Kia Soul

Name: 2025 Kia Soul
Brand: Kia

CR MPG:

Road Test

Predicted Reliability Details

Predicted Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Kia Soul is a compelling alternative to compact sedans and SUVs. It’s small on the outside but feels roomy inside. Its practical, boxy design gives it a cheerful personality.

New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Kia Soul

vs. Similar Cars

Buick Envista

Chevrolet Trax

Honda Civic

Honda Civic Hybri...

Honda Civic Hybrid

Hyundai Elantra

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
More
Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating in IIHS side crash test
Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Optional

RCTW

Optional

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
More
Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating in IIHS side crash test
Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Optional

RCTW

Optional

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
More
Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating in IIHS side crash test
Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Optional

RCTW

Optional

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2025 Kia Soul

$20,490 - $24,790

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Buick Envista

$24,700 - $29,500

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Chevrolet Trax

$21,700 - $25,400

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Honda Civic

$24,695 - $46,895

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Honda Civic Hybrid

$29,395 - $33,595

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Hyundai Elantra

$22,625 - $36,600

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

$25,450 - $29,800

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Hyundai Venue

$20,550 - $22,825

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Kia K4

$22,190 - $28,790

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2026 Kia Niro

$27,090 - $35,490

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Road test

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2026 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid

$34,490 - $40,790

33 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Mazda 3

$24,550 - $37,890

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

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CR's
Take

2026 Nissan Sentra

$22,600 - $27,990

EPA MPG 33 mpg

Road test

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Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Nissan Sentra

$21,590 - $24,590

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Nissan Versa

$17,390 - $21,390

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2026 Subaru Impreza

$26,595 - $29,495

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

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2026 Toyota Corolla

$22,925 - $29,140

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

$24,380 - $27,375

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

$22,925 - $29,140

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Toyota Prius

$28,550 - $36,965

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

$33,775 - $40,470

39 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Volkswagen Jetta

$23,995 - $29,995

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

See All Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

Features & Specs

wagon

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2-liter 4 (147 hp)

Join Consumer Reports cu. ft.

Basic 5 years/60,000 miles
Drivetrain 10 years/100,000 miles
Corrosion 5 years/100,000 miles
Roadside Aid 5 years/60,000 miles
Maintenance NA

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Model History

2020-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 2020 Kia Soul possesses a blend of personality and versatility with its familiar boxy shape and cheerful character. The Soul has a continuously variable transmission that contributes to good fuel economy. Handling is quite nimble. But the ride is notably stiff, and engine noise is rather pronounced. Easy access and good visibility continue to be strengths. The EX comes with a power driver's seat, which has more range of adjustments. Controls are easy to use, including the optional 10.25-inch center touch screen. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility are standard. Advanced safety and driver assistance features are standard on most trims, but none were available on the base LX trim until the 2023 model year when FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection became standard on all trims. Updates for 2021 include a standard rear seat reminder system for all trim lines. 2025 is the final model year.

2014-2019

2014 Redesign Year

While this version of the Soul is a more mature and well-rounded package than its predecessor, the big draw continues to be Kia's long list of available features. Our loaded midtrim + (Plus) version included push-button start, an automatic climate system, a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, a backup camera and a touchscreen navigation system. While the base Soul is a great deal if you can live with the less powerful engine, we'd go for the + trim, which gets the larger engine and automatic transmission. The 2016 models include forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems as optional equipment.

2010-2013

2010 Redesign Year

With one of the most efficient shapes on the road, the tall and boxy Kia Soul packs a lot of room and equipment into a small, inexpensive car. It has very easy access, abundant headroom, and a surprisingly spacious rear seat. Expect a noisy interior and a stiff ride, but handling is fairly nimble and secure. While the controls are simple, interior fit and finish are basic. Still, amenities abound and electronic stability control is standard. Large windows allow very good front and side visibility, but thick rear roof pillars create rear blind zones. A six-speed automatic transmission debuted for 2012, which boosted gas mileage from 25 to 26 mpg.