_%E2%80%93_Frontansicht,_17._April_2014,_D%C3%BCsseldorf.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.
2014CAREFULSerious complaints 1.4× usual, mostly engine and power train Extended coverage
First year with Apple CarPlay. 734 serious complaints of 903, the most about engine (553) and power train (58); per car on the road, 1.4× this model's usual year. 5 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA21003: engine fires.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the catalytic converter was defective and needed to be replaced.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Jul 2025
“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 mph. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, Jul 2021
Fixes and extended coverage
- 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 (PI2002B). Upon completion of this Product Improvement Campaign, Kia will extend the warranty coverage for the engine long block… (PI2002B, Mar 2021)
- Extended coverage The contact points in the multi-function switch may become worn and could result in intermittent headlamp flickering. WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM (WTY010) - DEALER PRINCIPAL LETTER - Kia Motors America, Inc. is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for the headlamp… (WTY010, Sep 2018)
- Repair program VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN - DRIVESHAFT HUB NUT (LH/RH) REPLACEMENT (SC144) - This bulletin provides information on some 2014MY Soul (PS) vehicles, produced from July 21, 2013 through May 26, 2014, which may exhibit loosening of the driveshaft hub nut while driving. (TSB-SC144, Mar 2017)
- Repair program In addition, an anti-corrosion material will be applied to the underbody components for added protection. (SC334, Jun 2025)
- Repair program TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN UNDERBODY INSPECTION & ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL APPLICATION (SC334) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. (TSB SC334, Aug 2025)
- Repair program Dealer principal memo: attention: all dealer principals - kia motors america, inc. (SC117DEALERP, Mar 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.
903 owner complaints · 5 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 26 mpg · NHTSA: 5 of 5 stars · 2014 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 2014
- Starting prices: +$500 to +$1,700 (3 trims; hover for each)
- Engine: 2.0L Multi-Point Injection I4 → 2.0L Gasoline Direct Injection I4 (Soul+, Soul!)
- Torque: 148 lb-ft → 151 lb-ft (Soul+, Soul!)
- Cargo behind last row: 19.3 cu ft → 24.2 cu ft (Soul+, Soul!)
- Max cargo: 53.4 cu ft → 61.3 cu ft (all trims)
- Ground clearance: 6.5 in → 5.9 in (all trims)
- Curb weight: 2,778 lb → 2,837 lb (Soul+, Soul!)
- Wheels: 16 in → 17 in (Soul+)
- Horsepower: 138 hp → 130 hp (Base)
- Torque: 123 lb-ft → 118 lb-ft (Base)
- Cargo behind last row: 23.7 cu ft → 24.2 cu ft (Base)
- Curb weight: 2,690 lb → 2,784 lb (Base)
- Wheels: 15 in → 16 in (Base)
2014 Soul trims
| Base | Soul! | Soul+ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
| Starting MSRP | from $14,900 | $20,500 | $18,400 |
| Powertrain | |||
| Engine | 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection I4 | 2.0L Gasoline Direct Injection I4 | 2.0L Gasoline Direct Injection I4 |
| Horsepower | 130 hp | 164 hp | 164 hp |
| Torque | 118 lb-ft | 151 lb-ft | 151 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic: Sportmatic 6-Speed Manual: — | Sportmatic | Sportmatic |
| Gears | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Drivetrain | 6-Speed Automatic / 6-Speed Manual | Fwd | Fwd |
| Size and capability | |||
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo behind last row | 24.2 cu ft | 24.2 cu ft | 24.2 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 61.3 cu ft | 61.3 cu ft | 61.3 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 5.9 in | 5.9 in | 5.9 in |
| Length | 163 in | 163 in | 163 in |
| Curb weight | 6-Speed Automatic: 2,784 lb 6-Speed Manual: 2,714 lb | 2,837 lb | 2,837 lb |
| Tech | |||
| Touchscreen | — | Optional | Optional |
| Apple CarPlay | — | Optional | Optional |
| Android Auto | — | Optional | Optional |
| Digital gauge cluster | — | Optional | — |
| Audio | — | Optional | Optional |
| Speakers | 6 | 6 + option | 6 + option |
| Comfort | |||
| Seats | Cloth | Cloth + option | Cloth + option |
| Heated seats | — | Optional | Optional |
| Ventilated seats | — | Optional | Optional |
| Exterior | |||
| Sunroof | — | Optional | Optional |
| Wheels | 16 in + option | 18 in | 17 in + option |
| Headlights | — | Optional | — |
Packages and options (36)
| Base | Soul! | Soul+ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun and Sound Package $2,600 | — | Optional | — |
| Whole Shabang Package $2,500 | — | Optional | — |
| Audio Package $1,400 | — | — | Optional |
| Eco Package $400 | — | — | Optional |
| Primo Package $3,000 | — | — | Optional |
| Chrome Mirror Cap $115 | — | Optional | Optional |
| Hood Film $100 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Mud Guards $95 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Rear Bumper Appliqué (Clear) $75 | — | Optional | — |
| Rear Spoiler $395 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Spare Tire $50 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Net $50 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Tray $80 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Carpeted Floor Mats $115 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror with Compass and HomeLink $350 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Interior Light Kit $450 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| UVO eServices Infotainment System $500 | — | Optional | Standard |
| 16-Inch Alloy Wheels with 205/60R16 Tires | Optional | — | Optional |
| 16-Inch Steel Wheels with 205/60R16 Tires | Standard | — | — |
| 17-Inch Alloy Wheels with 215/55R17 Tires | — | — | Standard |
| 18-Inch Alloy Wheels with 235/45R18 Tires | — | Standard | — |
| Wheel Locks $55 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Alien II | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Bright Silver | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Clear White | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Fathom Blue | — | Optional | Optional |
| Inferno Red | — | Optional | Optional |
| Kale Green | Optional | — | Optional |
| Latte Brown | — | — | Optional |
| Shadow Black | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Solar Yellow | — | Optional | Optional |
| Titanium Gray | Optional | — | Optional |
| Black Cloth | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Black Leather | — | Optional | — |
| Gray Two-Tone Cloth | Optional | — | Optional |
| Gray Two-Tone Leather | — | — | Optional |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode, Other. 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.