Kia Soul Years: Best and Worst: This guide has a comprehensive look at all Kia Soul models up to this year’s model. It also categorizes the best and worst years.
This guide will analyze all Kia Soul generations, revealing the best Kia Soul years for purchase and the worst Kia Soul Years to avoid.
We analyze reliability, cost, and safety scores, based on reliable sources such as NHTSA or Consumer Reports.
We focus on the details of the Kia Soul’s best and worst years. This includes common problems, recalls and standout features.
Let’s get right into it.
Kia Soul Years: Kia Soul Generations
The Kia Soul was introduced in 2010 as a unique competitor in the compact cross-over segment.
The first Kia Soul model was known for its boxy shape, large interior, and customisation options. It introduced a new take on urban mobility, focusing on both style and functionality.
The Kia Soul generations are shown in a glance.
| The Generation of the Right to Generate | The Year |
| 1st generation (AM) | 2010-2013 |
| Second generation (PS) | 2014-2019 |
| 3rd generation (SK3) | 2020-Present |
The impact of technology, design and performance changes on reliability and owner satisfaction is often influenced by generational design and technological changes.
Kia Soul’s Best, Neutral and Worst Years
Our categorization of the best and worst Kia Soul model years is based on a thorough analysis. These factors include:
- Owner-reported reliability surveys
- Maintenance costs
- Safety Ratings
- Consumer Reports reliability scores
- Consumer Reports scores of owner satisfaction
- NHTSA investigations, recalls and complaints
- Edmunds Owner Ratings
- JD Power Owner Ratings
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB), owner ratings
- Owner ratings for VehicleHistory
- Owner ratings on Cars.com
This graph shows the overall trends of owner satisfaction with the Kia Soul across its various model years.
We have classified all Kia Soul models into three categories: best, neutral and worst years, based on metrics.
| The Generation of the Right to Generate | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
| 1st generation (AM) | 20102011 | N/A | 20122013 |
| Second generation (PS) | 201720182019 | N/A | 201420152016 |
| 3rd generation (SK3) | 202120222024 | N/A | 20202023 |
Neutral Years are not as high-scoring as the best ones, but they don’t have the problems that characterize bad years.
The factors we consider are important in determining our ranking. For example, negative aspects such as NHTSA Recalls may indicate reliability issues.
Here’s a look at the Kia Soul in its best, neutral and worst years.
Kia Soul First Generation: Best and Worst Years (2010-2013).
In 2010, the Kia Soul made its debut on the automotive scene, capturing the compact crossover segment thanks to its boxy looks and youthful feel.
Kia Soul facelift years – The worst years to purchase a Kia Soul are 2012 and 2013.
The Best Years 2010 and 2011
Kia Soul’s pre-facelifted years, especially 2010 and 2011, were the most reliable and offered the most variety.
These models were able to balance power and fuel efficiency, with engines that included a 1.6L Beta II and 2.0L Beta III with 142 hp. They achieved around 26 mpg city/31 mpg highway.
The trim levels offered in these years ranged from the base model Base to the more feature-rich Exclaim. These years offered several trim levels – from the basic Base to the feature-rich Exclaim (!)
The Tech features such as Bluetooth, a high quality sound system and Bluetooth are complemented by solid safety features.
These years maintained good reliability ratings despite some recalls.
The Worst Year: 2012 and 2013
The 2012 and 2013 Kia Souls were also affected by the introduction of the new 1.6 GDi engines.
Kia Souls from 2012 and 2013 were plagued by severe engine issues, including seized motors that required costly overhauls. Steering issues were also a problem, with failing steering couplers causing noise and loss in steering precision.
The fuel economy figures were the same as in previous years, but reliability was affected by these issues.
These models are also subject to a number of critical recalls. They include overheating catalytic convertors, Hydraulic Electronic control Unit short circuits which pose flammability risks, and steering problems that compromise vehicle handling.
In general, it is advised to stay away from the Kia Soul models of 2012 and 2013.
View NHTSA 2011 and 2013 Kia Soul recalls, complaints and NHTSA 2013 .
Kia Soul 2nd Gen. Best and Worst Years (2014-2019).
The Kia Soul’s second generation is a more mature vehicle in terms of its design, and builds on the formula that was successful with its predecessor.
Kia Soul model years 2017-2019 are the best for its second generation, but due to the persistent problems from the previous generation, it is better to avoid 2014-2016.
Best Years 2017-2018 and 2019
According to our research, the most popular model years for the second generation Kia Soul were 2017-2019.
The Soul was given a boost in terms of driving performance with the addition of a 1.6L Turbo Gamma II engine. This engine produced 201 horsepower and 26 city/31 Highway mpg.
These years were marked by the introduction of advanced driver assistance features, improvements in material and ride comfort and the introduction of new technologies.
These models were also equipped with a range of impressive technology features, including an upgraded infotainment unit that integrates Apple CarPlay, Android auto, and enhances the user experience.
The Worst Year: 2014, 2015. 2016,
It is best to stay away from these models as they have issues that are similar to those of the last years.
Owners have reported issues related to early wear of components, a burning smell inside the cabin excessive oil consumption, headlight failures, and persistent handling issues.
Some units required complete engine replacements. The 2014 Kia Soul had significant engine problems and insufficient acceleration.
The 2014, 2015 and 2016 Kia Soul models were also recalled for defects in manufacturing that could cause loss of vehicle control. These included faulty steering gears, as well as fire hazards associated with the catalytic convert.
View NHTSA 2014, 2015 and 2016 Kia Soul complaints.
Kia Soul 3rd Gen. Best and Worst Years (2020-Present).
The Kia Soul third generation was designed to grab the market’s attention with its boxy shape, which is now trimmed with modern lines and contemporary details.
Kia Soul models should be avoided in 2020 and 2023. The remaining years, 2021, 2022 and 2024, are the most reliable and best years for the third-generation Kia Soul.
The Best Years 2021, 2020, 2024
The best years for the third-generation Kia soul begin in 2021, and continue until the present.
The Kia Soul is available with a variety of powertrains, including the 2.0L NU inline-4 engine and a turbocharged option that can boost fuel efficiency to 29 city/33 highway MPg.
The 2021 Kia Soul was notable for its enhanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the model 2022 brought refinements to the ride quality and cabin sound insulation.
The infotainment and connectivity systems have seen significant improvements, with the addition of giant touchscreens and intuitive user interfaces.
The improved driving dynamics of these years are praised, and they have also maintained high reliability ratings, particularly in Consumer Reports. There have also been fewer recalls, and consumer complaints, than the year that this generation was launched.
The worst years: 2020 and 2023
A high number of owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA in the early stages. 2020 and 2023 will be the worst years for the third-generation Kia Soul.
Early adopters experienced issues with the transmission including jerky acceleration, and in some cases, transmission failure.
A recall was issued for the 2020 Kia Soul with 2.0L Nu MPi engines due to a potential fire risk caused by improperly heated piston oil rings.
Kia Soul 2023 has been recalled for failures of the electric oil pump assembly and digital instrument cluster, which can increase fire risks.
In order to get the best driving experience and reliability, it is recommended that those looking for used Kia Souls consider the years after the first.
View NHTSA 2019 and 2023 Kia Soul recalls, complaints, and NHTSA 2020 .
Kia Soul Resale Values
Compare the value of Kia Soul models over different model years.
Conclusion
Kia Soul Years: The best years to purchase a Kia Soul are the 2017-2019 models, 2021, 2022, and 2024. Avoid the 2012-2016 range because of their notorious powertrain issues.
What are your top features when selecting the best Kia Soul model year? What features are most important to you: reliability, safety or technological advancements?
