2025 Kia Soul Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated Jun 10, 2026Daniel Wilson
2025 Kia Soul Report

Overall Score

Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • Excellent initial reliability with no reported recalls or consumer complaints.
  • Solid safety performance, highlighted by a 5-star side crash rating.
  • Economical operation with a 30 MPG combined EPA estimate.
  • Distinctive styling offers a unique presence in the compact car market.
Overview

2025 Kia Soul

The 2025 Kia Soul continues its tradition as a practical and stylish compact car, appealing to used car buyers seeking value and efficiency. Its distinctive design sets it apart, while a focus on fundamental usability underpins its appeal. This model year benefits from a clean slate regarding safety recalls and consumer complaints, suggesting strong initial build quality. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission delivers a respectable 30 MPG combined, making it a budget-conscious choice for commuting and city driving. Its front-wheel-drive layout is standard for the segment. While specific long-term durability data is still accumulating, the absence of major red flags is a positive indicator for prospective owners.

Critical Failure Risk

Excellent initial reliability with no reported recalls or consumer complaints.

Early detection can reduce the odds of major repair bills.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Reliability

Practicality

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Commuters seeking fuel efficiency and low operating costs.

+3 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Drivers seeking high-performance or sporty driving dynamics.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2025 Kia Soul Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2025 Kia Soul.

Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Transmission
Automatic (variable gear ratios)
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Suv
EPA Combined MPG
30

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Most Common Issues

No complaint hotspot data available yet.

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes - Inspect Wiper Blades

Est. shop cost: $80 - $150

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (5 service intervals)
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
Full safety recall details
Final buyer verdict: should you buy?
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2025 Kia Soul reliable?

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2025 Kia Soul is 8.5/10. Reliability score is 8.5/10. NHTSA recalls: 0. Owner complaints: 0.

How practical is the 2025 Kia Soul for daily use?

Practicality score is 5.0/10. EPA combined economy is 30 MPG.

What is the overall score for the 2025 Kia Soul?

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2025 Kia Soul is 7.8/10. Overall score is 7.8/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 9.3/10. Practicality 5.0/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2025 Kia Soul?

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes - Inspect Wiper Blades at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $300 - $500.

What engine is in the 2025 Kia Soul?

Engine specs list 4 • 2.0.

What transmission does the 2025 Kia Soul use?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Kia Soul, transmission is Automatic (variable gear ratios). The paired drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2025 Kia Soul?

EPA combined estimate is 30 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2025 Kia Soul?

15 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

What body style is the 2025 Kia Soul?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Kia Soul, body style is suv.

What drivetrain does the 2025 Kia Soul use?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Kia Soul, drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (variable gear ratios).

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2025 Kia Soul?

NHTSA ratings: Overall 4/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.