Thanks to their unique and eye-catching design, Kia Soul cars have successfully captured the hearts of many car owners. They are known for their versatile nature, making them a perfect fit for daily commuting, weekend adventures, or as a reliable car on a budget. The Kia Soul’s distinct design sets it apart, making it a compelling option for those who appreciate aesthetics. 

Kia Soul cars are good cars. Consumer reports gave it a perfect reliability score of 5 out of 5. J.D. Power also ranks it 91-100, which means it is among the best cars in its category. It’s built to last and often experiences fewer problems over time compared to other compact cars. These features make it a trustworthy option for those who need a reliable vehicle for everyday driving.

Perhaps what makes the Kia Soul the best choice among its categories is its reliability and practical design. It experiences fewer problems and has an engine that balances power and fuel efficiency. If you are considering getting a Kia Soul car, then you need details on whether it makes a good car or not. 

Are Kia Soul Good Cars?

The Kia Soul has earned a wide reputation as a good car, and it owes its thanks to its unique design and well-rounded specifications. The Kia Soul is a compact crossover vehicle that stands out due to its boxy styling, which provides more headroom and cargo space than most of its competitors. 

Most Kia Soul models are equipped with a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a balance of power and fuel efficiency. It also has a turbocharged version for people looking for more pep or power. Its engine options make it versatile enough to suit different driving choices.

The Kia Soul also excels in usability and technology. Its modern and well-designed interior features, like a standard touch-screen infotainment system and Android Auto, make connectivity easy and accessible. Its safety features are also a strong point, with available options including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. 

The combination of its practical features, roomy interior, and robust safety options makes the Kia Soul a compelling choice for buyers looking for a stylish yet functional urban vehicle.

What Is The Most Reliable Kia Soul Car?

The most reliable Kia Soul cars are the third-generation models, especially the 2022 model year. These newer models benefit from updates and improvements over earlier versions and have fewer reported issues and recalls. 

The 2022 Kia Soul received an 81 out of 100 reliability rating from J.D. Power, and the 2023 model stepped it up a notch by scoring 82 out of 100. These newer models offer an outstanding balance of power and fuel efficiency. 

The 2022 Kia Soul seems to outshine them all. It has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged engine if you need more performance. It also comes with many modern features that increase both comfort and safety. 

These features include advanced driver-assistance technologies such as lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning, and blind-spot collision warning. These features not only make the car safer to drive but also more appealing to a broad range of buyers.

Inside, it’s fitted with a user-friendly infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to connect their smartphones easily. These attributes, combined with the car’s strong build quality and reliability track record, make the 2022 Kia Soul one of the most reliable in the lineup.

What Is Kia Soul Maintenance Cost? 

The Kia Soul is known for its affordability, and this extends to its maintenance costs. On average, the annual maintenance cost for a Kia Soul is around $450 per year, which is relatively low compared to other compact cars. 

For newer models, such as the 2020 Kia Soul, owners are expected to spend around $400 to $500 per year on routine maintenance. This maintenance includes oil changes, tire rotations, and other essential servicing. 

The Soul’s warranty is also quite generous, with Kia offering a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which can help reduce costs for major repairs in the early years of ownership.

Kia Soul’s design also contributes to its cost-effectiveness in terms of maintenance. The car features a straightforward engine layout and widely available parts, which generally makes repairs simpler and less expensive. However, costs vary depending on your location, the specific service being performed, and whether you choose to go to a dealer or a personal mechanic.

It’s always a good idea to keep up with regular maintenance to avoid more significant, more expensive repairs down the line. Use the maintenance schedule provided by Kia as a guide.

What Is The Lifespan Of Kia Soul Cars?

A Kia Soul car has a lifespan of between 200,000 and 250,000 miles with reasonable care and regular maintenance. This 250,000 miles translates to about 15 to 17 years of service when driving an average of 15,000 miles per year. 

The Kia Soul is known for its durability, especially if it’s well-maintained. Its longevity is due to its solid construction and component quality. It is designed to endure the rigors and strains of daily driving. 

The Kia Soul’s reliable engines and Robus chassis also play a huge role in enhancing its lifespan. Their engines are known for their durability and efficiency. However, regular maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and timely replacements of filters and brake pads, also play a vital role in maximizing the car’s lifespan. 

Adhere to the Kia maintenance schedule to prevent expensive repairs in the future. Routine maintenance and proper care are the keys to a long-lasting car. 

What Are Common Kia Soul Car Problems? 

The Kia Soul is a popular compact car, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. 

The following are some of issues that owners have reported, especially in models from earlier years:

• Engine Problems: Some older Kia Soul models (particularly the 2012 and 2013 models) have experienced engine failures. These issues include excessive oil consumption and engine seizing, often requiring costly repairs or replacements.
• Transmission Issues: The 2014 and 2015 Kia Soul models occasionally have transmission problems, including rough shifts and, in some cases, complete transmission failure. These issues often manifest as jerky movements when accelerating or difficulty in changing gears.
• Electrical Problems: Electrical issues have been noted across various model years, with complaints about the audio system, interior lighting, and infotainment system malfunctioning. Faulty sensors and issues with the electrical wiring lead to problems like the car not starting.
• Suspension Concerns: Owners of the 2010-2013 Kia Soul models sometimes report premature wear of suspension components. This results in a rougher ride, increased noise, and a need for more frequent repairs to shocks, struts, and other suspension parts.
• Faulty Air Conditioning: Some Kia Soul drivers have encountered problems with the air conditioning system not cooling effectively. This issue is often due to leaks in the A/C system or failures of the compressor, particularly in the 2011 and 2012 models.

Despite these common issues, many of these problems have been addressed in newer models, and regular maintenance helps reduce some of these risks. Kia Soul’s reputation keeps soaring due to its style, spacious interior, and overall value.

Are There Any Recalls On Kia Soul Cars?

The Kia Soul has experienced several recalls over the years, affecting various model years. Here are some notable Kia Soul recalls:

• Engine Fire Risk (2014-2016 models): Kia issued a recall for specific 2014-2016 Kia Soul models due to the risk of engine fires. The problem was linked to a catalytic converter component that could overheat and catch fire.
• Accelerator Pedal Issue (2014 models): Some 2014 Kia Soul vehicles were recalled because the accelerator pedal could bend or break. This fault potentially caused drivers to lose control of the vehicle’s speed.
• Steering Gear Assembly (2014 models): Another recall for the 2014 model year involved a fault in the steering gear assembly, which could cause the steering to malfunction, increasing the risk of a crash.
• Airbag Concerns (2015-2016 models): Kia Soul models from 2015 and 2016 were recalled due to a fault that could prevent the airbags from deploying in a crash, posing significant safety risks.
• Pinion Plug (2012-2013 models): Certain 2012 and 2013 Kia Souls were recalled because of a potential issue with the pinion plug. This plug could allow the pinion gear to separate, increasing the risk of loss of steering and a crash.

It is essential to stay informed about your vehicle’s status and respond to recall notices to ensure your safety and proper car functioning. You can check your vehicle’s status by entering your car’s VIN on the Kia website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

Do Kia Soul Cars Have Retention Values? 

The Kia Soul holds its value reasonably well compared to other cars in the compact crossover segment. On average, a Kia Soul retains around 50% to 60% of its original purchase price after three years of ownership, which is a solid rate for its class. 

This good retention value is due to its unique design, practical features, and reputation for reliability, especially in newer models like those from 2020 onwards. Factors such as the vehicle’s condition, mileage, and market demand also influence its resale value. Still, overall, the Kia Soul is considered a good investment in terms of retaining value over time.

What Are Kia Soul Cars Best Years? 

The Kia Soul has had several standout model years that are highly recommended for their reliability, features, and improvements over previous models. Here are some of the best model years for the Kia Soul:

• 2009
• 2010
• 2011
• 2017
• 2018
• 2020
• 2021
• 2022

What Makes Kia Cars Popular Among Buyers?

Kia cars have gained popularity due to their affordability, stylish designs, and extensive feature sets. They offer a range of vehicles that often include advanced safety features and infotainment technologies, which are only sometimes available in similarly priced models from other manufacturers.

How Reliable Are Kia Vehicles?

Kia vehicles are generally considered reliable. Over the past decade, Kia has made significant improvements in build quality and reliability. Many of their models, such as the Kia Soul and Kia Sorento, have scored well in reliability ratings from various automotive review sites and consumer reports.

What Is The Warranty Coverage For Kia Cars?

Kia offers one of the best warranty programs in the automotive industry. New Kia vehicles come with a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year or 60,000-mile basic warranty, which helps enhance the overall value of their cars.

What are the main factors to consider when choosing between the Kia Soul and the Nissan Altima?

When deciding between the Kia Soul and the Nissan Altima, potential buyers should consider their need for space, the type of driving they typically do, and their budget. The Soul offers more quirky styling and a compact form factor ideal for urban driving, while the Altima provides a more spacious interior and smoother ride suited for longer commutes and families.

What makes the Kia Soul a better choice over the Nissan Murano for urban drivers?

The Kia Soul’s compact size and maneuverability make it an ideal choice for urban drivers who face tight parking spaces and frequent stop-and-go traffic. On the other hand, the Nissan Murano offers more power and space, which might be overkill for purely city driving.

Are Kia Cars Expensive To Maintain?

Kia cars are not expensive to maintain compared to other brands. They are known for their low maintenance costs and, because of their reliability, incur fewer costly repairs. Routine maintenance costs are about average for the industry.

Do Kia Cars Hold Their Value?

Kia vehicles have been improving in terms of resale value, although they do depreciate faster than some Japanese brands. However, the improved quality and warranty have begun to increase their resale prices, making newer models a better long-term investment.