2016 Kia Soul Review: Quirky Small Hatchback With Unfortunate Widespread Motor Failures

Nov 9, 2022

The 2016 Kia Soul only lasts around 150,000 miles with serious engine failures and catalytic converter issues. At $11,625 to $14,250, it’s cheap, but not worth it when you can spend over $6,000 replacing a blown engine.

The Good

Interior materials are nicer than other small SUVs, the visibility is great with all the windows and safety scores are higher than some competitors.

The Bad

The suspension is stiff, there’s not much cargo space behind the second row and the engines are weak.

Is the 2016 Kia Soul a Good Used SUV?

Overall Rating 5/10 – 2016 is a bad year for the Kia Soul since there are still a lot of engine failures reported, giving it a low overall score. Owner reviews complain about expensive mechanical problems, frozen stereo equipment, along with oil leaks.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are quite nice in the Kia Soul, the seats are comfortable even for larger adults, cargo space lower than the competition.
Reliability 4/10 – There are widespread engine failures on the 2016 Kia Soul. Buyers should avoid models from 2012–2016. Newer models from 2017–2020 are more reliable.
Performance 5/10 – Performance is poor from both of the available 4-cylinder engines, which are slow.
Safety 7/10 – The 2016 Soul is reasonably safe, earning 5-stars overall in government crash tests. Optional safety features include a rear view camera, lane departure warning system, as well as forward collision warning.
Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 27 MPG giving 383 miles of range from the 14.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $16 cheaper than average, at $198 per month.
Value 6/10 – Prices on the Kia Soul are lower than other compact SUVs, although expensive repair costs give it a low overall value score.

Positive Owner Reviews

Kelly L

It can fit a lot of things into it.

I love my car so much. The color is great. My model is the plus edition and the engine allows for a smooth ride. I cannot believe how many items I can put in the back! It is so compact but can store a lot! I highly recommend the soul. The value is unbeatable and it is cute too!

Nick R

My favorite car that I have owned so far!

I love my Kia soul! It is reliable and has not given me an issue as of yet. I feel confident in knowing I am comfortable and safe when driving this car, and would easily drive long distances in it without having to think twice! Overall, I definitely recommend this car and all of it is amenities!

Jordan N

My Kia soul is my one and only and is going to be used until it cannot be anymore.

My Kia performs very well, has not had any issues, and is very comfortable to drive and be in. It is a car I am willing to use to go anywhere and everywhere I need to, and with a simple under-the-hood setup, I can check everything I need to in minutes.

Sophie C

My vehicle is perfect for all of my driving needs.

I have had a few problems with my tires. I have had at least two have to be patched up. That could just be a side effect of living in a rural area. The auto stop feature can be annoying, but it does not bother me. Other people have complained about it when driving my car.

Jennifer B

Extremely happy with my Kia soul.

The car has been great! The only thing I do not like is how small the trunk is. Otherwise the car is roomy and you can always put the seats down if there is something you are needing to haul. The car is also great on gas and drives smoothly. I have had the car a year and have had no problems to date.

Haley B

Love my Soul! Best car ever.

No problems. Drives great. The seats are comfortable and the back seat is nice and roomy. I love the built in satellite radio and navigation system. I can easily search for nearby places and get directions. I have had the car for over 2 years and I have not had any issues.

Joe K

Safe roomy fuel efficient.

I am a musician and I need a vehicle big enough to carry all my gear and still be fuel efficient. The Kia soul is the perfect choice for me. It is very safe with dual front airbags as well as side airbags. The seats are comfortable and there’s plenty of legroom considering it is size, a great sounding stereo important considering I am a musician.

Kelli S

It's a great ride.perfect for families

It's cute, comfortable, and compact. It fits my style. It is the right size for my sons.

Negative Owner Reviews

Angelica W

It's a alright car its reliable. Runs smooth just not long -term happy.

Too much maintenance, drives alright the first year smoothly, after that needs work like any car. Me personally would rather just buy a new one cause it costing a lot right now. Definitely a mom car but that is alright for me. Radio is pretty loud so that is good. Has aux and all. The black interior gets very dusty that stinks to clean it all the time.

Elizabeth H

It gets called the rat car due to the commercial.

Within the first two years there were major recalls. It takes a while to speed up. It is comfortable but the backseat is small and cramped. The base model is just that, a base model. The tires wore out within a year so make sure to get them upgraded. And the windshield cracked at the first pebble that hit it.

Carguy420

DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!! ?

Just reached 120,000 kms and the main engine crank bearring blew due to all to the oil being burned off due to engine clogging restricting oil flow. This problem had been recalled on previous years models, and other models. If memory serves me correctly it was almost 2 million vehicles from 2011-2014/5 dues to the same engine issue (because they have the same engine). My guess is not enough people have reach the higher kms yet were this issue will surely arise and hopefully a recall will be issued. For now I get to look into replacing the engine, est about $5300, and I still owe over 10,000 on the car. Warranty done at 100,000. Sweet sweetness! ?

Lori R

Do not know or have any questions.

Did not like it would not get another one. Dislike do not buy anything else like that again very uncomfortable.

Lisa

Regret buying!

I loved my Kia Soul, no problems until 2 days ago, when on my way to work it made a noise and the oil light came on then went off. I pulled immediately in a parking lot. Called a tow truck and had it towed to a Kia dealership in Tulsa, OK. The dealership states I need a new engine.....this vehicle is just 3 years old.....are you joking with me!!!! Come to find out that there is a recall for the 2016 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI engines, mine is the 2.0L engine, which of course is not on the recall. But this should be on the recall....exact same thing happened with mine. Stay away from Kia Soul...……..Kia period!

Senalda G

My vehicle is better suited for someone without a family.

Breaking down was my main problems, running out of space for leg room or trunk space was another grande problem. On the positive side the. Vehicle was great gas mileage. Satellite radio for those bored with the radio. Smooth riding. Lasted 5 years befitting started to fall apart.

K8 Wade

Will it start

Vehicle turned 1262 km and the seat heater blew up on my buttock. 128,800 the key ignition is defective. 3 hours labour. Trade ???? I think so

Anna R

It is cheap. Good on gas. Can sit four comfortable. Good size truck. You can feel all the bump in back

The brakes without after two years. I always have problems with my tires. This car dont have no getup.when you use the eco the air conditioner smell like cat pee.the is good on gas.

What Do Critics Say About the Kia Soul?

Consumer Reports says the Kia Soul offers good interior space for its size with low owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds rates the Soul at 4.4/5, enjoying the user-friendly controls in the cabin, but doesn’t like the harsh ride quality.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Soul a 4.4/5 praising the fuel-efficient engines, but owners don’t like the poor off-road capabilities.

What Common Problems Does the 2016 Kia Soul Have?

Common problems found on the 2016 Kia Soul include engine failures, issues starting, as well as worn-out catalytic converters. Overall, these problems are more severe than other compact SUVs, leading to high repair bills, too.

Engine failures are a common problem on the 2016 Kia Soul, showing up at around 105,000 miles, which is just outside the 100,000 mile warranty. Bearings in the engine seize up, leading to catastrophic failure. Replacing the engine is an expensive project, costing around $6,500 depending on local labor rates.

Issues starting have also been mentioned by Kia Soul owners at around 20,000 miles. The starter motor wears out quickly, and needs to be replaced. Changing out the starter motor costs around $600. Other owners have reported battery issues being the culprit, which cost around $150 to replace.

Worn-out catalytic converters are another expensive complaint from owners at roughly 120,000 miles. The materials inside of the catalytic converter get burnt out over time, leading to a reduction in power. Changing out the catalytic converter costs around $2,000.

There are 3 serious recalls on the 2016 Kia Soul, which are worse than other compact SUVs. The recalls cover the steering gear, engine software, as well as the parking mechanism. All of these are worse than the competition since they can lead to serious mechanical problems. Kia will replace or reprogram parts to fix the issues for free.

How Long Will the 2016 Kia Soul Last?

A well-maintained 2016 Kia Soul may last around 150,000 miles before it becomes too expensive to keep running, which is half as long as top-rated competitors like the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other compact SUVs at $369 per year, according to data from Repair Pal.

Chamara C

I have not had any problems yet. So far so good. I think there was one recall. Outside of that recall the car has been pretty reliable.

Audrey K

Very reliable, haven't has any issues. Everything works great, from the gas mileage to the tires, I trust this car. Never had one issue in the years I have had it.

hugo g

I would like the dash back up cam screen to have been larger but other than that I have no issues with the car.

Breanna B

I love the mileage I am able to get per gallon. As well it drives very well. I have not had any major problems so far.

Kathy B

The 2016 Kia soul is very reliable and since owning I have had no issues or problems with it. I have been very satisfied.

Abigail H

There have been a few recall notices on the Kia soul since I purchased mine and I have had to take my car in at least 3 times to get those issues fixed. But my car has never broken down or given me any troubles.

Samantha G

Yes. I have not had any major problems with the car. I get regular car checkups and also take care of the car. The car even does a good job in the winter which I know can be tough for some cars.

Ananda L

There have been some recalls over the past couple years but other than that no issues. Car is very reliable.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is good for a compact SUV in its price range with a standard 4.3-inch touchscreen. There’s also a larger optional 8-inch touchscreen available. Safety technology is a bit behind the competition, offering an optional rear view camera, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning systems.

Is the 2016 Kia Soul a Good Value?

No, the 2016 Kia Soul is a bad value since there are some expensive problems which show up as they age. Blue book prices range from $11,925 to $14,675, making it cheaper than a Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5. When new, the price range was $15,900 to $35,950. Depreciation is worse than other small SUVs, losing up to 14% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Kia Soul?

There are three models of the Kia Soul offered in 2016, from the entry-level Base to the well-equipped “Soul!”.

Base is the entry-level model with:

16-Inch Alloy Wheels
Cloth Seating
Power Windows & Locks
Bluetooth Connectivity
6-Speaker Stereo System
3-Inch Touchscreen

Soul+ is a step up, adding:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Keyless Entry
Cruise control
Premium Cloth Seating

Soul! is the flagship model which has:

18-Inch Wheels
Leather Seating
Body-Colored Bumper Accents
LED Lighting
8-Inch Touchscreen
Upgraded 8-Speaker Stereo System

Base

130 HP 26 MPG

View Details

164 HP 27 MPG

View Details

164 HP 27 MPG

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What Engines Come In the Kia Soul?

The base engine is a fairly weak 1.6L 4-cylinder which makes 130 horsepower while getting up to 26 MPG.
A step up is the more powerful 2.0L 4-cylinder which produces 164 horsepower at up to 27 MPG. Performance is slow, taking 8.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Kia Soul Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Kia Soul?

The 2016 Kia Soul is a very comfortable compact SUV with seating available for up to 5 people. Interior materials are nicer than average, featuring comfortable seats made of durable materials.

Passenger room is great throughout the cabin with enough leg room to easily fit taller adults in the back seats.

How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Soul Have?

Cargo space is a bit lower than some other compact SUVs, offering enough space for 3-4 suitcases behind the back seats, and around 10 with the seats folded flat.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The second generation of the Kia Soul was introduced in 2014, and replaced by the third generation in 2020.

2014: Fully redesigned for the second generation with a new engine, interior, and exterior.

2015: Improved leather seating available, standard rearview camera added.

2016: Soul! Model comes with forward collision & lane departure warning systems.

2017: More powerful turbocharged engine added.

2018: No major changes.

2019: No changes from 2017.

2020: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new engines, exterior, and interior.

How Does the Kia Soul Compare to the Competition?

The Kia Soul ranks as one of the worst compact SUVs of 2016 since there have been some expensive engine failures reported. If you find one outside the 100,000 mile warranty, do not buy it.

The Subaru Crosstrek is another small SUV which costs about $5,000 more. Off-road performance is much better in the Subaru Crosstrek with its all-wheel-drive system, while the Kia Soul offers a more upscale interior. We recommend the Subaru Crosstrek since they have fewer serious problems as they age.

The Honda Fit is a competitor which costs around $2,000 more. Steering is more responsive in the Honda Fit, while the Kia Soul offers better entertainment technology for the money. We recommend the Honda Fit since they last much longer with lower ownership costs.

Ranks #8 Compact SUV by Owners

Tie

2016 MINI Countryman

4.7

Tie

2016 Subaru Crosstrek

4.7

Tie

2016 Kia Soul

4.5

Do Owners Recommend the Kia Soul?

Chamara C

Yes. At the time of me buying the vehicle I only had one kid. And I loved everything about it. I like the fact that it was just a tad bit bigger than a car.

Audrey K

Yes, it is very safe, almost feels like a luxury car inside. Easy to drive and handles very well. Very nice car for its price!

hugo g

Yes, it is very reliable, safe and has a spacious interior. The body design is unique and the base model comes with a lot of modern features.

Breanna B

Yes, it is one of the best cars I have ever had. It drives very smooth and was worth the money I paid for it. So far it has held it is value.

Kathy B

Yes, it' is good on gas mileage, plenty of room, just what I was looking for and the price was right.

Abigail H

Yes, it is a very good vehicle. It is dependable, has plenty of room, and drives quietly. It even has an eco mode for driving around town, though I do not recommend it when you are driving on the highway, since it slows down the acceleration.

Samantha G

Yes! I love it. The interior is much bigger than it seem on the outside. It is a very smooth ride and holds everything I need it to. It is an easy car to keep clean and even customize with seat covers and wheel covers. There is plenty of storage space as well.

Ananda L

Yes very nice, it is reliable and is higher off the ground which I like. It has a unique look to it which I like a lot because it is different.

Owner Reviews

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Sara on December 11, 2023

I've had no problem with mine 2023

Nothing fancy and not terribly powerful but I've had no major problems at all.

Stephanie D on June 25, 2021

Reliable little mini fridge of a car.

I really like this car! It's comfortable and makes long trips much easier than my past vehicles. Its decently reliable. I had some issues with fuel injectors when I first bought it, but I haven't had any problems since. It doesn't have a lot of power, so I've had some issues when I moved to a more mountainous area, but it's not super impending.

Courtney C on June 25, 2021

Get a soul! You cannot go wrong.

Have only had to repair brakes, very good and reliable vehicle. Large backseat, comfortable for kids and groceries in the trunk. Treat the car right and you'll only have to pay for maintenance throughout your time driving or owning the vehicle. Safe and reliable. Never have had any issues.

Mary E on June 24, 2021

In my opinion the best factor is how it drives. It hugs the road real good.

I really like my Kia soul which has fantastic gas mileage, up to 34.2 mpg in town & 36 to 37 on the highway. My Kia soul really hugs the road good when I drive it. I love that my oil change needs to be done only every 5,000 miles. It is very comfortable sitting behind the wheel.

Hazel E on June 23, 2021

Kia soul is a compact mini SUV and it is stylish too.

It is a compact mini SUV. I live in a city and it is very easy to park and does not take a lot of gas. Very convenient and affordable. Also it is stylish too. The problem about this car is car itself is not heavy as others. When you are driving on freeway, you can feel it.

Ric R on June 14, 2021

Great little car workhorse.

I love my car. It is very reliable. It is excellent on gas. It is run to drive. It is compact enough to get in tight spaces. It is very roomy. It is very comfortable. It is handles tight turns. The sound system is great. Love the ability to connect my phone. It is just a great little car with plenty of interior space and cargo room. Looks small, but it is really big.

Kelly S on June 13, 2021

Kia soul for the fun spirited!

Does not come equipped with a spare tire. Alternatively, Kia provides a can of air. I don't like this. A spare tire is always best. I love that it gets 40 mpg. I like that it is fun looking and has more room than it looks like it does. Would be happier if it came with a luggage rack on top.

Marrisol C on June 12, 2021

I really like the eco button feature to save energy and gas.

I like everything about it the only thing I would change is to make it a 6 cylinder because I like to accelerate fast. So the 4 cylinder it has is a little annoying but I still love it. Especially the eco feature it super useful to save gas when I am just driving in town.

Lindsay H on June 10, 2021

I love that I can change the diving settings at ease from comfort sport and eco.

Performance of the vehicle has exceeded my expectation. I have had to do it is regular maintenance but I have not had make any huge repairs to the vehicle. I love my Kia soul because it is a perfect size, not too big or too small. It has enough room for many things, including my kids.

Cheis T on June 6, 2021

Fun vehicle to own and very versatile!

The vehicle is great and very reliable. I love the different drive settings that help to save fuel costs and by upgrading the sound system you get a really fun vehicle to drive. Additionally, I can fit all 3 kids in there with car seats so it's not quite as small as it may seem.

Shayanna J on June 6, 2021

2016 Kia soul vs 2014 Kia soul plus.

Well the inside does not have much space like the + does. I have owned both and I prefer the plus. It had a drink holder in the backseat, a nice speaker in the front and also lights that changed colors around the speaker. I loved that car so much. This current one is still cool since it is the same color (black) but yeah.

Eleanor B on May 25, 2021

Comfortable and reliable!

The most reliable car I have ever had. Drives smoothly and requires little upkeep. The only problem I have ever had with it is driving in snow as it is very light in build. Lots of storage space and very comfortable in every seat. Stereo system is amazing.

Jasmjn G on May 21, 2021

Kia soul the gas saving car.

The Kia soul is a great everyday car because it is a gas saving car that fills up with 30 dollars max if tank is almost empty. With it being a gas saving car it makes it a good option for going on road trips. The car itself is spacious good for a small family. The speakers within the car play excellent. The interior of the car is a nice black which goes with anything, but along with that the seats are really comfy and they are not made of leather so no need to worry for them burning your legs during the summer.

Breanna A on May 17, 2021

Black 2016 4 door Kia soul.

Kia soul has great gas mileage. I enjoy the fact that it shows how many miles I have until I am out of gas. I enjoy the Bluetooth radio and voice controls. I also like that it is an eco car. I do not like that instead of a spare tire it came with a can of fix a flat and a small air compressor.

Jamie B on May 14, 2021

Gas and money saver with eco features!

My 2016 Kia soul has never let me down in the 2 years that I have owned it. This car is comfortable whether you are 5 feet like me, or 6 foot 3 like my dad. There is plenty of space in the back to room my two 50 lb dogs and when they're not in the back I am able to put the 2nd row down and fill up the back of my car with any essentials I have to transfer that day. The base model features 3 driving modes, comfort, sport, and eco. There are also 2 gas saving features included in the car, one that's already turned on under the hood and the 2nd one there's a button near the aux cord. This saves me gas mileage day to day and to fill up from empty has never exceeded twenty-six dollars!

Ashton P on May 8, 2021

Severely lacking in nearly every area.

It is very weak and loses speed on hills. It also has some serious blind spots. The accessories are outdated. Would like to use a touch screen radio with reverse camera as well as a key fob. I understand that it is a budget car but it is not worth the price.

Elizabeth H on May 6, 2021

It gets called the rat car due to the commercial.

Sydney H on April 29, 2021

Very spacious and cozy vehicle.

I love my Kia soul. It is very spacious and good for a family. Has plenty of storage room. It gets good gas mileage and drives well. I would recommend the Kia soul if you need something bigger than a car but smaller than a big SUV. Depending on your upgrades the Kia soul can satisfy all your needs.

Elizabeth W on April 28, 2021

It is just a very comfortable car.

It is very nice and reliable. Small and compact so it is easy to park, yet still roomy and does not feel crammed. Higher off the ground so it's easier to see and it has a hatchback which is very nice. So many little technical things that are super nice like touch screen to lights on the floor that change colors.

Lakema T on April 27, 2021

Kia soul have awesome fuel mileage. I have gotten 37 mpg on the freeway.

I love my car! I love the great fuel mileage and the different mode of driving. These cars are so easy when parking the car. Also, I see Kia soul everywhere. I also get a lot of compliments on my car. Two of my relatives also are owners of a Kia soul.

Robert K on April 26, 2021

Great car for many uses. Good value.

We like our soul. It is the perfect size for us, it has enough room for shopping & trips. We even took a 40 day trip with it. We would definitely buy one again. We love it. Good gas mileage also. We like that we can lower the seats for more room. We would buy another.

Patty C on April 25, 2021

Had low miles and spotless like new for being 4 years old.

Love my Kia soul, it is fuel efficient I love the fold down seats to load groceries or moving small pieces of furniture, it is easy to park it is a smooth ride very low maintenance easy to get in and out of plenty of leg room. I love the color it is called latte brown. I love having cruise control my model didn't have a CD player so I miss that feature. And Kia has roadside assistance on my vehicle so I feel secure if I should happen to break down. I had a Kia Rio prior to the soul and I really like the soul better.

Kimberly J on April 23, 2021

Gas mileage is pretty good.

Fine car just need bigger. Good gas mileage and roomy on inside. Need something bigger for grandkids. No CD player does have Sirius radio. No 4 wheel drive or spare tire or hack. Needs TLC but has oil changed and tune ups on regular basis. Good for traveling with just 2 or 3 people.

Hannah T on April 22, 2021

The Kia soul is the way to go.

This car has been super reliable ever since my parents first gave me it. This car has never once given me a problem, which means I save a lot on repair bills. This car is also super fuel efficient thanks to its eco mode option. This car was able to make the over 1,000 mile trip from California to Colorado and its performance was flawless. I will run this car into the ground, that is how much I love it.

Jessie H on April 21, 2021

Great space, great mileage.

I appreciate the smooth driving and the spacious interior. I love being able to convert the seats into more trunk space, the extra compartment underneath the trunk base, and the cover that attaches in the back. Gas mileage is great for all of the traveling I do and seats enough to cater to the tall people in my life. I would definitely get another car like this.

Tanita W on April 19, 2021

Kia soul: little vehicles.

The Kia soul does save on gas and it is very cheap to fill up. My problem is there isn't much room in the back for transport for vacations. Has enough room for two kids and one adult in the back seats. Trunk can hold a months worth of groceries. There is different levels of speed to either save on gas or sports car it if you wish.

Jackie G on April 16, 2021

Kia- spacious, comfortable, great - more for your buck.

I love my Kia. It's very spacious. You wouldn't think that by seeing it but my brother in law who is 6'0 can sit comfortably in back seat. It's great on mileage. It gives you 3 options for cruise - I have it on sport and it makes me feel like I am speeding with caution. Oh and the best thing about it - it can fit in any parking space.

Leslie D on April 9, 2021

A comfortable, smooth ride.

Although my Kia soul is pretty basic, I love it. There is enough room for my children ages 10 and 4 to sit comfortably in the back. I can buy a decent amount of groceries and put them in the back. It drives so smoothly and the speakers work great both for radio and when I pair my phone so I can talk hands free if I need to. The seats are comfortable. I have no complaints. I love my car!

Tristina T on April 8, 2021

Great and dependable vehicle to help me get around town.

Bluetooth, backup camera, great on gas, runs great, haven't had any real problems with the vehicle I do get recall notices from the company when there are any recalls that need urgently fixed, there is an eco button inside the vehicle to help with saving gas.

Lyone F on April 5, 2021

Great all around car for small hauling jobs.

Kia soul is the perfect blend of car and SUV. We regularly get 30 mpg, and it handles beautifully. In addition, we haul lumber, bags of mulch and soil, bales of hay, etc. Five years old and we've never had any mechanical issues with it. I would recommend this car to anyone.

aniko M on April 4, 2021

Love my Kia soul cute cool car for anybody with a lot of space.

I love my Kia soul! It is very spacious I have even put a 9 ft fake tree in there:) haven't had any problems with it at all so far. Would buy it again. Cute cool car for any age. The one thing I would of done differently is the gears, I have a manual and I really don't see the need for the 5th one. Motor is a bit loud when in 6th gear and on way but that doesn't bother me.

Angie L on April 4, 2021

Amazing Kia soul that lets you travel through ages.

Fuel efficient, its spacious inside more than you think of, makes a great compact car or subcompact SUV. It has a nice looking exterior and a comfortable and upscale interior. It offers many safety features in the soul plus and the soul exclaim trim models. The upper trim models also offer great upgrades to technology, connectivity and comfort features.

Shannon L on April 2, 2021

Comfortable ride , versatile car , great for trips and families

I love that the seats fold down. I can carry a lot of cargo , and it's perfect for car camping . I love the sunroof , leather seats , gas mileage. I only wish it had a little more pickup

Sara T on April 2, 2021

Kia: big car vibe for small car gas mileage.

Very good gas mileage but still has a “big- car” feeling when driving it. Was able to hold all my belongings during a cross-country move. I have had minor issues with it associated with increased mileage including a dead battery and had to change the brake pads in the back.

victoria d on March 30, 2021

Fun to drive car with lots of fun features! Very fuel efficient too!

Love the size of the vehicle and the way it handles the road. I also love my backup camera and stereo package.

Julie M on March 29, 2021

So glad I bought a Kia soul!

I love my Kia soul, it has so many features and the seats adjust in so many ways and are so comfortable they just wrap around you and they have cooling/heat feature for the seats and this vehicle is also so easy to get in and out of. I love driving my Kia soul.

Alyssa H on March 28, 2021

All around it is a great car would definitely recommend a Kia soul to anyone.

I haven't experienced any problems with my Kia soul. Great gas mileage, drives smooth, just a great car all around. Mine is yellow and I think it is so unique from all other cars. I I have the touch screen radio it makes life so much easier and built in Bluetooth.

Alicia R on March 25, 2021

My Kia soul is better than my actual human soul.

Zero problems as far as reliability goes. At 200,000 miles, my Kia soul hasn't ever been in the shop for anything other than general upkeep. It's also great on fuel, and has tons of room for extra people/things. The seats are able to lie down so that I am able to haul large boxes and the like whenever needed.

Ariel J on March 25, 2021

It is a small car that is easy for anyone to drive and manage.

I really enjoy that it is a small car so it is easy to drive and park. It is also equipped with a good speaker that can connect via bluetooth to my phone. I do, however, miss that it does not have a cd player.

Lisa S on March 25, 2021

The Kia Soul is the perfect long distance travel vehicle.

One of the best things about the Soul is the level of comfort. I was immediately surprised at how roomy and spacious this car is, not only for the driver, but also the passengers. I like how the seats fold down in the back and there is easy access to load up things like garden soil and bags of mulch. I have even fit lumber and fencing boards. The gas mileage is excellent. We took our Kia on a cross country trip and had not one issue with the engine. It ran great and was so economical. Handled well on mountain roads out west and in the heat of the desert. It feels spacious and has lots of views from all the windows with practically no ' blind spots'. Needless to say we love the Kia soul and have not found anything to complain about. It is the best car we've ever owned!

Dariana M on March 24, 2021

Kia is spacious, reliable and cute. Who wouldn't want a Kia?

No problems I have encountered. Everything is good, it is comfy, reliable and spacious. Some people think that Kids are small, but they're actually so roomy. Fit up to 5 people. The only problem I had was that needed to replace brake after 3 years, I thought that was a good amount of time before that happened though.

Walter G on March 22, 2021

A great little Kia soul lots of space.

Cost effective fun to drive. Easy to pay for just perfect for trips. Plenty of passenger space plenty. Of cargo space Bluetooth stereo. Easy to clean nice wheels great air conditioner wife loves it wife likes the grand children like it takes me to work and back daily and vacations in the soul.

Rae H on March 22, 2021

Small but mighty! Very roomy!

The Kia soul is great on gas! It typically takes $20-$25 to fill the tank depending on prices and gas level. It looks very small on the outside but is very roomy. My tall family members have no issues when sitting in the backseat of the car. My only con is that during strong winds, the car does wobble a bit and is harder to control when steering. The car does have a high rollover risk warning inside and I can agree that super sharp turns and high winds are a force to be reckoned with.

Londsay R on March 21, 2021

Great for a basic model Kia.

I love that it is stick shift and a crossover style. I can fit a lot in the car but it is still small enough to make parking great. I wish it had more power because it does not catch up to speed very quickly and sometimes the fear sticks from 1 to 2. If it had cruise control, that would be great too but it runs great and I have enjoyed it!

Lydia M on March 20, 2021

It is not new. It is mine.

I like the stereo system. It has great maneuverability. There's a lot more space than it looks like, very compact. Great on gas.

Tommy T on March 19, 2021

Great family car or single couple and affordable.

My car is great on gas in the city. My Kia drives smooth and fast. The car looks small but it is big interior. Can carry the kids and my dog. The trunk is spacious. Easily carries 2 suitcases with 2 bags in the trunk. Love the backup camera. Love the XM radio access.

Sandra S on March 18, 2021

Great car for a great price.

There is a roomy inside and back seat, cargo area is large. Relatively no maintenance other than regular oil changes, great gas mileage, economical, solid body. Sunroof, and tons of extras, great stereo system. I would define buy again. I would love to buy another.

Susan S on March 17, 2021

Our Kia soul is perfection.

Our soul is the most comfortable car we have owned. Gas mileage is outstanding at about 30 mpg and performance both in town and on highways is great amenities include heated steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats and heated back seat. Full roof sunroof, back up camera and front collision warning. Stereo system with Bluetooth, navigation system, cruise control and hands free speakers.

Valeria R on March 17, 2021

Kia soul review. Fun, comfortable and affordable.

My vehicle is very comfortable. Although it seems small from the outside, it is actually very spacious. It is trunk storage is great! It is a perfect vehicle to travel because it also saves fuel. I would definitely recommend the vehicle for families or for a single person as well.

Liza C on March 15, 2021

Comfortable small car but short on trunk space.

For a small car, it has sufficient power. It is comfortable and easy to drive. I like driving with cruise control on the highway. It is very easy to turn on and off. The one downside to this car for my boyfriend is trunk space. If you are someone who likes big trunk space, this car is not for you.

Enrique F on March 15, 2021

Very good gas mileage , specially when you use your car a lot in the city or to travel . It saves us a lot of money , the more you use it the more you save .

Economical, spectacular gas mileage , good maintenance and service by the dealer , good small size , Easy to enter and getting out .

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.