2021 Kia Soul

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$17,590

starting MSRP

2021 Kia Soul
2021 Kia Soul

Key specs

Base trim shown

Overview

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

6 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2021 Kia Soul trim comparison will help you decide.

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

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.

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.7
  • Interior design 4.7
  • Performance 4.6
  • Value for the money 4.6
  • Exterior styling 4.8
  • Reliability 4.6

Most recent consumer reviews

5.0

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.

1.7

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?

3.9

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

See all 72 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Kia
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
60 months/60,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/100,000 miles
Powertrain
120 months/100,000 miles
Roadside assistance
60 months/60,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
6 years or newer/less than 80,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
12 months/12,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required
165-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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