Searching for the perfect Kia Soul but perplexed by model years?
You’re in the correct place. This guide cuts through the noise, revealing the best and worst Kia Soul years based on hard data from NHTSA and Consumer Reports.
We’ll explore standout features, common issues, and recall histories across generations. Whether you’re new to the Soul or a longtime fan, you’ll get the straight facts to make a smart choice.
Ready to discover your ideal Soul?
Let’s plunge in.
Table of ContentsShow
Kia Soul Generations
The Kia Soul burst onto the scene in 2010, shaking up the compact crossover segment with its bold, boxy design. This quirky newcomer quickly made a name for itself, offering a blend of style, practicality, and customization that urban drivers craved.
Let’s take a quick look at how the Kia Soul has evolved since its debut:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation (AM) | 2010-2013 |
| 2nd generation (PS) | 2014-2019 |
| 3rd generation (SK3) | 2020-Present |
Understanding these generational shifts is crucial. Why? Because each new iteration brings changes in design, technology, and performance – factors that can make or break a car’s reliability and owner satisfaction.
Kia Soul Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
How do we separate the Soul stars from the duds? Our evaluation digs deep, considering a wide range of factors:
- Owner-reported reliability (from extensive surveys)
- Annual maintenance costs (because nobody likes surprise bills)
- Safety ratings (because your life matters)
- Consumer Reports reliability and owner satisfaction scores
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints
- Ratings from Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB), VehicleHistory, and Cars.com
We’ve crunched the numbers and compiled the data. Here’s a visual snapshot of how different Kia Soul model years stack up:
To make things crystal clear, we’ve identified the best and worst Kia Soul model years. Here’s the breakdown:
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation (AM) | 2010 2011 | N/A | 2012 2013 |
| 2nd generation (PS) | 2017 2018 2019 | N/A | 2014 2015 2016 |
| 3rd generation (SK3) | 2021 2022 2024 | N/A | 2020 2023 |
Remember, factors like NHTSA recalls can be a red flag for potential reliability issues. These play a big role in separating the best Kia Soul years from the worst. Keep this in mind as we dive deeper into each generation.
Best & Worst Years for Kia Soul 1st Generation (2010-2013)
The Kia Soul’s debut generation hit the streets in 2010, turning heads with its funky design and youthful vibe. But not all years in this generation were created equal. Let’s break it down.
The Best Years: 2010, 2011
The early birds caught the worm in this case. The 2010 and 2011 Kia Souls stand out as the most reliable picks from the first generation. Here’s why:
- Engine options to suit your style: Choose between a peppy 1.6L Gamma MPi inline-4 (122 horsepower) or a beefier 2.0L Beta II inline-4 (142 horsepower).
- Fuel efficiency that won’t break the bank: Expect around 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
- Trim levels for every taste: From the no-frills Base to the feature-packed Exclaim (!), there’s a Soul for everyone.
- Safety first: Multiple airbags and stability control come standard.
- Tech that doesn’t feel dated: Bluetooth connectivity and a quality sound system were ahead of their time.
While these models weren’t perfect (a few recalls did occur), the issues were generally minor and didn’t tarnish their overall reliability.
The Worst Years: 2012, 2013
Steer clear of the 2012 and 2013 Kia Souls. The introduction of the novel 1.6 Gamma GDi engines brought more trouble than improvement:
- Engine nightmares: Owners reported seized engines, often requiring costly replacements.
- Steering woes: Failing steering couplers led to unsettling noises and imprecise handling.
- Fuel economy remained decent, but at what cost?
- Critical recalls: Overheating catalytic converters and electronic control unit issues posed fire risks, while steering faults compromised safety.
The verdict?
The 2012 and 2013 Kia Souls are best left in the rearview mirror. Check out the NHTSA database for a full list of recalls and complaints 2012 and 2013 years.
Best & Worst Years for Kia Soul 2nd Generation (2014-2019)
The second-generation Kia Soul aimed to refine its quirky predecessor, offering a more mature take on the boxy crossover concept. But did every year hit the mark?
Let’s find out.
The Best Years: 2017, 2018, 2019
If you’re eyeing a second-gen Soul, focus on the 2017-2019 models. These later years ironed out the kinks and brought some serious improvements:
- Powertrain perfection: The 1.6L Gamma II turbocharged engine delivers a punchy 201 horsepower without sacrificing efficiency (26 city/31 highway mpg).
- Safety steps up: Advanced driver-assistance features provide peace of mind on the road.
- Comfort and quality: Improved materials and a smoother ride make every journey more enjoyable.
- Tech that keeps up: Updated infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration brings your digital life on the road.
These model years consistently earn high scores for reliability and owner satisfaction. If you want a second-gen Soul, these are your best bets.
The Worst Years: 2014, 2015, 2016
Unfortunately, the initial years of the second generation carried over some baggage from their predecessors. Avoid the 2014, 2015, and 2016 Kia Souls if possible. Here’s why:
- Persistent problems: Premature component wear, mysterious burning odors, and excessive oil consumption plagued these models.
- Headlight headaches: Malfunctioning headlights were a common complaint.
- Steering struggles: The steering issues from the previous generation hadn’t been fully resolved.
- 2014: The worst offender: Complete engine failures and sluggish acceleration made this year particularly problematic.
- Recall roundup: Manufacturing defects led to recalls for potential loss of vehicle control and fire risks.
Want the nitty-gritty details?
Check out the NHTSA database of recalls and grievances for 2014, 2015 and 2016 years.
Best & Worst Years for Kia Soul 3rd Generation (2020-Present)
The third-generation Kia Soul aimed to keep its iconic boxy silhouette while injecting a dose of modern flair. But did Kia nail the formula right off the bat?
Let’s break it down.
The Best Years: 2021, 2022, 2024
If you’re shopping for a third-gen Soul, focus on these standout years:
- Power players: Choose between a capable 2.0L Nu inline-4 or an available turbocharged engine for extra oomph.
- Efficiency boost: Fuel economy climbs to an impressive 28 city/33 highway mpg.
- Safety suite: The 2021 model introduced advanced features like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.
- Refined ride: 2022 brought improvements in ride quality and cabin noise insulation.
- Tech upgrade: Larger touchscreens and more intuitive interfaces keep you connected on the go.
These model years have consistently earned high reliability ratings and fewer complaints than their predecessors. If you want the latest Soul tech with proven dependability, these are your top picks.
The Worst Years: 2020, 2023
Not every year can be a winner. The 2020 and 2023 Kia Souls have some issues you should be aware of:
- 2020 transmission troubles: CVT woes led to jerky acceleration and, in some cases, complete failure.
- Fire risk recall: 2020 models with the 2.0L Nu MPi engine faced a recall due to potential piston oil ring issues.
- 2023 hiccups: Recalls for malfunctioning digital instrument clusters and faulty electric oil pump assemblies (another fire risk) tarnished this model year.
While these issues don’t necessarily make these Soul models unusable, you’re better off opting for the more refined years that followed. Curious about the specifics?
Check out the NHTSA database for 2020 and 2023 recalls and grievances.
Kia Soul Resale Values
Wondering how well your Kia Soul purchase will hold up over time? Take a look at this chart showing the depreciation patterns across different model years:
Conclusion
After our comprehensive dive into the Kia Soul’s history, here’s the bottom line:
Best Kia Soul years to purchase:
- 2017 to 2019 models (second generation)
- 2021, 2022, and 2024 models (third generation)
Kia Soul years to avoid:
- 2012 to 2016 range (persistent powertrain issues)
- 2020 and 2023 (early third-generation hiccups)
Now it’s your turn. What qualities matter most to you in a Kia Soul?
Are you all about dependability, or do cutting-edge tech features top your list?
Drop a comment below and let us know your thoughts on finding the perfect Soul!
