2014 Kia Soul Review: Extremely Unreliable & Slow Compact SUV With High Repair Costs

Alex Showalter

Oct 7, 2022

The 2014 Kia Soul only lasts around 150,000 miles with serious engine failures and electrical issues. At $9,625 to $11,750 it’s cheap, but still a terrible value when replacing the engine will cost you thousands of dollars.

The Good

Passenger space is excellent for its size, steering is responsive and the technology is good.

The Bad

Suspension is firmer than other SUVs, both engines are weak at highway speeds and engine failures are widespread.

Is the 2014 Kia Soul a Good Used SUV?

Overall Rating 4/10 – 2014 is a bad year for the Kia Soul with widespread engine failures, making it earn a low overall rating. Owner reviews complain about mechanical problems, electrical issues, as well as a basic stereo.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are nicer than other small SUVs in the same price range, seats are comfortable, and cargo space is good for its size.
Reliability 3/10 – There are widespread engine problems on Kia Soul models from 2012–2016. We recommend models from 2017–2020 which have better engines.
Performance 5/10 – Both of the 4-cylinder engine options available are slower than other compact SUVs.
Safety 7/10 – The 2014 Kia Soul is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Optional safety features include a rearview camera.
Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is excellent at 27 MPG, giving owners 340 miles of range from the 12.7 gallon tank. Gas costs are $11 cheaper than average at $192 per month.
Value 4/10 – The 2014 Kia Soul is very cheap, although widespread engine problems make it a terrible long term value proposition.

Positive Owner Reviews

Diana E

Perfect for a young family and perfect car for first time buyers.

The Kia Soul is comfortable super compact perfect size for a small family and it is hip and modern , it had great features spacious trunk for family trips the colors it comes with has a variety. Comes with Bluetooth for hands free wouldn't choose any other car.

tim A

Though it appears small, this car is Surprisingly roomy.

Altho this is a base model, the car is very spacious for a small vehicle. The dash layout and steering wheel controls are very nice - easy to see/reach and is a nice design. This car drives really well and is very comfortable. I especially like how it sits higher than sedans style cars.

Brian P

I'm rolling happily along

My car is a very comfortable drive/ride. It seats 5 people with room to spare. I still get 34 miles to the gallon on highway drives. I feel very safe in the car. The base sound system had a robust sound and surprising bass for a small vehicle. The seating is plush and there is plenty of room for storage. Having a 12 gallon gas tank is very economical because a tank will last me a week with my long (60 miles each way) commute to work. I am a very satisfied Kia owner and would purchase again if the price was right.

Cj M

My 2014 Kia soul is big on the inside.

My 2014 Kia soul is a yellow car with tons of cool and different features. First of all the ac is very good. Second my 2014 Kia soul does not have a sunroof but there is another 2014 Kia soul model that has a sunroof. Finally the front and back lights are very bright. Those are my features on my 2014 Kia soul.

Jennifer S

Great gas mileage. Plenty of legroom and headroom.

I love my car. There are so many wonderful upgrades. I love the bluetooth in the car. There is so much room in this car and I am tall.

Yolanda Y

It is reliable and dependable.

Gas saver. Very spacious. Has enough space door me and my family. And the size of the car I can park it anywhere without no hassle.

Taylor A

My car is the best ever the end.

It drives great, the gas mileage is on point. It's a smooth drive, has ton of space and leg room. The trunk can fit 2 family size grocery crafts worth in. It can pick up speed to get out of the way for traffic. I am kind of over typing about my car now because there isn't much left to mention.

April S

Kia Soul has everything a car/suv owner could ask for.

It is a fun, funky compact vehicle that fits a lot inside without operating a large vehicle. This particular model has built in Navi and lots of music features. Perfect for my family of four and busy lifestyle.

Negative Owner Reviews

Destiny D

Silver with stickers all over it.

Bad transmission. Broken thermostat. Having to open the door by rolling my window down and opening it from the outside.

Haley S

Hate it. Too many mechanical problems in just the first year of owning it alone.

The gas mileage is awful. There was a recall on the car due to something being wrong with the wiring on the headlights where something was getting too hot and melting the wires. Within 5 months of having it the catalytic converter needed work on it. Another 5-6 months later it already needed new spark plugs and coil packs. It was brand new when we bought it and it had entirely too many problems too soon after it was purchased.

Barbara N

Decent gas mileage, low maintenance.

Uncomfortable headrest! Small trunk, no storage space, cramped seating--constantly slamming elbows in front seats, no CD player, no cigarette lighter, no ashtrays, very cramped on long drives.

Kenise W

There is no spare tire purchase one before buying.

When I received my brand new Kia the tire sensor had issues the my tires were faulty after a month replaced all four and Kia had to pay for it. The gas is not saver and the drive is rough.

Matthew F

Not a great car. Reliable. But not comfortable.

Not a very comfortable car. Pretty small. Decent gas mileage. Great sound system. But very boring to drive. I have problems with the eco boost not kicking in. As well as the cars electronic fuel gauge being inaccurate while driving. It resets when I turn the car off and back on. The keys were made terrible. The key itself bends and may turn the car off while driving.

Rosalie G

Kia soul ok for a beginner driver not ok for a family.

The gas sensor is messing up, where the gas monitor will tell you it has no gas when it doe. When I roll down one window while driving it makes a noise. Performance is good. Reliability is good. Comfort I wish it was bigger. Features are basic. Overall, it's good for a beginner driver not good for a family.

Marissa B

Plenty of room inside and good on gas.

The car is roomy inside which is great, on the negative side I have replace the motor already, the visor has fallen you can feel every bump making it not as comfortable if you have a long ride. It is great on gas. You can drive pretty fast which surprised me. The audio is great if you like music.

Veronica F

Kia Soul isn't necessarily better than any other car

I don't care for the shape of the car, nor the color. It holds as much as a normal car would hold despite looking like it would hold much more. The gas mileage is somewhat to be desired, but is fine I suppose. The leg room in the back seat is very nice and does make guests more comfortable.

What Do Critics Say About the Kia Soul?

Consumer Reports says the Kia Soul has a good amount of interior space with low owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the Soul a 4.1/5 praising the long 10-year warranty, but doesn’t like the firm suspension.
Kelley Blue Book users rate the Soul at 4.4/5 enjoying the fun exterior styling, while owners don’t like the slow performance.

What Common Problems Does the 2014 Kia Soul Have?

Common problems on the 2014 Kia Soul include engine failures, worn-out headlights, as well as dead batteries. Overall, these problems are more severe than other compact crossovers from 2014, leading to higher repair costs as well.

Engine failures are an extremely widespread complaint from owners at around 100,000 miles. Owners report excessive engine knock as the first symptom which eventually leads to a total failure. Replacing the engine is very expensive, costing around $5,300 depending on labor rates.

Worn-out headlights are another issue mentioned by owners at about 30,000 miles. The stock headlight bulbs wear out quicker than in competitors which need to be replaced. Changing out the bulbs for stock ones costs about $100, however, there are longer lasting aftermarket bulbs for around $120.

Dead batteries are also mentioned by owners at around 15,000 miles. There are a lot of electronic accessories in the 2014 Kia Soul, and some of them may drain power while the car is off. Tracking down the source of the battery drain costs about $100, while replacing the battery is another $150.

There are 5 fairly serious recalls which are worse than other compact SUVs from 2014. The most serious recall is for an overheated catalytic converter, which can cause the engine to stall. Kia will replace the catalytic converter control unit on affected models. Other important recalls include broken steering gears, as well as a broken accelerator pedal.

How Long Will the 2014 Kia Soul Last?

A properly cared for 2014 Kia Soul may last around 150,000 miles, which is only half as long as top-rated competitors including the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than average, according to data from Repair Pal, at $479 per year.

Since a lot of used 2014 Soul models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the fuel sending unit for $700, power steering pump costing $550, and the A/C pressure switch which costs $250.

Devyn H

As far as internal operations, the vehicle is reliable, and has some very good gas mileage, ours in particular gets about 30 mpg.

Heather O

No it had its downfall in the beginning when it first hit the market. It is very reliable and it is very good on gas mileage.

Jimmy R

None at all it is a very good car and it was the best purchase I have ever made hands down one of the best cars I have ever owned.

Deborah G

We have no problems now, but we have had to replace the starter, battery, and a fuel injector. It was very expensive.

Yvonne W

The Kia soul + is a very reliable car. I haven't had any problems with this car. Like all cars it has had recalls but they were taken care of very quickly.

Donna D

It is very reliable. I have had no problems. I wrote a long paragraph on the previous question. To restate, it is very reliable.

Hope E

It is incredibly reliable. I have only had to do routine maintenance and no other issues. I put on a lot of highway miles so get frequent oil changes and fluids topped off.

d c

It is very reliable. Other than normal maintenance. It is very good on tires. The back seat folds down and doubles the carrying size.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is good in the Kia Soul with standard Bluetooth and a nice stereo system. Optional entertainment technology also includes an 8-inch touchscreen. Safety technology is worse than some competitors, the only option available is a rearview camera.

Is the 2014 Kia Soul a Good Value?

No, the 2014 Kia Soul is a bad value since there are a lot of mechanical problems. Blue book prices range from $9,625 to $11,750, making it cheaper than a Honda CR-V or Jeep Compass. When new, the price range was $14,00 to $20,500. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 12% 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 2014, from the entry-level Base to the top-of-the-line Soul!.

Base is the entry-level model with:

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

Soul+ is a step up, adding:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
More Powerful Engine
Cruise Control
Keyless Entry

Soul! is the flagship model which adds:

18-Inch Alloy Wheels
Upgraded Cloth Seating
Speaker Lights
8-inch Infotainment Screen
Infinity Stereo System

Base

130 HP 26 MPG

View Details

164 HP 26-27 MPG

View Details

164 HP 26 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the Kia Soul?

The base engine is a weak 1.6L 4-cylinder which makes 130 horsepower while getting up to 26 MPG.
An available upgrade is the stronger 2.0L 4-cylinder which generates 164 horsepower at up to 27 MPG. Performance is average, 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 2014 Kia Soul is a comfortable compact SUV with seating for up to 5 people. Seating is better than average with nice materials used throughout the cabin.

Passenger space is great with enough room for adults in the backseats, although taller passengers may feel a little cramped.

How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Soul Have?

Cargo space is excellent with enough room for 4-5 suitcases behind the backseats and over 10 with the seats folded flat.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

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

2012: More powerful engine offered as well as steering improvements.

2013: Standard Bluetooth connectivity added.

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

2015: Upgraded leather seating available, and a standard rearview camera.

2016: Soul! The optional premium package has forward collision and lane departure warning systems.

2017: New turbocharged, more powerful engine added.

2018: No major changes.

How Does the Kia Soul Compare to the Competition?

The Kia Soul is much worse than other compact SUVs since there are so many widespread engine problems reported from owners, making it one buyers should avoid.

The Kia Forte is another car from Kia which costs about $1,000 less. Performance is better in the Kia Forte since it has a stronger engine while the cabin is roomier in the Kia Soul. We recommend avoiding both models for 2014 since there are engine problems on both of them.

The Subaru Crosstrek is another small SUV which costs $4,000 more. Off-road performance is better in the Subaru Crosstrek with its standard all-wheel-drive system, although the cabin is more luxurious in the Kia Soul. We recommend the Subaru Crosstrek since they last longer and have fewer owner complaints.

Ranks #7 Compact SUV by Owners

2014 Land Rover LR4

4.73

2014 MINI Countryman

4.67

2014 Kia Soul

4.48

Do Owners Recommend the Kia Soul?

Devyn H

Yes, although our particular car blew it is fuse for the radio. Outside of that, it receives a good number of stations, and is great if you manage to get Siriusxm on it.

Heather O

Yes! It had a few recalls but for the most it is very reliable. It is very good on gas mileage. I would recommend this vehicle to others.

Jimmy R

Yes very good on gas mileage a very comfy car with great features and for the kids or the family. I would recommend this car to everyone.

Deborah G

Yes it is very spacious and economical. My husband is over 6 ft and he has plenty of legroom. We love that the seats fold down and we can get a lot in the back. I have lots of room for my 2 dogs. Can get a lot of groceries in it also.

Yvonne W

Yes it is a very good reliable vehicle. I love this car. It drives good in any weather. I have had it for 4 years and it is so easy to drive.

Donna D

It is. It handles well and has great gas mileage. It is safe with 8 airbags. Which ones deploy depends on point of impact. For a relatively small vehicle, it seats 5. Has a hatchback, and the back seat is split and lays down if you have large things to transport. It has a touch screen computer, GPS, great sound when you turn up the tunes. It also has a great warranty. Ten year powertrain, five year bumper-to-bumper, excluding battery, belts, tires, fluids and one other thing I cannot think of. Overall, it is a great car.

Hope E

It is very solid, dependable, comfortable and just fun to drive. It is very roomy, gets decent gas mileage and has quite a bit of power. It is good in all types of weather.

d c

It is very good on gas. It has plenty of storage in the back. It is nice looking. It has very few mechanical problem besides normal upkeep.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Marie on March 6, 2024

Love

I totally don’t agree with many of the remarks about the2014 KIA soul it’s 2024 I have less than 70,000 miles I’m only now experiencing minor failures. My car has taken me up mountains, dirt roads, across small streams. She’s only serviced by my KIA dealership, expensive, yes but I won’t have any one else working on her. You take care of your car, it will take care of you.

Mike Miller on June 16, 2023

Zero Problems

Outside of basic maintenance I have only had to replace the coil packs and one battery which should be replaced every 5 years anyway. Mine is sporting 177,000 miles and runs like it should. Purchased it with 49.000 miles on it and replaced the oil with synthetic oil and change it every 10,000 miles.

Amaryllis A on June 25, 2021

Do not need to race!! Take your time driving and enjoy the ride.

Gift from dad!! That is no problems. Thank god!. I recommend this car. Be careful driving everywhere though. Ask family and friends how is the car and some of them haven't even ride this model before.. I love it and I'll always remember my 1st and 2nd car.

Steve M on June 25, 2021

Lot of car for little money.

The Kia soul is a great value. It has lots of features for the price. Also it sets up higher than a sedan and do it has good visibility and is good in the snow. I would recommend it for someone that wants a lot of car for a little money. Great features for a great price.

Michele P on June 25, 2021

All around best vehicle I have ever owned!

My 2014 kia soul is a wonderful vehicle! The safety measures go beyond most vehicles. The ride is smooth. Even being 6 years old you can hardly hear the engine running. Great gas mileage. Inside is roomy and comfortable in front or back. The hatch back allows you to haul a lot of baggage. And of course the sound system rocks!

Natasha H on June 25, 2021

My car is wonderful. Just got smaller the larger my family got!

I haven't had any issues with my car. I love it. I guess my only complaint is that once I had a baby I do not have room in the car to travel with my family of 4 and a dog. It gets great gas mileage and is comfortable. Lots of legroom in the back seat. Most car seats fit nicely with room still.

Michael S on June 14, 2021

Kia soul is ok. Dependable enough, but nothing to rave about.

It is not a bad car. Not great, either, at least in comparison to my last car, a Toyota matrix. I wish the Kia had a plastic cargo area like the matrix did. Matrix also had a moon roof & felt more sedan like when driving as opposed to the Kia which feels higher off the ground.

Iain S on June 14, 2021

Great roomy car with a lot of zip.

The lights burn out often. There is a lot of room. I am tall and feel very comfortable in this vehicle. The gas mileage could be better. I average around 25 mpg. The window tint is great. It is dark and has not bubbled up in the 5 years I have owned the car.

Katie W on June 8, 2021

2014 Kia soul base model.

The Kia soul is great on gas and surprisingly roomy for a small car. It is not the greatest in snow and the base model does not have a CD player, at least in the 2014 model that I have. I didn't realize that at the time of purchase (I didn't even think to look, figured it was pretty standard in everything) and it is likely it would have affected my decision to but had I had noticed.

Erin G on June 7, 2021

A great car that is made to last!

I have really loved my kia soul since purchasing it as a new vehicle. There have been no major issues aside from general maintenance and a handful of recalls that required me to take it in to get checked. It has plenty of space despite being a smaller vehicle and the safety ratings are fantastic - a huge reason behind choosing this car. It drives well and has all the basic features you would expect of a car. My biggest complaint is that sometimes the bluetooth hookup to my phone does not always work so I cannot play music through my phone. However if that is my biggest complaint that speaks for itself with this car!

Nicole H on June 6, 2021

Love my Kia soul - overall the perfect car for my family and lifestyle.

I love my Kia soul. It is the perfect go getter. I have a small family and we make it work just fine. It is roomier than you would think. Also good for the minimalist, or those who aspire to be. It is great for road trips or a good commuter as well. All around, the vehicle can wear many hats and save you of money is gas mileage.

Jenna I on May 27, 2021

My sunroof goes the back seats, and the speakers change different colors.

2 years ago I got my first car and it has been great ever since. I have no problems, performances, reliability, or any feature or comfort problems. I constantly get letters from the dealership and I feel part of the car process even if that is just for an oil change.

Meme G on May 21, 2021

Mom with three kids fit perfectly in this great little gas saver.

The performance on this vehicle is just ok. The car is pretty reliable the features are cool like that it has a backup camera. At first it was just myself and my two boys so it was the perfect size and then we added a new addition and I thought the car wasn't going to work but it fits the three of us perfectly and my boy have plenty of legroom and so do I while driving.

Cheyenne G on May 20, 2021

That it will work amazing for you as long as you care for it.

I love the space it has inside. The gas mileage is amazing when you treat it right. I love the smoothness of the ride as well.

Sheniquia W on May 13, 2021

Cute, fun and affordable!

Overall the Kia soul is a fun little compact spunky car. If you are short or small and do not require a lot of room or space it is perfect! Rides smooth, great gas mileage and awesome colors to choose from. The downside to them I have to keep getting oil changes before the schedule mileage time because the oil escapes somewhere within the car (not certain where). And now that I have a child it much too small of a car now.

Amber J on May 10, 2021

My car has a compartment in the trunk that I use often when grocery shopping.

My car has been very good, however it is not very good on gas and it definitely does not run smooth either. My car is very durable though and is very dependable. I love how big the glove compartment is, and that there is a sunglasses holder in the front. This car also get very good air circulation throughout the entire car. There is also a compartment in the trunk under a mat that allows you to store more delicate items.

Matthew F on April 26, 2021

Not a great car. Reliable. But not comfortable.

Priscilla M on April 22, 2021

Gas and maintenance is easy.

Very good on gas and the safety I feel in my car is amazing. Driving feels like you're gliding and the maintenance is very easy to keep up but I have a warranty so Kia helps me with all my car needs and questions. Very reliable and great on gas automobile. Thumbs up.

Shell B on April 22, 2021

Good car, affordable maintenance. Comfortable passengers.

Affordable maintenance. Pleasant staff. I wish I could afford more features - otherwise - a good vehicle. Handles well and does not have major breakdowns. Carries passengers comfortably. Only drawback - a hump in the middle of the steering wheel blocks the turn signals. Therefore, I could drive down the road with the turn signals on forever. Yuch.

Nora P on April 12, 2021

It is easy to keep clean. The lights inside are amazing, the colors can change.

I have only had it for a few months but I love it. I have had no problems! Driving it is easy and comfortable. There is lots of room considering it is a small car. The back seats go down making the trunk space larger. It was perfect for when I moved up to college.

Uniqua S on April 11, 2021

The best car I have had so far and would definitely recommend.

Comfort is amazing, have not had any problems so far, I do wish I had a sunroof, the car has Bluetooth and easy to drive. The Kia soul does sit up like a truck. The trunk is small but if you are a family of one then this car is the one for you. Great gas mileage and takes 15 dollars to fill up tank. Has an economy button to save gas.

Arianna R on April 11, 2021

Suitable to use! Great vehicle to drive. It's easily operable.

Very comfortable, not much room but its useful. Drives really well. Can travel long distance. Has less space in the back. It's a two row seat. Comes with Bluetooth. Speakers are good. Has seat warmers. Or steering wheel warmer. Can have a back camera when backing up.

Nicole S on April 10, 2021

The hatchback is my favorite thing about the car.

I really enjoy how compact it is when parking and traveling, but I also love how it is so spacious! I love the fact that is a hatchback, but it is not as bulky as other SUVs. I enjoy how well the back seats fold down too if you need more space. The overall design of that car is great for my city lifestyle.

Brooke L on April 4, 2021

Certified pre-owned 2014 Kia soul.

Comfortable and reliable vehicle. Not a luxurious vehicle. Easy to maintain, some maintenance can be expensive. Gas mileage and oil life are mid-range- a full tank of gas can last up to 380 miles, a $100 oil change provides approximately 5 to 7 months of oil life depending on mileage.

Taylor A on April 3, 2021

My car is the best ever the end.

Dawnn K on April 2, 2021

The best and not so best things of my 2014 Kia soul.

A lot of manufacturing recalls. The car drives a little rough. Insurance seems to be high on it and I have a perfect driving record. Love my hands free Bluetooth. Has a good radio and great speakers. Do wish there was more leg room in the back set for the passengers. Gets okay gas mileage.

Kristen N on April 2, 2021

Honest thoughts on my vehicle.

I bought mine used, immediately had to replace battery within one week of purchasing which cost $300. It is good for work commuting, but not for traveling long distances due to not being comfortable and not much storage space. Also, lots of road noise. I have also had to have the brakes, rotors, and master cylinder replaced in the few years I have owned it.

Diana V on April 1, 2021

Inexpensive, but with a smooth ride. And good on gas.

I love my car its economical on gas. Lots of space. Smooth ride. I drive it to work and back and it's very good on gas. I travel out of town every three months with no problem.

Ian P on March 30, 2021

Safety features are great.

Like drive ability, feels like larger car and gas mileage. Dislike not a pickup truck. Not a pretty car.

Edgar E on March 29, 2021

Mileage is good. Cheap on gas. Cheap to fix.

Amazing mileage and cheap to fix if anything goes out. It has a lot of room and it's a good travel car, good control in the rain and Bluetooth and internet radio. Good sound system and safe vehicle in accidents. Get filled with just $20 or less depending on where you live at or located.

Tonya L on March 27, 2021

This car didn't come with a spare tire

I love the way my car looks. It handles the road well. It is good on gas and has a nice radio

Kristy Y on March 27, 2021

It is Fairly roomy for Big and tall people - lots of headroom and side room.

Basic car for people who need a lower priced car. Fairly roomy for a small car. Lots of headroom for tall people. It runs well and has needed little repairs. Love the low price. Not really anything I dislike about it.

Breanna H on March 25, 2021

2014 black Kia Soul. Kind of gives me a sporty vibe and I see a lot of these.

Great on gas. I love the size, it is not too small or too big. Super easy to park. Very roomy inside. Haven't had any problems with it since I got it. My fav part probably is the Bluetooth for my music. The seats are comfortable and the back seat passengers have plenty of legroom.

Noteven M on March 25, 2021

Lots of capacity for carrying groceries, etc.

Perfect in every way. It is reliable, cute and gets good gas mileage. No complaints at all.

britney W on March 23, 2021

I feel that it's roomy but my boyfriend doesn't feel that way but he's 6ft tall

I love my Kia soul but it has become cramped with 2 kids and a car seat. It's uncomfortable to drive when you can't let the seat back. It drives great. I haven't had any major issues. A few recalls but that's all. This car would be more for a person that only going to have 3 people in the car normally. Truck space is great even has a storage area under the base cover. Radio speakers are loud. Can't drive this car at high speeds you can feel when the wind lifts the car. If you have ecoboost on it's great on gas. Without ecoboost you can really tell it's draining.

Stanley M on March 23, 2021

My Kia. It is one of the most comfortable, roomy car I have ever had.

It is very roomy, it is got a lot of room in the back, it is very comfortable and it has a backup camera, it shows the radio station that you are listening to. I just love everything about it.

Becky A on March 21, 2021

Cute little Kia. My little Kia is compact without being too small.

I love my Kia soul. It is compact, but not too small. My 6'2' son can fit in nicely, no problems. It is very good on gas. The back seats fold down so I have plenty of cargo space. The ride is very comfortable, no complaints. I love the auto-lock on the doors when I put it in gear.

Anne H on March 20, 2021

Affordable and easy to drive when it's not snowing out

I like the amount of space the vehicle has as well as the tight turning radius, it is easy to drive and maneuver. I dislike that the vehicle is not 4 wheel drive

Christy H on March 19, 2021

Very affordable, nice little vehicle that's great on gas.

I love it other than the trunk space, great on gas though! Trunk space is very tiny. Gas mileage is amazing. Seats are very comfortable. Love the color changing lights on my interior speakers as well. The bright color of my soul is super easy to find in a parking lot. Also small enough to fit into tight spaces.

Sharon G on March 19, 2021

I love having a sunroof and leather seats with heat and cool.

I love this cat. I keep up with the maintenance and have not had any issues. My make and year required a replacement of the engine block as it was burning through oil. The replacement was handled quickly and at no cost to me and I was provided a rental car during repair.

Alexa G on March 18, 2021

Perfection at its finest!

My car is perfect for someone that does not love to drive cars that are low to the ground, but does not want to spend the money on an SUV either. I do not have any problems with my car. It is very comfortable to drive and I love the different modes on my car.

Gcg G on March 11, 2021

Very reliable and most definitely cost efficient.

Very reliable. Saves gas. Rides comfortable. And roomy to stretch. Good mileage. Very smooth on highway. Turbo engine. Most definitely cost efficient. And indeed affordable. The highway mileages are great. Nice and roomy for long distances on the road.

Maddison E on March 8, 2021

Great first car. Not best for multiple car seats.

Brakes are hard to change. Overall comfort is good. Definitely not a good car for multiple car seats. Not the greatest car for big groceries. Great gas mileage. Can start to feel when oil needs to change. Can feel when rotors need to be changed when car starts to shake a bit.

Andrea V on March 7, 2021

It really doesn't take that much gas. Most of the time it takes less than $40 and lasts me about a week. But my job is driving around so I do use a lot of gas.

What I don't like about my car is there is no AC vents in the back; and sometimes my back Passengers complain about it. I love that it is comfortable sometimes I nap in there. It's small but it is roomy. And the trunk is a good size.

Kay C on March 4, 2021

Kia soul is a great buy for room.

My Kia would is a comfortable ride and I haven't had any problems with it at all. I love everything about it. I would definitely buy another one when I am ready to buy. The seats are comfortable and soft. I like the stereo in it as well. It also has plenty of room.

Janet D on March 3, 2021

It holds more than it looks like it would

It is just the right size for me. It feels like a mini SUV which I like. I love the sporty but comfortable feel. It has a solid and safe feel as well.

Katelyn S on February 28, 2021

Great size, space, and perfect for young adult!

Hatchback makes it easy to access the ample trunk space. I have had no problems, it has great performance, reliable, and very comfortable. Great gas mileage, perfect amount of space. As a basic car, features are basic and all that I need. Runs smooth. Stereo works well.

Elizabeth H on February 26, 2021

Can hold more than you think.

The Kia Soul is very roomy and can actually accommodate very large items. It gets great gas mileage. Handles very well and has a great turning radius. Can be hard to see the front of the car takes some getting used to.

Natasha B on February 24, 2021

The Soul is fun to drive and roomy for a small car.

The Soul is fun to drive and has been a reliable car since I first purchased it. I would get a second one if I ever had the opportunity.

Jennifer L on February 24, 2021

This has been the best vehicle I have driven yet!

I love the fuel economy. The interior room is perfect for my children and myself. I also find that when traveling with other adults there is plenty of legroom and room for luggage in the trunk area. The cost is perfect for what I had to spend and the upkeep has been basic.

Briana S on February 22, 2021

My car is a 2014 Kia soul base model that is green. The interior is black.

I love my Kia soul. It drives smoothly and the interior is comfortable. It looks very compact from the outside, but it is very spacious on the inside. The only complaint I have is that the car has had several recalls since owning it. Other then the recalls, I haven't had any issues.

Lane G on February 22, 2021

My Stylish Kia Soul is great.

My Kia Soul is a great performing vehicle that has been very reliable. It has been also very low maintenance and economical.

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.