Kia Soul

Name: 2018 Kia Soul
Brand: Kia

EPA MPG: 27 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 27 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

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

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

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

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Soul lives in that increasingly gray area between hatchbacks and SUVs. A boxy, upright design gives it abundant interior space and super-easy access. You sit up high in chairlike seats, surrounded by an ample glass area for good visibility. Overall, it feels like driving a small SUV, but one that's lower to the ground. But unlike a true SUV, the Soul is available only with front-wheel drive.

2018 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Kia Soul

vs. Similar Cars

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Ford Focus

Honda Clarity

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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

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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

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

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2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

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2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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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

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2018 Electric cars Ratings

2018 Kia Soul

$6,050 - $9,725

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Chevrolet Bolt

$10,325 - $11,200

EPA Range 238 miles

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2018 Ford Focus

$6,100 - $26,850

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Honda Clarity

$17,200 - $17,450

48 miles

42 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2018 Hyundai Ioniq

$7,450 - $12,900

EPA MPG 55 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Nissan Leaf

$5,975 - $7,950

EPA Range 151 miles

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2018 Smart ForTwo

$5,100 - $7,175

EPA Range NA

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Owner Satisfaction

2018 Tesla Model 3

$14,475 - $17,775

EPA Range 310 miles

Road test

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2018 Tesla Model S

$17,325 - $23,875

EPA Range 259 miles

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2018 Toyota Mirai

$ NA

EPA Range NA

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See All Electric cars Ratings

Features & Specs

wagon

2 front, 3 rear

Front

electric (109 hp)
1.6-liter 4 turbo (201 hp)
1.6-liter 4 (130 hp)
2-liter 4 (161 hp)

7-speed sequential
6-speed automatic
1-speed direct
6-speed manual

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

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Model History

2020-Present

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.