2018 Kia Soul

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$16,200 — $22,900 MSRP Shop local deals
(4.9) 344 reviews
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2018 Kia Soul
Compare 3 Trims View Local Inventory
Key Specs
Our Take
Overview
Photos
Reviews
Safety & Recalls
Warranty & CPO
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Compare 3 Trims View Local Inventory

Key Specs

of the 2018 Kia Soul. Base trim shown.

  • Body Type:
    Hatchback See similar vehicles
  • Combined MPG:
    27-28 Combined MPG
  • Engine:
    130-hp, 1.6-liter I-4 (regular gas)
  • Drivetrain:
    Front-wheel Drive
  • Transmission:
    6-speed manual w/OD
  • View more specs

Our Take

From the Cars.com Vehicle Test Team

The Good

  • Interior quality
  • Choice of three engines
  • Panoramic moonroof available
  • Heated steering wheel available

The Bad

  • Peculiar body-colored liftgate panel
  • All-wheel drive not offered
  • Modest cargo volume

Notable Features of the 2018 Kia Soul

  • Five-seat compact hatchback
  • Turbo four-cylinder engine available
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity available
  • Smart key with push-button start available
  • Automatic emergency braking available

2018 Kia Soul Overview

By Cars.com Editors
Vehicle Overview

What it is: The Kia Soul is a boxy compact hatchback with room for five people. It comes with front-wheel drive and a choice of three four-cylinder engines. A manual and an automatic transmission are offered, and competitors include the Mini Countryman and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.

New for 2018

A limited-run Plus Primo Package includes automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Following its run, a Plus Lit Package with high-intensity-discharge headlights, LED accent lights and Wild Orange paint will be available.


View 48 Photos

Latest 2018 Soul Stories

See all 2018 Kia Soul articles >

Consumer Reviews

4.9
344 reviews
Exterior Styling
(4.8)
Performance
(4.8)
Interior Design
(4.8)
Comfort
(4.9)
Reliability
(4.9)
Value For The Money
(4.8)

What Drivers Are Saying

(5.0)

I love my Soul

by Joelledancer from Fort Mill, SC on October 9, 2018

I ended up purchasing one of the 2 tone Souls which I absolutely love and always receive compliments on. I also love the colors on the interior which are black and dark gray. It's great having some ... Read full review

(5.0)

Great car for the price.

by KiaSoulbuyer7914 from Vancouver WA on October 7, 2018

This car has lots of room considering it?s size and fuel efficiency. The base model comes with several options not found in other base models. Read full review

Safety & Recalls

Recalls

The 2018 Kia Soul currently has 0 recalls

IIHS Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

Based on 2018 Kia Soul Base

IIHS rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor.

Child Seat Anchors (Latch)

Ease of Use
acceptable

Head Restraints and Seats

Dynamic Rating
good
Overall Rear
good
Seat Head/Restraint Geometry
good

Headlights

Overall Rating
good

Moderate overlap front

Chest
good
Head/Neck
good
Left Leg/Foot
good
Overall Front
good
Restraints
good
Right Leg/Foot
good
Structure/safety cage
good

Other

Roof Strength
good

Side

Driver Head Protection
good
Driver Head and Neck
good
Driver Pelvis/Leg
good
Driver Torso
good
Overall Side
good
Rear Passenger Head Protection
good
Rear Passenger Head and Neck
good
Rear Passenger Pelvis/Leg
good
Rear Passenger Torso
good
Structure/safety cage
good

Small Overlap Front - Driver Side

Chest
good
Head/Neck
good
Hip/Thigh
good
Lower Leg/Foot
good
Overall Evaluation
good
Restraints and Dummy Kinematics
good
Structure and Safety Cage
acceptable
good

Small Overlap Front - Passenger Side

Chest
good
Head/Neck
acceptable
Hip/Thigh
good
Lower Leg/Foot
good
Overall Evaluation
acceptable
Restraints and Dummy Kinematics
marginal
Structure and Safety Cage
good
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a nonprofit research and communications organization funded by auto insurers.

Manufacturer Warranties

Backed by Kia
New Car Program Benefits

  • Bumper-to-Bumper

    60 months / 60,000 miles

  • Powertrain

    120 months / 100,000 miles

  • Roadside Assistance

    60 months / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned Program Benefits

  • Maximum Age/Mileage

    5 years or newer/less than 60,000 miles

  • Basic Warranty Terms

    12 months/12,000 miles

  • Powertrain warranty

    10 years/100,000 miles

  • Dealer Certification Required

    164-point inspection

  • Roadside Assistance

    Yes

  • View All Program Details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

See Warranty FAQs or visit the manufacturer's website .

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Cars.com Car Seat Check

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The Soul received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*
* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.

See also the latest CPO incentives by automaker