But is the Kia Soul front- or all-wheel-drive (AWD/FWD)? Only FWD, not AWD, is offered for the 2022 Kia Soul. Even if you don’t need AWD, the 2022 Kia Soul has a ton of incredible features that are worth checking out.
In This Article...
Can the Kia Soul handle snow?
When fitted with snow tires, the Kia Soul can manage snow pretty well. The Soul has front-wheel drive, which, when combined with the engine’s weight distributed over the wheels, results in good traction. The Soul is a good option for winter driving thanks to a number of comfort and safety features.
Is front wheel drive available on the 2018 Kia Soul?
The front wheels of the used 2018 Kia Soul are driven. Both a 6-speed shiftable automatic and a 7-speed automated manual transmission are options. The Used 2018 Kia Soul is covered by a 5-year/60k-mile warranty.
Is a Kia Soul a trustworthy vehicle?
The Kia Soul has a dependability rating of 70.95, which is very reliable. The exact rankings of this car in relation to various other cars are shown in the chart below, however as a point of reference, the average overall rating is 57.
This information is based on a combination of looking at the cost and frequency of maintenance, warranty coverage, and long-term reliability by looking at how long these vehicles are normally kept on the road. Remember that not just compact or subcompact cars in the same class as the Kia Soul are included in this comparison; all automobiles are.
You may notice that these numbers differ significantly from those in J.D. Power or Consumer Reports. Most publications look at complaints made to the dealership within the first few months of ownership (like JD Power) or solicit biased feedback from owners regarding longer-term cycles of their new cars. Instead, this study examines data from wholesale auctions and repair businesses on actual repair prices and frequency.
Is FWD effective in snow?
What configuration is ideal for driving in the winter? or simply driving in general? Rear-wheel drive, is it? Front-wheel-drive? All-wheel-drive? A four-wheel drive system?
Here are some examples of each’s benefits and drawbacks:
Pick-up trucks and SUVs based on trucks frequently have this technology. Most 4WD systems function “Until the driver (or, in the case of automatic systems, the onboard computer) engages the front axles, part-time engine power only drives the back wheels. The power split front-to-rear is often not changeable. When in 4WD mode, a fixed-ratio split of the engine’s output goes to the front wheels: 50%; the rear wheels: 50%. The inclusion of a two-speed transfer case and 4WD Low range gearing, which is intended for very low-speed operation in deep, unplowed snow, are further features that set truck-based 4WD systems apart (or off-road).
The plus side is that truck-type 4WD systems are excellent for navigating through extremely thick snow on unplowed roads and for off-roading in muddy, uneven terrain; the Low range gearing allows for crawling up steep inclines and trudging through deep mud. For persons who live in extremely remote places or who must travel on unplowed country roads in thick snow, truck-type 4WD is excellenteven necessary.
The disadvantage is that truck-style 4WD systems often function in 2WD mode, with just the back wheels receiving engine power. When in 2WD mode, these cars frequently have less traction than a FWD automobile, which has the advantage of the drive wheels pulling (instead of pushing) the car and also because the weight of the engine and transmission is positioned above the driven wheels, which increases traction. Additionally, 4WD systems aren’t made to help with handling or traction at high speeds on dry, paved roads. In reality, the majority of 4WD systems include warnings not to engage the 4WD on dry paved roads since it may impair handling and cause premature component wear.
Finally, a 4WD system significantly increases the weight of the car, which lowers fuel efficiency. Even while you might only need 4WD a few days a year, you’ll pay for it every day by carrying about an extra 200 pounds of dead weight.
Even though the information is frequently there in the owner’s manual, not many people are aware of these significant everyday limits of 4WD.
The bottom line: Purchase a 4WD if you require a vehicle with real off-road capability, frequently travel on rural (and unpaved) gravel or dirt roads, or reside in a location that experiences harsh winters where driving through deep snow on unplowed roads is the norm. Otherwise, it will probably be a waste of money.
Front-wheel drive is used in the majority of new passenger vehicles, including “crossovers that resemble SUVs in appearance but are (often) constructed on a car-based, FWD chassis.
The plus side: Because the engine and transmission are directly on top of the drive wheels, FWD vehicles can actually be rather resilient in the snow. When it snows, front-wheel drive is significantly superior to rear-wheel drive. Unless the snow is extremely deep, in which case the lack of ground clearance will more than anything else cause you to get stuck, you should be able to make it to work with a good pair of all-season or snow tires. FWD is also less expensive to purchase “front and to run for the duration of the car. You don’t have to pay extra when you purchase the vehicle or every time you fill up the petrol tank to transport equipment that you only need occasionally.
The disadvantage is that FWD cars have a weight tilt toward the front, which is a built-in performance and handling restriction. Additionally, the wheels that push and steer the vehicle simultaneously are not ideal for cornering and high-speed driving. Due to this, the majority of race cars and high-performance vehicles have rear-wheel drive. FWD is essentially an economical drivetrain configuration created to lighten vehicles, make assembly simpler, and lower manufacturing costs.
The bottom line: For the typical driver who uses his car to get from “a to “b and would like to have respectable traction on those few days each winter when there is some snow on the roads, FWD is a suitable option.
With this arrangement, the engine power can be distributed to each wheel individually or to all four as needed to maintain traction. AWD systems were formerly only available on a select few brands and models, but today, many different types of passenger cars, wagons, minivans, and light-duty, car-based vehicles come standard with AWD or offer it as an extra feature “crossovers.
The plus side: AWD enhances handling on dry (or wet) paved roads in summer and offers great all-weather grip on snow-covered roads in winter. AWD is optimized for use in snow as well as on smooth, paved areas, in contrast to a truck-style 4WD system (or even on unpaved gravel and dirt). Sports vehicles and sedans with high-performance AWD offer exceptional dry-season on-road handling and enhanced wintry weather competence. AWD systems also don’t need the driver to do anything; power is sent automatically to the wheels with the best traction. And depending on the traction situation, they can direct up to 90% or more of the engine’s power to the front (or rear) wheels.
The drawback is that AWD lacks a two-speed transfer case and 4WD Low range gearing, making it inappropriate for off-road driving. The cost of purchasing an AWD car can increase significantly, sometimes by up to several thousand dollars. AWD can significantly increase weight in some vehicles, which reduces both performance and fuel efficiency.
The main line is that AWD is a great option for the performance-minded driver who values both being able to leave his driveway in the event of snowfall and dry-weather handling and high-speed grip in a turn.
Prior to recently, most passenger automobiles, especially those sold under domestic brands, had a drivetrain set up similar to this. Although the engine is in the front, only the rear wheels receive power.
The plus side: Rear-drive vehicles are often lighter (and less expensive to purchase and maintain) than AWD-equipped vehicles. They also distribute the weight of the engine, transmission, and axle assemblies from front to rear more evenly than nose-heavy FWD vehicles. Rear-drive vehicles are extremely tough and long-lasting, which is why police and taxi services prefer to employ them. And lastly, rear-drive permits smoky burnouts, which are significant to many lovers of performance cars.
The disadvantage: Unless you prefer fishtailing like a freshly caught sea bass, a RWD vehicle is not the hot ticket for driving in the snow. Pickups with rear-drive (2WD) are particularly terrible in the snow; even on slick roads, their light rear ends have a habit of coming undone.
The bottom line: Rear-drive will likely work for you if you occasionally love a nice burnout, live in a region with moderate winters, and can manage some inconvenience on the few days each year when it does snow.
What issues are there with Kia Souls?
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.
The CoPilot app isn’t just for purchasing a car; it can also be used to keep track of recalls and receive recommendations on which regular maintenance activities are most crucial.
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.
This question’s solution is more complex than you might think. Let’s examine the distinctions between gasoline and diesel engines as well as the precise number of spark plugs that a diesel engine truly has.
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.
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