Kia Soul

Name: 2023 Kia Soul
Brand: Kia

EPA MPG: 30 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 30 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Kia Soul is a compelling alternative to compact sedans and SUVs. It’s small on the outside but feels roomy inside. Its practical, boxy design gives it a cheerful personality.

2023 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Kia Soul

vs. Similar Cars

Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Elantra H...

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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

2001

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2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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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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2023 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2023 Kia Soul

$17,900 - $20,500

EPA MPG 30 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2023 Hyundai Elantra

$16,950 - $26,200

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

$16,950 - $26,200

EPA MPG 54 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2023 Hyundai Venue

$16,625 - $17,650

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2023 Kia Forte

$16,600 - $20,125

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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2023 Kia Niro

$19,575 - $24,325

EPA MPG 49 mpg

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2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid

$ NA

33 miles

48 mpg

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2023 Kia Rio

$15,550 - $16,725

EPA MPG 36 mpg

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2023 Kia Stinger

$29,900 - $38,900

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2023 Mazda 3

$17,175 - $26,350

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2023 Mitsubishi Mirage

$12,625 - $15,500

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2023 Nissan Kicks

$16,425 - $19,525

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2023 Nissan Sentra

$16,750 - $20,125

EPA MPG 33 mpg

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2023 Nissan Versa

$13,800 - $17,675

EPA MPG 35 mpg

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2023 Subaru Impreza

$17,700 - $23,675

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

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2023 Toyota Corolla

$19,925 - $23,450

EPA MPG 35 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

$34,225 - $44,025

EPA MPG 35 mpg

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Reliability

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2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

$19,925 - $23,450

EPA MPG 50 mpg

Road test

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2023 Toyota Prius

$24,500 - $30,300

EPA MPG 49 mpg

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2023 Toyota Prius Prime

$25,775 - $30,250

39 miles

48 mpg

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2023 Volkswagen Jetta

$16,700 - $24,675

EPA MPG 33 mpg

Road test

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Features & Specs

wagon

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2-liter 4 (147 hp)

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.