2022 Kia Soul

MSRP Range: $19,290 - $27,890 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

2022 Kia Soul Turbo Wagon in Gravity Gray

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2022 Kia Soul Turbo Wagon in Inferno Red

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The Kia Soul has a lot going for it. Its boxy shape gives it a seriously roomy passenger cabin and cargo area. It's also fun to drive, with above-average handling abilities and an intuitive continuously variable automatic transmission. Minor grievances aside, this small SUV is one of the best out there.

57 Owner Reviews

30 mpg

Combined MPG

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Total MSRP^{This price includes a $1,295 destination fee charged by the manufacturer.}	$20,585
Edmunds suggests you pay	$19,371

What Should I Pay

2022 Kia Soul Review

byKurt Niebuhr^{Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.}

Pros

Lots of features for the price
Roomier than many other extra-small SUVs
Enjoyable to drive

Cons

Excessive wind and tire noise at highway speeds
Clunky response from the turbocharged engine's transmission

What's new

10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation now standard on S, X-Line and GT-Line trims
Manual transmission is no longer offered
New LX Technology package includes a larger touchscreen and additional driver aids
Part of the third Soul generation introduced for 2020

Overview

The Kia Soul is one of the rare vehicles that defies easy categorization. On the outside, the Soul resembles a boxy SUV, but its car-like ride height and lack of all-wheel drive make it more like a hatchback. While its taxonomy might be confusing, the Soul's wide range of strengths makes it one of our favorite small runabouts.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2022 Kia Soul LX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$129/mo

$168/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

For 2022, the Soul gets a few updates that build on its recent 2020 redesign. The larger 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen is now more widely available, and the base touchscreen is a little bigger, growing from 7 inches to 8 inches. Fans of the manual transmission will need to pour another one out, however, because the Soul has lost its shift-it-yourself gearbox.

The Kia Soul is one of our favorite small vehicles, and you should add it to your short list if you're looking for a useful but charismatic car. Other strong contenders from this segment are the new and impressive Chevrolet Trailblazer, the Hyundai Kona and the sporty Mazda CX-30. Take a look at our detailed Soul Expert Rating below to learn more.

Edmunds Expert Rating

good

7.8/10

Edmunds Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8.0/10

How does the Soul drive? Maximum acceleration from the 2.0-liter engine is a little lacking, but the Soul feels perfectly spry around town. The steering is natural, and cornering abilities are better than expected. In most cases, the CVT automatic feels like a traditional automatic. In Edmunds' track testing, the Soul posted a 0-60 mph time of 8.8 seconds, which is a respectable time for a little SUV.

The steering features a light effort that builds up naturally when you move from center. The Soul has cornering abilities similar to sportier rivals such as the Mazda CX-3 and Mini Countryman. The only true downside is the touchy brake pedal, which takes some getting used to. The brake response builds too quickly, so you have to be smooth on the brakes to avoid lurching. Unlike some other subcompacts, the Soul doesn't offer all-wheel drive.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the Soul? The front seats are reasonably comfortable even after you've been sitting for hours. The rear seatback angle is fixed but is set at a comfortable angle. The ride is firm and controlled but never harsh. Unlike some rivals, the Soul doesn't shudder like it's falling apart when it's driven over bigger bumps.

At highway speeds, the upright windshield generates a noticeable — but not irritating — level of wind noise, and some tire noise is evident too. Simulated gearshifts mean the engine doesn't drone at full throttle like some CVT automatics.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2022 Kia Soul pricing

in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & price

Interior

8.5/10

How’s the interior? From an ergonomic standpoint, the simple interior design means there's not much to mess up. Navigating through touchscreen menus is easy thanks to an intuitive interface and physical buttons for high-level functions. A height-adjustable front seat and a generous range of steering wheel adjustment help accommodate drivers of all sizes.

The tall roof and wide door openings make it easy to get into the front and rear of the deceptively large cabin. There's lots of headroom and legroom in front and back — four adults will have no problem taking road trips. All windows are tall and narrow with the exception of the small upturned window in the rear three-quarter view.

Technology

7.0/10

How’s the tech? We tested the X-Line trim level, which has the basic six-speaker audio system. Without a dedicated subwoofer, bassy sounds come out of the speakers but lack punch. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility is standard. On every trim except the base LX, you also get advanced safety features such as forward collision mitigation and a blind-spot monitor.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? The Soul has a deep cargo well that gives it more cargo room than other small SUVs. Though this configuration has impressive volume (24.2 cubic feet), there's a large hump at the base of the rear seats when you fold them, which limits utility.

Storage space is decent for the class, with a good number of bins and cubbies for front occupants. Installing a car seat is tough despite a roomy back seat — the anchors are inset deeply and access to the tethers is hampered by this trim's nonadjustable headrests.

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA rates the CVT automatic-equipped Soul at 30 mpg combined (27 city/33 highway), which is slightly better than most competitors. However, we weren't able to replicate these numbers in real life. Over 350 miles of driving (100 of which were on the highway at a reasonable pace), we averaged just 26.8 mpg.

Value

8.0/10

Is the Soul a good value? The Soul is inexpensive even for a subcompact SUV. There's not much soft-touch plastic, yet it doesn't feel cheap. There's faux leather on the door rest where you put your elbow, and the leather-wrapped wheel feels nice. There's also lots of silver trim to break up the monotony of an all-black cabin. As usual, Kia's warranty is class-leading.

Wildcard

8.0/10

The continuously variable automatic transmission isn't exactly fun to use, but it is well tuned and a bit more responsive than other CVT automatics. There's also not much power aboard — get the Turbo for a peppier engine. Still, even the midtier Soul is fun to toss around corners and has a pleasant ride.

The Soul uses its boxy shape to its advantage by providing lots of interior and cargo room. Styling is distinct and unmistakable. The premium audio system even gets beat-synced speaker lights, which adds to the fun factor.

Which Soul does Edmunds recommend?

We think the EX is the sweet spot of the Soul lineup. For not much more money than the GT- and X-Line, the EX includes a sunroof, wireless charging, keyless ignition and heated front seats that make it feel pretty upscale. If you have the extra money, the Turbo's extra power and features are definitely worth a look.

Kia Soul models

The 2022 Kia Soul is available in six trim levels: LX, X-Line, GT-Line, S, EX and Turbo. Each successive trim gets you more standard features, and the Turbo has a more powerful engine as well. Highlights include:

You get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (147 horsepower, 132 lb-ft of torque) on all the trim levels except for the top-of-the-line Turbo, which uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (201 hp, 195 lb-ft). A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard on all but the Turbo model — it gets a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All trims are front-wheel-drive.

LX
Starts you out with:

Air conditioning
8-inch infotainment touchscreen
Six-speaker audio system
Cruise control
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration

LX Technology package
This optional package adds 16-inch alloy wheels and useful advanced driver aids such as:

Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane keeping assist (steers the Soul back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)

X-Line
Has an off-road-inspired look as well as:

Roof rails
10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen
Integrated navigation system
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Wireless smartphone charger
Proximity keyless entry and push-button start
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Advanced safety features from the LX Technology package

GT-Line
Like the X-Line but with a sportier look thanks to a mesh-style grille and more body-colored accents. It also has:

Sunroof
Premium cloth upholstery

S
Stepping up to the S trim includes the extra convenience features above, minus the special styling enhancements and sunroof. You also get a power-adjustable driver's seat.

EX
Compared to the S, the EX trim adds several convenience and comfort items that include:

17-inch wheels
Heated outside mirrors
Sunroof
Heated front seats
Rear center armrest
Cargo cover and space divider

Turbo
The Turbo trim builds off the EX's feature list and adds:

Turbocharged 201-hp four-cylinder engine
Seven-speed automatic transmission
LED headlights and foglights
Head-up display
Simulated leather upholstery
Upgraded power-adjustable driver's seat
Heated steering wheel
Premium Harman Kardon audio system
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Soul and the car in front)

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2022 Kia Soul.

Average user rating: 4.1 stars

57 total reviews

Write a review

See all 57 reviews

5 star reviews: 65%

4 star reviews: 11%

3 star reviews: 5%

2 star reviews: 3%

1 star reviews: 16%

Most helpful consumer reviews

4/5 stars, Love My Car

Beau_siren, 02/23/2021

LX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6M)

Absolutely love how high it is. Sitting in it. Driving it. The AC, windows. The seats fold down in back for more space. Love the trunk. Very comfy. My only complaint is sometimes the ride is a little loud inside. And if one window is open it creates an awful vacuum that has been a problem with a lot of cars in the past 5 years or so. I would actually give 4.5 stars for this but …

5/5 stars, Best Car in its class, EX is best deal

UrbanSoul, 11/15/2020

EX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

If you can still get the 2020 instead of 2021 you get the same car cheaper and with way better headlights and LED running lights. Only other difference from 2020 to 2021 is rear seat occupant alert. Compared to all other cars under 175 inches, 2020/2021 Soul has 4+ inches more legroom for 6' adults in back seat. Cargo 24/62 cf is 50-100% more than all other cars in its class/size Park …

1/5 stars, Tranny not good!

Shelia M, 03/23/2021

LX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6M)

This has been my 4th Kia 3 being Kia Souls overall I like the car and have had no problems until I purchased this last one. Purchased 12/26/2020 and the Transmission went out end of February. I am very disappointed with the service I've received from the same car dealer I've purchased from. The tranny is bad and so is the customer service!

1/5 stars, My new, 8 weeks, Kia Soul needs a new transmission

Julie f, 05/02/2021

S 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

I bought a brand new 2021 Kia Soul February 13, 2021. 8 weeks later it is in the shop needing a new transmission. It has been 2 weeks and not one single call from Kia. The transmission is on back order and I am driving a rental car which I am paying $22/day for insurance. I have a case number with Kia, but it is useless because their customer service is absolutely horrible. I wish I …

See all 57 reviews

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2022 Kia Soul Features Specs

Trim:

Total MSRP	$20,585
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	30 MPG
Cost to Drive	$129/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	24.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Compare the Kia Soul

Kia Soul

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Chevrolet Trailblazer

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Hyundai Kona

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Toyota C-HR

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Compare selected vehiclesCompare Kia Soul to any vehicle

Kia Soul vs. Chevrolet Trailblazer

It's rare for a vehicle to debut and head straight to the top of our rankings, but that's exactly what the Chevrolet Trailblazer did. The Trailblazer is slightly larger than most of its direct rivals, and it offers excellent passenger room and ample cargo space. It can be more expensive than the Soul but it does offer all-wheel drive, which the Kia does not.

Compare Kia Soul & Chevrolet Trailblazer features

Kia Soul vs. Hyundai Kona

If the boxy shape of the Soul doesn't do it for you, the mechanically similar Hyundai Kona might have the style you're looking for. While the Kona doesn't offer nearly as much passenger space or cargo capacity as the Soul, it does come with available all-wheel drive. That's something to consider if you live in an area with inclement weather.

Compare Kia Soul & Hyundai Kona features

Kia Soul vs. Toyota C-HR

The Toyota C-HR is another extra-small SUV loaded with style. Unfortunately, that style comes at the expense of a fair amount of practicality when compared to the Soul. Rear legroom is pretty tight, and cargo space takes a hit due to the quirky roofline. The C-HR is also pretty slow, even for this class. Neither vehicle offers all-wheel drive.

Compare Kia Soul & Toyota C-HR features

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Soul safety features:

Forward Collision Avoidance: Warns you of stopped or rapidly slowing vehicles ahead and automatically applies the brakes if you don't respond.
Lane Keep Assist: Issues a warning if you start to drift from your lane. Automatically applies pressure to the wheel to guide you back into the lane.
Blind-Spot Collision Warning: Alerts you to vehicles either in your blind spot or rapidly approaching in the next lane using lights in the side mirrors.

NHTSA Overall Rating 4 out of 5 stars

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	4 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	4 / 5
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	14.7%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated	Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original	Good
Side Impact Test – Updated	Not Tested
Roof Strength Test	Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Good

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FAQ

Is the Kia Soul a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2022 Soul both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.8 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2022 Soul gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 57 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the Soul ranges from 23.4 to 24.2 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Kia Soul. Learn more

What's new in the 2022 Kia Soul?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Kia Soul:

10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation now standard on S, X-Line and GT-Line trims
Manual transmission is no longer offered
New LX Technology package includes a larger touchscreen and additional driver aids
Part of the third Soul generation introduced for 2020

Learn more

Is the Kia Soul reliable?

To determine whether the Kia Soul is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Soul. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Soul's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2022 Kia Soul a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2022 Kia Soul is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2022 Soul and gave it a 7.8 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2022 Soul gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 57 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2022 Soul is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2022 Kia Soul?

The least-expensive 2022 Kia Soul is the 2022 Kia Soul LX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $19,290.

Other versions include:

LX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $19,290
S 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $21,590
GT-Line 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $22,690
X-Line 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $22,690
EX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $23,590
Turbo 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $27,890

Learn more

What are the different models of Kia Soul?

If you're interested in the Kia Soul, the next question is, which Soul model is right for you? Soul variants include LX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl CVT), S 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl CVT), GT-Line 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl CVT), and X-Line 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl CVT). For a full list of Soul models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2022 Kia Soul

Pricing

2022 Kia Soul Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Kia Soul LX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Performance

Comfort

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2022 Kia Soul pricing

Edmunds suggests you pay

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Soul does Edmunds recommend?

Kia Soul models

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2022 Kia Soul Features Specs

Compare the Kia Soul

Kia Soul vs. Chevrolet Trailblazer

Kia Soul vs. Hyundai Kona

Kia Soul vs. Toyota C-HR

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Soul safety features:

NHTSA Overall Rating 4 out of 5 stars

IIHS Rating

People who viewed this also viewed

2022 Kia Soul First Impressions

FAQ

Is the Kia Soul a good car?

What's new in the 2022 Kia Soul?

Is the Kia Soul reliable?

Is the 2022 Kia Soul a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2022 Kia Soul?

What are the different models of Kia Soul?

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2022 Kia Soul LX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Save as much as $1,731 with Edmunds ^{Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.}