_(cropped).jpg){kind=link}
Which year to buy
Best bet2023Fewest serious problems: 0.3× usual
Newest we'd buy2025The latest year rated a good buy
AvoidNoneNo year stands out as bad
Be careful2014–2017, 2020–2021More problems; check the recalls were done
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2013GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.9× usual Extended coverage
593 serious complaints of 662, the most about engine (283) and steering (151); per car on the road, 0.9× this model's usual year. 3 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA21003: engine fires.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer made the contact aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic).”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Feb 2025
“The contact owns a 2013 kia soul. While operating the vehicle, a clicking noise was present coming from the steering column when turning in either direction. While pulling into a parking space, the power steering failed and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the steering, Jul 2019
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM 2012-2013 MY Soul Vehicles Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Flexible Coupling Warranty Extension Program (WTY013) - If you have incurred expense to remedy this issue prior to the date of this notice, you may have the opportunity to obtain reimbursement for that… (WTY013, May 2019)
- Extended coverage PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the notification to dealer principals of the updated warranty coverage for the product improvement (PI2002A). Upon completion of this Product Improvement Campaign, Kia will extend the warranty coverage for the engine long block… (PI2002, Mar 2021)
- Repair program Is conducting a voluntary service campaign to add additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody of all 2010-2013 my soul vehicles that were originally sold in or are currently registered in the states where heavy amounts of road salt are used. (OWNERSC122SOUL, Jul 2015)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
662 owner complaints · 3 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 25–28 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2013 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
What changed for 2013
- Starting prices: +$300 to +$500 (3 trims; hover for each)
- Cargo behind last row: 19.3 cu ft → 23.7 cu ft (Base)
2013 Soul trims
| Base | Soul! | Soul+ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
| Starting MSRP | from $14,400 | $19,900 | from $16,700 |
| Powertrain | |||
| Engine | 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection I4 | 2.0L Multi-Point Injection I4 | 2.0L Multi-Point Injection I4 |
| Horsepower | 138 hp | 164 hp | 164 hp |
| Torque | 123 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic: Electronically controlled 6-speed automatic with overdrive 6-Speed Manual: 6-speed manual transmission | Electronically controlled 6-speed automatic with overdrive | 6-Speed Automatic: Electronically controlled 6-speed automatic with overdrive 6-Speed Manual: 6-speed manual transmission |
| Gears | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Drivetrain | 6-Speed Automatic / 6-Speed Manual | Fwd | 6-Speed Automatic / 6-Speed Manual |
| Size and capability | |||
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo behind last row | 23.7 cu ft | 19.3 cu ft | 19.3 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 53.4 cu ft | 53.4 cu ft | 53.4 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 6.5 in | 6.5 in | 6.5 in |
| Length | 162.2 in | 162.2 in | 162.2 in |
| Curb weight | 6-Speed Automatic: 2,690 lb 6-Speed Manual: 2,615 lb | 2,778 lb | 6-Speed Automatic: 2,778 lb 6-Speed Manual: 2,707 lb |
| Tech | |||
| Apple CarPlay | — | Optional | Optional |
| Android Auto | — | Optional | Optional |
| Audio | — | Infinity | Optional |
| Comfort | |||
| Seats | Cloth | Cloth + option | Cloth |
| Heated seats | — | Optional | — |
| Second row | Split Bench | Split Bench | Split Bench |
| Exterior | |||
| Wheels | 15 in + option | 18 in | 16 in |
Packages and options (48)
| Base | Soul! | Soul+ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Upgrade Package $900 | — | Standard | Optional |
| Eco Package $500 | — | — | Optional |
| Premium Package $2,500 | — | Optional | — |
| Power Sunroof and Front Fog Lights Package $800 | — | — | Optional |
| Active Eco System | Optional | Standard | Optional |
| Idle Stop and Go | — | — | Optional |
| Low-Rolling-Resistance Tires | — | — | Optional |
| Auto on / Off Headlights | — | Standard | Optional |
| Body-Color Power-Adjustable Outside Mirrors | Optional | Standard | Standard |
| Front Fog Lights | — | Standard | Optional |
| Mud Guards $95 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Power Sunroof with Tilt | — | Standard | Optional |
| Rear Bumper Appliqué $75 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Rear Spoiler $325 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Wheel Locks $55 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Automatic Climate Control | — | Optional | — |
| Cargo Cover $125 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Liner $95 | — | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Net $50 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Tray $80 | — | Optional | Optional |
| EC Mirror with Compass $275 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror with Compass and HomeLink $350 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Floor Mats | Optional | Standard | Optional |
| Heated Front Seats | — | Optional | — |
| Illuminated Scuff Plate $250 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Interior Light Kit $450 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| iPod Cable $29 | — | Optional | — |
| Push-Button Start with Smart Key | — | Optional | — |
| Remote Start $425 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Infinity Audio System with Center Speaker, Subwoofer, External Amplifier, and Speaker Lights | — | Standard | Optional |
| Tweeter Speakers | Optional | Standard | Standard |
| UVO Powered by Microsoft Infotainment System with HD Radio and Rear-Camera Display | — | Standard | Optional |
| Voice-Command Navigation with SiriusXM Traffic and Rear-Camera Display | — | Optional | — |
| 15-Inch Steel Wheels with 195/65R15 Tires | Standard | — | — |
| 16-Inch Alloy Wheels with 205/55R16 Tires | Optional | — | Standard |
| 18-Inch Alloy Wheels with 235/45R18 Tires | — | Standard | — |
| Alien | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Bright Silver | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Clear White | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Dune | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Molten | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Moss | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Shadow | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Titanium | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Black Cloth | Optional | — | — |
| Black Cloth with Soul Logo Inserts | — | — | Optional |
| Sand / Black Cloth with Houndstooth Inserts | — | Optional | — |
| Sand-Black Leather | — | Optional | — |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Oem press release, Oem order guide, Oem order guide, Other, Nhtsa vin decode, Other, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: model, trims, powertrain, fuel economy, chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, warranty, options, option rules, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | 30–31 mpg | 4 of 5 | 0 | 12 | Exterior lighting (4) | Yes |
| 2024 | 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | 30–31 mpg | 4 of 5 | 0 | 30 | Unknown or other (9) | Yes |
| 2023 | 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp | FWD | 30–31 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 52 | Electrical system (14) | Yes |
| 2022 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp | FWD | 29–31 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 88 | Engine (51) | Yes |
| 2021 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp manual available | FWD | 27–31 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 234 | Engine (134) | Yes |
| 2020 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp Electric manual available | FWD | 27–31 mpg 114 MPGe |
4 of 5 | 1 | 381 | Engine (238) | Yes |
| 2019 | 1.6L 4-cyl, 130 hp 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 130 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 161 hp Electric manual available | FWD | 27–28 mpg 108 MPGe |
5 of 5 | 3 | 139 | Engine (87) | Yes |
| 2018 | 1.6L 4-cyl, 130–201 hp 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 130–201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 161 hp Electric manual available | FWD | 27–28 mpg 108 MPGe |
5 of 5 | 3 | 221 | Engine (141) | Yes |
| 2017 | 1.6L 4-cyl, 130–201 hp 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 130–201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 161 hp Electric manual available | FWD | 27–28 mpg 105 MPGe |
5 of 5 | 3 | 290 | Engine (193) | Yes |
| 2016 | 1.6L 4-cyl 2.0L 4-cyl Electric manual available | FWD | 26–27 mpg 105 MPGe |
5 of 5 | 5 | 822 | Engine (560) | Yes |
| 2015 | 1.6L 4-cyl 2.0L 4-cyl Electric manual available | FWD | 26 mpg 105 MPGe |
5 of 5 | 7 | 904 | Engine (629) | Yes |
| 2014 | 1.6L 4-cyl 2.0L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 5 | 903 | Engine (553) | Yes |
| 2013 | 1.6L 4-cyl 2.0L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 25–28 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 662 | Engine (283) | No |
| 2012 | 1.6L 4-cyl 2.0L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 25–28 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 514 | Engine (209) | No |
| 2011 | 1.6L 4-cyl 2.0L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 26–28 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 194 | Service brakes, hydraulic (32) | No |
| 2010 | 1.6L 4-cyl 2.0L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 26–28 mpg | Not rated | 3 | 135 | Electrical system (24) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Wireless Apple CarPlayWireless Android AutoApple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Wireless phone chargingHead-up displayHybrid, plug-in hybrid or electricFully electricAdaptive cruise with stop and goLane centeringBlind-spot monitoringHeated front seatsHeated second-row seatsVentilated (cooled) seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startSunroof or moonroofPanoramic roof
Apple lists CarPlay for: Soul 2014–2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Kia Soul SUV FWD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 0 | 12 |
| 2024 | Kia Soul SUV FWD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 0 | 30 |
| 2023 | Kia Soul SUV FWD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 4 | 52 |
| 2022 | Kia Soul SUV FWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 88 |
| 2021 | Kia Soul SUV FWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 234 |
| 2020 | Kia Soul SUV FWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 381 |
| 2020 | Kia Soul Electric SUV FWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | Kia Soul SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 136 |
| 2019 | Kia Soul EV SUV FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 139 |
| 2018 | Kia Soul SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 218 |
| 2018 | Kia Soul EV SUV FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 221 |
| 2017 | Kia Soul SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 272 |
| 2017 | Kia Soul EV SUV FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 18 |
| 2016 | Kia Soul SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | No | 5 | 822 |
| 2016 | Kia Soul Ev SUV FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 822 |
| 2015 | Kia Soul SUV FWD | 5 | No | No | 7 | 904 |
| 2015 | Kia Soul Ev SUV FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 7 | 904 |
| 2014 | Kia Soul SUV FWD | 5 | No | No | 5 | 903 |
| 2013 | Kia Soul SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 662 |
| 2012 | Kia Soul SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 514 |
| 2011 | Kia Soul SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 194 |
| 2010 | Kia Soul 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 135 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Soul | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 30 |
| 2025 | Soul Eco dynamics | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 31 |
| 2024 | Soul | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 30 |
| 2024 | Soul Eco dynamics | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 31 |
| 2023 | Soul | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 30 |
| 2023 | Soul Eco dynamics | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 31 |
| 2022 | Soul | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
29–30 |
| 2022 | Soul Eco dynamics | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 31 |
| 2021 | Soul | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
27–30 |
| 2021 | Soul Eco dynamics | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 31 |
| 2020 | Soul | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
27–30 |
| 2020 | Soul Eco dynamics | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 31 |
| 2020 | Soul Electric | Auto (A1) | 114 |
| 2019 | Soul | Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L |
27–28 |
| 2019 | Soul Electric | Auto (A1) | 108 |
| 2018 | Soul | Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L |
27–28 |
| 2018 | Soul Electric | Auto (A1) | 108 |
| 2017 | Soul | Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L |
27–28 |
| 2017 | Soul Electric | Auto (A1) | 105 |
| 2016 | Soul | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L |
26–27 |
| 2016 | Soul ECO dynamics | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 26 |
| 2016 | Soul Electric | Auto (A1) | 105 |
| 2015 | Soul | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L |
26 |
| 2015 | Soul ECO dynamics | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 26 |
| 2015 | Soul Electric | Auto (A1) | 105 |
| 2014 | Soul | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L |
26 |
| 2014 | Soul ECO dynamics | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 26 |
| 2013 | Soul | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
25–27 |
| 2013 | Soul Eco | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
26–28 |
| 2012 | Soul | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
25–27 |
| 2012 | Soul Eco | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
26–28 |
| 2011 | Soul | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
26–28 |
| 2010 | Soul | Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
26–28 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.