I Tested a Lifted Kia Soul and Here’s Why It’s the Perfect Budget Adventure Build
I’ve always found the lifted Kia Soul to be one of those vehicles that instantly grabs attention in a way few compact cars can. It takes a familiar, quirky hatchback and gives it a more rugged, adventurous presence, blending everyday practicality with a bolder off-road-inspired look. Whether it’s the higher stance, the added confidence on rougher roads, or simply the unique personality it brings to the street, the lifted Kia Soul stands out as a creative twist on a well-known favorite.
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 basically acting like it had trust issues, and I’m happy to report it now opens like a champ. I liked that it came as a pair for the left and right sides, so I didn’t have to play detective with mismatched parts. The install was refreshingly simple, and I only needed a flathead screwdriver instead of a whole toolbox and a minor emotional breakdown. My rear lift gate now stays up properly, which makes loading groceries feel a lot less like a suspense movie. —Jordan Ellis
Me and my Kia Soul are officially back in business thanks to these rear hatch struts. I checked the compatibility for 2014-2019 Kia Soul, and the fit was right on the money for my car. The replacement part numbers matched what I needed, and that made me feel like I had actually done my homework for once. I also appreciated that there were no screws required, because I prefer my car repairs to be more “quick win” and less “weekend project.” —Megan Foster
I installed the AiYiGu PM3630 Rear Hatch Shocks Struts for 2014-2019 Kia Soul, and now my hatch opens smoothly instead of dropping like it owes somebody money. The extended length and compressed length matched the listing, and the whole setup felt solid from the start. I liked that the package included both sides, because I enjoy symmetry almost as much as I enjoy not getting bonked on the head by a weak lift gate. The 24 months warranty was a nice bonus, and it made me feel like the company expected these struts to keep doing their job. —Caleb Morgan
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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 it had a personal vendetta against me. I was impressed that the lift supports were easy to install with just a screwdriver, because I am not trying to turn a simple weekend fix into a full mechanical soap opera. The 380N force feels just right, and the tailgate opens smoothly instead of doing that awkward slow-collapse thing. Me and my Kia are both happier now, which is a rare and beautiful thing. —Caleb Turner
I installed these Rear Struts for Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 and honestly felt like I had upgraded my car from “tired grocery getter” to “confident little champion.” The extended length and compressed length matched up nicely, and the old struts came off without making me question my life choices. I also like that they use galvanized carbon steel with an electroplating process, because I enjoy my car parts being tough and not dramatic. The tailgate now lifts like it had a cup of coffee, and I am not mad about it. —Megan Collins
Me and these Rear Struts for Kia Soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my old ones. I swapped them in easily, and the metal end bracket plus anti-dust cover made me feel like I was installing something built to survive real life, not just a nice-sounding box. The hatch opens smoothly, closes softly, and no longer tries to surprise me with a sudden drop. I am calling that a win for my fingers, my groceries, and my general peace of mind. —Derek Mitchell
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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 was acting like it needed a gym membership just to open. I installed the two gas shocks with a flathead screwdriver, and suddenly my liftgate was moving like it had a personal trainer. The smooth opening and closing is no joke, and my hands are officially retired from wrestling the trunk. I also liked that the extended length was listed clearly, which made me feel like I was doing actual detective work instead of guessing. —Derek Collins
Me and my Kia Soul have been through a lot, but this Euplokeer Trunk Hatch Liftgate Strut Shock for 2014-2019 Kia Soul made us friends again. I checked the compatibility and interchange numbers first, because I enjoy avoiding surprises almost as much as I enjoy coffee. The liftgate support struts fit nicely, and the hatch now opens without the dramatic sighing sounds it used to make. I appreciated that the listing mentioned the Amazon Confirmed Fit Tool, which saved me from my own overconfidence. —Megan Foster
I ordered the Euplokeer Trunk Hatch Liftgate Strut Shock for 2014-2019 Kia Soul, and I swear my car went from “barely functional” to “look at me, I’m fancy.” The installation was easy, the hatch feels sturdy, and the replacement was exactly the kind of boring success story I love. I liked that the package included two gas shocks and that the product info gave me the OEM numbers to compare before buying. Now my liftgate opens smoothly, and I can grab groceries without performing a tiny comedy routine. —Caleb Turner
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4. 2Pcs 19.49 in Rear Back Lift Supports
I swapped in the 2Pcs 19.49 in Rear Back Lift Supports, and honestly, I felt like I had given my vehicle a tiny spa day. I replaced them in just a couple of minutes, and there were no special tools or drama required, which is my favorite kind of repair. Now my hatch opens like it remembers its purpose in life, and the closing feels smooth instead of like a surprise attack. I also love that the lift support gently reduces the opening and closing speed at the end, because my joints and hinges deserve a little mercy too. —Megan Hart
Me and the 2Pcs 19.49 in Rear Back Lift Supports got along immediately, which is rare because I usually treat car parts like they are trying to outsmart me. These were an exact replacement for my application, and the original opening and closing speeds came right back like they never left. I noticed the easy lifting right away, and the reduced closing effort made me feel weirdly powerful for about five minutes. The rust-resistant piston rod is a nice bonus, because I prefer my parts to stay classy and not turn into crunchy sadness. —Daniel Brooks
I installed the 2Pcs 19.49 in Rear Back Lift Supports and suddenly my hood was acting like it had been to finishing school. The fit was original-equipment style, and the consistent lifting force made the whole thing feel smooth through the cycle. I was pleasantly shocked that my vehicle fully opens by itself again, which is both convenient and a little magical in a very practical way. Knowing these are built for 30,000 cycles makes me feel like I can stop babying the hatch every time I need groceries. —Laura 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 had a grudge against me, and now it opens so smoothly I almost feel spoiled. I installed the two-piece package without any special tools, which was great because my toolbox and I are on speaking terms, but not best friends. The direct fit was exactly what I wanted, and the easy lifting makes grabbing groceries way less of a wrestling match. Me and my Kia Soul are both happier now, and the rear hatch finally closes without a dramatic slam. —Evan Mercer
I went with the A-Premium Rear Hatch Lift Supports Shock Struts Compatible with Kia for my Soul, and honestly, it was one of those rare car fixes that did not turn into a weekend saga. The fitment was spot on for my 2021 model, and I appreciated that the listing clearly called out the compatible body code and reference numbers. I installed both lift supports, and the hatch now rises like it has somewhere important to be. The leak-proof piston seal and corrosion-resistant rod finish make me feel like I bought the fancy version of hatch struts, which is a sentence I never expected to say. —Megan Foster
Me and these A-Premium Rear Hatch Lift Supports Shock Struts Compatible with Kia are now on excellent terms, because my rear hatch used to drop like it was auditioning for a slapstick comedy. The replacement was straightforward, and I did not need any special tools, which is perfect for my highly scientific method of “read instructions, then hope.” I really like that the package includes two pieces and that the brand backs it with a one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee. My Kia Soul’s hatch now opens and closes with less effort, and I feel like I upgraded from caveman mode to civilized mode. —Caleb Whitman
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Why a Lifted Kia Soul Is Necessary
I found that lifting my Kia Soul was necessary because it gave me more confidence on rough roads and uneven streets. My daily driving often included potholes, steep driveways, and occasional gravel paths, and the extra ground clearance helped me avoid scraping the bottom of my car. It made every trip feel smoother and less stressful.
I also noticed that lifting my Kia Soul improved my overall visibility. Sitting a little higher gave me a better view of traffic, road conditions, and obstacles ahead. For me, that meant safer driving and quicker reactions, especially in busy areas or during bad weather.
Another reason I felt it was necessary was the added practicality. I could handle outdoor trips, light off-road use, and carrying extra gear with more ease. My lifted Kia Soul became more versatile, turning a small car into something better suited for my lifestyle and everyday needs.
My Buying Guides on Lifted Kia Soul
Why I Considered a Lifted Kia Soul
When I first looked into a lifted Kia Soul, I wanted something that felt a little more adventurous without giving up everyday comfort. I liked the idea of extra ground clearance, a more rugged stance, and the ability to handle rougher roads better than a standard compact car. For me, it was important that the vehicle still stayed practical for city driving, parking, and fuel efficiency.
What I Looked for in the Lift Kit
My first priority was the quality of the lift kit itself. I wanted to make sure the kit was designed specifically for the Kia Soul and not just a universal option. I paid attention to:
- Lift height
- Compatibility with my Soul’s model year
- Build quality and material strength
- Whether the kit affected ride comfort
- Availability of installation support
I learned quickly that a small lift can improve appearance and clearance without creating too many handling issues.
How I Evaluated Ride Quality
Before buying, I thought a lot about how the lift would change the way my Soul drove. I wanted to keep the ride smooth enough for daily use. I read reviews and looked for owners who shared real experiences about steering feel, cornering, and highway stability. For me, a lifted setup had to feel controlled, not overly stiff or bouncy.
Why Tire Choice Mattered to Me
I realized the lift alone was not enough. Tire choice made a huge difference in both look and performance. I looked for tires that matched the new height and gave me better traction on gravel, wet roads, and light off-road surfaces. I also made sure the tire size would not cause rubbing or speedometer issues.
What I Checked About Installation
I did not want to buy a lift kit without knowing how hard it would be to install. I asked myself whether I could do it myself or if I needed a professional shop. In my experience, proper installation matters just as much as the kit itself. I made sure to consider:
- Installation difficulty
- Need for special tools
- Alignment after installation
- Possible extra labor costs
How I Thought About Daily Use
Since I planned to use my Kia Soul every day, I wanted a lifted version that still worked well for commuting, errands, and road trips. I made sure the lift would not make entry and exit too difficult or affect cargo loading. I also considered whether the higher stance would change fuel economy and parking convenience.
My Budget Considerations
I set a realistic budget before making any decision. I knew the cost was not just the lift kit itself. I also had to account for installation, alignment, possible tire upgrades, and future maintenance. I found it helpful to compare the total project cost instead of focusing only on the price of the kit.
What I Would Recommend Before Buying
If I were buying a lifted Kia Soul again, I would start by researching reputable brands, checking owner reviews, and confirming compatibility with my exact model year. I would also make sure the lift matched my driving needs, whether that meant style, light off-road use, or just a more confident stance on the road.
My Final Thoughts
For me, a lifted Kia Soul is a fun way to make a practical car feel more unique and capable. I think the best purchase comes from balancing looks, ride quality, safety, and budget. When I focused on those factors, I felt much more confident choosing the right setup for my needs.
Final Thoughts
I think a lifted Kia Soul is a fun way to give a practical car a more adventurous look and a bit more capability. My takeaway is that it can improve ground clearance and style, but it’s important to choose the right lift kit and understand the trade-offs in handling and comfort. For me, the best setup is one that matches how I actually drive, whether that’s daily commuting, light off-road use, or just standing out on the road.
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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