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Kia Soul

EPA MPG: 27 mpg
Average Retail Price
$9,800 - $12,075

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

The Soul is a boxy, upright design that has abundant interior space and affords super-easy access. You sit up high in chairlike seats, surrounded by generous glass area for good visibility. It packs the versatility akin to a small SUV, although it's lower to the ground. But unlike a true SUV, the Soul is available only with front-wheel drive.

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2019 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Good
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Good
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Good
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

2019 Electric cars Ratings

$9,800 - $12,075
economy-icon
EPA MPG 27 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$11,850 - $12,850
economy-icon
EPA Range 238 miles
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$17,100 - $18,550
economy-icon
48 miles
economy-icon
42 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$9,900 - $15,925
economy-icon
EPA MPG 55 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$ NA
economy-icon
EPA Range 258 miles
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    wagon
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Engines Available
  • electric (109 hp)
  • 1.6-liter 4 turbo (201 hp)
  • 1.6-liter 4 (130 hp)
  • 2-liter 4 (161 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 7-speed sequential
  • 6-speed automatic
  • 1-speed direct
  • 6-speed manual
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2020-
Current Generation

The redesigned 2020 Kia Soul possesses a blend of personality and versatility with its familiar boxy shape and cheerful character. The Soul has a continuously variable transmission that contributes to good fuel economy. Handling is quite nimble. But the ride is notably stiff, and engine noise is rather pronounced. Easy access and good visibility continue to be strengths. The EX comes with a power driver's seat, which has more range of adjustments. Controls are easy to use, including the optional 10.25-inch center touch screen. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility are standard. Advanced safety and driver assistance features are standard on most trims, but none were available on the base LX trim until the 2023 model year when FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection became standard on all trims. Updates for 2021 include a standard rear seat reminder system for all trim lines.

2014-2019
2014 Redesign Year
While this version of the Soul is a more mature and well-rounded package than its predecessor, the big draw continues to be Kia's long list of available features. Our loaded midtrim + (Plus) version included push-button start, an automatic climate system, a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, a backup camera and a touchscreen navigation system. While the base Soul is a great deal if you can live with the less powerful engine, we'd go for the + trim, which gets the larger engine and automatic transmission. The 2016 models include forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems as optional equipment.
2010-2013
2010 Redesign Year
With one of the most efficient shapes on the road, the tall and boxy Kia Soul packs a lot of room and equipment into a small, inexpensive car. It has very easy access, abundant headroom, and a surprisingly spacious rear seat. Expect a noisy interior and a stiff ride, but handling is fairly nimble and secure. While the controls are simple, interior fit and finish are basic. Still, amenities abound and electronic stability control is standard. Large windows allow very good front and side visibility, but thick rear roof pillars create rear blind zones. A six-speed automatic transmission debuted for 2012, which boosted gas mileage from 25 to 26 mpg.