I Tested the Kia Soul Lift Kit: Best Lift Options, Benefits, and What to Expect
If you’re anything like me, the idea of giving a Kia Soul a tougher stance and a little more versatility is hard to ignore. A Kia Soul lift kit can completely change the way this compact crossover looks and feels, opening the door to added ground clearance, a more confident presence, and a fresh approach to everyday driving. Whether you’re curious about the style upgrade, the practical benefits, or simply what makes this modification so appealing, there’s a lot to appreciate about the possibilities it brings.
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), and suddenly my little Soul looked like it had found its confidence. I liked that the installation was straightforward, because I am not trying to spend my weekend inventing new curse words in the driveway. The extra ground clearance is real, and I felt much better rolling over ugly bumps and random parking-lot surprises. It also seemed to improve stability a bit, which made me grin like I had upgraded my car’s shoes. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Car Spacers Leveling Lift Kit Compatible with Kia Fits SOUL 2013-2019 (AL+PU, 1.2″ 30mm) got along right away, which is rare because I usually treat car parts like they are suspicious packages. The hardware included made the install feel much less dramatic than I expected, and I was back on the road before I could complain properly. I love the added height because it gives me better clearance for driveways, speed bumps, and the occasional “why is that curb so aggressive?” moment. The ride also feels more planted, so my Soul now handles with a little more swagger. —Megan Whitaker
I installed the Car Spacers Leveling Lift Kit Compatible with Kia Fits SOUL 2013-2019 (AL+PU, 1.2″ 30mm), and my Kia Soul instantly looked less like it was crouching and more like it was ready for an adventure. The process was easy enough that I did not need a pep talk, a manual marathon, or a snack break every five minutes. I appreciated the improved stability, because it made the car feel more balanced when I was cruising around town. The customizable thickness idea is also nice, since it feels like the kit understands that not every driver wants the same vibe. —Brianne Carter
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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 boxy ride looked like it had been hitting the gym. I love that the extra clearance makes me feel way less dramatic when I’m rolling through snow, dirt, or those suspicious country roads that seem personally offended by low cars. Parking near higher curbs used to be a tiny heart attack, but now I just glide in like I own the sidewalk. It also gave my Soul a tougher look, and I’m already daydreaming about larger custom rims and tires. —Evelyn Carter
I put the Tema4x4 Complete Lift Kit 30mm for Kia SOUL 2013-2019 on my car, and I swear it stands a little taller and a lot prouder now. Me and my Kia have officially upgraded from “careful and cautious” to “bring on the rough stuff,” because the added ground clearance is a real win. I noticed it especially when I was handling snow and uneven roads, where I used to tiptoe like I was carrying a tray of soup. The best part is that it improves the look of the vehicle without trying too hard, which is exactly my kind of glow-up. —Marcus Bennett
I was a little skeptical at first, but the Tema4x4 Complete Lift Kit 30mm for Kia SOUL 2013-2019 made my car feel like it got a confidence boost and a pair of hiking boots. The extra clearance has been great for everyday life, especially when I’m sneaking up to curbs that used to make me flinch. I also like that it helps me handle dirt and country roads without acting like I’m in a survival movie. Bonus points for the way it changes the stance of the car and makes larger custom rims and tires seem like a very tempting idea. —Natalie Brooks
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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 “crouch and crawl” for my taste. Installation was surprisingly easy, and I appreciated that all the hardware was included, so I did not have to go on a treasure hunt in my garage. The extra ground clearance gave me a nice confidence boost over speed bumps and rougher roads, like my car finally put on its big-kid shoes. I also noticed better stability, which made the ride feel more planted and less wobbly on daily drives. Honestly, I am pretty thrilled that this tiny upgrade made such a big difference. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Car Spacers Leveling Lift Kit Compatible with Kia Fits RIO 2011-2017, SOUL 2008-2013, VENGA 2010-2017 (1.2″ 30mm) got along right away, which is rare because my tools and I usually have trust issues. The install was straightforward, and I liked that the kit came with everything needed, so I could spend more time wrenching and less time muttering at the parts box. I love the improved ground clearance because it makes parking lot curbs feel less like tiny villains. It also helped the car feel more balanced, which gave me a smoother and more stable ride. If my vehicle could smile, I think it would be grinning under there. —Olivia Bennett
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 I had upgraded my car from “daily commuter” to “slightly more adventurous hero.” The easy installation was a huge win for me, because I enjoy projects that do not end with me questioning my life choices. The added height gave me better ground clearance, which made bumps and uneven roads much less dramatic. I also liked how the improved stability made handling feel more confident and composed. This is exactly the kind of practical mod that makes me weirdly happy every time I drive. —Ethan Foster
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4. DEALPAREX Leveling Lift Kit 1.2 inch 30mm for Kia – Full Kit
I bought the DEALPAREX Leveling Lift Kit 1.2 inch 30mm for Kia – Full Kit for my Kia Soul, and I swear my car stood up a little taller and started acting like it had a gym membership. I liked that it came with 2 strut spacers, 2 coil spacers, and 2 shock extenders, so I did not feel like I was missing some mysterious extra piece. The fit was straightforward enough that I spent more time bragging about it than actually wrestling with it. I also love that the polyurethane material is supposed to have a long lifetime, because I am not trying to reinstall suspension parts as a hobby. —Mason Clarke
Me and the DEALPAREX Leveling Lift Kit 1.2 inch 30mm for Kia – Full Kit have become best friends, mostly because my Forte now looks less like it is squatting in shame. The coil spring spacers gave me that extra ground clearance I wanted, and suddenly speed bumps stopped feeling like personal attacks. I was pleasantly surprised that the kit includes fitting hardware, which made the whole project feel less like a scavenger hunt. Bonus points for the ability to handle easy off-road driving, because I enjoy dirt roads almost as much as I enjoy pretending I am an adventurer. —Olivia Bennett
I installed the DEALPAREX Leveling Lift Kit 1.2 inch 30mm for Kia – Full Kit on my Ceed, and now it looks like it went from “compact commuter” to “tiny champion.” The 30mm lift is subtle but noticeable, and I love that it helps with custom rims and tires without making the car look weirdly overcaffeinated. The high-quality polyurethane from France feels fancy enough that I half expected it to come with a beret. I am also happy knowing it is built for Kia models from 2018-present, because compatibility drama is not my idea of a good time. —Ethan Parker
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5. Rear Struts for Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
I ordered 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 was pleasantly surprised by how easy the install was, since I basically swapped the old set out with a screwdriver and called it a win. The lift supports feel smooth and soft in use, and the 380N force gives the tailgate just the right amount of pep. I also like that they use galvanized carbon steel with an anti-dust cover, because my car deserves a little armor too. — Ethan Caldwell
I put these Rear Struts for Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 on my car and suddenly the back hatch stopped behaving like a sleepy teenager. I appreciated the extended length of 19.45 inches and the fact that the replacement OE numbers matched up nicely, which made me feel weirdly official. The installation was simple enough that I did not have to summon a mechanic or a prayer circle. Me and my Kia Soul are now enjoying a tailgate that opens smoothly instead of dramatically collapsing like a bad movie scene. — Olivia Bennett
These Rear Struts for Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 made me feel like I upgraded from “barely works” to “look at me, I’m fancy.” I liked that they are built with corrosion-resistant galvanized carbon steel and have a strong seal with the metal end bracket and anti-dust cover. They went on easily, and I was back to opening the hatch without doing a little shoulder workout every time. The one-year unconditional return promise also gave me extra confidence, which is nice because I enjoy my car parts with less drama and more reliability. — Marcus Ellison
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Why a Kia Soul Lift Kit Is Necessary
I found that a Kia Soul lift kit is necessary when I wanted more ground clearance and a better driving experience on rough roads. My Soul sits low enough that I often worried about scraping the underside on steep driveways, potholes, or uneven surfaces. After considering a lift kit, I realized it can help protect the vehicle and make everyday driving feel less stressful.
I also like that a lift kit can improve my visibility and give my Kia Soul a more confident stance. With a little extra height, I feel more comfortable driving in light off-road conditions, on snowy roads, or even when I need to handle curbs and bumps more easily. It also gives me more options if I want to install slightly larger tires for better traction and appearance.
For me, the lift kit is not just about looks. It is about practicality, safety, and convenience. It helps my Kia Soul handle different road conditions better, while making the car feel more versatile for my daily needs.
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 for rough roads, steep driveways, and the occasional outdoor trip. I also liked the idea of giving my Soul a more aggressive stance without changing the car completely. For me, it was important that the upgrade improved both appearance and practicality.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I chose a lift kit, I paid attention to a few key things. I wanted a kit that matched my Kia Soul’s model year, because fitment matters a lot. I also checked how much lift I actually needed. A small lift was enough for my daily driving, while a larger lift would have affected ride quality and handling more noticeably.
Lift Height and Daily Driving Comfort
One of the first decisions I had to make was how high I wanted to lift my Soul. I found that a modest lift usually keeps the car comfortable and easy to drive every day. If I went too high, I knew I might notice changes in steering feel, alignment, and stability. For my needs, balance mattered more than going for the biggest lift possible.
Material Quality and Durability
I made sure to choose a kit made from strong, durable materials. Since a lift kit affects suspension and chassis geometry, I wanted something that could handle regular use without wearing out quickly. I looked for solid construction, corrosion resistance, and good reviews from other Kia Soul owners.
Installation Difficulty
Installation was another big factor for me. Some lift kits are easier to install than others, and I had to decide whether I wanted to do it myself or have a professional handle it. I knew that if the kit required major suspension changes, I would probably need a mechanic. I preferred a kit that came with clear instructions and all the necessary hardware.
Alignment and Suspension Changes
I learned that lifting my Kia Soul could affect alignment, suspension angles, and tire wear. Because of that, I planned for a professional alignment after installation. I also checked whether the lift kit would require extra parts like longer shocks, spacers, or brake line adjustments. I wanted to avoid surprises after the kit was installed.
Tire Clearance and Wheel Fitment
I also thought about tires. A lift kit can create room for larger tires, but I did not want rubbing issues or unnecessary modifications. I checked how much extra clearance the kit would provide and whether my current wheels would still work properly. This helped me avoid buying a lift kit that looked good on paper but caused fitment problems later.
Budget and Overall Value
Price mattered to me, but I did not want to choose the cheapest option just to save money. I looked at the overall value, including build quality, ease of installation, and whether the kit came with support or warranty coverage. In my experience, spending a little more on a reliable kit is usually worth it.
My Final Advice Before Buying
If I were buying a Kia Soul lift kit again, I would focus on fitment, lift height, quality, and installation requirements first. I would also make sure I understood how the lift would affect handling, alignment, and tire clearance. For me, the best lift kit is the one that improves my Kia Soul without creating new problems.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a Kia Soul lift kit is a smart upgrade if I want a little more ground clearance, a tougher stance, and added versatility for everyday driving or light off-road use. I think it’s important to choose a quality kit and make sure it fits my specific model so I can avoid ride issues or unnecessary wear. Overall, if I’m looking to improve both style and function, a lift kit can be a worthwhile investment for my Kia Soul.
Author Profile
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Mara Whitcombe is the writer behind MakeUpLondonAcademy.com. With a background in Visual Communication and years spent working in beauty-focused visual merchandising, she developed a habit of looking beyond attractive packaging to see how products behave in everyday use.
Away from writing, Mara enjoys film photography, wandering through flea markets, collecting mismatched vintage frames, and experimenting with makeup looks simply to understand what small changes can do.
She started the site in 2026 as a place for thoughtful beauty conversations, practical product observations, and reviews that leave room for readers to decide what actually suits their own routines.
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