Kia Soul Review: A Smart Pick for Used Small SUVs

The Kia Soul is fun, practical and efficient, making it a strong choice among the 10 best used cars in Canada. Below is a concise guide to what to look for when shopping for a pre-owned Kia Soul and what to expect from its design, engines, common issues and how to test-drive one before you buy.

Is the Kia Soul a good car?

Yes. The Kia Soul has earned a solid reputation for dependability and offers impressive interior space for its compact footprint. Kia has ranked highly in recent dependability lists, and the Soul’s combination of practicality, affordability and distinctive style makes it a popular choice for many Canadian buyers.

The first-generation Soul arrived in 2010 and was replaced for 2014 by the second generation. The third-generation Soul launched for the 2020 model year and remains in production. Buying a used Soul from the later years of an earlier generation is often a smart strategy—manufacturers usually iron out early production issues over time.

Since its introduction, Kia has sold more than a million Souls worldwide. The car’s quirky, boxy profile delivers strong visual identity and practical benefits: generous headroom, a tall driving position and a surprisingly roomy cabin for passengers and cargo. The third-generation Soul updates the look with cleaner, sharper lines compared with earlier, more playful styling.

Inside, the Soul offers materials and build quality that punch above its price point. Higher trims come with many creature comforts and tech features—ambient lighting that syncs with music is a standout, letting you adjust color and brightness to suit the mood. The interior design emphasizes convenience and a modern feel rather than luxury finishes.

The Soul’s tall, upright stance provides an SUV-like driving position without the fuel penalty of a larger vehicle, and the low cargo floor makes loading pets and gear easy—useful for active owners and dog owners in particular.

Recent model years have earned industry recognition: U.S. News & World Report named the Soul Best Subcompact SUV for the Money multiple years running, and Car and Driver and J.D. Power have given strong ratings to later model years. Updates in 2022 brought a larger touchscreen, wireless charging and more standard features, while the 2023 refresh added bolder styling and expanded safety tech across more trims.

The Kia Soul engine: What’s inside a used Soul?

Most Souls use efficient four-cylinder engines, including a turbocharged 1.6-litre option introduced in 2017 that produces around 201 horsepower in higher trims. An all-electric Soul EV is also available in certain markets. The Soul is front-wheel drive only—Kia did not offer all-wheel drive for this model—which keeps costs lower and mechanical complexity down while still delivering good fuel economy and usable performance.

Transmissions vary: many used Souls have automatic or continuously variable transmissions (CVT), while some base models offered five- or six-speed manuals. If you prefer a manual gearbox, look for early or base-trim examples that were originally equipped with one.

Trim levels typically ran from basic LX and EX models up to sportier SX and SX Luxury grades, which include more powerful engines and added features.

Kia Soul issues to know about

Overall the Soul is well-regarded, but there are a few recurring issues to be aware of. Some earlier units experienced engine or transmission problems—occasionally within the original warranty—so check service history carefully. The Soul’s CVT is generally acceptable but can feel less responsive than a conventional automatic, and the lack of all-wheel drive can be a drawback for drivers who need extra traction in winter conditions.

For used purchases, especially higher-mileage or earlier examples, consider budgeting for extended warranty coverage if the vehicle’s maintenance history is incomplete. A well-maintained, later-model Soul with remaining warranty coverage will typically provide dependable, roomy and economical transportation.

What to look for when test-driving a used Kia Soul

When test-driving, pay attention to these checks:

• Air conditioning performance—confirm the A/C cools consistently and blows from all vents.
• Tire wear—inspect all four tires for uneven wear, which can indicate alignment or suspension issues.
• Suspension and steering—drive over rough surfaces at moderate speeds and listen for clunks, bangs or rattles from beneath the car. Healthy suspension should absorb bumps smoothly without unusual noises.
• Transmission behavior—note any delays, slipping or harsh transitions during gear changes, particularly with CVT-equipped models.
• Service history—request maintenance records and verify routine services like timing belt/chain checks, fluid changes and any recalls or repairs addressed by the previous owner.

Example: 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line Limited specifications

Price as tested (when new): $29,595
Body type: 4-door, 5-passenger compact hatchback
Powertrain layout: Front engine / front-wheel drive
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic (CVT)
Engine: 2.0-litre inline-four DOHC, 16 valves
Horsepower: 147
Torque (lb-ft): 132
Curb weight: 1,393 kg (3,071 lb)
Fuel economy (combined): approx. 30 MPG

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