2020 Kia Soul Review: Reliable Small Hatchback With Reasonable Maintenance Costs

Alex Showalter

Nov 20, 2023

The 2020 Kia Soul lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average transmission and brake issues reported. At $14,500 to $23,950, it’s a great value for a small SUV since it offers a practical cabin and low running costs.

The Good

There’s a lot of passenger room for its size, the turbocharged engine is quick and the technology is easy to use.

The Bad

There’s some hard plastic pieces on the dash, the cabin has a lot of road noise and the transmission is slow.

Is the 2020 Kia Soul a Good Used SUV?

Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Kia Soul since it offers plenty of practicality and good technology. Owner reviews praise the spacious cabin, low fuel costs, along with the available safety features.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nicer than in earlier years, the seats offer great support, cargo space is also excellent for a car of its size.
Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems reported on the 2020 Kia Soul. Models from 2012–2016 have a lot of engine failures, while 2017–2022 are more dependable.
Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the base engine, while the turbocharged motor is a bit more fun to drive.
Safety 8/10 – The 2020 Soul is safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests, it comes standard with a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, along with adaptive cruise control.
Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 27 MPG, offering 386 miles of range out of the 14.3 gallon tank. Gas costs are $17 cheaper than average, at $189 per month.
Value 8/10 – The 2020 Kia Soul is less expensive than other compact SUVs with some great technology features, making it a good choice for shoppers.

Positive Owner Reviews

Nicole J

The Kia soul is almost perfection.

I absolutely love this car! It gets in and out of tight spaces very easy, which makes it very convenient. Also, it rides super smooth. The only thing I do not like about it are the seats,they’re not very comfortable for long car rides! Overall, my Kia's performance deserves a 9 out of 10 rating.

Kathi W

Small but economical, roomy, comfortable. Fuel efficient and great gas mileage.

Comfortable and roomy. Easy to handle. Very affordable. Great gas mileage. Good city and highway gas mileage. Relaxing for long distance travel and short drives. Economical and eco friendly. Good amount of legroom for front seat riders and back seat passengers. Lots of interior storage and ease of backseat restraints for small passengers.

Gary C

We love our vehicle. Back up camera is a highlight we enjoy.

It is much more comfortable than the 2016 Kia soul which we traded for this newer model which is styled differently, is roomier and is of course newer. It has a camera for when you are backing up which we love. It is economical, gets good gas mileage and is nice to drive.

Kyra H

My review of 2020 Kia soul.

I haven't had any problems, I love my car. I get great gas mileage, my full tank can last me weeks. Not only that, it drives very smoothly, it is comfortable, and it is just an awesome car. I would highly recommend a Kia soul to anyone looking to buy.

Diane G

Kia soul, best ride for the money.

This vehicle rides very smooth and it has numerous windows that provide a great view when turning. Also has a huge navigational system. Receives great mileage, short and long trips. There are warning signals mirrors that make the driver aware of upcoming vehicles. Car is wide so passengers do not feel crowded and backseat has room for 3.

Nancy K

Kia soul gt turbo-fast, fun, family friendly!

I love my Kia gt turbo soul. It is a quiet comfortable ride. It has plenty of legroom in the front and back seats for tall people. It also has a back seat USB port for charging devices. The pull down counsel in the back is also quite handy. I use the CarPlay connection for my apple phone. I find the wireless charging pad really convenient and use it often. I have the trim level with the ten inch display of information. I really enjoy the sound quality of the audio system and the ease of using the touch screen. The safety features are very well thought out and implemented. It has lane detection, and passing detection; giving a visual and also audio alert. This has been so helpful on many occasions. My trim level has a heads up display which also adds to the really well equipped safety features of the car. It is a fun, safe, and comfortable car.

Jessica L

2020 Kia soul lx - masterpiece and different.

Looking at this car from a distance you'd think there will not be any leg room inside for you and your guests to sit comfortably. In fact, it is the most comfiest I have ever felt in a vehicle for a while. This vehicle provides a feature that helps the driver save gas by it automatically turning off at any stopping point and if you want you can even turn this feature off.

Bill Erow

MPG and comfort

Assumed that my 2020 would come with Sirius Radio option, my mistake. This is our 3rd Soul as we had a 2015, 2017 and now 2020.

Negative Owner Reviews

Kerry Stubbings

Tranny gone in a year

10,147km. Tranny gone. Xmas eve in blizzard. Pretty disappointed

Cheryl

Transmission Problems

I have a 2020 Soul. At 5000 miles I had to have the transmission replaced. Then it has been in the shop with transmission fluid leaking. Recently it died on me, I know it was transmission, but the dealer could not duplicate. I am now in fear when I drive the car. As a woman over 60 years of age , who travels a lot, I do not feel secure in this car. I would never recommend.

Steve

New owner

Car lost transmission after only 2021 miles! Waiting for another.

Cheryl Phillips

Someone to answer phone when your broke down.

I had my 2020 Kia Soul in to dealership for its annual oil change and update at 16,000 miles on Dec 23rd 2020 while driving 2 1/2 hrs to our daughters for Christmas 20 miles from her house car started gaining RPM's while it was in cruise control. As soon as we stopped that was the end of the transmission. Tried calling Kia 's 800# that's in the manual no answer for over 2hrs. Finally gave up. This totally ruined Christmas! Rented a U Haul auto transport to get it and us back home to the local dealer. Kia says they won't pay for us to get it back to local dealer because they would have towed it to nearest dealer which is 3 hrs from home and they weren't open due to it being Christmas . That is not right then we would have had to make arrangements to go another 6 hrs round trip just to get our car. Our local dealer of course will not guarantee that the new transmission won't do the same thing.

S. Regier

Terrible experience

Definitely not. I .bought a new kia soul and after 5 months the car broke down .had to be towed and I was told I needed a new transmission. Was told by the dealership there were 5 2020 Kia souls in the shop that needed new transmissions...stay away from this car!

Susan Malone

Worse Decision

I just bought my 2020 Soul in April and I've already had to have my engine replaced in August and two months later my key won't turn in my ignition and my steering wheel is locked up. I've had nothing but bad luck since I've bought this car! I made my decision to purchase this vehicle based on others' reviews and family members great experiences with their Kia Souls. I'm wondering if I somehow ended up with one that didn't make it through some quality checks. If I had a do-over, I would definitely not buy this vehicle!

Sandra

Transmission fail

Very disappointed. Owned my Kia Soul for about 6 months when transmission failed. Have been without my vehicle for over a month while waiting for new transmission. Learned there were 5 2020 Souls in the service area of the dealership with the same problem..apparently 2020 Soul has different transmission than previous models. Extremely disappointed in my first new car!

Robin

Failed transmission

While driving on a fast moving freeway the 2020 Kia Soul vehicle shifted out of gear into high RPMs. Barely made it to offramp where it completely died in the middle of the road exiting the freeway. Thankfully no one in the car was injured!!! I’m very frustrated as this vehicle is only nine month old! The car had to be towed and is currently receiving a brand new transmission. Service rep at the dealer said oh yeah 2020 Kia soul we see those in here all the time for drive train problems. This is my first Kia after owning many Toyotas and Hondas I am very disappointed.

What Do Critics Say About the Kia Soul?

Consumer Reports says the 2020 Kia Soul offers great safety and comfort upgrades over earlier years, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
Edmunds rates the Kia Soul at 4.1/5, enjoying the excellent standard entertainment technology, but doesn’t like the clunky transmission on the turbocharged model.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Soul a 4.5/5, praising the spacious interior for its size, but owners don’t like that it doesn’t have all-wheel drive for snowy areas.

What Common Problems Does the 2020 Kia Soul Have?

Common problems found on the 2020 Kia Soul include delayed gear changes, warped brake rotors, along with some reports of check engine lights. Overall, these problems are similar to other small cars from the same year, leading to average repair costs as the Soul ages.

Delayed gear changes are the most widespread complaint from 2020 Soul owners within the first 2,500 miles. There are software updates available for the transmission control module, which improves gear change times and reliability. Most dealerships will install these updates for free during normal servicing, while others charge around $100 for labor.

Warped brake rotors are another problem found on some Kia Soul models at roughly 10,000 miles. Excessive brake force can cause a lot of heat to build up in the rotors, which can cause them to warp over time. Replacing the brake rotors costs around $600.

Check engine lights have also been reported by some Kia Soul owners within the first 20,000 miles. There are a lot of reasons why a check engine light may turn on. You will need to use an OBD-II scan tool to diagnose the source of the problem. Once you know what caused the light to turn on, then repairing it costs $50 to $500.

There is only one recall on the 2020 Kia Soul, which is fewer than some other small vehicles from the same year. There are some engines which have improperly heat-treated piston rings which can damage the engine. Kia will replace the motor on models which have the improper piston rings for free.

How Long Will the 2020 Kia Soul Last?

A well-maintained 2020 Kia Soul can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than small SUVs like the Toyota C-HR. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other compact hatchbacks, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $387 per year.

As a used 2020 Kia Soul reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the ignition coils for $140, a window regulator costing $300, along with the steering knuckle, which costs around $500.

sydney g

Yes it's very reliable. I've not noticed any problems with my Kia soul. We bought it used and no issues.

Kriss P

The only problem I have had is it is too light and does not handle well in the snow. My previous Soul the USB port stopped working after I used it twice.

How Is the Technology?

The standard entertainment technology is very good, and includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a more powerful stereo system along with a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen.

Standard safety technology is fairly basic, and only includes a rearview camera.

Optional driver assistance features include:

Forward collision warning
Pedestrian detection
Lane keep assist
Rear cross traffic alert
Adaptive cruise control
Automatic emergency braking
Lane departure warning
Blind spot monitoring
Head-up display
Driver attention monitoring

Is the 2020 Kia Soul a Good Value?

Yes, the 2020 Kia Soul is a decent value if you’re looking for a small hatchback alternative to an SUV. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $14,500 to $23,950, making it less than a Honda HR-V or Subaru Crosstrek. When new, the price range was $17,490 to $27,490. 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 six main models of the 2020 Kia Soul offered from the entry-level LX, through to the more powerful GT-Line Turbo. All Kia Soul models come standard with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is not offered.

LX is the entry-level model with:

16-inch steel wheels
Automatic headlights
Rear privacy glass
Height-adjustable driver’s seat
60/40-split folding rear seat
Bluetooth
7-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
Six-speaker audio system
Rearview camera
Hill start assist
CVT automatic option adds:
- Engine stop-start feature
- Body-colored mirrors and door handles
- Remote locking/unlocking
- Cruise control
- Selectable driving modes
- Storage console under armrest

S is a step up, adding:

Alloy wheels
Upgraded cloth upholstery
Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
Lane keeping assist
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
Drowsy driver attention warning system

X-Line has additional features such as:

Unique 18-inch wheels
Exterior body cladding
Fog lights
Silver mirror caps
Roof rails
LX’s cloth upholstery
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Only has blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert

GT-Line is a popular choice with:

Sporty exterior accents
Different 18-inch wheels
Fog lights
Gloss-black mirrors
Triangle-pattern grille
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and drowsy driver warning systems are standard
Available GT-Line Sunroof package adds:
- Sunroof
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Wireless charging pad
- Blind-spot monitor

EX has more upgrades, such as:

17-inch wheels
Upgraded headlights
LED daytime running lights
Fog lights
Triangle-pattern grille
Heated mirrors
Keyless entry and ignition
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Heated front seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Wireless charging pad
Additional USB port
Rear center armrest
Adjustable rear headrests
Removable cargo floor and cargo cover
3-inch infotainment screen with HD and satellite radio, voice recognition, and navigation
All advanced safety features standard

GT-Line Turbo is the flagship model with:

Merges GT-Line appearance with EX features
More powerful turbocharged engine
GT-Line’s 18-inch wheels
LED exterior lighting (headlights, tail lights, fog lights)
Chrome exhaust
Sunroof
LED interior lighting
Cloth and faux leather upholstery
Power-adjustable driver’s seat
Heated steering wheel
10-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system
Pedestrian detection for forward collision system
Adaptive cruise control
Head-up display

147 HP 31 MPG

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147 HP 31 MPG

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GT-Line

147 HP 30 MPG

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X-Line

147 HP 30 MPG

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147 HP 30 MPG

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GT-Line Turbo

201 HP 29 MPG

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What Engines Come In the Kia Soul?

The base engine is a 2.0-liter inline-four that produces 147 horsepower. It comes paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). With the CVT, the Soul achieves a combined fuel economy of 29 MPG and accelerates from 0-60 MPH in around 8.5 seconds.
For those seeking a more spirited drive, the Soul is also available with a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four engine. This powertrain churns out a lively 201 horsepower. It’s mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, delivering a combined fuel economy of 27 MPG. This turbocharged variant can sprint from 0-60 MPH in a brisk 6.5 seconds, offering a more exhilarating driving experience.

What Colors Does the Kia Soul Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Kia Soul?

The 2020 Kia Soul has garnered attention for its unique design and impressive utility, but it also shines in comfort. Its cabin is spacious for a subcompact SUV, offering both drivers and passengers ample headroom and legroom, making it suitable for long journeys. The seats are designed to be supportive, with available features such as heated and ventilated seating enhancing comfort in varying weather conditions.

The suspension does a commendable job in absorbing road imperfections, guaranteeing a smooth ride. Furthermore, the Soul offers a quiet cabin experience, with minimal road and wind noise, adding to the overall sense of comfort. Enhanced by a user-friendly infotainment system and an array of features designed to augment convenience and ease of driving, the 2020 Kia Soul establishes itself as a comfortable option in its segment.

How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Soul Have?

The 2020 Kia Soul offers a generous amount of storage space, especially for a subcompact SUV. Behind the rear seats, the Soul provides about 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space. This is ample room to accommodate daily errands like grocery shopping, or for bigger items such as a stroller or a couple of suitcases for a weekend getaway.

When the rear seats are folded down, this space expands significantly to a roomy 62.1 cubic feet, making it possible to haul larger items like bicycles or flat-pack furniture. In addition to this primary cargo area, the Kia Soul features various small interior storage spaces, including door pockets, a center console bin, and cup holders. These spaces are ideal for stowing away personal items, beverages, and other smaller essentials to keep the cabin organized and clutter-free.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The third generation of the Kia Soul was introduced for the 2020 model year.

2015: Rearview camera is now standard on all models, and there’s optional leather seating.

2016: The Soul! model has more safety features with forward collision and lane departure warning.

2017: More powerful turbocharged engine now available.

2018: No updates from the prior year.

2019: No changes from earlier years.

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

2021: Standard rear occupant alert system on all models, suspension in 2.0 X-Line and GT-Line models have been updated.

How Does the Kia Soul Compare to the Competition?

The 2020 Kia Soul is a decent small hatchback which offers some good technology features, a practical cabin, and a long ten-year/100,000 mile warranty.

The Nissan Rogue is another compact SUV, which costs about $2,500 more. Off-road performance is better in the Nissan Rogue since it has more ground clearance, while the Kia Soul fits better in small parking spaces around town. We recommend the Nissan Rouge since it’s more spacious, but both are good choices.

The Hyundai Tucson is a popular small SUV which costs about $2,000 more. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Hyundai Tucson, while the Kia Soul feels more nimble on winding roads. We recommend the Hyundai Tucson since it offers more passenger room, but the Kia Soul is more affordable.

Ranks #16 Compact SUV by Owners

Tie

2020 FIAT 500X

Tie

2020 MINI Countryman

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2020 Kia Soul

4.52

Do Owners Recommend the Kia SOul?

sydney g

Yes! I love driving it and the visibility is amazing. I also appreciated its compactness. It works very well for me.

Angie J

Yes great gas mileage. It is a nice looking car and is easy to handle. I just wish it was a little longer for more storage space.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Leah S on June 25, 2021

What I think about my kia soul.

Only problem is that I wish they could reconfigure where the driver's outside mirror is positioned. I need to lift myself up in order to see over it to make a left-hand turn. Otherwise I really like my kia soul. Also, the a/c and heater does not seem to be as effective as the ford products I have had. And, again, otherwise, I love my kia!

Alecia G on June 25, 2021

Kia soul SUV 2020 a must have vehicle.

It is a reliable vehicle. It runs well and gets great gas mileage. The color is fun and it is trendy. It is roomy for a SUV and my kids love it.CarPlay is really cool and I use it daily for music and directions. The backup camera is great and useful and I use it alot.

Matthew B on June 21, 2021

Heated seats and nice look.

My vehicle is comfortable and also has a lot of specs that I do like. I have heated seats. I also have a backup camera and also lane assist. It is a nice car to travel anywhere in. You have enough room for your passengers and plenty of room for. Yourself.

Robert Fugate on June 14, 2021

Great Value!

Very roomy, performance, and gas millage are great! Cabin a bit nosy, cheap hub caps, windows aren't tinted, and the key FOB feels like a brick in my pocket!

Gena W on June 14, 2021

Cute Kia soul with all of the features wanted by 21st century consumers.

The car is cute & has apple carplay, which makes connecting my phone to my car very convenient. The car is also good on gas mileage. One tank of gas will yield about 360 miles and last me for a week. The color and the body style of the car is very attractive. The interior is also roomy and comfortable.

Suzanne R on June 13, 2021

It is very red. The seats are very soft. Passenger seat turns off when empty,

Has review camera. Trunk has separate open button. Key has beeper for when you lost the car in parking lot. Has rear window wiper. Back seats fold down for cargo. Clothes racks by both back seat doors. Rear cargo light. Warning system for ice & snow. Slick road preventer.

Anthony H on June 11, 2021

My Kia soul, everyone should try one.

I have had no problems at this time. Has plenty of pick up and great gas mileage. Kia soul also has tire pressure, anti skid, rear wiper, tells you outside temp. And if there is a chance of being slick conditions. A great backup camera with a wide view so you can see really well. Sirius radio if you are into music. Rear seats can fold down and create lots of room in the rear for hauling or anything you want to load there. Seats are very comfortable driver's seat also rises up and down for comfort for the driver, they also lay down if you need to rest awhile. Headlights will also cut themselves off if you happen to forget. Under the doors on both sides that help you see the ground when getting out. Self locking doors really help when you are hauling children or to keep the bad guys out.

Liv G on June 9, 2021

The 2020 Kia soul is a must have!

I absolutely love my Kia soul! It gets great gas mileage, rides super smooth, and is one of the safest cars on the road. My favorite part about the vehicle is that there are zero blind spots. I can see my surroundings at all times. There are also many safety features on the car that ensure the safest ride. As a college student, storage is so important and this car has so much storage space. I would recommend this car or any Kia product to anyone I know.

Kaedi M on June 7, 2021

Kid friendly, reliable, mother-approved.

I absolutely love my Kia soul! It has the backup camera, android auto, and the capability to hook up your iPhone for GPS and Pandora. It feels like a dream when driving it and has amazing gas mileage. I have 2 kids both 3 and under and they still have room to spare back there. Trunk space is good too. I can fit my baby's stroller in and even some groceries. If you need more room and are not taking your kids anywhere, the seats fold down also. It's just a comfortable ride and I am very pleased with my purchase.

Ashley B on May 31, 2021

Features could be better for a standard car made in 2020.

It is fairly new so no issues so far, the standard features it comes with have been nice but I wish I went with a little more advanced technical system. It would be nice to have cameras on the front as well as the back of the vehicle. The interior is easy to clean but it would be nice if the trim was better quality.

Helen G on May 25, 2021

Perfect car for a small family.

This vehicle is perfect for our small family. We have one child and a dog. It is reliable and comfortable for both local and highway driving. The handling is easy and customer care at Kia is fantastic. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a vehicle in this size range.

Ashley M on May 22, 2021

Fantastic Kia 2020 model!!

The Kia soul s 2020 is a fantastic car in regards to comfort and performance quality. It is an extremely safe car as it has lane assist and auto stop features when a person or vehicle runs towards you unexpectedly. In a way, these safety features helps save money from any car accidents in the long run. When driving long distance on the highway, the sport mode and cruise control is a fantastic way to make driving at ease and very comfortable. The car has not had any issues at all so far which makes this vehicle very reliable.

Courtney W on May 16, 2021

Fun to drive with an efficient l, comfortable ride.

My Kia soul is very roomie on the inside, has great features from the screen size to adjustable seats etc. Its got awesome turbo pickup driving power. It's very comfortable, the ac works great and the new model is very sporty and fun. It gets awesome gas mileage and the sound system is nice too.

Dawn S on May 14, 2021

My Kia soul is bright yellow so I named her daisy duke.

My Kia soul is a comfortable car that drives well both on the highway and city streets. It has excellent gas mileage especially on the highway. Even though it is a compact SUV, it has plenty of room inside even for larger drivers. This is my second Kia soul and it will probably be my next car too.

Steve on May 10, 2021

New owner

Car lost transmission after only 2021 miles! Waiting for another.

Kelly H on May 8, 2021

Space in Kia soul from inside to gas.

It drives well. Comfortable during long driving trips. Great on gas mileage. Does not cost a crazy amount to fill up the tank. Good amount of room for comfortable travel with passengers. Great space for groceries. Like that you can set it up for reminders of when it is due for service.

Christine J on May 7, 2021

Everyday driver economy car.

Fairly low maintenance good on gas could use more room and trunk space. It is reliable not much pick up or power. Good for everyday driving and reliability. This make is good for an everyday driver and small family car. Would not suggest for a family size bigger than 4 or extensive road trips requiring more space for luggage and comfort.

Sarah C on May 7, 2021

2020 Kia soul a good buy today.

The 2020 Kia soul is much bigger on the inside than the previous models. It has so much to offer. In a little package. The stereo/media center is easy to use and will have using GPS and listening to music while your driving away. The soul gets great gas mileage and will not leave you looking for power.

Kyra H on May 6, 2021

My review of 2020 Kia soul.

Terri E on April 30, 2021

Fast, best gas mileage, cozy, reliable Kia soul.

No problems so far and we’ve put 15k on it in 3 months buying it brand new. Gas mileage is 45mpg average! $10 and we are set. She drives smooth quietly and the engine cuts off when you come to a stop to save gas and starts up when you hit the gas. The sports mode is fun 0-100 insanely fast. It is perfect for our family of four (husband is 6’6) he fits comfortably as well. Back up cam is a life saver. 10/10 would recommend.

Felicia G on April 29, 2021

It has every option available without removing hand from the steering wheel.

Works great. I love the way it looks too! Has great air conditioning and great for the snow weather. Seat and inside are black and it drives really smooth. I have had it for almost a year now and I am happy to say that it is really doing great. I would highly recommend.

Samantha E on April 26, 2021

Amazing ride amazing price.

I love my soul. Wonderful gas mileage, comfort, all in a compact vehicle. Wonderful for road trips, and the back seat even folds down for more room. There’s so much that it offers and I am so glad I made the choice. I love the interior design, and how easy it is to clean. (helpful for my toddler lol).

Sean P on April 24, 2021

Kia soul: roomy and practical.

My 2020 Kia soul is the perfect car for me. It is fuel efficient without sacrificing on comfort, space, or safety. I always look for fuel efficiency in a car, but I am over 6 feet tall, and it is difficult to find a car that is comfortable for me to ride in and is also fuel efficient. The Kia soul is both of those things.

Michelle S on April 16, 2021

I think the best detail is the cars great warranty.

I really like the Kia it is comfortable, quiet and it is a smooth ride. I like the automatic restart. I love the features it has especially the apple car play. It gets great gas mileage and is easy to drive. I like that it is automatic. It has plenty of room for my kids and I have used it to go on vacation and had a lot of trunk space for my luggage. It is also a good value.

Everett W on April 13, 2021

Spacious, great mileage, reliable.

The vehicle has great space for anything you might need to hall, it is great on gas, so you rarely have to fill it up and the company that makes this vehicle is very reliable. Me and my family are very happy with it. I know plenty of others that own one.

Nanette G on April 12, 2021

Love the backup camera for parking!

Love the backup camera! Haven't figured out how to make the inside light turn on when the door is opened. Really liking the automatic headlights and the different time choices for the intermittent wipers. Sad there's not a CD player, but the many radio preset buttons means there's a wide variety of stations I can keep track of. Had some difficulty syncing my phone Bluetooth, but the toll free helpline walked me through it successfully. The warning lights in the side view mirrors means not accidentally cutting another driver off, but I did have to turn off the feature that warns you of being too close to the lane edge. Have not driven in snow yet, but this is my, so it will not be long!

Sarah D on April 4, 2021

Car with almost no flaws!

The Kia soul is amazing! The sound system is really nice, especially the bass. My car does not have a sunroof, but it is still pretty bright. The back windows come with a tint. Apple CarPlay is extremely helpful when driving. It has a nice touch-screen display. The ac is amazing. The car cools down and heats up with ease quickly. The back windshield wiper is extremely helpful. The front is not too big, so it is easy to park and see in front. The car is high off the ground, making it easier to see. It does have a higher risk for flipping over, and you can feel it when going too fast on turns or with heavy winds, but otherwise, it is not a problem.

Edelia N on April 3, 2021

Great gas mileage and space.

We haven't really had any problems with it. The user interface is amazing. Having android auto is so useful and it helps not using your phone while driving. It is comfortable. My bf is 6'1' and he sits comfortably in the back with someone of average height driving. It has great space for groceries or other stuff in the back. Gas mileage is so much better than our old truck had.

Victoria M on March 31, 2021

Driving the 2020 Kia soul.

Love the Kia soul because of how easy it is to drive. The features make the drive feel comfortable and safe. Even long drives are easy. I was surprised by the lack of back or butt pain. It is definitely one of my favorite cars and would recommend for any type of driver.

Genevieve M on March 30, 2021

My Kia soul 2020: the hamster car.

My vehicle has amazing gas mileage and it is very easy to tell and monitor the fuel economy. I do not have to get oil changes as often as most cards given that mine uses synthetic oil. It very large on the inside and very roomy, but not too large on the outside so I can easily park it in small spaces. I also have a backup camera which is very reliable. The performance is amazing compared to other cars I have driven such as Chevy and Honda. It has many cool features such as heated seats and a gas saver mode.

Soledad L on March 25, 2021

The economic efficiency and safety of a Kia soul.

My Kia soul is great on gas economically and runs smoothly. It is compact but very roomy inside and is great for road trips. I feel safe with all the new safety features that have been integrated in the car. I have a baby and am definitely comfortable having her in the car with me.

Crystal B on March 25, 2021

Highs and lows of the soul.

We have had no issues. The Kia gets great gas mileage. There is more room in a Kia soul than people would expect when they look at the outside. Our only complaint is the cup holders in the back, they are in the bottom of door at an angle. That is not really handy.

Mel P on March 18, 2021

Umm it is a good smooth driving car like my last one.

No issues at all so far. I just bought it like 3 weeks ago. I dislike the fuel consumption feature and how its always on as default. I have to toggle it off every time that I think about it which is annoying. On the other hand I like that it comes with a cargo net as default that is cool.

Myles G on March 17, 2021

I enjoy the fact that the soul looks like a hatchback but drives like an optima.

The car in generally is really smooth, but I feel like the back could have a little more trunk space as well as standard ac vents for back passengers. The rear camera obscured or fogs up frequently, making the feature obsolete sometimes when backing out of my steel driveway.

Bria M on March 16, 2021

A comfortable small truck.

The Kia soul is a great small truck. It is big yet small, so even with 4 adults in the car, everyone will be comfortable. It is great on gas and without being in sport mode, the soul is able to pick up speed. The truck has a lot of space as well. All the windows, particularly in the back, are tinted, so you wouldn't have to worry about someone seeing inside the car.

Cheryl on March 15, 2021

Transmission Problems

Richer G on March 14, 2021

Kia soul is a dependable car that I highly recommend.

I love my 2014 Kia soul. I have had it since 2014 and it has been a very reliable car - super easy to drive. Everyone who has ever driven it tells me it the most fun to drive! Smooth on the roads and a little higher up that most cars so you feel a bit more secure. The shape and size of the car is not too big or small, perfect for a small family, and if you need room in the back it is incredibly spacious with the seats down!

Tammy S on March 6, 2021

Very responsive handling, a joy to drive.

The only thing that I do not really like is when you are stopped the safety feature feels like the car is cut off, when you take your foot off the brakes it 'starts back up'. I know it is to save on fuel but it is a little unnerving, sometimes it causes hesitation when you are starting off.

david B on March 3, 2021

I like how back seats easily fold down to make it easy if you need to haul.

I purchased my vehicle from Edwards Kia in council bluffs Iowa. I originally had a 2019 Kia soul that was a kick shift. I had some car trouble and was given the Kia soul 2020 and absolutely fell in love with it. My experience has been that all Kia's cars are extremely. Reliable. I like this about a vehicle because I do not have any mechanic soul. I really. Loved the Kia soul 2020. The 'ride' was so much smoother than the 2019 version. I also like the options that were made available on the 2020 Kia soul. I would rather have the Kia soul over any other make of the car. I also think the pricing is so much for Kia. How many cars can you buy for only 18000 dollars that is brand new with no mileage. My experience is none. $. Y.

Karen M on February 27, 2021

New Kia, technology makes it safer. It is just wonderful inside and out.

My Kia is wonderful, we had a 2015 Kia but, the 2020 is so much better. It has a roomy interior, plenty of room to stretch my legs in front. This Kia has lot more get up and go. It picks up pretty fast, and seems to have more horsepower. The best thing though is the computer system though. Technology is fantastic, there is a backup camera, you are warned when someone gets to close and it also warns you on the sides. You have a computer telling you how many miles to the gallon you are getting etc. The radio and speaker system is really nice, and you are able to do the controls at the steering wheel. You also have Bluetooth hooked up to your phone with controls on steering wheel. We have had no problems with the car at all, so far. The interior as I have said is roomy, the seats have been treated for spill protection, the back seats fold down easily, when you need them down. There are airbags front, back and sides. The exterior is a little different from some of the previous Kia's, more sportier looking. All power windows and locks. Only a few things bother me. One it has a feature that shuts down the engine when you are stopped for a certain amount of time, at first we thought the car was dying because that's what it sounded like, this bothers me. Not sure I like that feature even if it does save on your engine. I am not a car mechanic but, it seems to me it would be hard on your starter and what if it does not work, scary to me. I have gotten use to it though so now, it does not bother me so much. The other thing is your display on the radio, this does not turn off until you open the door and shut it again. So if you are sitting in your car waiting in the driver's seat, you will get a warning telling you that the system is using up battery juice. It irritates me. I was so scared when it first happened that I took it to Kia to complain. Only to find out I just had to open the door and close it again. Other than that I find the new Kia amazing for its low cost and would recommend to anyone.

Maggie H on February 27, 2021

New awesome safety features!

We love the stop-start technology. It saves gas when waiting in stopped traffic or ling lights. It also has built in safety features such as keeping the car in the lane and crash preventative alarms when you are going too fast or when another car gets too close. The ac is much better than our last Kia. Also the backup camera and GPS touch screen are my new favorite things.

Alysha P on February 25, 2021

Great first car not big enough for family of 5 to.

Great car overall no real problems so far. Only sort of issue is it's not big enough to fit 2 car seats with room for older child. In love with the backup camera great feature and my husband loves the semi automatic feature. Definitely a great first car for our family.

Nancy B on February 24, 2021

I am happy with my Kia soul.

I am happy with my soul. This is the 2nd one I have had. My first one was a 2014. I would love it more if it were 4 wheel drive. My only issue, and I had the same issue with my older Kia, is that the rear view mirror did not stay adjusted and I had to re-adjust it every day. A pain.

Katie H on February 23, 2021

It is seriously the coolest car ever!

It is extremely spacious with enough room for the family. It is great on gas mileage, and does about 400 miles on a full tank. It is extremely reliable and has never given me an issue. It links seamlessly to my phone through Bluetooth or CarPlay, and the user interface is smooth and easy to navigate even when driving. Plus I love the rear view camera!

Alei R on February 16, 2021

The inside is very spacious and comfortable but does not drive like an SUV.

My vehicle has been completely reliable, and maintenance has been easy. I have had the car since November and have no complaints. It has decent gas mileage and has plenty of space for my family.

Patricia D on February 13, 2021

I like how everything is automatic.

I like that it is a small car but has a lot of space in the front two seats. The trunk space could be bigger, but it's not too small. I don't like that sometimes the engine sputters when using the auto engine feature, and even though it gets great gas mileage I can literally watch the gas go down. Overall it's a great car, I really like how everything is automatic to keep the battery from running out. If you leave your lights on inside, after about 30 seconds they will shut off to preserve the battery. The seats are also very comfortable.

Vernon B on February 7, 2021

The car has lane warning and helps steer the car if you drift out of your lane.

We love this car, but wish we got better gas mileage. We also wish that we had chosen a lighter color, because of the intense summer sunshine in Texas. When the car is parked and windows are rolled up, and sitting in the sun on a summer day which can be 106 degrees then it very hot inside and takes awhile to cool down.

Ashtin P on February 5, 2021

Economically affordable and includes some top of the line features.

Very good on gas mileage, a little snug for a family but definitely reliable for someone that drives long distances to and from work. The warranty is also the best there is available out there. Kia vehicles will last a lifetime if taken care of properly and maintenance is not neglected.

Terru B on February 2, 2021

Best mini car I have ever owned and driven.

Small with lots of interior room. Great gas mileage. Maintenance free so far. Great ride. Very quiet inside. Quirky looking. Get compliments all the time. Unusual color - Martian orange. Rear seat fold down for plenty of cargo space for hauling things around.

Chris Y on January 30, 2021

My Kia soul. A car I'd recommend to not only my friends but to my family as well.

No major problems or issues. Performance has been great. The tires being regularly rotated, balanced and changed when needed. Oil changed on time, and a new battery after driving for six years are all the work that is needed to be done on the vehicle.

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.