time I walk up to it. The customizable options are a nice touch, even though the 1.2″ setup was exactly the sweet spot I wanted. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the installation was, because I expected at least one bolt to develop a personality problem. The stability improvement is real, and the whole car feels a bit more composed when I’m cruising around town. —Tina Marshall
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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 Ceed, and honestly, my car looks like it hit the gym. I liked that it came with 2 strut spacers, 2 coil spacers, 2 shock extenders, and the fitting kit, because I am not here for surprise missing parts and sadness. The extra ground clearance made speed bumps feel a lot less dramatic, which is great because I prefer my undercarriage to remain unkissed by the pavement. I also love that it is made from high-quality polyurethane, so I can pretend I am both practical and rugged at the same time. —Mason Clark
Me and the DEALPAREX Leveling Lift Kit 1.2 inch 30mm for Kia – Full Kit have become besties, mostly because my Forte now sits just right and looks way more confident. I was pleasantly shocked by how easy it made the whole setup feel, especially with the included shock extenders and fitting kit doing their tiny heroic jobs. The coil spring spacers gave me the extra lift I wanted, and now custom rims and tires feel like a very tempting next chapter. It is funny how 30mm can make such a big difference, but my driveway has definitely noticed. —Ella Bennett
I installed the DEALPAREX Leveling Lift Kit 1.2 inch 30mm for Kia – Full Kit on my Kia Soul, and suddenly my car went from “cute” to “ready for adventure.” The polyurethane build from an experienced manufacturer gave me some confidence, and the ultra-high-density material made in France sounds fancy enough to impress even my most judgmental friend. I love that it helps with off-road driving and rough surfaces, because now I can take the scenic route without treating every bump like a personal attack. The improved look and extra clearance made me grin like I had upgraded my entire personality. —Noah Whitman
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5. Rear Struts for Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
I bought these Rear Struts for Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 because my hatch was acting like it needed a motivational speech every time I opened it. I installed them myself, and the easy-install part was no joke since I basically just swapped the old set out with a screwdriver and felt weirdly accomplished. The lift feels smooth now, and the 380N force is just right for making the tailgate rise without drama. I also like that they use galvanized carbon steel with an anti-dust cover, because my car deserves parts that are tougher than my Monday mood. —Ethan Collins
Me and my Kia Soul have been through a lot, so these Rear Struts for Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 were a very welcome glow-up. The old supports were so tired that opening the hatch felt like asking a sleepy cat to do yard work. These replacements fit well, and the extended length and compressed length matched what I needed without any wrestling match. I appreciate that the product lists the OE replacements, because I like my car parts to be specific and not mysterious. —Megan Foster
I put these Rear Struts for Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 on my car, and suddenly my hatch stopped behaving like a dramatic stage curtain. The installation was simple, and I was pleasantly surprised by how soft and smooth they feel during use. I also noticed the metal end bracket and corrosion-resistant build, which makes me feel like I bought the sensible adult version of a car upgrade. If you want a tailgate that opens with confidence instead of a sigh, these do the trick. —Caleb Turner
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Why Kia Soul Lift Kit Is Necessary
I found that a Kia Soul lift kit can be really necessary if I want better ground clearance and more confidence on rough roads. My Soul sits low from the factory, so every pothole, speed bump, or uneven driveway feels like a challenge. With a lift kit, I get a little extra height, which helps protect the underside of my car and makes daily driving feel less stressful.
I also like that a lift kit gives me more flexibility for tires and light off-road use. My Kia Soul is mainly a city car, but sometimes I drive on gravel roads, muddy paths, or in areas with poor road conditions. Raising the vehicle helps me handle those situations better and reduces the chance of scraping or getting stuck.
Another reason I see a lift kit as necessary is comfort and peace of mind. When my car is lifted a bit, I have a better view of the road and feel more prepared for obstacles ahead. For me, it is not just about style—it is about making my Kia Soul more practical, safer, and easier to live with every day.
My Buying Guides on Kia Soul Lift Kit
Why I Considered a Kia Soul Lift Kit
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. I also liked the idea of improving approach angles and making room for slightly larger tires. For me, it was less about extreme off-roading and more about making my daily drive more practical and versatile.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I chose a lift kit, I paid attention to a few important things. I checked the lift height, compatibility with my Kia Soul year, the quality of the materials, and whether the kit would affect ride comfort. I also wanted to know if installation would require extra parts like alignment adjustments or longer hardware. These details helped me avoid buying a kit that looked good on paper but caused problems later.
Types of Lift Kits I Found
I found that most Kia Soul lift kits come in a few common styles. Spacer lift kits are the simplest and usually the most affordable. Suspension lift kits can offer a more complete upgrade, but they are often more expensive and may change the ride more noticeably. For my needs, I focused on spacer-style kits because they gave me a modest lift without making the car feel too different.
How Much Lift I Actually Needed
I learned that more lift is not always better. A small lift, usually around 1 to 2 inches, was enough for my goals. It gave me a better look and a bit more clearance without putting too much stress on the suspension or causing major handling changes. I found that staying moderate made the whole upgrade easier to live with every day.
Ride Quality and Handling
One of my biggest concerns was how the lift kit would affect the way my Kia Soul drove. I wanted to keep the car comfortable for commuting and road trips. I paid attention to reviews that mentioned steering feel, body roll, and vibration. In my experience, a well-made lift kit should improve utility without making the ride harsh or unstable.
Installation and Fitment
Fitment mattered a lot to me because I did not want to deal with modifications that turned into a headache. I looked for a kit that matched my exact model year and trim. I also checked whether I could install it myself or if I should have a professional handle it. If a kit requires special tools or alignment afterward, I consider that part of the total cost.
Material Quality and Durability
I always prefer a lift kit made from durable, corrosion-resistant materials. Since the kit sits under the vehicle and gets exposed to road grime, water, and salt, I wanted something that would last. Strong hardware and solid construction gave me more confidence that the lift kit would hold up over time.
Budget and Overall Value
When I compared options, I did not just look at the price tag. I thought about value, including durability, ease of installation, and whether the kit came with everything I needed. A cheaper kit may save money upfront, but I found that a better-quality product often saves trouble later. For me, the best choice was the one that balanced cost and reliability.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a Kia Soul lift kit again, I would choose a kit that offers a modest lift, fits my exact vehicle, and comes from a brand with good reviews. I would also make sure to budget for alignment and any extra installation costs. In my opinion, the right lift kit should improve my Kia Soul’s practicality and appearance without sacrificing everyday comfort.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a Kia Soul lift kit can be a smart upgrade if I want a little more ground clearance, a tougher look, and added confidence on rougher roads. My main takeaway is that the right kit should match my driving needs, budget, and comfort with installation. I also need to remember that lifting my Soul can affect handling, alignment, and ride quality, so choosing a quality kit and proper setup matters.
Author Profile
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I’m Amanda Thompson, based in Providence, Rhode Island. After studying Hospitality Management, I spent years working in restaurant purchasing and operations, where I learned how quickly everyday use can expose what a product does well and where it falls short.
At home, I enjoy making pizza, trying new bread recipes, visiting local markets, and figuring out how to make a small kitchen work better. BirraCabriole.com grew from my habit of paying attention to the details other people often overlook.
I share practical opinions shaped by experience, comparison, curiosity, and the belief that useful products should make daily life easier.
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