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.
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Are Kias reliable in the winter?
The Kia Sportage is a reliable option for winter travel, with the all-wheel-drive model being the best. The Sportage performs admirably in the winter thanks to its traction control, stability control, ABS, and Driver Assist Technology features, but its 6.4-inch ground clearance places some restrictions on it.
Is the Kia Soul’s ground clearance adequate?
If you drive into Indianapolis every morning, you are probably aware of the parking difficulties. As a result, you require an SUV that is compact enough to squeeze into a small on-street parking space or one that is agile enough to navigate city traffic.
The external measurements of the 2021 Kia Soul show that’s exactly what you’ll get:
- 102.4 inches is the wheelbase.
- 165.2 inches long
- 70.9 inches wide
- : 63 inches tall
- the following: 6.7 inches
A midsize Kia sedan, by contrast, typically has a wheelbase of about 110.4 inches and a length of about 191.1 inches. The Soul may be just as effortless to manoeuvre through the city due to its smaller dimensions as you would anticipate a midsize sedan to be.
A medium Kia sedan, on the other hand, has a ground clearance of roughly 5.3 inches. In contrast, the Kia Soul has a 6.7-inch ground clearance. That’s 1.4 inches higher than a sedan, and this is where an SUV really shines. You are seated higher in the driver’s seat of a Kia SUV like the Soul, providing you a better view of many vehicles in front of you on the road.
Is traction control available on the Kia Soul?
There are a lot of factors to consider when we look for our next new car. Beyond having enough room for passengers and goods, safety features on a vehicle are typically at the top of our list of priorities. The 2021 Kia Soul has a number of driver aid and safety features that make it a popular car. You’ve found the correct car if safety is what you’re after.
Safety Features Available on 2021 Kia Soul
The Iso-StructureTM, which is built of high-strength steel for rigidity, is a feature of the 2021 Kia Soul. The body integrity is further reinforced throughout the vehicle’s construction. A traction control system, electronic stability control, and vehicle stability management are further characteristics of the 2021 Soul. When driving conditions are less than ideal, you can use these to keep control of your 2021 Soul.
Kia Souls have four wheel drive, right?
Although there is no Kia Soul AWD, the Soul is available as a Front-Wheel-Drive (FWD). For this little SUV, Shelby drivers will have the option of customizing their drivetrain and powertrain: 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque are produced by the 2.0-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine found in most Kia Soul grade levels.
Which vehicle handles snow the best?
How We Decided On The Best Snow Cars
- Subaru Legacy, 2022. Winter commutes are ideal. 27 city/35 highway MPG.
- Jaguar F-Pace in 2021. Comfort and luxury are best.
- BMW 3 Series xDrive, 2021. Best for: Cold weather.
- 2018 BMW X1. Best for: Winter driving in general.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2021. Winter recreation is best.
What does Kia Snow Mode mean?
Snow Mode: Performance adapts to your pace and driving style automatically. Custom. The suspension, throttle, steering, and transmission settings are manually adjusted. Sport. higher RPM shifts are possible with the transmission.
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.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
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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.
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Can a Kia Soul be equipped with snow chains?
Tire chains for snow. We have many different kinds of snow chains. Select the style that works best for your car and your budget. Tire Chains That Should Be Used With A 2017 Kia Soul And 235/45-18 Tires Your 2017 Kia Soul’s 235/45-18 tire size is compatible with the Glacier Cable Snow Tire Chains – 1 Pair #PW1042.
Does the 2014 Kia Soul handle snow well?
Winter can be serious and without laughter. A traveler from California trudged into the icy melee. The 2014 Kia Soul was told by me that it was inappropriate. Then a ton of snow started to fall. No worries, brah,” the Soul’s cheery personality responded. Even so, I was concerned since I only had all-season tires. Without winter tires, all-wheel drive may not be sufficient, so having the right tools is crucial. Let’s destroy some dendrites, said the California license plate that protruded from the vehicle.
The Kia Soul is revealed to be more than simply a quirky set of wheels. You see, whimsy can be tough. It falls under humor, and humor calls for a delicate touch. When the joke bends, it becomes funny. But if you push it too far, it will break. When something humorous happens, nobody laughs.
Since 2009, the Kia Soul has been a practical personality box, and for 2014, it is completely redesigned. The fact that you might need to look closely to notice the changes is a positive thing. The original Soul was endearing and had just enough humor. The Scion xB, the first vehicle in this market, however, had already lost its way by 2009.
The 2014 Kia Soul was shadowed menacingly by the second-generation Thorazine shuffle of the xB. Would Kia ruin its clever tiny dumpling designed like a hedgehog?
Why can’t the Kia Soul use styling permanency if it works for the Porsche 911? It actually functions quite nicely. With so much flair for so little money, it’s difficult to be dissatisfied. The cost of the standard Soul is $14,900. It turns out that the cost of my fully loaded Soul, which I was driving in the Exclaim trim, was $27,000. There are many options available at that price, but none compare to the Kia Soul.
The 2014 Soul stays closely true to the design language established by its forerunner, much like MINI, the Volkswagen Beetle, or even the Jeep Wrangler. However, when you park them next to one another, the 2014 Soul immediately makes the older model appear dated. The new Soul’s styling has been improved and streamlined even further. The lower fascia, grille, and floating body-color panel in the tailgate are the main elements that Kia claims the new car shares with the Track’ster concept. Although it sits on its broader, longer wheelbase with more visual authority, the 2014 Soul resembles the 2009 Soul in terms of overall appearance. If you’re an automobile spotter, the stoplights are the easiest to notice.
Our time is the era of “Lower! Longer! Wider, yet the 2014 Soul welcomes the dimensional growth. The cargo area is greater because to the broader back gate. The Soul is friendlier and more practical as a result of the increased front headroom, front legroom, lower hip point, and lower step-in height. Even with the all-season tires that come on its standard 18-inch alloy wheels, the 2014 Soul performed remarkably well in the snow, proving that it is usable outside of California.
Imagine the Soul as the Honda Civic Wagovan or Nissan Stanza Wagon of the 2000s. It’s conveniently boxy, affordable, simple to get in and out of, and simple to drive. The 24.2 cubic feet of load space behind the back seat is unusually huge for a vehicle with a short 101.2 wheelbase. There is 61.3 cubic feet of space when the second row is folded down.
Having a ton of amenities that were previously only found in luxury vehicles also didn’t help my impression. I sat down on breathable leather. Front and back seat heaters were available to all. The GPS system guided me as the automatic HID projector headlights cut through the storm’s swirl. Although the flashing Hamster-Nightclub interior lights were swiftly turned off, the enormous panoramic moonroof over my head provided me a view of the glacier on the roof from below. The Infinity music system was also rather entertaining. The top-of-the-line infotainment system was simple to use, and the Soul’s other ergonomics are good because they aren’t overly girly. But the speakers in the dash that resemble coasters are kind of odd.
The Soul would be enjoyable even without the lengthy equipment list that would fill a Dickens story. A 1.6 liter DOHC direct-injected four cylinder with a healthy-for-its-size 130 horsepower and a little underwhelming 118 lb-ft of torque serves as the Soul’s standard engine. It’s probably pleasant enough to hear the neighborhood youngster perform Sing, Sing, Sing, but the Plus and Exclaim get a 2.0-liter engine that sounds like Benny Goodman with Gene Krupa on the back. You whined about my Led Zeppelin allusion, hey? It’s overstated, but the 2.0 liter offers 164 horsepower, 151 lb-ft of torque, and a high compression ratio of 11.5:1. Definitely a zippy little song.
The fact that choosing the tiny engine is the only way to get a six-speed manual kind of dampens the buzz. But the 2.0 liter’s six-speed automatic transmission is a fairly good consolation prize. Although it exhibits some of the pulsating wonkiness under heavy acceleration, which is an apparent signature trait of this Hyundai design, it is well matched to the engine and shifts well.
The Soul is possibly the most striking illustration of Kia’s growth trajectory. Despite having a lot of amenities and equipment for a lower price than the competition, Kias always seemed to fall short when it came to integration. That has entirely changed in less than ten years. The 2014 Soul handles like it was built, put together, and refined by individuals who actually spoke to one another.
The final piece of the puzzle was suspension tuning, and Kia managed to make the dowdy combination of front MacPherson struts and a torsion-beam rear axle ride with compliance and handle with some personality as well. Different style-boxes can’t accomplish it. The Nissan Cube is as soft as nursing home pudding, and the xB is utterly uninteresting to drive. The first-generation VW GTI managed to perform pretty damn well with the same basic pieces, so it’s almost like Kia took a look at what they had and got inspired.
The Soul went through the snow like a champ on its 18 alloy wheels and unusually wide 235/45 Kumho Nexens, though I still would have wanted to try it on winter tires. A version of the Soul with all-wheel drive would probably sell like moonshine in a dry area, so I’m a little surprised that there isn’t one. If I had a vehicle other than the Subaru Forester, I could suggest it to people, which is something I would dearly love to have. The new Soul EV, on the other hand, is something I’m eager to get my hands on.
The Soul has a fitting name. It’s a little, boxy automobile with lots of character. Rare is the car that, at a price that regular people can afford, both stands out for its styling and provides some pleasure for everyone in this era of bland-but-pretty. Kia, let loose with your bad self.