Used 2015 Kia Soul Consumer Reviews
Used Soul for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Inferno Red Plus Mostly Delights
Ian Dogole, 05/17/2016
updated 05/28/2019
2015 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
100 of 101 people found this review helpful
Update (5.26.2019) - Beware the A/C drainage hose. It is made too narrow and can clog, causing the windshield to fog up in seconds. This caused a few dangerous driving situations for me. My local dealer said that many Kia Souls had come in with this problem. It took them 5 minutes to clear it. You can get this done at the same time as an oil change. In the late summer of 2015, my 2000 Honda CR-V, which had performed flawlessly for 15 years, began to have some issues and I commenced searching for its successor. I was set on purchasing a 2015 Honda Fit, but in August the model and color (red) I wanted wasn't available in Northern California, so I considered my Plan B - a Kia Soul. I had started to notice these quirky-looking, boxy vehicles after the redesign and I was quite attracted to the refreshed look. The reviews across numerous sites were mostly very favorable and I decided to visit Kia of Marin for a test drive. I immediately noticed how solid the vehicle felt and similar to the CR-V, I really liked the sensation of sitting high vs. the Fit, which has a lower profile. Overall, I was very impressed and when I inquired about the availability of an Inferno Red Plus, the dealer was able to get one in 2 days. What really cinched the deal was Kia's $2,000 discount and the availability of a 1.9% financing deal for 66 months with no money down. Bottom line - I drove out in a new Soul Plus for less than 19K, including tax and license. Seems like a great value. Driving experiences - After 5,000 miles here is what I have learned: First, I had a few negative early impressions, which have moderated or reversed over time: 1. Blind spot on the passenger side - Due to the rather thick pillars where the tail lights reside, I had to get used to a significant blind spot, which requires me to position the side mirror in such a way that I can see a car in that blind spot and I do a visual check every time I make a lane change to the right. On the driver's side, I have no problem. I don't like the blind spot, but I deal with it. 2. No CD Player - As an older driver accustomed to having CD's in the car, this was going to be a deal-breaker for me but I decided to open my mind to using a flash drive and plugging into the USB port. Good move! I don't miss the CDs and the clutter at all and I can put so much music on a flash drive. It's really a no-brainer. 3. No spare tire - That's just silly and this "kit" they provide is a joke. Pay the $250 or so for the spare tire assembly unless you love repairing them on the side of the road. 4. Back seat doesn't lay flat when folded down and falls about 6" short of the front seat. As a percussionist with lots of drums and other gear, I thought this would really suck for me, but it was a false alarm. I get all of my instruments into the vehicle with no problem and I use the "gap" between the seats to store skinny items like cymbals, mic stands etc. Driving - The Soul drives smoothly and confidently and I don't experience the "vague" steering that many reviewers have noted. It handles curves just fine and gets up hills (many in Marin County where I live) without undue effort and doesn't roll back when stopped on a hill, which is a revelation. Breaking is good enough and power is more than adequate with the 2-liter engine. Gas Mileage - This is a weak point of the Soul as my combined mileage is less than 22 in Eco mode, not the bogus 26 MPG claimed on the sticker. However, since I monitor the MPG on every trip, if I stay on the freeway, the car will return roughly 31 MPG. It's on the side streets and hills where it falls back to about 18 MPG. Stereo System - Since I didn't get the upgraded audio package, I settled for replacing the front component speakers and the rear coaxial speakers with new Hertz speakers and the sonic experience improved dramatically. Comfort - I would give this 5 stars if it weren't for the annoying positioning and hard materials of the headrests. The headrest feels really uncomfortable when I lean into it. The seats are very comfortable and I feel like I have plenty of room as a driver and I know passengers feel quite comfortable as well. Other - All the doors and the rear gate open effortlessly, making it a breeze for me to get all my gear in and out of the vehicle. Beware of the key fobs. I didn't like the idea of carrying 2 bulky key fobs in case I misplaced one and the dealer had no suggestions for how to get a simple spare key made. After countless calls to Kia and to locksmiths who wanted to charge up to $200 to make one for me, I found a local locksmith who used a Lexus blank to make me a spare that I can put in my wallet which opens the doors and starts the engine ... for $35. I highly recommend this option if you are like me and never want to be locked out. Overall, this is a very fun car to drive and a great value to boot, especially if you can wait for a year-end deal. It's quirky, but I can't think of a better option in this price range.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great fun at a reasonable price
Tim Parker, 11/25/2015
2015 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
40 of 40 people found this review helpful
I shopped for a Soul a year ago and ended up buying a Honda Civic instead. No knock on the Civic, but it just wasn't the right car for me, and I found myself still looking. I came back around to the Soul. Kia had special financing, and the dealer was offering a better deal than I could find a year ago, so I took the plunge and bought the 2016 Soul+ with the Audio/Nav package. Wow! I'm so glad I bought it! I love the extra driving height and extra headroom. There's more room in the back seat. There's more cargo room. It's fun to drive. Acceleration is good with the 2.0 liter engine. Handling is good. Pro reviewers talk about "numb" steering but I don't notice it. It drives and handles fine. That said, it's not a sports car so don't buy this if that's what you want. It has lots of creature comforts like a great audio system that thumps you in the chest if you want it to, but can be tamed if desired. The nav system works well. I didn't think I wanted it, but now that I have it I use it often. I like the climate control system. I have it set and never need to touch it. It keeps the cabin comfortable no matter what the outside temp is. It has a large touch screen that is easy to use and pretty intuitive. You can check Kia's site for a full breakdown of features. For me the important thing is the features it has all work together to create a fun and comfortable driving experience. I've only had it a month so I can't comment on long term durability, but so far there's not a squeak, not a rattle, everything works flawlessly, and the materials and workmanship are first rate, especially for a vehicle in this price range. A+ for the Soul!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2015 Kia Soul for sale near you
Showing 3 of 60 listings
- Base WagonMSRP: $6,99579 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $5,99595 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $8,99180 mi away
See all 60 listings
One year with my 2015 Kia Soul !
John Holliday, 02/01/2016
updated 02/06/2018
2015 Kia Soul ! 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
47 of 48 people found this review helpful
I have driven the Soul for a year now for 7000 miles. The Audio amplifier failed and was replaced. The drives door seal split open from getting in and out Was replaced and 6 months later has split again. I really like the car except for the headrest which is much too close to my head when driving. I cannot adjust it enough to make it comfortable. That one item may keep me from buying another if Kia doesn't correct it. According the forums, I am not the only one with this complaint. I have replaced the original tires with Bridgestone Driveguard run flat tires. They are great. Kia service has bean very good! Another year, now at 13,00 miles with no problems other than having to buy a new battery. Now three years old with a little over 16,000 miles. No problems with anything. It is a good car for seniors, plenty of room, easy to get in or out of and my rollator fits in the back with very little effort. I would be tempted to replace it with another Soul, new turbo engine, safety items, even folding mirrors. I have mastered the headrest proble by reclining the back a little..
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Still fun driving…not happy with quality issues.
marjorie james, 12/16/2015
updated 11/08/2023
2015 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
84 of 88 people found this review helpful
Great car for driving. Very comfortable, easy to get in and out of for us older folks. Zippy attitude in the city and on the highway. Just did a day in San Francisco and what fun. No trouble up or down the steep hills. The vehicle did not roll back when stopped on a hill at a light. First time ever either stick or auto. Hate the fact that the car is marketed for youngsters. This car has so much going for it. Great headroom. Both front and rear seats are comfortable and roomy. I came from a Mazada MPV and only regret is less room in trunk area. Mileage is soooo much better and the direct front wheel handling is fantastic. Have tried to do all kinds of driving since purchasing this vehicle and in all areas mountains, to freeway, city to country it is really a gem. Glad I found this lovable drive-able car to be a very good choice for my last car purchase. Truly believe it will do the job until I stop driving. It doesn't hurt to have a really good warranty longer than the rest of the market.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Perfect small car for tall drivers! Awesome! A++
Jim B, 11/14/2015
updated 11/30/2020
2015 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
53 of 55 people found this review helpful
I was in dire need of a good car. Tried finding a good used car with less then 100k miles on it but everyone wanted damn near $7,500 for one. So, I decided to buy a brand new small car for ~$15,000. I purchased a 2015 Kia Soul with a 1.6L engine and a manual transmission. I'm 6'3", 220 pounds and I have lots of head room and leg room in it. This is the first car I have ever drove that I could not drive with the seat fully back, there's that much leg room! Even in the back seat I have plenty of head room and leg room, that's a rare find even on more expensive cars! The 1.6L engine is on the smaller side but with the manual transmission I can nail the peak horsepower curves for some impressive acceleration. No problems quickly reaching highway speeds. The engine make a cool deep throttle sound at 3500 to 5500 rpm in hard acceleration. Interior is awesome, I've owned it for nearly 8 months and drove for over 20k miles and I'm still finding neat features about it. The cargo area is smaller then most but it can handle one overloaded grocery cart full of groceries easily. I installed a small trailer hitch on it and use a cargo hitch basket for long trips with the kids. The internal storage area and the cargo basket will carry luggage for four people with plenty of room to spare. The only negative I've seen is the back two corners do have a larger then normal blind spot, but I consider this a very minor problem. UPDATE- After 1 year and 3 months and 33k miles of driving my new Kia Soul I still love it! Added a trailer hitch which I use for a trailer hitch tray. Perfect for hauling push mower, weed wacker and gas can. Even use a small trailer with my Kia Soul to help clean up the yard from tree trimmer and such and to help friends move their belongings. Absolutely no problems with it. Found the idea MPG at 40-50 mph, I can reach 38mpg at those speeds. High speed expressway driving greatly reduces MPG to 33MPG due to wind resistance and a high reving 6th gear. Still wished Kia would have made a 7th gear but I believe most people would not understand that you could only use 7th gear under certain idea conditions. UPDATE- After 1 year 9 months and 45,000, no problems at all with my 2015 Kia Soul. I'm still loving it! :-) *****GAS MILLAGE IS A LOT BETTER THAN WHAT IS LISTED******* 29-33mpg driving it like I stole it LOL. 35-38mpg if taking it easy at 45-55mph on highway. UPDATE- After 2 years and 3 months and 55,000 miles: Took out a 10 point buck with it. Knocked the [non-permissible content removed] antlers right off him. I was surprised to find almost no damage to the car, nothing worth filing an insurance claim on. Hit a huge pot hole which bent the rim. Beat the rim back into shape and all is good again. Surprising there was no damage to the front suspension. Gas mileage still a lot better than listed. Tires are worn pretty bad, will need to replace then at 60,000 miles. UPDATE- 3 years and 3 months and 80,000 miles: still running great. Original tires lasted 65,000 miles. Replaced tires. Replaced all three wipers. Driver side door key lock failed. Bad tumblers? I don't have a remote key less entry so driver lock was used constantly. Still 100% happy with my Kia Soul. Hoping for 300,000 miles out of it. Update- 5 years & 9 months, 141,000 miles. Still running very good. The 1.6L engine burns a little oil. Both door key locks failed. Looking like we will make 200k miles at least. Got a free, brand new Cat. Converter installed free by a Kia Factory recall. Body still good. I will be installing a good used low mileage 1.6L engine when it does fail.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
The most rewarding therapy I've ever had!
Sandra Clayton, 11/06/2015
2015 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
45 of 47 people found this review helpful
I was in my car 3 hours a day, some times more. In bumper to bumper traffic, I was losing my mind in my boring Corolla. I was getting big time depressed, and I have an elderly father who has a hard time getting out of a car. I researched and decided if they could get me out of my lease, I would take the loss. Best decision ever! The only thing I didn't get that I wanted was a sunroof, but realized that the extra expense wasn't worth it for how little I would use it. Cars higher off ground so I can see better and get in and out better. I love the back up camera, won't get a car now without one. They showed me how you could pull the bottom of the trunk out to maximize space, not that I need that much. I really hated having a huge trunk, I like having the window at the back of the car so I feel like I have better sight thru the back. The other thing I must have is to be able to listen to my books when I'm stuck in traffic. And it has TWO chargers so I can charge my IPod and phone at the same time. If it came with a refrigerator and microwave, I may never leave. Acceleration isn't the greatest, but it gets the job done. I always have a problem with seat comfort no matter what car I drive. I think it's my long torso. The Soul has an adjustable seat that inflates. It took a while but I found the right adjustment. I've always put a seat cushion behind my back before, not now.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Nice surprise
Larry Wallace, 09/05/2015
updated 09/09/2016
2015 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
30 of 31 people found this review helpful
Note that the vehicle does not come with a spare tire unless you get it as an option. I was surprised at the quality of the vehicle. Nice tight doors, very little road noise, more interior room than I expected. Automatic transmission does seem to search a little bit at lower speeds. Great ride, ventilation system is nice. Instrumentation is exceptional, but takes some getting used to. All in all a great little SUV and I would recommend anyone in the market to take a look at it. Very good factory warranty
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Besides motor car is great
Feeling ripped off, 05/13/2019
2015 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
When my Kia was running it was a great car, adequate power, handles well, brakes wear out quickly. That being said do not buy this car. Run. Both the Kia and Hyundai are known for crap motors. Mine failed, and after researching found out that these motor have a lot of failure issues. Do not buy one. If you don’t believe me check out NHTSA site.
- Performance
If you are tall this is a great little car!!!
Tina, 11/26/2015
2015 Kia Soul ! 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
Ok I am only 5'3" but my son is 6'4".... first thing I noticed when I got in was how much head space there will be for my son and when he is driving his knees wont be hitting anything. This is a great little car to drive!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Engine Failure
Ron A, 03/04/2020
updated 09/11/2020
2015 Kia Soul ! 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
24 of 25 people found this review helpful
Bought 2015 Kia Soul with 45k miles for my daughter's first car. At 72k miles the engine failed going up a hill on a very busy highway. Always maintained the car with premium oil and filters per the maintenance schedule. I contacted the Kia customer service. At first they were very apologetic and directed me to take my car to a local Kia dealership. Mechanic determined the piston failed and damaged the engine. Repair requires a new engine. When I performed an internet search, I discovered that this is a pervasive issue with many Kia models/years and several recalls have been issued due to the engines failing due to poor quality control. There are many complaints on the NHTSA web site. After a couple of weeks with my car at a Kia dealership, Kia customer service notified me that my claim was denied. I asked what was the basis of the denial and was told they did not know what it was. I Kia had offered any support to me at all, I would have been appreciative. I expect a recall will be issued for my VIN in the next several months. Until then, I plan to describe my experience with Kia on as many review boards and other internet sites as possible. I would have praised Kia if they had offered any assistance to me to even include a deal for a new Kia vehicle. Good customer service is the best advertising you can get. Based on my experience, I recommend anyone considering buying a Kia vehicle to ensure they purchase an extended warranty that covers the engine and powertrain. 11 Sep 2020 update. I asked the local Kia dealership if they would work with me either for and engine replacement or trade in for a new Kia. $6 - 7k for engine replacement or $1k trade in credit. Obviously this dealership doesn’t need my business! Check the NHTSA and you will see many engine failures nearly identical to my daughters Kia engine failure. Over 60 additional engine failures logged as complaints on this federal website. Several address the numerous identical engine failures and ask the question when will a recall be applied to these specific kia models. I cleaned the car, covered it, and put in one of my buildings awaiting a recall. Kia does not have a good quality program and does not support their customers as an ethical company would do. Buyer beware is strongly encouraged. Unfortunately, it sometimes takes years before Latent quality defects are unveiled. The company’s established record of poor customer support is clearly documented.
Caution: Spontaneous Hamster Dancing may ensue!!
wendy herubin, 09/13/2016
updated 09/14/2018
2015 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
A very substantial little car. I came from a Range Rover Land Rover. I loved the look of the Soul (mine got rally stripes, cool rims & a carbon fiber roof). I am quite pleased with the quiet,tight, go-cart type feel, the heavy doors and great sound system. I had read J.D. Powers reviews, then looked it up on ClarkHoward.com ,test drove it and fell in love. I bought through Carvana.com(another Clark Howard tip) and it was the best car buying experience I have EVER had!! Caution: spontaneous hamster dancing may ensue! UPDATE: I've been driving this awesome car for 2 years now, no problems what so ever. LOVE my SOUL.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My First New Car
Dylan, 08/10/2015
2015 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
26 of 28 people found this review helpful
This car is great for ANYONE. I'm 6'2 and let me tell you comfort is very important to me. This thing has a very smooth ride, a lot of leg room in the front and back, and for the size gets really good gas mileage. I commute to work and I average 28 miles to the gallon and that is 50 times better then my previous vehicle. It's affordable and has all of the features I was looking for in a good vehicle. I would suggest this car to anyone looking for a good comfortable ride, with affordable payments, and a great sound system!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Base model - Lot of bang for the buck
Sam Spade, 10/13/2015
2015 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
33 of 36 people found this review helpful
I went from a very well worn and well loved 2005 Rav4 to the Kia Soul Base with automatic. Its almost identical in interior volume and overall size even though it looks a lot different. Very comfortable on the interior with more passenger room front and back than the old Rav4, but you lose a fair amount of storage in the back in comparison. It sits slightly lower, but only an inch or two. Build quality was excellent along with fit and finish. No issues so far after a month. Love the upgraded electronics which even in the base model are much more than I was used to in my old car. Bluetooth works great, radio sounds great and works great. Interior controls are very similar to what I was used to and are easy to use though the radio is a bit "busy" with lots of buttons and it where you access all your system settings. Love the dials on the climate control since they kept it simple unlike too many cars nowadays with a plethora of buttons that you can't work by feel alone just to turn on the A/C or defrost. Love the steering wheel mounted controls for radio, cruise, and bluetooth/voice command. Very comfortable seats and ride. For what you pay, it seems like a great value for your dollar even if resale may suffer. I plan on putting on a lot of miles and getting my money's worth before I have to worry about resale/trade-in. If it lacks in any area it is power and mileage. Its acceptable, but not an acceleration demon by any measure. My old Rav4 had a lot of miles on it and was burning more fuel per mile, but would still had decent torque and acceleration (low end and high end) with its 2.0L and 4 speed auto. The 1.6L with 6 speed Kia does fine around town and cruising on level freeway, but strains when merging into traffic or in hilly country. Turning off Eco mode helps a little, but I think hurts your mileage more than it helps your acceleration. Mileage is not what you'd expect for such a light car and a 1.6L engine. Its about what my old Rav4 was getting when it was new, but that was 11 y/o technology on a larger motor and somewhat heavier car. Logic would say the Kia SHOULD be getting around 35 on the highway at least, but struggles to make 30 under the best conditions which to be fair is close to what the sticker predicted. Around town, it stays around 23 or so. Not great especially for a car its size, but as I said for the price you pay I'll sacrifice a little mileage. So far very happy with the car even if people do make fun of a guy in his 50's for driving a "cute" car. It does what I need it to do (puttering around town and 400 mile business trips a 2-3 times a month) and comfortably and for a heck of a price. No other cars by any manufacturer were anywhere near it that had the safety rating, reliability, or warranty of the Soul. Plus, buying a 2015 model in the fall when the 2016's were on the lot made for lots of incentives and the dealer was eager to make room on the lot. People can laugh if they want. I'm happy and that's what counts for me.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
I got Soul!
Libby Vansant, 04/12/2016
2015 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
LIsten,,,I always thought this was an ugly little car but that doesn't matter now,,,,I love this car,, it is the most comfortable car I have driven!, I love the drivers seat and the fact that it is long which makes it very comfortable for me when I'm driving. I have long legs so it works out just fine for me. I can not wait to take my first trip in it to visit my family in PA to see how much mileage it will get per gal. There is a lot of room in the back, seat wise and head wise and I think there is enough room in the back for groceries and shopping trips!,,,lol....I love my Soul and I'm sorry I didn't get one sooner!!!!
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Value
2015 Soul 1.6 automatic=GREAT car!
smsorange, 09/22/2014
updated 09/22/2017
2015 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
67 of 78 people found this review helpful
Have had the 2015 Soul a few days now. I'm totally impressed. It has a shockingly spacious interior, great headroom, and stylish looks. The car has had no issues zipping down the highway even with its small 1.5, but 130 HP engine. I love the options that come standard in the Base model, including AC, Sirius XM, Bluetooth, heated mirrors, steering wheel volume/bluetooth controls, different driving modes (normal, comfort and sport) and cargo dividers under the back area. Mine is white with two-tone seats and it looks really sharp. For the money, I couldn't ask for more. Love it. It's now 09/2016. I've had my Soul for two years this month. I still love it. I've had zero problems or issues. I took it on a 17-hour road trip to the Smokies and then back again. It's roomy, great on gas, hauls kayaks, and is a great car. Now 3/2017--Still Love the car! 9/22/17--Had to sell the Soul to buy a truck to pull my new camper. However, I would not hesitate to buy a Soul again. Loved it!
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great little car
Anne-Marie Skubis, 10/11/2018
2015 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Purchased in 2015 and I’ve done a two hour round-trip daily commute from Buffalo to Rochester Monday through Friday. Rain or snow this car always performed great and for the money it is fully loaded with amenities from leather heated seats front and back, panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, back up camera and a huge screen for navigation that’s been great. The cargo tray gets 2 thumbs up Versus the old cargo netting in my SUV and handles all my groceries easily.Comfort level is amazing and visibility is the best I’ve had in any car I’ve ever owned. I’ve driven cars to SUVs and this is by far the best of both worlds. The interior room is plentiful for anything that I’ve ever tried to pack in it. I routinely have my huge dog in the back with the seats folded down. The only negatives in the three years I’ve owned it are that I do wish the acceleration was better for passing on the Thruway, as it is a bit sluggish and it doesn’t hold it’s value for resale which is disappointing. I’d really like to buy an American made car but I just can’t find anything that’s worth the money and has the consumer reports that would even come close to this vehicle or other foreign-made vehicles.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
3rd Kia Soul purchase
Douglas Lower, 08/11/2015
2015 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
16 of 18 people found this review helpful
I traded my 14 Kia Soul in on a Jeep Wrangler, I made money on the trade, but then regretted getting rid of it. So off I went to the dealership for another one. I picked up a 15 Soul Base 6 speed manual, Silver with 2 tone Silver/Black interior. Very nice combo. I was so thrilled with my 14 and equally with my 15. I noticed they did away with heated mirrors on the 15 base manual compared to the 14. I also noticed the tires were nosier on the 15, they were Kumhos. On my 14 and 15 I purchased factory foglight kits on the internet for 189.00 from Kan Motors and had them installed at a local bodyshop for 150.00 . I then checked all the local Kia dealers for pull-off wheels, I found a nice set of new Soul + 17 inch wheels and tires. The car became quiet like the 14 .These tires are the Nexens. I enjoy everything ,about this vehicle. Safety ratings are amazing. Gas mileage is great with the manual. Nice cargo capacity and room for occupants. Very nice features for a base model. I can get up to 42 mpg watching my driving habits.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2015/2014 KIA SOUL+
gose, 06/19/2015
updated 06/20/2018
2015 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
67 of 82 people found this review helpful
The SOUL is a decent vehicle given its price point, but it's not worthy of 4 and 5 stars many reviewers bestow upon it. It's a reliable average commuter vehicle with weak gas mileage and underwhelming performance. Improved interior appearances and better fabric help, but scrape those away and actual performance issues become apparent relatively soon. Automatic transmission is quirky to the point that it displays the slow responsiveness of early CVT transmissions. Normal acceleration begets transmission hesitation and lost power when shifting from 2nd to 3rd to 4th. With vehicle ratings of 164HP and 151 lb.ft. torque, acceleration is surprisingly strained (especially at highway speeds), indicating horsepower and torque numbers are inflated. Cruising on slightly undulating highways yields frequent transmission shifts. Steering and braking are effective, but vague. At highway speeds, wind noise has become more excessive over time although it was originally reported as being "normal"; it's not. After five years of ownership, the car displays less and less soul. Noticeable cabin wind noise has drastically increased whenever driving above 40 MPH. Minor dashboard rattles have surfaced. Stereo sound quality has been disappointing. Suspension grinding noises have slowly become more pronounced, similarly reported as normal. The car is generally an average, reliable daily driver, but appears to suffer from poor engineering, with some lesser quality control and lesser quality components. While appearances are good and options look very good on paper, actual performance is weak; when it comes to actual driving and function of those components long-term (e.g., weak climate control, and average steering, suspension, handling, and transmission), components display obvious weaknesses and are of generally lesser quality relative to their pricing. If you're looking for a vehicle that is reliable and seats you higher while returning underwhelming power and efficiency, the soul has something to consider.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
great little car
nathan, 11/01/2015
2015 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
Great car for the money! I AM 6'3" tall and usually struggle driving small vehicles but the car has plenty of room and comfort. Drives and rides excellent
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Kia Soul Engine Failure at 72k miles
Ron A, 03/04/2020
2015 Kia Soul ! 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
Bought 2015 Kia Soul with 45k miles for my daughter's first car. At 72k miles the engine failed going up a hill on a very busy highway. Always maintained the car with premium oil and filters per the maintenance schedule. I contacted the Kia customer service. At first they were very apologetic and directed me to take my car to a local Kia dealership. Mechanic determined the piston failed and damaged the engine. Repair requires a new engine. When I performed an internet search, I discovered that this is a pervasive issue with many Kia models/years and several recalls have been issued due to the engines failing due to poor quality control. There are many complaints on the NHTSA web site. After a couple of weeks with my car at a Kia dealership, Kia customer service notified me that my claim was denied. I asked what was the basis of the denial and was told they did not know what it was. I Kia had offered any support to me at all, I would have been appreciative. I expect a recall will be issued for my VIN in the next several months. Until then, I plan to describe my experience with Kia on as many review boards and other internet sites as possible. I would have praised Kia if they had offered any assistance to me to even include a deal for a new Kia vehicle. Good customer service is the best advertising you can get. Based on my experience, I recommend anyone considering buying a Kia vehicle to ensure they purchase an extended warranty that covers the engine and powertrain.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Tried and True! Much more than you'd expect!
Adam Stone, 08/23/2018
2015 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
I have a 2015 KIA Soul. I honestly love it. Does it have everything you'd expect from a $35k car? No. But, this is my honest account. Gas mileage is excellent when you use the active eco setting. I average 33 miles to the gallon. My Soul has about 21,000 miles on it and it's still like brand new. Still looks great, sounds great, runs great, and everything still works on it like it just rolled off the showroom floor. I have a base model with alloy wheels, so I have the model with the 1.6L engine, which serves me well. It gets me where I want to go comfortably and with pretty great style. The interior is well made, great materials, and the electronics are intelligent and work very well. Driving the soul is a fun experience. It rides very smoothly and feels incredibly sturdy and handles high highway speeds with ease. Getting in and out of this car is easy. I'm 6'0 tall and not too skinny and I fit in and out with ease. I love this car. It's fun and has been incredibly reliable. It's my first KIA and I will definitely be back for another. I live in Arizona and this car is subjected to intense heat and everything has held up beautifully.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great mid size car!
Cheryl Smith, 08/09/2016
2015 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This car has excellent maneuverability. It can turn on a dime. Seats fold down for more storage. Electronics are excellent. Sporty and fun to drive.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Still a Cool Little Ride!!
Kenda Bremer, 08/04/2015
updated 02/06/2017
2015 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
21 of 27 people found this review helpful
Still going strong, almost at 30,000 miles. Several longggg trips in it and it and I did fine!! I'm still very happy with this car!! No major breakdowns, or issues...just the normal keep it up kind of process. Happy here with the vehicle!!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
From a ¾ ton Hemi to a Soul!
Jeremy Hegna, 04/06/2015
2015 Kia Soul ! 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
29 of 38 people found this review helpful
Time for a new rig for my bride.. I started looking at Sorrentos. Bought my wife the '16 Sorrento and was smitten. It didn't take long to find myself back on Kia's lot trying out the 'Soul'. The one that caught my eye. ...and not just because of mileage. I LOVE this car. 5 miles when I bought it and just passed 1,000. The sound system to the Nav, Bluetooth, heat/cooled seats and steering wheel (big deal in Alaska) not to mention the speed the car 'heats up'! The 'sport' steering, incredible stock sound and backup cam, LED lighting and pano sun/moonroof, lighted speakers and functional control from the steering wheel for everything A built in hard drive and SD stick input, what's NOT 2 Love!
Love My Soul!!
kbeaner, 08/27/2015
2015 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
18 of 23 people found this review helpful
I have a bad back and when I sat in a Soul and didn't feel like I was getting up off the floor when I got out of it, I was sold. It is fun to drive and you feel like you are in an SUV, minus the price and overwhelming size. It is really roomy and will fit 3 adults in the back seat comfortably. My mom has one too and she is tall so it is so much easier for her as well. I would even recommend it for mom's with kids. International Kia in Orland Park, IL took good care of me.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Regrettable Purchase
Kansasknut62, 11/26/2019
2015 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
The Kia Soul is cute and fun to drive. Had the transmission serviced at the recommended 60,000 miles. At 104,000 miles, 4000 miles past the warranty expiration, the transmission tore up. $2,200 to replace. Also have to add a quart of oil every 1800 miles as it uses of oil. Oil has been changed at all the recommended intervals.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2011 base manual vs 2015 base manual
Heather Van Dorn, 03/18/2016
2015 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd soul. I traded my 2011 in when it began having starting issues at 118,000 mi. I liked it better and now wished I had just put the effort into fixing it. Both are base model manual transmission. Don't get me wrong its still a great car that suits my needs. I'm only averaging 30mpg. My '11 got 34-38 mpg. The cargo space is smaller. The larger tires make chaining up a nightmare (live in the mountains) not enough wheel well room. The only thing it does better than my old one is get up my steep driveway. It cost$4,000 more than my old one. It gets 8mpg less, less cargo. Basically I paid for whole mess of gadgetry that for me I will never use. I am disappointed. Not giving up though. I look forward to an AWD model hopefully in a manual transmission with improved mpg.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Awesome Alien Green machine
2015soulman, 11/10/2014
updated 12/22/2016
2015 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
36 of 53 people found this review helpful
I love this car I have 1322 miles on it now I got it with only 2 miles on it even with the 130 horse power engine It does just fine getting out there and going. I have already carried 300 lbs of quickcrete a type of cement mix in the back and it rode great. I also live in ithaca NY its a very hilly town and i have no problems. I originally went to the Kia because I did not like the performance or the sketchy reilability of the CVT transmission everybody is trying to pass off. Except Kia and a few others But what I got was a roomy cool smooth shifting cool vechicle. we are tall people and could not find good back seat space / room in a car under 17000 bucks in any brand. My soul has tons. I still say this car can get out and go. I get great gas mileage even at 60 65 it actually seems to get the best mileage at about 63 mi per hour crazy I know but its actually better there then slower speeds.I still enjoy driving this car and it still gets the cool car comments I think its the Green but the shape kind of has an ageless style to it. It has needed no repairs and runs like the day I bought it it is now nov 2016
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Safety and dependability Winner
Christine Watler, 06/30/2018
2015 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Outstanding value in terms of warranty and safety. Love the color options and ability to save some money on gas. One downside is the car is a little loud when accelerating on hills, and you would think with its smaller engine size gas mileage would be better, but it’s definitely something I can live with. Looking forward to buying more Kia Soul’s and passing them down to my kids/grandkids when they have their licenses.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best debt choice ever!
slimdownwmel@gmail.com, 09/22/2015
2015 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
10 of 14 people found this review helpful
My grandfather always said, "if you don't go into debt you will never have anything." Which is true and false.... However, I went into debt to get this car. I had the Kia Forte before getting this vehicle. I loved my Forte but I needed to get off the ground.. It was terrible. When I purchased the Soul. O.My.Goodness best purchase ever. I do wish the storage in the back was little longer, for suitcases and such. But it works. It's more than I thought it would be.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
This Car Randomly Leaves Me STRANDED!
Lory Livezey, 05/23/2018
2015 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 10 people found this review helpful
I would love to love this car. There are so many good things, but when a car randomly leaves you stranded, I have to give it a ONE. Ever since I bought it, sometimes i'll get in it and the key won't turn. I jiggle the key, I jiggle the wheel, usually I have to use a screw driver to unlock the shift to get it into neutral. Then I can usually shimmy it loose. But 2 years ago, I couldn't get it unlocked and they had to take it in on a flat-bed. Then, it was under warranty. It happened again yesterday, and now it's NOT under warranty. So, it's costing me $1000 to replace something that's already been replaced and the problem NEVER WENT AWAY! I will NEVER buy a KIA Soul again!!!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Loved until the engine failed
Cheyenne , 08/18/2020
2015 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Engine failed after 105,000 miles. Kia refuses to replace. I’m out $6500.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great small family car.
Ben Johnson, 06/18/2018
2015 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Got a new 2015 Soul when our baby was three months old. Great little family car. They are like Glocks. They are not pretty, you use them and abuse them, but they are reliable and get the job done.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Almost $3000 in repairs
Junior Miller, 09/07/2017
2015 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
6 of 9 people found this review helpful
First and last Kia I will ever buy new or used I bought my Kia soul New it's a 2015 first year the AC went out cost to fix it $800 warranty will not cover it this time the catalyst has gone bad no warranty cost to repair almost $1800 and it will not pass inspection I'm paying for a car I can't drive no more Kia's for me New or used
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
3rd engine!!!
Service team calls me "Oh No", 08/11/2021
2015 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
If you buy this make sure you get the extended warranty this is now the 3rd engine going into this car. Exhaust valve, fuel pump, oil pump... have only had this car for less then 2 years!! Beyond disappointed!! I love everything about the Soul WHEN IT WORKS! too many times have I been stranded.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
car not bad, kia company is terrible
Rob Leavy, 08/20/2015
updated 02/21/2018
2015 Kia Soul ! 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
9 of 17 people found this review helpful
Don't lease the car. they hit you with charges even after you turn it in. my car was turned in, detailed, new tires and 7000 miles less then agreed. they just treat you like you are someone they can just take money from. the dealership was terrible. i leased the car at one dealership. they sold out and turned it in to another. service was terrible (auto express Kia in Erie, PA.) dealing with these people was simply terrible. they all try to scam you, every step of the way. the car is not bad, but Kia finance and the dealerships will never see my buisness again. beware of nice guy act when they are setting everything up. it's you that is getting set up!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Fun
Kimberly, 10/04/2015
2015 Kia Soul ! 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 13 people found this review helpful
I just got my Kia Soul and I like it it's fun to drive and gets better gas then my other car I like that it is comfortable when u are in it and nice to get in and out of don't feel like I have to struggle to get out of it it has cruise control and my other car did not and that will help me on my long drive to visit my sis in white city or. It drives nice I did not want to stop driving it lol
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Happy and satisfied
David B Means, 11/20/2015
updated 05/22/2016
2015 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
6 of 11 people found this review helpful
Be sure to check with Edmunds.com, True car, etc before making a deal.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Still love my kia Soul
Edroy Sheppard jr., 12/07/2018
2015 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
like the Kia Soul handling is great only thing I can say about breaking on gravel roads is slides a little could be that is need to upgrade tires on it I have 28,000 miles on it. other than that I happy with it. I used to have a Toyota corolla 2007, It was a little small this is much better.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
Navigation System from hell.
Roger Ramjet, 12/09/2016
2015 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
The navigation system is a disaster. They should pay the buyers to allow them to install this expensive piece of junk in their cars. I am talking about the top of the line Infinity System. It took the sales guy 2 hours to set the home address so when you push the home button it will navigate you home. We, the owners still have no idea how to accomplish it as we have moved since he set it up. Programming in a destination is an adventure. We like to attend concert events and the software comes up blank in finding any of the venues. Program in a destination, and if anyone bumps the touch screen when its displaying the mapped route, the Nav system will reroute you to where ever you bumped the screen. I have had it reroute me into lakes, mountains with no access roads etc. Its ridiculous. It should splash a screen asking you to verify that you want to reroute your trip. Nope it just does it. Absolutely the most poorly programmed computerized system I have ever had the mis-fortune of buying. KIA!!! FIX IT AND LET ME KNOW WHEN YOU HAVE. The car its self is a great little car. Just leave the Nav system on their lot and buy a more basic model. Nav/Infinity Stereo is a $4000 option. Any Garmin is an improvement over this electronic disaster.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
GOOD FOR A OLD FART
JIM DETZLER, 02/16/2017
updated 08/18/2020
2015 Kia Soul ! 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
EASY IN AND OUT...GOOD MILEAGE..IM MORE IMPRESSED AS TIME GOES ON..GREAT LITTLE CAR
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Amazing little car with big car room, still is.
Rono, 02/24/2017
updated 08/27/2020
2015 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought a low mileage, used Soul with a manual transmission to pull behind my motorhome. I own a new F150 as my primary vehicle but this thing is so much fun, I drive it alot and appreciate the gas mileage for running errands. It has an amazing amount of interior room especially for the driver. The modifications for towing was an easy DIY with the Roadmaster kit I ordered for it. Easy to tow, to hookup and to drive at the other end. When you buy a used one, make you buy it right, the value drops off in a hurry. Five years later, Kia is still being used for what I bought it for. Not many odometer miles but lots of miles behind the motorhome.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2nd Soul!!!
J.T. Woodruff, III, 05/24/2017
updated 12/02/2019
2015 Kia Soul ! 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've driven Jaguar's, Land Rover's, Porsche's and a number of other vehicles. I bought a 2013 Soul + for the mileage, but, it was so much fun that I upgraded to the 2015 !. Not a lot of cargo space and not a luxury ride, but, a fun car to drive and it's dependable! Still love the car at 66k miles, the only problem was an ac compressor which was covered under warranty. I'm currently looking for a new Soul EX unfortunately it does not offer a sunroof.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
If you’re looking for an affordable car buy a Kia
Christine A, 01/26/2019
2015 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It’s afforbale and it’s good on gas. I get a lot of compliments from my friends about how smooth the car drives
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Reliability
- Value
Kia soul
Shirley sladko , 11/09/2023
2015 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had to let my 2008 Toyota matrix go and went to the Kia dealer first they put me in a a Ford which I couldn't even get in or out of as I have two knee and two hip replacements so they said we'll trade it in and 90 days with the money I had to spend even and by gosh Steve at our Kia found a Kia soul 2015 for me I like it better than the matrix I had for all the years but it's similar and what a great car I couldn't ask for a better car or dealer
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Funny little car
Kou yang, 02/05/2021
2015 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great gas mileage and comfortable.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love my Kia Soul! Still lovin it!
Gina, 04/29/2020
updated 10/31/2022
2015 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Test drive it! I'm positive you'll fall in love with it. Especially if you're looking for a fun easy to maneuver smaller car. Its surprising roomy inside...lots of head and leg room. I was able to pack my entire kitchen -appliances when I moved to my new apartment. My last car was a PT Cruiser and I love my Soul even more!! Great gas mileage both on the city and on both long and short trips. Reliable and fun! Upgraded to new 2022!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Good Value
JD Zee, 01/26/2017
2015 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great buy for the money. Good riding car for the size. Good handling. Great warranty. The room in hatchback area small but with the back seats go down so you can put a 26" bicycle in and close the hatch without it sticking out. Good car for city driving.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Good value, roomy but beware of engine issues
Wallace, 01/16/2019
updated 01/25/2022
2015 Kia Soul ! 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
Best features are the seating position, panoramic sunroof, ample headroom, quietness and maneuverability. Interior is high quality, but the dashboard had some rattles, and suspension squeaks over some bumps when cold. Fuel economy is rather disappointing, given the small size, but the car has plenty of pickup, and the transmission shifts very smoothly. Very easy to park and see out of. Ride is on the bouncy side and gets tiresome on long trips. Avoid the 18” factory wheels -- ride is much worse with them. Overall, a good value with an incredible amount of passenger space for the size. Luggage space is rather limited. I had issues with the engine-- keeping the fuel injectors clean, a problem with some direct-injected cars. It got so bad, I decided to sell the car.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
On the road to retirement!
Carol Penman, 09/15/2017
updated 03/22/2018
2015 Kia Soul ! 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Looked at several Happily chose the 2015
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value