Owners of other Kia and Hyundai vehicles with similar door panels such as the Forte, Cadenza, Rio, Optima, Sedona, Sorento, Sportage, Sonata, Accent, Elantra, Veloster, Azera, Tucson, Santa Fe and Genesis may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

The tools needed to take off the door panels include a small flathead screwdriver, a standard sized Phillips head screwdriver and either a large flathead screwdriver or an automotive panel removal pry bar tool.

To remove the OEM door speaker, you'll need an electric drill and a drill bit set to drill out the metal rivets holding it in place.

The first step is to gently pry off the sail panel at the top inner corner of the door panel with a small flathead screwdriver. Set the sail panel aside in a safe place.

Then pry open the small rectangular plastic screw cover located behind the door opener handle. The cover will remain attached to the door handle bezel by a small plastic hinge.

Move to below the door pull handle at the center of the arm rest and pry out the rectangular plastic screw cover.

There is one screw cap near the top of the door panel and another just to the side of the speaker.

Pry off the screw cover with the small flathead screwdriver.

At this point, you should have removed the sail panel and three round plastic screw caps.

Then remove the screw in the door pull well just below the center of the arm rest by turning it counter clockwise with the Phillips head screwdriver.

Set the two screws aside in a safe place.

At this point, you should have removed 2 bare Phillips screws, 3 Phillips screws with plastic washers, 3 round plastic screw caps and the sail panel.

Then insert a large flathead screwdriver or an automotive panel removal tool in between the bottom edge of the panel and the metal door frame.

Continue pulling out the pop rivet friction fasteners all along the bottom edge and both sides of the door panel.

Lift the door panel up and off the top of the metal door frame.

Just set it aside in a safe place to be re-installed later.

Tilt the top of the panel towards yourself while supporting the bottom with your thighs.

Now you can pull the door panel away from the frame and set it aside in a safe place.

The front or rear OEM door speakers can be replaced with aftermarket speakers in the 5 1/4" (5.25") or 6 1/2" (6.5") sizes.

I'd recommend purchasing new speakers from Amazon since you can verify which speakers will fit your car and if you need mounting adapter brackets.

I recommend applying some Dynamat Sound Deadener to the metal door frame. It will help reduce vibrations and rattles when you crank up the volume.

To replace the door panel, hold it near the door frame and support the bottom with your thighs.

Lower the plastic door panel down on to the lip at the top of the door frame.

Firmly tap in the pop rivets on the bottom edge and both sides of the door panel.

If the door handle bezel popped out when you removed the door panel, re-insert it back in to place.

Replace the screw behind the door opener handle and pop in the hinged plastic screw cover.

Push in the three small round black plastic screw caps in to place.

Get inside the car, close the door and check that the door opener handle, power window switch and door lock switch all work properly.

For more, check out my other Kia Soul DIY Maintenance Guides.