The 2019 Kia Soul lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average brake pedal and horn issues reported. At $12,950 to $26,300, it’s a good value for a compact SUV that’s designed to fit into large cities and still be fun to drive.
Is the 2019 Kia Soul a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2019 is a good year for the Kia Soul since it’s a reliable small SUV with plenty of room throughout the cabin. Owner reviews praise the technology features, low fuel costs, along with the responsive steering.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are fairly basic compared to other small SUVs, the seats are comfortable on long drives, cargo space is great for its size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2019 Kia Soul. Avoid models from 2012–2016, which have some engine failures reported. Models from 2017–2022 are much more reliable.
- Performance 6/10 – The four cylinder engine options are fairly weak since they are focused more on efficiency rather than power.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2019 Soul is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control along with automatic emergency braking.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 28 MPG, offering 397 miles of range out of the 14.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $4 cheaper than average at $218 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2019 Kia Soul is cheaper than many other small SUVs on the market with good features, making it a great value for shoppers on a budget.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Kia Soul?
- Consumer Reports says the 2019 Kia Soul is a great, practical small SUV with abundant interior space, which gets high owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Kia Soul at 4.4/5, enjoying the long list of standard tech features, but doesn’t like that all-wheel drive is not available.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Soul a 4.2/5, praising the long standard warranty on it, but owners don’t like the slow engine.
What Common Problems Does the 2019 Kia Soul Have?
Common problems found on the 2019 Kia Soul include a soft brake pedal, the horn failing, along with excessive oil consumption. Overall, these problems are similar to some other small cars on the market, while repair costs are cheaper than some of the competition.
A soft brake pedal is the most widespread complaint on the 2019 Kia Soul, showing up within the first 5,000 miles. Owners report the brake pedal will travel all the way to the floor before engaging. Usually, it’s a sign of a brake system with air in it. Bleeding the brakes and topping off with fluid is typically covered under warranty for free on a car this new.
The horn failing is another problem mentioned by some Soul owners at roughly 1,000 miles. There are some horns which just had production run issues and will need to be replaced. On a car this new Kia dealership will replace the horn assembly under warranty for free, although out of warranty it’s around $300.
Excessive oil consumption has also been mentioned on some higher mileage Kia Soul models at around 100,000 miles. Usually, it’s a sign of some gaskets in the engine wearing out, and needing to be replaced. Changing out gaskets costs around $800, since it’s a labor intensive process.
There’s only one recall on the 2019 Kia Soul, which is better than some other compact vehicles on the market from the same year. The recall covers the air bag system not deploying in an accident. Kia will update or replace the controller for free on affected models.
How Long Will the 2019 Kia Soul Last?
A well-maintained 2019 Kia Soul can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some other compact SUVs like the Toyota C-HR. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to the competition, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $387 per year.
As a used 2019 Kia Soul reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the brake master cylinder reservoir for $140, radiator hose costing $250, along with the sunroof motor, which costs around $500.
No, I have only had my car for a about a year, but in that year I have traveled almost 20,000 miles and had no issues.
I have not had any issues at all with my car. It has been extremely reliable. I always make sure to keep up with the scheduled maintenance as well.
My Kia soul is very reliable. It has not given any trouble and I have driven it far it is a smooth ride.
No problems. I take it in for regular check ups and oil changes. It doesn't take much to maintain. If there is something wrong the dealer will tell me what is wrong then I'll decide if I want to fix it myself or take it somewhere else.
The only annoyance is that the tire pressure light comes on a lot, but eventually goes out. I've never had a car with tire pressure notification issues like this.
My 2019 Kia Soul is very reliable and stops smoothly & quickly. I have had no problems with my Kia Soul. This is my 2nd Kia Soul. I owned a 2016 Kia Soul & had no problems with that one. I just happened to be involved in an accident of which there were no injuries except to the car.
It is reliable. Sometimes the key will not turn in the switch, but no other major problems have occurred.
No it has no press long as you keep up with regular oil changes and maintenance appointments. I have never been stranded.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is fairly good for an SUV in its price range, with a 5-inch touchscreen. Optional upgrades include a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a premium Harman Kardon audio system.
Standard safety technology is basic, and only includes a rearview camera.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Forward collision warning
- Lane departure warning
- Blind spot monitoring
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear cross traffic alert
Is the 2019 Kia Soul a Good Value?
Yes, the 2019 Kia Soul is a good value if you’re in the market for a small hatchback since it’s reliable and practical. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $12,950 to $26,300 making it less than a Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5. When new, the price range was $16,490 to $35,950. Depreciation is similar to other small SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Kia Soul?
There are three main models of the 2019 Kia Soul offered, from the entry-level base through to the well-equipped Exclaim (!). All Kia Soul models come standard with front-wheel drive.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic headlights
- Rear privacy glass
- Rearview camera
- Air conditioning
- Height-adjustable driver’s seat
- 60/40-split folding rear seats
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 5-inch touchscreen
- USB port
- Six-speaker sound system
- Media player interface
- Auxiliary audio jack
- Satellite radio
- Base Convenience package (automatic transmission only) includes:
- Automatic climate control
- Uvo tech interface
- 7-inch touchscreen
- Voice recognition
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Plus (+) is a popular step up, adding:
- Includes Base Convenience package content
- 17-inch wheels
- Fog Lights
- Heated mirrors
- Keyless entry
- Cruise control
- Selectable drive modes
- Front center armrest and bin
- Rear center armrest
- Cargo cover
- Optional Audio package includes:
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Navigation
- Exclaim trim’s upgraded interior materials
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Keyless ignition and entry
- Two USB ports
- LED speaker lights
- Harman Kardon premium sound system
- Designer Collection package includes:
- 18-inch wheels
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Two-tone roof treatment
- Primo package (requires Audio package) includes:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Xenon headlights
- Exclaim trim’s upgraded gauges
- Heated and ventilated eight-way power-adjustable front seats (with driver lumbar adjustment)
- Heated steering wheel
- Leather upholstery
- Heated rear seats
- Driver assistance systems: adaptive cruise control, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking.
Exclaim (!) is the flagship model, which has:
- 18-inch wheels
- Upgraded exterior trim (gloss black and red accents)
- Upgraded gauges and interior trim
- Cloth and leather seat upholstery combination
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Keyless ignition
- Optional Technology package includes:
- Features from Plus’ Primo package not already standard on Exclaim
- Panoramic sunroof available separately
What Engines Come In the Kia Soul?
- 1.6L Inline-4 Engine: This base engine generates 130 horsepower. It’s paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. In terms of fuel efficiency, it achieves a combined fuel economy of about 27 MPG. With this powertrain, the Soul takes roughly 9.5 seconds to accelerate from 0-60 MPH.
- 2.0L Inline-4 Engine: Stepping up, there’s the 2.0L engine, which delivers a more potent 161 horsepower. This engine is mated exclusively to a 6-speed automatic transmission. On the combined cycle, this version of the Soul gets an estimated 27 MPG. The 0-60 MPH time for the Soul with this engine sits around 8.5 seconds.
- 1.6L Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine: For those seeking the most spirited performance from the Soul, there’s the turbocharged 1.6L engine churning out an impressive 201 horsepower. This engine is coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It boasts a combined fuel economy of about 28 MPG. When equipped with this powertrain, the Soul sprints from 0-60 MPH in a brisk 6.5 seconds, offering a noticeably more energetic driving experience.
What Colors Does the Kia Soul Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Kia Soul?
The 2019 Kia Soul stands out for its impressive blend of comfort and style in the compact car segment. Inside, passengers are greeted with a spacious and well-designed cabin that caters to both the driver and the occupants. The upright design of the Soul provides ample headroom for both front and rear passengers, even for those on the taller side. Legroom is adequate, allowing for relaxed seating, especially in the front.
The seats themselves are designed to be supportive, with available features such as heating for those chilly mornings and premium materials in upper trims that enhance the sense of luxury. The ride quality in the Soul is smooth, with the suspension effectively soaking up most road imperfections. Furthermore, the noise insulation is commendable, guaranteeing a quiet cabin environment even at higher speeds. Infotainment controls are user-friendly and within arm’s reach, reducing distractions for the driver. Overall, the 2019 Kia Soul offers a comfortable ride and interior, making both short commutes and longer journeys pleasant experiences.
How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Soul Have?
The 2019 Kia Soul offers a generous amount of storage space for its segment. Regarding cargo capacity, the Soul provides 24.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. When you fold those seats down, this expands to a roomy 61.3 cubic feet. To put that into perspective, the space can comfortably accommodate larger items such as bicycles, several suitcases, or a significant amount of grocery bags. This makes the Kia Soul a versatile choice for those who may occasionally need to transport large items or go on longer trips.
Beyond the main cargo area, the 2019 Kia Soul has been designed with various small storage spaces throughout the cabin to maximize convenience. The front seats come with door pockets with bottle holders, a center console bin, and a glovebox. Rear passengers also benefit from door pockets. Cup Holders can be found in both the front and back, making sure drinks can be securely stowed away. All of these spaces allow for the easy organization of smaller items, such as mobile devices, wallets, and snacks, guaranteeing a clutter-free journey.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Kia Soul was introduced for the 2014 model year, and will be replaced by the third generation in 2020.
2015: Standard rearview camera on all models and optional upgraded leather seating.
2016: The Soul! model now has forward collision and lane departure warning systems.
2017: Upgraded turbocharged engine now offered.
2018: No major changes from earlier years.
2019: No changes.
2020: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new technology, engines, and styling.
2021: Rear occupant alert system is now standard, and the suspension in the 2.0 X-Line and GT-Line models has been upgraded.
How Does the Kia Soul Compare to the Competition?
The 2019 Kia Soul is a nice small SUV if you’re in the market for something that is practical and fun to drive, even if it’s not the most advanced choice.
The Nissan Rogue is another compact SUV, which costs around $3,500 more. Passenger room is better in the Nissan Rogue, while the Kia Soul has more responsive steering through winding roads. We recommend the Nissan Rogue if you need an SUV, while the Kia Soul is better in large cities.
The Hyundai Tucson is a popular competitor, which is available for about $2,000 more. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Hyundai Tucson, while the Kia Soul has better reliability ratings. We recommend the Kia Soul since it’s cheaper to own long-term.
Do Owners Recommend the Kia Soul?
Yes. It is not a large car but it does not feel cramped, it is easy to keep clean, and all of the technology is user friendly and intuitive.
Yes! It is great on gas and fun to drive. The stereo in it is awesome. I love the apple carplay feature and the big display for the GPS.
Yes it is a very good car. It is good on gas and it is comfortable. It has good features like cruise control and everything I need on the steering wheel.
It's awesome. Not many people drive manual shift anymore. It does what its supposed to. No problems. Easy to maintain. The price was really good. 15,000.
Yes, it meets my needs. The only thing I wish it had was push-button start and touch door lock/unlock from outside the vehicle. It’s compact, but roomy.
Yes. It drives very nice & has a back up camera making backing much easier. It parks very easily and can park in smaller spaces in one try.
My Kia soul is an amazing vehicle. It has an amazing engine. It gets pretty good gas mileage. gas enough storage space?
Yes, the Kia Soul is a good vehicle. It is reliable and does well on gas. A great value for what you are getting.