The Kia Soul gets a makeover for the 2023 model year that features a redesigned lineup and an angrier mug. For 2023, Kia has reduced the number of Soul models available, removing the X-Line and Turbo trims.
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Is there a Kia Soul for 2022?
Six trim levels are available for the 2022 Kia Soul: LX, S, GT-Line, X-Line, EX, and Turbo. We advise upgrading to the S trim. The S trim offers an abundance of safety features in addition to the base LX’s strong list of infotainment and comfort options.
Is buying a Kia Soul worthwhile?
Yes, the Kia Soul is a good automobile, especially if you’re looking for something that’s dependable, stylish, and reasonably priced. The brakes are effective, and the engine accelerates rapidly. Furthermore, the inside is spacious and comfy. The Kia Soul is a great SUV option all around, featuring essential features and well-liked improvements.
What issues are there with Kia Soul?
The Kia Soul dominated the market for more than ten years with its boxy appearance, which people either love or detest, good safety ratings, and a long list of standard amenities. Today, the Soul is among Kia’s best-selling vehicles and is still a serious competitor in the subcompact crossover SUV market.
Despite being a reliable small SUV, there have been several problems, complaints, and recalls across a number of model years. There are some Kia Soul years to stay away from when purchasing used.
The worst Kia Soul years to steer clear of due to reliability difficulties are listed below, along with the safest years for used purchasing.
Which Kia Soul Years to Avoid?
If at all possible, stay away from buying a secondhand Kia Soul from one of the following model years:
- Kia Soul 2012
- Kia Soul (2013)
- Kia Soul (2014)
- Kia Soul 2015
- Kia Soul 2016
Kia Soul
The 2012 Kia Soul should be avoided at all costs, according to the people from Car Reports, who cite 470 NHTSA complaints. Body integrity issues and flawed safety features were its principal shortcomings.
Clunking noises when turning are this Soul year’s most prevalent problem. Owners have mentioned hearing a clunking or popping sound when rotating the steering wheel. Additionally, some owners have heard loud rattles when driving on roads or hitting small bumps. Owners are perplexed that there hasn’t been a recall because this body integrity issue is so prevalent.
The 2012 Soul’s unlatched hood while driving is another potential issue. Although this is a rare problem, it poses a serious safety risk, particularly on roads or freeways.
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Kia Soul
Several owners of the 2013 Soul have suffered engine failure, which has been known to occur at roughly 85,000 miles or more. Some users reported hearing a banging sound emanating from the engine, while others just experienced an engine failure. The expected fix for this issue is to replace the engine, which will set you back a whooping $5,000.
A few owners reported that their Soul’s engine had started to make a ticking noise, which is less serious. The ticking noise, which may be anywhere from mildly bothersome to frighteningly loud, compels owners to visit their nearby Kia dealership. With an average repair cost of $4,100, we cannot recommend the Soul model year.
Kia Soul
The 2014 Kia Soul is the greatest loser in terms of complaints. The 2014 Soul is unquestionably one of the worst Kia Soul years to stay away from, receiving more than 900 complaints. Similar to the 2013 Kia Soul, the 2014 model similarly receives a pitiful 1 out of 5 stars from Consumer Reports.
One of the 2014 Soul’s most serious problems, according to a number of Consumer Reports owners, is engine failure. This issue appears to be connected to the oil pump in the Soul, which results in higher-than-normal oil consumption by the engine. One owner said that the car began requiring a quart of oil every 300 miles.
The 2014 Soul has a terrible comeback of the engine’s annoying ticking/knocking noise. The initial diagnosis by technicians is that this occurs at about 105k miles and is caused by low oil. However, the owners who are meticulous and keep up with their oil changes are the ones who complain the most.
Kia Soul
The 2015 Kia Soul is another vehicle you ought to stay away from, with more than 700 NHTSA complaints and four recalls to its name. The 2015 model of the Soul has numerous engine problems, just like the other problematic Souls on our list.
Engine failure is the issue that needs to be addressed first. Around 80k miles is the typical mileage at which this problem appears. Many customers have noted that the engine initially made knocking or ticking noises or began to burn more oil. The Soul’s engine finally just stopped working. You will be responsible for paying the estimated $4,620 cost of the engine rebuild or replacement if this occurs.
Excessive oil use is another area of concern. It seems that the engine guzzles oil like it’s nobody’s business when it’s not breaking down.
Check out our list of the top 10 most dependable used sedans available if you’re ready to start looking for a used automobile and reliability is important to you.
Kia Soul
The number one issue with the 2016 Soul, as measured by the severity scale, is a blown engine. According to several accounts, the 2016 Soul’s engine is prone to blowing up, particularly after 90k miles. This is not only dangerous, but an engine replacement will cost you almost $7,000 as well.
Additionally, Kia Soul owners complained that their car simply won’t start. Although there are indications that there may be a battery issue, most concerns are unrelated to this.
Common Kia Soul Problems
Although the Kia Soul is extremely reliable in every way, there are a few persistent issues that impact cars from a few years ago. Here are a few examples:
- spike in cruise control There are rumors that some Soul models have a surgey cruise control technology. Owners reported that when the SUV was in cruise control mode, it would suddenly accelerate and then slow down to a crawl. As of the time of writing, Kia has not yet addressed this potentially deadly problem.
- a ticking clock
- Although it’s not the most typical of Soul models, 2013 Soul owners find it extremely annoying. Hearing loud knocking or ticking noises emanating from the engine is not enjoyable. The Kia Soul has yet another problem with its engine.
- spinning while clicking
- The 2012 Soul’s clunking sounds when turning were a problem for owners. This is unquestionably a body integrity issue that Kia overlooked.
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Kia Soul
One of the most dependable Kia Soul generations was the second one ever produced. A adaptable, reasonably priced, and all-around useful compact SUV is the 2011 Soul. Car Complaints awarded the 2011 Soul a “Pretty Good” Seal of Approval for dependability, stating that it is “pleasant to drive, roomy, and trustworthy.”
Kia Soul
The 2018 Soul features a huge luggage area, a roomy interior, a nimble turbocharged engine, and top-notch reliability ratings. In fact, the 2018 Soul received a fantastic Quality & Reliability score from J.D. Power of 84 out of 100.
Kia Soul
The Kia Soul made a victorious comeback the following year with its 2019 year model. The 2019 Kia Soul received praise for its smooth ride, great utility, and respectable fuel efficiency. You may put your reliability concerns to rest because the 2019 Kia Soul received a reliability rating of 4 out of 5.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The simplest way to purchase a car is using the CoPilot auto shopping app. You may create a customized list of the top car listings in your area by telling us what you’re looking for, and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area.
Just seeking for more recent models? The search engine for virtually new vehicles is CoPilot Compare. only observe recentfive years or lessautos with little mileage. The greatest place to look for off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO vehicles is CoPilot Compare.
What’s best? We have more information on each vehicle than our rivals since CoPilot was developed using the same technologies that dealerships use to acquire and sell their inventories. Since CoPilot doesn’t partner with automakers, there aren’t any sponsored posts or other dubious tacticsjust the most information about the best vehicles. To learn more about CoPilot’s operation, see our About Us page.
Will a 2023 Kia Soul be released?
The current generation of the Kia Soul, which is now in its third generation, went on sale for the 2020 model year. Since 2015, soul album sales have decreased gradually and haven’t increased. Although sales did increase slightly in 2021, they did not continue to rise in 2022. In 2021, Kia sold 75,000 Souls, while in 2022, it sold little over 22,500 units.
In the middle to end of the summer, the redesigned 2023 Soul collection will go on sale. Kia doesn’t specify a specific date for when it will start showing up at dealerships. While the X-Line and Turbo trims will be eliminated from the 2023 Soul lineup, Kia is distributing their features among the other trims. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder powering the 2023 Soul will produce 147 horsepower (109 kilowatts) and 132 pound-feet (178 newton meters) of torque.
Is Toyota superior to Kia?
According to a J.D. Power research from 2019, Kia has the highest initial quality in the non-premium segment in the United States. The 2016 Kia Soul, 2016 Toyota Corolla, Prius, and Prius V were all rated as being among the most dependable vehicles on the road by J.D. Power.
What should I expect to pay for a 2021 Kia Soul?
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of a base 2021 Kia Soul in LX grade with a manual transmission is $17,490; an additional $1,120 destination fee makes the final price $18,610.
How long is the Kia Soul’s lifespan?
Kia Souls have a 200,000-mile lifespan, or an average lifespan of 13 years. The car may live longer if it is maintained, used frequently, and not overburdened.
Kia Souls are incredibly dependable and should achieve this lovely round figure without experiencing any catastrophic breakdown, unless your model year has a number of manufacturing and manufacturer problems.
Your Kia Soul may only last 10 years or even fewer before it is no longer useful if you use it for business purposes, like ride-hailing services.
To what may the Kia Soul be compared?
The Kia Soul is a distinctive vehicle that defies categorization. It blends a potent engine with the advantages of a hatchback. You might be curious as to whether there are any vehicles like Kia Souls on the market.
Discover eight different vehicles that resemble Kia Souls by reading on. Each of these is equally distinctive and has characteristics that are on par with those of the Kia Soul. You can choose the one that is best for you after you have a better grasp of your options.
If you’re looking for a vehicle that is comparable to the Kia Soul, these eight vehicles are great second choices. Each one boasts unique attributes that make it competitive with the Kia Soul on its own.
To understand more in-depth about the Kia Soul alternatives, keep reading. It is difficult to choose one of these fantastic vehicles, like Kia Souls, that won’t meet your needs.
Jeep Renegade
The Jeep Renegade is the first item on our list. This vehicle resembles the Kia Soul in appearance. Both provide a functional, entertaining look at a reasonable cost. Additionally, the Jeep Renegade features off-road prowess in a novel package for the Jeep brand.
There are certain drawbacks to the Jeep Renegade. These consist of:
- low fuel efficiency
- extensive blind spots
- unresponsive engine
An great off-road replacement for the Kia Soul is the Jeep Renegade. It functions well for people who must travel on dirt roads and reside outside of cities.
Kia Niro
Few people have heard of the Kia Niro, a car distinguished by its square-like design. Although the Kia Niro costs a bit more than the Soul, both vehicles provide an enjoyable ride at a competitive price. Both are spacious. The Kia Niro features a roomier cabin, more trunk space, and decent fuel efficiency.
The following are a few of the Kia Niro’s drawbacks:
- All-wheel drive is not offered.
- No commonplace cutting-edge safety features
- It takes a lot of work to steer.
The Kia Niro and Kia Soul are quite similar. The Kia Niro can meet your need for a vehicle with a few additional cutting-edge features.
Mazda CX-3
Next on our list and a great vehicle to contrast the Kia Soul with is the Mazda CX-3. Both have a distinctive appearance and are enjoyable to drive. All-wheel drive, security features, and a stylish appearance are offered by the Mazda CX-3.
The Mazda CX-3 has a few drawbacks that are worth mentioning. These consist of:
- crowded seating
- little room for cargo
- Engine is underpowered
In general, the Mazda CX-3 is slightly safer than the Kia Soul. It can, however, be a little small. Both cars are great for any budget, inexpensive, and enjoyable to drive.
Buick Encore
The Kia Soul is a more rounded and condensed version of the Buick Encore. No matter how quickly you drive, the inside of this elegant car maintains its quietness.
A few drawbacks are associated with the Buick Encore. These consist of:
- a lot of traffic noise
- Expensive
- The base engine lacks energy.
The Buick Encore is a great option if you’re seeking for a car that is even smaller than the Kia Soul. Although slightly more expensive, it offers a comfortable and quiet journey.
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Honda HR-V
The Kia Soul is marginally smaller than the Honda HR-V in terms of compact cars. Both vehicles offer a fantastic drive, but the Honda HR-V offers a few special advantages. This car is well-known for its dependability, offers all-wheel drive, and has a high resale value.
There are certain drawbacks to the Honda CR-V. These consist of:
- moderate acceleration
- Cabin noise that is too loud
- Complex informational system
The Honda HR-V is a vehicle that will make sure your excursions are safe if you take reliability seriously. Having all-wheel drive is a huge perk.
Honda Fit
The Kia Soul and the Honda Fit are both reliable vehicles. Both vehicles are similarly priced, have large trunks, and are exclusively available as hatchbacks. In comparison to the Kia Fit, the Honda Fit is more enjoyable to drive on the road and offers superior fuel efficiency.
The following are a few drawbacks of the Honda Fit:
- Comfortable brakes
- Step across to access the back seat
- Unquiet cabin
The Honda Fit is the ideal compact vehicle if you want one with plenty of power. The Kia Soul and this vehicle are among those that are most similar.
Hyundai Elantra GT
A more elegant Kia Soul is the Hyundai Elantra GT. Both vehicles are reasonably priced and have a spacious backseat for carrying cargo. Overall, the Hyundai Elantra GT is faster, safer, and more aerodynamic.
The Hyundai Elantra GT has a couple of drawbacks. These consist of:
- average scores for safety
- a little trunk area
- poor seat cushioning
The Elantra is a terrific place to start if you’re looking for a refined replacement for the Kia Soul. With such a low price tag, you will get a lot of use out of this car.
There are several cars available that allow you to tower above obstacles without sacrificing the comfort of a compact automobile. Because of this, we’ve compiled a list of our top new sedans with high ground clearance.
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is the vehicle we list last. Both of these vehicles are fantastic to drive and can be purchased as hatchbacks. The Kia Sportage sports an all-wheel drive system, a turbocharged engine, and excellent visibility.
Naturally, there are certain drawbacks to this car. A few of these are:
- a small cargo area
- Fuel hungry
- Seat adjustments that are difficult
These are a some of the drawbacks you may encounter if you purchase a Kia Sportage.
In general, the Kia Sportage is superior to the Kia Soul. However, the final decision is yours if you want the tiny size. The Sportage is a great backup choice.
Conclusion
Although the Kia Soul is a well-liked vehicle, there are a number of worthy competitors. Many vehicles that resemble Kia Souls have distinguishing qualities while still being comparable to the Kia Soul.
Your decision will ultimately be influenced by the preferences you have for an automobile. Whatever it may be, one of these vehicles, such as the Kia Soul, ought to meet your requirements. You only need to select your car and start driving away.