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
- $13,125
- 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
- $13,125
- Retail value range
- $11,500 - $15,800
- Original MSRP range
- $17,590 - $27,650
- Trade-in range
- $8,215 - $12,600
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
For almost any modern vehicle category, there’s a Kia that’s worth considering buying. Among small and midsized SUVs, models like the Sportage and Sorento rank near the top in their respective classes for their nice interiors, ride comfort, and appropriately powerful engines. SUVs like the Telluride have ride comfort, interior space, and overall value that earn it regular placement near the top of Consumer Reports’ ratings. 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 useful all-electric driving range. Kia EVs are generally competent, ranging from compact sedans up to a three-row SUV. Kia’s reliability scores have been improving, but other brands score higher in our rankings. Specific Kia models have earned our recommendation among used cars.
Vehicle ID: 20165 First published: November 19, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.
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