Kia Soul

Name: 2012 Kia Soul
Brand: Kia

EPA MPG: 25 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 25 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The tall and boxy Soul packs a lot of useful space into a modest footprint. While clearly aimed at the youth market, easy access makes it a viable choice for anyone who has trouble getting in and out of a car. The rear seat is roomy and handling is secure, but the ride is stiff and noise is apparent. The 2012 update brought a horsepower boost and a new six-speed automatic transmission, which made the Soul quicker and more thrifty, averaging 26 mpg in our tests. Braking distances are long, especially for a small car.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

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100

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Kia Soul

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Poor

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Poor

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Poor

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

2012 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2012 Kia Soul

$4,125 - $4,975

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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EPA MPG 26 mpg

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$3,625

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2012 Dodge Caliber

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$3,325 - $8,525

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$ NA

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2012 Nissan Versa

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EPA MPG 33 mpg

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EPA MPG 36 mpg

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2012 Scion tC

$6,025 - $6,250

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2012 Scion xB

$6,375 - $6,925

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2012 Scion xD

$5,825 - $6,175

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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2012 Smart ForTwo

$3,550 - $3,775

EPA MPG 36 mpg

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$4,800 - $11,650

EPA MPG 30 mpg

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2012 Suzuki SX4

$2,725 - $3,400

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2012 Toyota Corolla

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2012 Toyota Matrix

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2012 Toyota Prius

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EPA MPG 32 mpg

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EPA MPG 25 mpg

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See All Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

Features & Specs

wagon

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.6-liter 4 (138 hp)
2-liter 4 (164 hp)

6-speed automatic
6-speed manual

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2020-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 2020 Kia Soul possesses a blend of personality and versatility with its familiar boxy shape and cheerful character. The Soul has a continuously variable transmission that contributes to good fuel economy. Handling is quite nimble. But the ride is notably stiff, and engine noise is rather pronounced. Easy access and good visibility continue to be strengths. The EX comes with a power driver's seat, which has more range of adjustments. Controls are easy to use, including the optional 10.25-inch center touch screen. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility are standard. Advanced safety and driver assistance features are standard on most trims, but none were available on the base LX trim until the 2023 model year when FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection became standard on all trims. Updates for 2021 include a standard rear seat reminder system for all trim lines. 2025 is the final model year.

2014-2019

2014 Redesign Year

While this version of the Soul is a more mature and well-rounded package than its predecessor, the big draw continues to be Kia's long list of available features. Our loaded midtrim + (Plus) version included push-button start, an automatic climate system, a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, a backup camera and a touchscreen navigation system. While the base Soul is a great deal if you can live with the less powerful engine, we'd go for the + trim, which gets the larger engine and automatic transmission. The 2016 models include forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems as optional equipment.

2010-2013

2010 Redesign Year

With one of the most efficient shapes on the road, the tall and boxy Kia Soul packs a lot of room and equipment into a small, inexpensive car. It has very easy access, abundant headroom, and a surprisingly spacious rear seat. Expect a noisy interior and a stiff ride, but handling is fairly nimble and secure. While the controls are simple, interior fit and finish are basic. Still, amenities abound and electronic stability control is standard. Large windows allow very good front and side visibility, but thick rear roof pillars create rear blind zones. A six-speed automatic transmission debuted for 2012, which boosted gas mileage from 25 to 26 mpg.