Coming off its best-ever first-half sales performance in company history, the fun and funky 2014 Soul has received the J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) award for the third straight year in the Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle segment. All new for the 2014 model year, the Soul sold an individual nameplate record 74,999 units in the first half of 2014.

"Since launching in 2009, the Soul has earned a devoted following thanks to its unique blend of attitude, style, technology and value," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of sales and marketing, Kia Motors America (KMA). "Now in its second iteration, the iconic Soul remains true to its roots while adding refinement both inside and out. Taking top honors in its segment for the third year in a row in the J.D. Power APEAL study is further verification that the Soul just keeps getting better."

The J.D. Power APEAL study measures new-vehicle owners' overall satisfaction with their vehicles in the first 90 days of ownership. The results are divided into 10 categories and weighted accordingly: exterior, interior, storage, audio, seats, heating and ventilation, driving dynamics, powertrain, visibility, and fuel economy.