Review and specifications
2021 Kia Soul
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.
- Market value
- $12,825
- Fuel
- Conventional
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Seats
- 5
At a glance
Model data
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- wagon
- Drive type
- FWD
- Transmission
- Sequential, 7-speed
- Category
- Small sedans/hatchbacks
- Generation began
- 2020
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $12,825
- Retail value range
- $11,400 - $15,050
- Original MSRP range
- $17,590 - $27,650
- Trade-in range
- $8,055 - $11,760
Ratings
- Road test score
- 75/100
- Owner satisfaction
- 3/5
- Would buy again
- 58%
- Reliability
- 3/5
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 27 MPG
- EPA highway
- 33 MPG
- EPA combined
- 30 MPG
- Tested city
- 21 MPG
- Tested highway
- 35 MPG
- Tested overall
- 28 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,415
- Cruising range
- 395 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 3.5 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 8.8 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 120 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 55 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 165 in
- Width
- 71 in
- Height
- 63 in
- Wheelbase
- 102 in
- Weight
- 2,995 lb
- Maximum load
- 860 lb
- Towing capacity
- 0 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 5 people
- Front head room
- 6 in
- Front leg room
- 42.5 in
- Rear head room
- 5 in
- Rear leg room
- 28 in
- Luggage
- 1+1+0
Owner feedback
- Comfort
- 2/5
- Driving
- 2/5
- Styling
- 3/5
- Value
- 3/5
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 7/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 6/10
- SmartWay
- No
Brand context
About Kia
<p>For almost any modern vehicle category, there’s a Kia that’s worth considering buying. Among competitive small and midsized sedans, Kia sells the K4 and K5. For small and midsized SUVs, models like the Sportage and Sorento are competitive with nice interiors, good ride comfort, and appropriately powerful engines. Fuel economy across the brand is generally good, but hybrid and plug-in hybrid options are available for even more miles per gallon. Plug-in hybrid options have a useful all-electric driving range. Kia EVs are generally competent, but buyers need to be attentive to reliability. Many new and used Kias earn our recommendation.</p><p><br/></p>
Vehicle ID: 20165 First published: November 19, 2020 Updated: June 4, 2026
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.
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