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2021
Kia Soul

Starts at:
$17,590
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New 2021 Kia Soul
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Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • LX Manual
    Starts at
    $17,590
    25 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • LX IVT
    Starts at
    $19,090
    29 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • S IVT
    Starts at
    $20,690
    29 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • GT-Line IVT
    Starts at
    $21,790
    28 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • X-Line IVT
    Starts at
    $21,790
    28 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • EX IVT
    Starts at
    $23,350
    28 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Turbo DCT
    Starts at
    $27,650
    27 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul 2021 Kia Soul

Notable features

Boxy five-seat hatchback
Front-wheel drive only
Choice of four-cylinder engines, including a turbo
Manual or automatic transmission
Android Auto, Apple CarPlay standard

The good & the bad

The good

Competent handling
Turbo engine’s power
Spacious interior
High value on lower trims

The bad

Ride can be choppy on rough streets
Slight touchscreen delay
Head-up display option uses supplemental reflector, not windshield
Safety feature limitations on some trims
Expensive Turbo model

Expert 2021 Kia Soul review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article
our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Kia Soul?

Redesigned last year, the front-wheel-drive Kia Soul is a five-seat compact hatchback with squared-off styling and a roomy interior. Power comes from a standard 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission. The Turbo trim level gets a 201-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that teams with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Competitors include the Nissan Kicks, Toyota C-HR and Volkswagen Golf.  

What’s New on the 2021 Kia Soul?

A rear-seat reminder feature is now standard, and EX and Turbo trim levels gain key-fob-based remote start. Meanwhile, X-Line and GT-Line trims get updated shock tuning.  

What Features in the 2021 Kia Soul Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • Cloth upholstery 
  • 60/40-split, folding backseat 
  • 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
  • Air conditioning

Available features include:

  • Moonroof 
  • Heated front seats 
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Cruise control
  • 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system
  • Harman Kardon premium stereo
  • Illuminated speakers
  • Wireless device charging
  • Head-up display
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert

Should I Buy the 2021 Kia Soul?

The Soul’s optional turbocharged engine delivers good power, but the hatchback’s ride can get bouncy on imperfect pavement. The lack of all-wheel drive may be a deal-breaker for some shoppers, but the Soul offers a lot of value along with good interior space.

2021 Kia Soul review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Kia Soul?

Redesigned last year, the front-wheel-drive Kia Soul is a five-seat compact hatchback with squared-off styling and a roomy interior. Power comes from a standard 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission. The Turbo trim level gets a 201-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that teams with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Competitors include the Nissan Kicks, Toyota C-HR and Volkswagen Golf.  

What’s New on the 2021 Kia Soul?

A rear-seat reminder feature is now standard, and EX and Turbo trim levels gain key-fob-based remote start. Meanwhile, X-Line and GT-Line trims get updated shock tuning.  

What Features in the 2021 Kia Soul Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • Cloth upholstery 
  • 60/40-split, folding backseat 
  • 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
  • Air conditioning

Available features include:

  • Moonroof 
  • Heated front seats 
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Cruise control
  • 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system
  • Harman Kardon premium stereo
  • Illuminated speakers
  • Wireless device charging
  • Head-up display
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert

Should I Buy the 2021 Kia Soul?

The Soul’s optional turbocharged engine delivers good power, but the hatchback’s ride can get bouncy on imperfect pavement. The lack of all-wheel drive may be a deal-breaker for some shoppers, but the Soul offers a lot of value along with good interior space.

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2021 Kia Soul base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
4/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
3/5
14.7%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
3/5
14.7%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years or newer / less than 80,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles
Dealer certification
165-point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2021
    4.6
    Kia Soul
    Starts at
    $17,590
    25 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2023
    4.8
    Hyundai VENUE
    Starts at
    $19,650
    29 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2021
    5.0
    Hyundai KONA
    Starts at
    $20,500
    27 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2023
    4.3
    Kia Soul
    Starts at
    $19,890
    29 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2017
    4.8
    Kia Soul EV
    Starts at
    $32,250
    93 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Electric
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

4.6 / 5
Based on 74 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.7
Interior 4.7
Performance 4.6
Value 4.6
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.6

Most recent

  • Great vehicle

    Bought it based on father's review of his happy to say I'm glad I went with it great vehicle with great fuel mileage. Plenty of leg room as I'm very tall and came with great options.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • The best car

    I jhave been buying my 2021 Kua Soul 1 year ago, everything is excellent. Also, I only spent a oil+filter change. No problem. It is runninggreat
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Satisfied customer.

    I got a used 2021 only one owner Soul with just 5400 miles in a local dealer, been driving it for two weeks, making 25 to 26 mpg within the city, haven't driven it yet on the road but I can tell it's roomy inside, I am a fat 240 pounds guy and I fit very well behind the wheel. Mine is the basic LW trim but I feel safe and confident. The inside noise is not so high and the ride feels smooth. It has enough power to start quick and easy to move forward. Only dislike is that feature to stop the engine at the light for gas save but fortunately it can be disabled by pressing a key underneath the dashboard on the left.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    27 people out of 27 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Untrustable dealership mechanics

    Have a Kia soul 2021, and it has been in the dealerships 3 times for defective transmission, which have been changed 3 times under warranty, but the big question is do the kia dealership have proper competent mechanics to fix the issue, and other issues which might come up, I have had my trust in their competence completely shatteredvwith this, and I ask what is their extended warranties worth?
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    18 people out of 24 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Trouble with our car

    The engine broke down at 12000 miles having a lot of air conditioning problems that they won't fix after just one year And who knows if there's more trouble on the way
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 1.0
    13 people out of 13 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • cheap kia doesnt replace defective back windshield

    kia is selling a defective product they buy cheap xxx glass and when their back windshield explodes they wont replace it way to go kia weve bought 2 cars but never again.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    10 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Small car with roomy interior

    The inside of the car has a lot of head space. The back seat and trunk space are fairly roomy. Overall, rides nice and it reliable.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    16 people out of 17 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • My First Kia Soul, Love It!!!

    I love my new Kia Soul, it's fun to drive. It's very roomy and I like that the view out of front is unobstructed. I'm enjoying the driving experience.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    11 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • So far so good

    I have only my new car for a week but I am very happy with it. I only have two complaints. There are no cup holders in the back seat and I have nowhere to put my purse when I have a passenger.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    11 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most Reliable Car I've owned

    I've owned a Kia Soul for 10 yrs and didn't have a second thought of getting another one. Confident that this car will give me another good 10 years, just following the manufacturer's maintenance schedule!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    16 people out of 16 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Comfortable & does not hit bumps like our 1st Kea

    Car meets our needs, we feel safer because of all the safety features. The gas mileage is great. The car does not hit bumps and bounce you around. The seats are the most comfortable I have ridden in. We like all the features on the car.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    8 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most reliable car i have ever owned.

    This car is awesome. Back seat is comfortable and leg room is great. It looks small on the outside but is so roomy inside. SUMMIT place KIA treated me w high importance. Treated me like a friend. Didn't act like I was bothering them. Go see John Robert's. Awesome guy
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    9 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Latest news from cars.com

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Kia dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2021 Kia Soul?

The 2021 Kia Soul is available in 6 trim levels:

  • EX (1 style)
  • GT-Line (1 style)
  • LX (2 styles)
  • S (1 style)
  • Turbo (1 style)
  • X-Line (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2021 Kia Soul?

The 2021 Kia Soul offers up to 25 MPG in city driving and 31 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2021 Kia Soul?

The 2021 Kia Soul compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2021 Kia Soul reliable?

The 2021 Kia Soul has an average reliability rating of 4.6 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2021 Kia Soul owners.

Is the 2021 Kia Soul a good Hatchback?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2021 Kia Soul. 90.5% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.6 / 5
Based on 74 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.7
  • Interior: 4.7
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 4.6
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.6

Kia Soul history

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