2018 Kia Soul Review: Dependable Small SUV With Low Ownership Costs As It Ages

Alex Showalter

Dec 31, 2022

The 2018 Kia Soul lasts around 200,000 miles with some brake booster and air bag system issues reported. At $13,150 to $17,200, it’s a great value for an entry-level compact SUV with good cargo space.

The Good

There’s a lot of entertainment & safety tech, the steering is responsive and interior materials are nice for its price.

The Bad

There’s no all-wheel drive system available, the engines are weaker than the competition and the suspension is firm.

Is the 2018 Kia Soul a Good Used SUV?

Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Kia Soul since it offers good reliability with a comfortable interior, giving it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the passenger room, efficient engine choices, as well as the responsive handling.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are basic compared to other SUVs, the seats offer plenty of cushioning, cargo space is also very good for its size.
Reliability 8/10 – There are no serious problems found on the 2018 Kia Soul. Avoid models from 2012–2016 which have engine failures reported, 2017–2022 are better choices.
Performance 6/10 – Performance is okay from all of the 4-cylinder engine options, although it’s not very fast since the Soul focuses more on efficiency.
Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Soul is reasonably safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, as well as automatic emergency braking.
Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 28 MPG, giving 397 miles of range out of the 14.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $29 cheaper than average at $156 per month.
Value 8/10 – The 2018 Kia Soul is more affordable than many other compact SUVs, making it a good value since it’s also affordable to own.

Positive Owner Reviews

Julie M

The Kia soul is a fun car to drive!

The Kia soul is a fun car to drive. The gas mileage in both city and on the highway is very good. The air conditioning works great. The stereo system is very good. Cruise control is easy to use. Functions are easy to adjust using the buttons on the steering wheel. Bluetooth works great. I really enjoy driving my Kia soul.

Melissa C

Very spacious! This car has a lot of room to put your stuff. I keep all my camping gear in it all year round so I can just up and go when I want.

I love that I can take it anywhere. It is good for work and camping. Lots of room but not a big car to drive.

Taylor S

Why I love my car and its features.

I really like how nice my car is. My car rides well. My car is easy to start. My car is easy to drive and turns well. My car is a pretty color. My car is not something I take for granted. My car is simple to use and family friendly. I will be able to put car seats in my car and that makes me happy.

Taylor Y

Incredible ride, would recommend.

This is my second Kia soul because they are such reliable vehicles. The cabin is roomy enough to fit four to five people, even for longer road trips. I have never had an operational problem and I have been driving soul's since 2010. They are easy to handle and a great car.

Jennifer M

Kia Soul is sporty but practical a balance that fits different lifestyles.

First of all I really like the gas mileage. The Kia Soul really handles nicely with good power when entering and exiting the highway. I like the "sport" drive mode, which gives you the feel of a sports car and hugs the road and curves. The seats fold down in the back so that you can haul equipment etc. . . I wasn't sure at first about the room but both my children are 5'9 - 6'2 and ride in the back. They do not have any problems with leg room. The only thing I would change is do not sell it as an SUV. I do not like the pressure noise when the windows are open. It makes a loud noise throughout the car no matter if you have the rear or front windows open.

Howard H

This is our third Kia soul

We had a 2016 that saved my wife's life in a crash. Now we have a 2021 and a 2018. After the 2016 save my wife's life I decided to trade my car and get an 2018 we replace my wife's 2016 with a 2021 there's nothing I don't like about either one of the cars both of them are great on gas great ride and work priced great we love our souls and wouldn't drive anything else !

Meach D

It is very reliable and great on gas mileage.

I like the full sunroof and it is sporty. Very good on gas. Love the design. I love my car and I have no complaints.

Victoria C

The best parts of a Kia soul.

The best parts about my car is the space the backup camera and the speakers. As well as the touch screen GPS system is amazing when I am driving by myself so I will not have to pick up my phone. I also love the unique color of my car. It helps me find it when I am lost in a parking lot.

Negative Owner Reviews

Christy B

No horse power. Makes a lot of noise when started. Remote key is loose.

I bought the car brand new about three months ago. The car does not run like a brand new car. It makes a lot of noise when you start it. Does not have any horsepower. The key is very loose like it going to come off the remote. I would not recommend this vehicle for purchase.

Araceli

Match Box

For all those folks that are driving around in a Kia Soul 2018 be warned, it's a match box waiting to catch on fire. Do research. I had my car for a little over a year when it went up in flames. Yes. I now have no car and Kia will not cover it, as of yet, as they are trying to find a reason to weasel out of paying for it. All my oil changes were in the car and thus, they might be able to get out of the warranty based on the fact that I can't provide them with all the oil changes. As per their warranty, if the car fails or burns up, they will want all the oil changes and have denied many claims based on owners not being able to provide them. Please, please be warned. I nearly lost my life in one of these match boxes.

Erica G

Great mpg; average appearance.

I like the gas mileage both on the highway and around town. I do not care for the look off the car exterior. I do not like the boxy appearance. I only bought this because I was desperate to get out from under a lemon of a Sorrento. It needs a bit more power also.

Bet R

This a basic car to help with daily errands.

Not very powerful, I have had other 4 cylinder cars that have a much better acceleration. It struggles to even accelerate to change lanes. Pros are that is spacious inside and gas efficient so you do not have to fill up the tank as often and it can go about 350 miles a tank.

Alesha H

I love having a touchscreen radio, though.

My Kia soul is not good on gas. It is also a small car. My kids do not have much leg room. The trunk is very small and not much room to put things. The air conditioning takes too long to come on. The icons on my steering wheel do not work. I push the phone icon and it will not work to call anyone.

Laura S

Kia souls may be plenty but they are not good!

The car is way too small in the trunk. I can't even put a suitcase or diaper bag in there since there is no depth. When you take off, the car sounds like you are breaking the sound barrier but you are only going 30 mph and it takes forever to get up to speed. I say a few "hail mary's" if I accidentally pull out in front of someone because you may get ran over. There is no cd player so you are almost coerced into paying for sirius. It should get better gas mileage for something that is basically the size of a go cart. I hate the car but can't trade it in because 6 months after buying it new it is half the value of a new car.I give it 2 instead of 1 stars because it does have good head room for the driver and a good warranty.

Kyle W

Kia soul exclaim not for the long haul.

At first it was extremely nice and luxurious for the price point. Now, after 3 years it just feels less “solid”. Weird noises are starting and I feel like if I keep it much longer I may have major issues. It does have a lot of nice features for the price. Heated seats, navigation, backup campers, etc.

Alexis G

Kia soul 2018. Nice, but overall unimpressive.

It is too small, and it really does not ride well. It takes every bump in the road like you just drove over a landmine. On top of that, there is not enough space in it. The option to put the seats down is nice, but that limits the amount of people you can have in the car when you have a lot of things to carry.

What Do Critics Say About the Kia Soul?

Consumer Reports says the 2018 Kia Soul offers a nice car like driving experience, with good owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds rates the Soul at 4.8/5, praising the spacious comfortable cabin, but doesn’t like the harsh ride quality.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Soul a 4.4/5, enjoying the fun driving experience, but owners don’t like the lack of all-wheel drive.

What Common Problems Does the 2018 Kia Soul Have?

Common problems found on the 2018 Kia Soul include the brake pedal going to the floor, horn system issues, as well as the airbag light turning on. Overall, these problems are minor than some other

The brake pedal going to the floor is the most common complaint on the 2018 Kia Soul in the first 5,000 miles. Usually, when the brake pedal goes to the floor without applying the brakes, it’s a sign of a problem with the brake booster. Most brake boosters are covered under warranty and replaced for free. If your Soul is out of warranty then it’s about $350 to change.

Horn system issues have also been reported by 2018 Soul owners at around 1,000 miles. The electronic horn stops working on some models if there’s a loose connection. Repairing the connection usually costs under $100 for a shop to diagnose and reconnect.

The airbag light turning on is another issue that shows up on some Kia Soul models at roughly 10,000 miles. There are some sensor issues which lead to the light turning on. Most air bag sensor issues are covered under warranty for free. If your car is out of warranty, then a new sensor is around $180.

There’s only one recall on the 2018 Kia Soul, which is better than many other compact SUVs on the market. The recall covers the airbag control unit, which may prevent the airbags from deploying. Kia will update the software or replace units on affected models for free.

How Long Will the 2018 Kia Soul Last?

A well-maintained 2018 Kia Soul can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than the highly-rated Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than the competition, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at roughly $334 per year.

As a used 2018 Kia Soul reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the shocks for $650, the oxygen sensor costing $180, as well as the window switches which cost $250.

Tatiana F

Yes it is reliable. Gets around quick and is small so it is easy to park and zip around others. The only think that I wish is that it came with a spare tire. I had to buy my own. They do provide a tire repair kit and typically the car comes with a 10 year warranty.

Vanora P

It is very reliable. Since I had the car I have had no problems. The inside can seat up to four people. It is very economical.

Bradley B

There are no problems. I would overall say it is an excellent vehicle for the price. The souls are not as affordable as most people may think.

Sherell W

I have had any problems with my Kia soul. We keep the oil changed regularly and other maintenance also.

Amanda N

It has been reliable, even after rear-ending another car. I get my maintenance as recommended and everything seems to be in top shape. I haven't had any issues in the 2 years that I have had it.

Julie W

I have not had any problems thus far with my Kia. We love it and hope that it will last many years.

Jan G

Ours had a recall but it was fixed. Besides that we have had no issues except the Cadillac converter going out. But it was due to overheating.

Mary S

In my opinion it’s very reliable. Everything about it is so convenient. No problems whatsoever. I've driven this car back and forth out of town and even out of state. No issues.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is excellent in the 2018 Kia Soul since it comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system which has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen, and a stronger stereo system.

Safety technology is good with a standard rearview camera. Optional advanced safety features include blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, as well as automatic emergency braking.

Is the 2018 Kia Soul a Good Value?

Yes, the 2018 Kia Soul is a good value since it’s decently reliable while also being affordable. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $13,150 to $17,200, making it cheaper than a Honda CR-V or Subaru Forester. When new, the price range was $16,200 to $35,950. Depreciation is average, losing about 10% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Kia Soul?

There are three models of the 2018 Kia Soul offered, from the entry-level Base, all the way up to the Soul!. The Kia Soul also is only offered with front-wheel drive, which isn’t ideal for colder climates with a lot of snow.

Base is the entry-level model with:

16-Inch Alloy Wheels
Cloth Seating
Air Conditioning
60/40-Split Folding Rear Seats
7-Inch Touchscreen With Uvo Tech Interface
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Satellite Radio
Bluetooth Connectivity
Six-Speaker Sound System

Soul+ is a step up, adding:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
Keyless Entry
Upgraded Cloth Upholstery
Selectable Drive Modes

Soul! is the flagship model which has:

18-Inch Alloy Wheels
Black and Red Exterior Trim
Cloth and Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Heated Steering Wheel
8-Inch Touchscreen
Two USB Ports
Heated Rear Seats
Premium Harman Kardon Sound System

Base

130 HP 27 MPG

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161 HP 27 MPG

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201 HP 28 MPG

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What Engines Come In the Kia Soul?

The base engine is a weak 1.6L 4-cylinder which makes 130 horsepower at up to 27 MPG. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission.
An available upgrade is the average 2.0L 4-cylinder which produces 161 horsepower, which gets up to 27 MPG as well. This engine has a six-speed automatic transmission.
The flagship engine is the strong 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder which generates 201 horsepower and is fairly fuel efficient at up to 28 MPG. This is offered with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Performance is okay, taking 7.3 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Kia Soul Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Kia Soul?

The 2018 Kia Soul is generally considered to be a comfortable small SUV, with a spacious and well-equipped cabin with room for five passengers. Reviewers have praised the Soul for its comfortable front seats and its smooth and refined ride, which makes it a good choice for long distance driving.

The Soul is available with a variety of comfort and convenience features, such as power-adjustable front seats, a power-adjustable steering column, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a premium audio system. These features can help to enhance the overall comfort of the car.

Passenger room is great throughout the cabin, especially considering its size. There’s more than enough legroom for taller adults in the back seats thanks to the Soul’s boxy shape.

How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Soul Have?

Cargo space is good for the size of the Kia Soul, with enough room for 4-5 full size suitcases behind the rear seats, 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.

2015: Upgraded leather seating available, standard rearview camera.

2016: Soul! Model now has lane departure warning and forward collision warning systems.

2017: Upgraded turbocharged engine available.

2018: No major changes.

2019: No changes.

2020: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new styling, engines, and technology.

2021: Standard rear occupant alert system, upgraded suspension for the 2.0 X-Line & GT-Line models.

How Does the Kia Soul Compare to the Competition?

The 2018 Kia Soul is a very good compact SUV which competes with many compact car models. It’s built for shoppers looking for a more budget-friendly alternative to traditional SUVs.

The Toyota RAV4 is another small SUV which is available for about $5,500 more. Where the Toyota RAV4 stands out is with better performance in the snow since it has an available all-wheel drive system, while the Kia Soul fits better in the small parking spaces of big cities. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since they last longer, although both are decent choices.

The Honda Fit is a popular competitor, which is about $2,500 more. Reliability ratings are slightly higher on the Honda Fit, while the Kia Soul has a more engaging driving experience. We recommend the Honda Fit since they’re cheaper to own, yet both are worth taking a look at to see which you prefer.

Ranks #5 Compact SUV by Owners

2018 Kia Niro

4.71

Tie

2018 Subaru Forester

4.69

Tie

2018 Kia Soul

4.54

Do Owners Recommend the Kia Soul?

Tatiana F

Yes! I love my Kia soul so much! It is a reliable smaller car, but still has a ton of head space for my taller friends and family and does not feel small inside although it might look that way from the outside. Great for traveling or long trips as well.

Vanora P

Yes it is dependable and truly a gas saver. I get a lot of miles to the gallon. Very reliable transportation for family use.

Bradley B

Yes although it does not get very good mpg. It handles and accelerates very good. I would like to say the vehicle is very good.

Sherell W

This is a nice little vehicle. It gets about 34 mile per gallon on Ave. The style is. Simple yet fun. I like it.

Amanda N

I love this car. It is the perfect size. I have never had any maintenance issues with it. I love the features such as apple carplay and the backing camera.

Julie W

I love it! Roomier than it looks. Great gas mileage. Has taken me on many road trips. I see lots of souls on the road.

connor Z

Yes the Kia Soul is a good vehicle. I have had little problems and I am a frequent driver. There is good space in the back and the back seats fold down.

Sam L

Yes! It’s really an amazing car. Haven't had any issues and I love the size and way it drives. Also very good on gas compared to vehicles I've had in the past.

Owner Reviews

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Jenny King on January 5, 2024

Jenny K

Love my Kia Soul. Height wise it's easy to get in and out of when one's mobility isn't what it use to be. Great for parking good steering lock, snug seat for comfort gives driver back support.

Araceli on November 30, 2021

Match Box

Howard H on July 15, 2021

This is our third Kia soul

Vicki S on June 25, 2021

I love my car I would definitely buy another one.

I love my car it is comfortable it is higher off the ground than most small cars. It has a lot of storage room in the back for suitcases and luggage. The only thing I do not like about it is it has a big blind spot where the mirrors are on the outside.

Kristin M on June 12, 2021

Kia soul great lil car to buy.

Nothing I have found with this car yet I like it so far great car good gas miles and everything would buy newer model of this car when I can and recon and to others as well I live my Kia soul cute lil car for anyone or a teen who just got their license.

Ashley S on June 3, 2021

Safety is incomparable for my family!

It is very simple in style. Nothing fancy or any extras, but it gets great gas mileage and you can beat the safety rating! It is just enough room for my son, myself and our dog and granny if she wants to go on an adventure with us. Comfy, safe and roomy... What more could you ask for.

Thomas F on June 2, 2021

Perfect for a family of four.

I love this vehicle. It has been reliable. We travel a lot and it has held up and provided comfortable and worry free commuting. My kids love the color of the car. It holds to the road well in all weather conditions. I really have no complaints about this vehicle. We are a family of four and it has met and exceeded our needs.

Kayla F on May 31, 2021

Great, safe car. Intense breaks!

The audio is great. There’s a lot more inside space than what it looks like from the outside. Storage is also great. I have always felt very safe in my car while driving. Only complaint would be that the breaks are extremely sensitive. I have had mine for a little over 2 years now, and I still haven't gotten comfortable with the breaks.

India D on May 31, 2021

Kia soul dangerous turns. Be careful on the highway in your Kia soul.

The Kia soul is not the greatest at smooth turns on the highway, in fact there’s a sign on the right passenger sun visor that warns drivers that the car could topple over during turns. I love the box shape of the car, the trunk is great, however the box shape does cause the care to not fit as well in compact parking spots! Gas fills fast but goes fast as well. The pick up on the Kia soul is very slow,I compare it to riding a “go-kart Ferrari”. The main issues dealt with engine problems, electrical issues, and concerns about the brakes. The Kia soul engine problems were characterized by the check engine light being on, engine failure, vehicle speed control issues, and the engine losing power. The cylinder gasket failure can cause a complete engine failure. I had the most basic model of the Kia soul 2018,I probably wouldn't buy another Kia soul.

Elisa A on May 28, 2021

Detail about the car is there is a camera in the back when you are reversing.

I love the car that I have. Driving a Kia soul is amazing. The reason that I love the car is because it has heated seats for the winter and it is four wheel drive. Another thing that I love about the car is the trunk space. There is a lot of trunk space. One thing that I do not really like is when you have three people in the back the middle seat is a little uncomfortable.

Shelby S on May 25, 2021

I love the look of the vehicle in general. Very cute car!

I was not looking to buy a new car, but test drove a Kia soul and fell in love!! It handles well, turns on a dime for those small parking lots and have had no problems since I bought it 2 years ago. The mileage per gal is amazing. Highway and in town. The interior has maintained even having my grandpuppy riding with me from time to time easy to clean. The safety features are all within easy reach. I e. Flashers and warning lights. Easy to hook my phone up to the system for safe, hands free driving.

Doreen N on May 14, 2021

Pros and cons of the Kia soul.

I like that it is bigger inside than it looks outside. It's quite comfortable and I haven't gotten stranded anywhere yet. I do not like that has a very slow pick up and your not able to change the tire on your own you have to go to the dealership to take special lug nuts off an you do not have a spare tire. It is starting to have stalling issues,

Jennifer J on May 13, 2021

Kia Soul has the morning st safety Equipment and has extra airbags all around the vehicle the Kia soul also has accident protection if it it is a accident in front of your vehicle with vehicle Lane equipment it works perfect

The Kia Soul has turbo and all so has pretty colors I love the way it works when I drive it

Alexis G on May 11, 2021

Kia soul 2018. Nice, but overall unimpressive.

Kimberly H on May 9, 2021

Looking for a great car? Get a Kia soul today!

I really like my Kia soul! I wish it had CarPlay and it was easier to connect to Bluetooth automatically. I also wish that the screen was touchscreen. It does well on gas. The interior does not get ruined. I love the model. It drives smoothly and has not given me any problems!

Alyssa A on April 29, 2021

Small and convenient Kia soul.

I think it is really convenient. It is small, but it has amazing speakers. The breaks are a little rough, but it drives very smoothly and quickly. The interior is nice and has a clean feel. It definitely has more space inside it than what it looks like outside.

Dawn S on April 17, 2021

Kia soul love that it has Bluetooth.

I wish that it was just a little bit bigger. Love that it is not a gas hog it is very reliable it is features are Bluetooth power windows and you have the option to add a hitch. Love that the two back seats fold down to make more in the trunk. Between the two back seats the middle folds down and has two extra cup holders.

Karen P on April 16, 2021

Kia's are great vehicles - love my Kia soul!

I love my Kia soul! This is the third one I have owned. It is very reliable vehicle and have never had any service issues with Kia. The soul also get great gas mileage and is comfortable, nice ride. The style is fun and attractive. Would recommend Kia to anyone!!

Maddie B on April 12, 2021

The Kia soul is an easy to drive vehicle that I recommend to car shoppers.

The car is really easy to drive. The gas and brake are not super touchy which is nice especially for new drivers. It was my first car. It has 5 seats, but more comfortably fits 2 people because the back row is very small and would be more fit for a child than a person who is grown. It performs quite well and gets great gas mileage. I do not have to pay a lot of money to get a full tank of gas and can go quite far on one tank. It has both android auto and apple carplay which are both super useful features that help with navigation, phone calls and listening to your favorite music for the duration of your car ride. It also has a radio if you do not want to use apple carplay or android auto, as well as Bluetooth which are helpful for listening to music. The trunk is surprisingly big for a smaller car, and has an extra storage space if you lift up the floor. The trunk has a little roof that is at the seat level, so that if you have things that are in the trunk that you do not want seen by others, you can easily hide them from prying eyes.

Molly H on April 12, 2021

It has lumbar support seats so your back does not hurt on long rides.

We really love our car. It uses very little gas. We fill up about once a week if that. But the real winner? The lumbar support seats. Sometimes I want to just go sit in the car because it makes my back feel better. It is also really cute and looks like a stormtrooper helmet from the back.

Andi S on April 6, 2021

I love my car because it is compact but has quite a lot of room in the back.

I absolutely love my white Kia soul. The only thing I wish it had was seat warmers, but the interior is fabric so that is nice because it does not get too cold in the winter or hot in the summer. I feel like I am kind of in a smaller car but I am higher off the ground which is nice. The gas mileage is amazing. I love the sport mode which makes me being able to speed up quicker. I have only had one problem with it is that I had to get a new starter. It is a nice little car with a spacious back seat.

Linda L on April 4, 2021

Kia Soul is a good commuter vehicle,

I love the great mileage, it gets 33 mpg around town, but it is a small car. It is good for driving around town and maybe for a trip less than 2 hours, but not comfortable enough for long trips. Because it is small there is not a great deal of storage. I am basically happy with it as far as owning an economical vehicle.

Delmira B on April 4, 2021

Very roomy, cute and dependable.

I personally have not had any problems with the Kia soul. The gas is so good. Drives smoothly. I love the Bluetooth and cruise control. It has a windshield wiper in the back and it is actually very roomy. I would definitely recommend it for anyone that loves small but roomy vehicles.

Catherine B on March 31, 2021

Rides well, lots of interior room, cruises well, reasonable gas mileage

Not enough power no warning lights for lane change no cd player

Raquel S on March 30, 2021

Good car choice for anyone!

Very reliable vehicle. Gets great gas mileage. Great choice for a small family or for a daily commute vehicle. Good in the winter. Glad I chose this as a first lease experience. Regular service checks has kept it in good shape. The money saver I needed.

Nancy D on March 30, 2021

Love my 2018 sporty Kia soul.

Fun car to drive, rated high for safety. Comfortable seating and headrest, great gas mileage. Dependable sporty yet compact enough to fit in tight spaces when parking it also an affordable vehicle. I love the trunk space your groceries do not fly all over you trunk. I love the availability of customizing the car I was able to add a racing stripe down the hood and the back of the vehicle that was designed for my vehicle I also love that this vehicle is lime green.

Angela M on March 24, 2021

It is a very good vehicle for anyone's needs and weather

I like that it is small, but very roomy. It is perfect for the weather conditions we face and great for all my travel needs.

Brenda J on March 24, 2021

The paint color is called Alien Green.

Have had this car for 10 months and have had one situation. At 2000 miles, during a holiday, my check engine light came on. Stopped at a retail auto store and they believed I would be OK in making the trip. Dealership said there was a 'software update' that needed to be done. Confidence was shaken a little at that point.

Matt N on March 20, 2021

It is comfortable and fun to drive.

It is easy to drive and comfortable. I am 6’ 2” 300 pounds and I find it easy to get in and out. It rides really well even on rough roads. I easily put 2 car seats in the rear seat. I often get 28 mpg even driving down the interstate at 75 mph. I would purchase the car again.

Evie B on March 20, 2021

I would absolutely consider another Kia soul.

I love the size of the car and the interior is exceptionally comfortable and roomy for the price. The maintenance costs are reasonable and the gas mileage is better than I have ever had on a wagon style vehicle. Awesome for people with kids, or in my case dogs, because it has ample seat room. The trunk is on the small side but I am able to fit an entire week's worth of groceries without effort. On the other hand I have already had issues with the tire pressure sensors and seat belt sensors. As long as you have a good dealership warranty, you will be able to sort out these problems quickly. If I am going to nitpick, the console and dash lights are an abrasive red color and cannot be changed and the rear camera display leaves much to be desired. I would absolutely consider another Kia soul for my next personal vehicle but may also consider a wagon or SUV that is more suited for rough terrain or driving on the beach.

Charles L on March 20, 2021

This is my second kia The reliability of the vehicle and kia company has been a great experience for me overall

Overall it's a great vehicle It drive smooth. It's a roomy interior' The base model has so many. Standard options I just wish there were more interior color options

Whitney J on March 19, 2021

It is very good on gas and it does not cost much to fill it.

I like how technologically advanced my car is. I love my car because it is compacted and spacious at the same time. I love how there is an app that connects to the car and it tell me how my driving is and where I last parked my car.

Leif C on March 17, 2021

The 2018 Kia soul, an all around good ride.

I haven't had any problems with my vehicle. It starts like it should, nice and quiet. The car is a nice smooth drive with a small turn radius. The backup camera is a nice feature that has helped me avoid hitting other vehicles. The seat is comfortable but I do notice that the right side of the seat bothers my leg.

Jamie Y on March 11, 2021

It's very roomy and comfortable drives smooth great gas saver

Great gas saver Drive smooth love all the features seats are comfortable Love The Back-up Camera and the Sports shifter

Katie C on March 10, 2021

When it is dark the radio glows red.

My car work very well. It is good on gas and I haven’t had any problems with it. I have had it for over a year and it has been an amazing car. I have taken it to different places and only used 30 to $40 worth of gas. The seats are comfortable and there is plenty of space in the car.

Kassidy L on March 8, 2021

The Kia soul is a good sized and comfy car.

It is a very comfortable car to drive and ride in. It is got plenty of space for backseat passengers. The trunk space is a bit small but not horrible. It is not too small nor is it too big. The only issue I have with it is that it does not have a whole lot of engine power, meaning it does not have a whole lot of get up and go, so it accelerates a little slow. But other than that I love this car.

Virginia B on March 5, 2021

The detail of the Kia soul.

The Kia soul is an awesome car has great miles to the gallon it also has a safety backup camera and radio gets turned off while backing up it has a Bluetooth screen so you can be hands free at all times. The Kia soul is very spacious. Only thing I don't like is the lights on the dashboard keeps dimming out.

Elizabeth T on February 27, 2021

It is very roomy and comfy inside.

It is a great car. It looks small. The back seat has more space than any other car we tried out. Kia gets great gas mileage. The trunk is a little smaller than I am used to. I even got a great deal on it. Don't be afraid to leave when they give you an offer. They usually come back and lower it. If you are willing to wait.

Melanie M on February 27, 2021

Kia soul, fun to drive, good for small families.

We love our soul. It is fun to drive, sits higher on the road than a car, but not too high like some SUVs or SUVs. The price was affordable. Our only complaint is a knocking noise we hear, which we had with our other one too. It is comfortable for the driver, the passenger in the front, as well as the backseat. There is not a whole lot of room for storage, but it works.

Michael W on February 26, 2021

You can go a long way on a tank of gas, especially if your going downhill.

Like: good gas mileage. Electronic display.. Dislike: much less interior space than my grand caravan..

Melinda S on February 25, 2021

My description. Nice ac and stereo.

I have no problems with it. It is very comfortable and nice air conditioning. And stereo. It's very reliable and nice. I would recommend. It has a backing up camera and it is a good thing to have. It is very good on gas also. It has nice storage spaces in the back and has pretty good space.

Gloria C on February 21, 2021

It has the turbo motor. Rather peppy.

I like that. It has a turbo and is peppy, looks sporty, drives well. I do not like. A little too small!!

Tracy B on February 21, 2021

Kia soul! Is a great car for town and country driving.

Overall it is a good car that can hold a surprising amount of things. The only real problem I have is that the car does not accelerate well and the two wheel drive does lead to some difficulty in weather. I have gotten stuck at the bottom of a driveway during a snowstorm and in the mud when camping.

Kaia M on February 20, 2021

Why I am in love with my Kia soul.

Car is extremely reliable. I love it. Very comfortable. Compact yet roomy. Best car I have had. Performance is great. I have zero problems. Runs amazing. Very sleek. I like the color range. I enjoy have Bluetooth. I wish I had a backup camera upgrade.

alexus Y on February 20, 2021

The gas on the Kia is amazing.

The kids only real problem is the tires! The jeep you have to get lifted so it can take the wind on the highway without flipping. And the range rover always have online problems such as the maps turning off, the air not blowing, or music not playing/ the screen being completely black. Sometimes the car will not actually get up and go too etc.

Ian A on February 20, 2021

That sometimes, especially if you have the manual version, that it can accelerate slow (especially in an upward climb).

I really like the size of the interior and the look of the car. I don't like how slow it accelerates though. I also like how fast the heater warms up and the look of the car itself.

Angie K on February 18, 2021

Fun, cute, and economical car.

The Kia soul is fun to drive and is a cute looking car. It gets great gas mileage and is so comfortable to ride in. It's easy and quick to get around town, in and out of parking spaces and is not too small inside for 4 average sized adults. There is plenty of room in the back for a weekly grocery shopping trip.

Gloria N on February 17, 2021

The ease of handling with great space in the interior.

Love the technology and safety features. Drives great and good gas mileage. Has backup camera. Side mirror lane detectors and navigation. Love the seats as well this is my third Kia soul and best yet.

Monika W on February 17, 2021

My Kia soul I like it so much. Drives very good.

I like it alot no problems so far. It rides smooth no complaints. No transmission area so that is a plus I guess. My trunk light do not work. It is very roomy and comfortable a lot of legroom. All cars should have a backup camera. All cars should turning signal cameras. That will help out big time.

Bea R on February 16, 2021

Good value! Get an excellent vehicle for a good price.

Excellent value! Great mileage. Good comfort. Love the dark windows. Very functional. Not so low to the ground like a lot of small vehicles.

Paula P on February 11, 2021

Kia soul- I have owned 2 of them and love them.

It is my second Kia soul. I love the dependability of it. Good gas mileage and comfortable. Sits 5 people comfortable and plenty room for storage. The radio sound is nice and enough cup holders. I have not had problems with the vehicles. Like how the second seat folds down for extra storage.

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.