The 2021 Kia Soul lasts around 175,000 miles, with some average check engine light and brake wear issues reported. At $17,275 to $25,995, it’s a great value for a small SUV with some fun design and entertainment features.
Is the 2021 Kia Soul a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Kia Soul since it offers a great mix of technology and practicality. Owner reviews praise the comfortable cabin, stereo system, and the fun driving experience.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are reasonably nice for a small SUV, the seats are supportive, and cargo space is also good for a small hatchback.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread problems found on the 2021 Kia Soul. Avoid 2012–2016 models, which have engine failures, while 2017–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – The standard four-cylinder engine offers reasonable power for a small vehicle, while the turbocharged is slightly more exciting to drive.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 Soul is safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with rear seat alert and a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include lane-keep assist along with adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 27 MPG, giving 386 miles of range from the 14.3 gallon tank. Gas costs are $22 cheaper than average at $144 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Kia Soul is cheaper than other small SUVs on the market with reasonable depreciation rates as it ages, giving it a high overall value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Kia Soul?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Kia Soul is small on the outside but feels roomy on the inside, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Kia Soul at 3.9/5, enjoying the responsive steering, but doesn’t like the slow transmission on the turbocharged models.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Soul a 4.5/5, praising the spacious cabin for a small car, but owners don’t like that there’s no all-wheel drive available for snowy roads.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Kia Soul Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Kia Soul include check engine lights, worn-out brakes, along with some excessive noise while turning. Overall, these problems are a bit worse than some other small SUVs on the market, leading to some higher repair costs if anything breaks.
Check engine lights are the most widespread complaint from 2021 Soul owners, showing up within the first 20,000 miles. Typically, the problem is caused by a sensor issue on the engine. You will need to use an OBD-II scan tool to read the code stored in the ECU, which can help diagnose the source of the problem. Once you know the source, fixing the problem costs $50 to $500.
Worn-out brakes are another problem mentioned by some Kia Soul owners at around 15,000 miles. The front brakes on models with larger wheels tend to wear out quickly. Changing out the brake pads costs around $150, while new rotors are an additional $400 if they have been damaged.
Excessive noise while turning is also a complaint from Soul owners within the first 1,500 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by the steering motor, or hitting the bump stops in the rack. Most dealerships can diagnose the source of the problem and fix it for free under warranty. If your Soul is out of warranty, then it’s around $400 to $750 to fix.
There is only one recall on the 2021 Kia Soul, which is better than some other small SUVs from the same year. The recall covers improperly heat-treated piston rings, which can cause the engine to fail. Kia will inspect and replace the pistons on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2021 Kia Soul Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Kia Soul can last around 175,000 miles, which is shorter than other small SUVs like the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other compact SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $407 per year.
As a used 2021 Soul reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the fuel filter for $170, the oxygen sensor costing $300, along with the radiator fan motor, which costs around $400.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is good, and includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 10.25-inch screen, and a premium Harman Kardon stereo system.
Standard safety technology is a bit worse than other SUVs, and features:
- Rear-seat alert
- Rearview camera
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Driver-attention monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane-keep assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-change assist
- Head-up display
Is the 2021 Kia Soul a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Kia Soul is a good value if you’re in the market for a compact car with a practical hatchback, and fun driving experience. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $17,275 to $25,995, making it less than a Honda CR-V or Subaru Crosstrek. When new, the price range was $17,590 to $27,650. 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 2021 Kia Soul offered, from the entry-level LX through to the quicker Turbo model. The Kia Soul comes standard with front-wheel drive across all models.
Kia Soul LX is the entry-level model with:
- UVO infotainment system
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 7-inch touch screen
- Six-speaker stereo
- USB port
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Cloth upholstery
- Rear-seat alert
- Rearview camera
Kia Soul S is a step up, adding:
- Upgraded cloth upholstery
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep assist
- Driver-attention monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-change assist
Kia Soul GT-Line has more items, such as:
- Fog lights
- Leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel
- Sunroof
- Lane-change assist
- Unique exterior styling
Kia Soul X-Line is a small step up with:
- Roof rails
- Unique styling elements
Kia Soul EX offers more upgrades such as:
- Enhanced UVO system with 10.25-inch screen
- Navigation
- HD Radio
- Satellite radio
- Wireless device charging
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Dual-level cargo board
Kia Soul Turbo is the flagship model with:
- Cloth and synthetic leather upholstery
- Sunroof
- Harman Kardon audio system
- Pedestrian detection
- Adaptive cruise control
- Head-up display
- Heated, leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel
What Engines Come In the Kia Soul?
- The 2021 Kia Soul offers two distinct engine options, each catering to different driving preferences. The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, delivering 147 horsepower. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), it achieves a combined fuel economy of approximately 30 MPG. This engine also enables the Soul to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in about 8 seconds, offering a balance of efficiency and responsiveness.
- For those seeking more power, the Soul GT-Line Turbo comes equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing a more robust 201 horsepower. This engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, enhancing driving dynamics. It achieves a slightly lower combined fuel economy at around 27 MPG. The turbocharged variant boasts a quicker 0 to 60 MPH time, clocking in at around 6.5 seconds, making it a more performance-oriented choice.
What Colors Does the Kia Soul Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Kia Soul?
The 2021 Kia Soul has been widely recognized for its comfortable and accommodating interior, which makes it a standout choice in its segment. One of the primary aspects contributing to its comfort is the spacious cabin, which is cleverly designed to maximize passenger comfort. The vehicle offers ample headroom and legroom both in the front and rear seats, making it suitable for passengers of varying heights. This spaciousness guarantees that even on longer drives, occupants can enjoy a relaxed experience. The seats themselves are designed with ergonomics in mind, providing good support and cushioning, which further enhances the comfort during travel.
In terms of ride quality, the Kia Soul impresses with its smooth and stable handling. The suspension system is tuned to absorb most road imperfections, providing a serene ride even on less-than-ideal road surfaces. This feature is particularly beneficial in urban environments where uneven roads and potholes are common. The vehicle also exhibits minimal body roll and maintains composure around corners, adding to overall comfort and confidence while driving. Additionally, the cabin is well-insulated from external noise, which contributes to a peaceful and quiet interior environment, allowing for easy conversation and an enjoyable audio experience.
Moreover, the 2021 Kia Soul includes various features that further elevate the comfort level. These include climate control options, which guarantee the interior temperature remains pleasant regardless of the weather conditions outside. Some models also come with heated seats and steering wheel, adding an extra layer of comfort during colder months. Overall, with its spacious and well-designed interior, smooth ride, and additional comfort features, the Kia Soul provides a delightful and comfortable experience for both the driver and passengers, making it an attractive option for a wide range of buyers.
How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Soul Have?
The 2021 Kia Soul stands out as a versatile and compact SUV, offering ample storage space designed to accommodate a variety of needs. The vehicle boasts a significant cargo area, providing about 24.2 cubic feet of room behind the rear seats. This space expands considerably when the rear seats are folded down, opening up to 62.1 cubic feet. These dimensions make the Kia Soul remarkably spacious for its class, allowing it to handle everything from daily errands to longer road trips with ease.
To put this space into perspective, the 24.2 cubic feet behind the seats can comfortably fit several large suitcases or grocery bags, making it ideal for airport runs or weekly shopping trips. For those needing more room, folding down the rear seats transforms the Soul into a cargo carrier capable of accommodating larger items like bicycles, a small piece of furniture, or even camping gear for outdoor adventures. The flexibility offered by the foldable rear seats adds to the practicality of the vehicle, making it a suitable option for a wide range of users, from families to adventure enthusiasts.
Additionally, the 2021 Kia Soul doesn’t just excel in offering sizable trunk space. It also includes various small interior storage spaces that are thoughtfully designed for everyday convenience. These include door pockets, a glove compartment, and a center console area, which are perfect for storing smaller items like phones, wallets, and water bottles. The inclusion of these storage spaces makes sure that passengers can keep their essentials within easy reach, enhancing the overall functionality and user experience of the vehicle. With its blend of generous cargo capacity and practical interior storage solutions, the Kia Soul emerges as an attractive choice for those seeking a compact yet spacious SUV.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Kia Soul was launched for the 2021 model year.
2015: Standard rearview camera on all models, and optional leather seating is available.
2016: The Soul! model adds more safety features, including lane departure and forward collision warning
2017: Stronger turbocharged engine offered.
2018: Offers the same features as the 2017 model.
2019: No changes from earlier years.
2020: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new engines, technology features, and updated styling.
2021: Rear occupant alert system is standard on all models, updated suspension in the 2.0 X-Line and GT-Line models.
How Does the Kia Soul Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Kia Soul is a decent small SUV if you’re in the market for something fun, but it does not last as long as some of the competitors on the market.
The Kia Sportage is a larger SUV offered by Kia, which costs around $3,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Kia Sportage, while the Kia Soul offers more responsive steering. We recommend the Kia Soul since it’s more unique, but both are decent small SUVs worth trying to see which you prefer.
The Toyota C-HR is another small SUV which costs about $2,500 more. Standard safety technology is better in the Toyota C-HR, while the Kia Soul offers more advanced entertainment features. We recommend the Toyota C-HR since it lasts longer, and has lower ownership costs as it ages.
