Kia Soul 2022 Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) User Manual
Introduction
The automotive industry has witnessed remarkable advancements in recent years, with cutting-edge technologies transforming the driving experience like never before. One such groundbreaking innovation that has gained significant traction is Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). Kia Motors, a leading automobile manufacturer renowned for its commitment to safety and innovation, has integrated LKA into its iconic Kia Soul model for the year 2023. This introduction of LKA in the Kia Soul not only elevates the driving experience but also demonstrates Kia’s dedication to providing state-of-the-art safety features to its customers.
The core functionality of the Lane Keeping Assist system revolves around a network of sensors and cameras strategically positioned within the vehicle. These sensors constantly scan the road ahead, detecting lane markings and monitoring the Soul’s position within the lane. Through advanced image processing algorithms, the LKA system analyzes the data received from the sensors to determine whether the vehicle is drifting unintentionally from its lane. When the LKA system detects that the vehicle is drifting from its designated lane without the driver activating the turn signal, it triggers a series of actions to assist the driver in maintaining proper lane position. These actions can include visual, audible, and haptic alerts, such as vibrating the steering wheel or emitting warning sounds, to prompt the driver’s attention. Additionally, the system can autonomously apply corrective steering inputs, gently nudging the Soul back into the center of the lane, providing an extra layer of safety and reassurance.
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
Lane Keeping Assist is designed to detect the lane markers on the road with a front view camera at the front windshield and assists the driver’s steering to help keep the vehicle in the lanes.
When the function detects the vehicle straying from its lane, it warns the driver with a visual and audible warning, while applying a slight countersteering torque, trying to prevent the vehicle from moving out of its lane.
WARNING
Lane Keeping Assist is a supplemental function and is not a substitute for safe driving practices. It is the responsibility of the driver to always pay attention and drive safely.
- The driver is responsible for being aware of the surroundings and steering the vehicle for safe driving practices.
- Do not turn the steering wheel suddenly when the steering wheel is being assisted by the function.
NOTICE
- When you replace the windshield glass, front view camera or system, take your vehicle to an authorized Kia dealer and have the function checked to need a calibration.
- The function is designed to detect lane markers using a front-view camera. If the lane markers are hard to detect, then the function may be limited. Always be cautious when using the function.
- When the lane markers are hard to detect, please refer to “Driver’s Attention” on pages 5-85.
- Do not remove or damage parts of Lane Keeping Assist.
- Do not place objects on the dash- board that reflects light such as mirrors, white paper, etc. This may prevent Lane Keeping Assist from functioning properly.
- You may not hear the warning sound of Lane Keeping Assist if the audio volume is high.
- If you drive with your hands off the steering wheel, Lane Keeping Assist will stop controlling the steering wheel after the hands off alarm. If you drive with your hands on the steering wheel again, the control will be activated again.
- If the vehicle speed is high, steering torque for assistance may not be enough to keep your vehicle within the lane. If so, the vehicle may move out of its lane. Obey speed limit when using Lane Keeping Assist.
- If you attach objects to the steering wheel, the function may not assist steering.
- If you attach objects to the steering wheel, hands off alarm may not work properly.
Lane Keeping Assists Operation
To activate/deactivate Lane Keeping Assist, with the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position, take the following steps:
- Press the Lane Safety button located on the instrument panel on the lower left-hand side of the driver.
- The indicator in the cluster display will initially illuminate white.
If the indicator (white) was activated in the previous vehicle ON, the function turns on automatically.
If you press the Lane Safety button again, the indicator on the cluster display will go off.
The color of the indicator will change depending on the condition of Lane Keeping Assist.
- White: Sensor does not detect the lane marker or vehicle speed is less than 40 mph (64 km/h).
- Green: Sensor detects the lane marker and function is able to control the steering.
- If the function is turned off in User settings, the function will not operate. If you select Active Lane Keeping Assist/Lane Keeping Assist/Lane Departure Warning in User settings, the selected func-tion will be activated.
Lane Keeping Assist activation
To see Lane Keeping Assist screen on the LCD display in the cluster, Tab to the Driving Assist mode ( 
).
For further details, refer to “LCD Display Modes” on pages 4-54.
After Lane Keeping Assist is activated, if both lane markers are detected, the vehicle speed is over 40 mph (64 km/h) and all the activation conditions are satisfied, a green steering wheel indicator will illumi-nate and the steering wheel will be controlled.
WARNING
Lane Keeping Assist is a function designed to help prevent the driver from leaving the lane. However, the driver should not solely rely on the function but always check the road conditions when driving.
If the speed of the vehicle is over 40 mph (64 km/h) and the function detects lane markers, the color changes from gray to white.
When the conditions below are met, Lane Keeping Assist will be enabled to assist steering.
- Vehicle speed is above 40 mph (64 km/h).
- The vehicle is between the lane markers.
If Lane Keeping Assist can assist steering, a green steering wheel indicator will illuminate.
Warning Message
If the vehicle leaves a lane, the lane marker you cross will blink on the LCD display. 
If the vehicle moves out its lane because steering torque for assistance is not enough, the lane indicator will blink.
If all the conditions to activate Lane Keeping Assist are not satisfied, the function will convert to Lane Departure Warning and warn the driver only when the driver crosses the lane markers. In this scenario, Lane Departure Warning does not provide any steering inputs into the vehicle for you. Accordingly, you must take the necessary steps to maintain control of the vehicle and keep it within the lanes.
Keep Hands on the Steering Wheel (When Active Lane Keeping Assist is activated if equipped)
If the driver takes hands off the steering wheel for several seconds while the Active Lane Keeping Assist is activated, the function will warn the driver.
If the driver still does not have their hands on the steering wheel after several seconds, the function will only warn the driver when the driver crosses the lane lines. In this scenario, the function does not provide any steering inputs into the vehicle for you. Accordingly, you must take the necessary steps to maintain control of the vehicle and keep it within the lanes.
However, if the driver has their hands on the steering wheel again, the function will start controlling the steering wheel.
WARNING
- Always keep your hands on the steering wheel while driving.
- If you hold the steering wheel with a light grip, the function may also generate a hands-off warning.
WARNING
- Lane Keeping Assist is a supplemental function only. It is the responsibility of the driver to safely steer the vehicle and to maintain it in its lane.
- Even though the steering is assisted by the function, the driver may control the steering wheel.
- Turn off Lane Keeping Assist and drive without using the function in the following situations:
- In bad weather
- In bad road conditions
- When the steering wheel needs to be controlled by the driver frequently.
- The steering wheel may feel heavier when the steering wheel is assisted by the function than when it is not.
NOTICE
- Even though the steering is assisted by the function, the driver may control the steering.
- The steering wheel may feel heavier when the steering wheel is assisted by the function than when it is not.
Keep Hands on Steering Wheel (When Lane Keeping Assist is activated)
If the driver takes hands off the steering wheel for several seconds while Lane Keeping Assist is activated, the function will warn the driver.
WARNING
- The warning message may appear late according to road conditions. Therefore, always have your hands on the steering wheel while driving.
- If you hold the steering wheel lightly, the function would gener-ate hands off warning because Lane Keeping Assist can treat the situation as you not grabbing the wheel.
The function will be canceled when:
- You change lanes with the turn signal.
- Using the turn signal to change lanes.
- If you change lanes without the turn signal on, the steering wheel might be controlled.
- Lane Keeping Assist can transition to steering assist mode when the car is near to middle of the lane after function on or the lane was changed. Lane Keeping Assist cannot assist steering if the vehicle follows lane marker too closely.
- The control of ESC (Electronic Stability Control) or VSM (Vehicle Stability Management) is activated.
- The steering will not be assisted when you drive fast on a sharp curve.
- The steering will not be assisted when vehicle speed is below 40 mph (64 km/h). and over 105 mph (169 km/h). Always obey all traffic laws and drive safely.
- The steering will not be assisted when you change lanes quickly.
- The steering will not be assisted when you brake suddenly.
- The steering will not be assisted when the lane is very wide or narrow.
- The steering will not be assisted when only one side lane marker is detected.
- There are more than two lane markers such as a construction area.
- Radius of a curve is too small.
- When you turn the steering wheel suddenly, Lane Keeping Assist will be disabled temporarily.
- Driving on a steep slope or hill.
Driver’s Attention
The driver must be cautious in the following situations because the function is limited when recognition of the lane marker is poor or limited:
- When lane and road condition is poor
- It is difficult to distinguish the lane marker from the road when the lane marker is covered with dust or sand.
- It is difficult to distinguish the color of the lane marker from road.
- There is something that looks like a lane marker.
- The lane marker is indistinct or damaged.
- The number of lanes increases/decreases or the lane lines are crossing (Driving through a toll plaza/toll gate, merged/divided lane).
- There are more than two lane markers.
- The lane marker is very thick or thin.
- The lane marker is not visible due to snow, rain, stain, a puddle or other factors.
- A shadow is on the lane marker because of a median strip, guardrail, noise barriers or other objects.
- When the lane markers are complicated or a structure substitutes for the lines such as a construction area.
- There are crosswalk signs or other symbols on the road.
- The lane suddenly disappears such as at the intersection.
- The lane marker in a tunnel is covered with dirt or oil and etc.
- When external conditions intervene
- The brightness of the outside changes suddenly when entering/exiting a tunnel or passing under a bridge.
- The headlamps are not on at night or in a tunnel, or the light level is low.
- There is a boundary structure in the roadway.
- The light reflects from the water on the road.
- When light shines brightly from behind the vehicle.
- The distance from the vehicle ahead is very short or the vehicle ahead covers up the lane line.
- You drive on a steep grade or a sharp curve.
- The vehicle vibrates heavily.
- The temperature near the rearview mirror is very high due to direct sunlight and etc.
- When front visibility is poor
- The lens or windshield is covered by foreign materials.
- The sensor cannot detect the lane because of fog, heavy rain or snow.
- The windshield is fogged by humid air in the vehicle.
WARNING
Lane Keeping Assist is a function designed to help prevent the driver from leaving the lane. However, the driver should not solely rely on the function but always take the necessary actions for safe driving practices.
Lane Keeping Assist malfunction
If there is a problem with the function a message will appear. If the problem continues Lane Keeping Assist fail indicator will illuminate.
Lane Keeping Assist fail indicator
Lane Keeping Assist fail indicator (yellow) will illuminate with an audible warning if Lane Keeping Assist is not working properly. In this case, have the function checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
When there is a problem with the function do one of the following:
- Turn the function on after turning the vehicle off and on again.
- Check if the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button is in the ON position.
- Check if the function is affected by the weather. (ex: fog, heavy rain, etc.)
- Check if there is foreign matter covering the camera lens
If the problem is not solved, take your vehicle to an authorized Kia dealer and have the function checked.
Lane Keeping Assist function change
The driver can change Lane Keeping Assist to Lane Departure Warning or change Lane Keeping Assist mode between Active Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, or OFF from the User Settings Mode on the LCD display.
Active Lane Keeping Assist
The active Lane Keeping Assist mode provides more frequent steering wheel control in comparison with the Lane Keeping Assist mode. Active Lane Keeping Assist can reduce the driver’s fatigue to assist the steering for maintaining the vehicle in the middle of the lane.
Lane Keeping Assist
Lane Keeping Assist mode guides the driver to keep the vehicle within the lanes. It rarely controls the steering wheel, when the vehicle drives well inside the lanes. However, it starts to control the steering wheel, when the vehicle is about to deviate from the lanes.
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure Warning warns the driver with a visual and acoustic warning when the function detects the vehicle leaving the lane. In this mode, the steering wheel will not be controlled. When the vehicle’s front wheel contacts the inside edge of the lane line, Lane Keeping Assist issues the lane departure warning.
OFF
The Lane Keeping Assist/Lane Departure Warning function is OFF.
FAQs
- What is Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)?
Lane Keeping assist (LKA) is a cutting-edge driver assistance system created to assist you in keeping your car in its intended lane by giving you steering input or alarms when you mistakenly veer off course. - Is Lane Keeping Assist available in the Kia Soul 2023?
The Kia Soul 2023 has Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) as a standard or optional feature in various trim levels. - How does Lane Keeping Assist work in the Kia Soul 2023?
The LKA system keeps track of lane markers on the road using a forward-facing camera. The technology can offer steering assistance to help maintain the car centered in the lane if it notices an unintentional lane departure. - Can Lane Keeping Assist completely steer the car?
No, the Kia Soul 2023’s Lane Keeping aid is only intended to aid with steering, not to entirely control the vehicle. Control of the vehicle remains the driver’s responsibility. - What happens if I disable Lane Keeping Assist?
The system won’t offer any steering assistance or lane departure warnings if you decide to disable Lane Keeping Assist. To keep you in your lane, the car won’t aggressively intrude. - Does Lane Keeping Assist work at all speeds?
Yes, the Kia Soul 2023’s Lane Keeping Assist can function at a variety of speeds, usually over a certain minimum speed threshold, such as 40 km/h (25 mph) or higher. - Can Lane Keeping Assist detect all types of lane markings?
Standard lane markings, such as solid or dashed lines, can frequently be detected by Lane Keeping Assist. It might not, however, be able to distinguish some unusual or worn-out lane markings. - Can Lane Keeping Assist detect curves or bends in the road?
on fact, Lane Keeping Assist is made to recognize curves or bends on the road and to offer the proper steering assistance to keep the car in its lane. - Can Lane Keeping Assist work in poor weather conditions?
Poor visibility or harsh weather conditions, such as a lot of rain, snow, or fog, may have an impact on Lane Keeping Assist. In such circumstances, it’s crucial to keep total vehicle control. - Does Lane Keeping Assist replace the need for attentive driving?
No, using Lane Keeping Assist does not replace careful driving. Although it is designed to help the driver, it does not absolve them of their duty to maintain control of the car and keep their eyes on the road. - Can Lane Keeping Assist be turned off temporarily?
Yes, the Kia Soul 2023’s Lane Keeping Assist feature may typically be temporarily disabled through the settings or control panel of the car. However, it can turn back on by itself the following time you start the car. - Does Lane Keeping Assist provide alerts when it detects lane departure?
When it detects an unintentional lane departure, Lane Keeping Assist can inform the driver visually and/or audibly. Depending on the system settings and the vehicle, different alert types could be used. - Can Lane Keeping Assist help prevent accidents?
Lane Keeping assist provides steering assistance and alarms in order to help prevent accidents. It cannot, however, always ensure the absence of accidents. Always drive defensively and be on the lookout. - Is Lane Keeping Assist reliable in all driving scenarios?
Lane Keeping assist works effectively in the majority of driving situations, although it may not always work as well depending on the road, the lane markings, the visibility, and other variables. Always be mindful of your surroundings and use defensive driving. - Are there any limitations to Lane Keeping Assist?
Yes, there are some restrictions on Lane Keeping Assist. Under specific circumstances, such as when the camera’s field of view is obscured, when there are no discernible lane markers, or during sudden lane changes, it might not operate correctly or be momentarily unavailable. It’s crucial to refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific information and restrictions.
Useful Links
View Full User Guide: Kia Soul 2022 Owner’s Manual | Auto User Guide
Download Manuals: Owner’s Manuals and Documents | Kia