The first-generation Kia Soul (AM) debuted at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Designed by Mike Torpey under Peter Schreyer, its distinctive tall boxy profile offered a unique two-box silhouette with a flat roofline and vertical tailgate. Built on Hyundai-Kia's PB front-wheel-drive platform shared with the Rio, it measured 4,105 mm long with a 2,550 mm wheelbase, providing an upright seating posture and remarkable headroom. This generation of the Soul (AM) was produced from 2008 to 2013 and offered in хэтчбек body styles. Built on an engineered platform, it features strong structural rigidity, refined aerodynamics, and advanced occupant safety engineering.

Powerplants included 1.6-liter Gamma petrol engines (124-138 hp), a 2.0-liter Beta II unit (142-164 hp), and a 1.6-liter CRDi turbo-diesel delivering 128 hp. A 2011 facelift updated the Soul with LED daytime running lights, redesigned bumpers, and modern 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions replacing the older 4-speed and 5-speed gearboxes. The powertrain lineup features modern engines optimized for thermal efficiency, balancing responsive acceleration with economical fuel consumption. Power is delivered through reliable manual or automatic transmissions. Mid-cycle updates introduced modernized LED lighting graphics, premium cabin materials, and enhanced active driver assistance suites.