The 2018 Kia Soul lasts around 200,000 miles with some brake booster and air bag system issues reported. At $13,150 to $17,200, it’s a great value for an entry-level compact SUV with good cargo space.
Is the 2018 Kia Soul a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Kia Soul since it offers good reliability with a comfortable interior, giving it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the passenger room, efficient engine choices, as well as the responsive handling.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are basic compared to other SUVs, the seats offer plenty of cushioning, cargo space is also very good for its size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no serious problems found on the 2018 Kia Soul. Avoid models from 2012–2016 which have engine failures reported, 2017–2022 are better choices.
- Performance 6/10 – Performance is okay from all of the 4-cylinder engine options, although it’s not very fast since the Soul focuses more on efficiency.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Soul is reasonably safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, as well as automatic emergency braking.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 28 MPG, giving 397 miles of range out of the 14.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $29 cheaper than average at $156 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 Kia Soul is more affordable than many other compact SUVs, making it a good value since it’s also affordable to own.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Kia Soul?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Kia Soul offers a nice car like driving experience, with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Soul at 4.8/5, praising the spacious comfortable cabin, but doesn’t like the harsh ride quality.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Soul a 4.4/5, enjoying the fun driving experience, but owners don’t like the lack of all-wheel drive.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Kia Soul Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Kia Soul include the brake pedal going to the floor, horn system issues, as well as the airbag light turning on. Overall, these problems are minor than some other
The brake pedal going to the floor is the most common complaint on the 2018 Kia Soul in the first 5,000 miles. Usually, when the brake pedal goes to the floor without applying the brakes, it’s a sign of a problem with the brake booster. Most brake boosters are covered under warranty and replaced for free. If your Soul is out of warranty then it’s about $350 to change.
Horn system issues have also been reported by 2018 Soul owners at around 1,000 miles. The electronic horn stops working on some models if there’s a loose connection. Repairing the connection usually costs under $100 for a shop to diagnose and reconnect.
The airbag light turning on is another issue that shows up on some Kia Soul models at roughly 10,000 miles. There are some sensor issues which lead to the light turning on. Most air bag sensor issues are covered under warranty for free. If your car is out of warranty, then a new sensor is around $180.
There’s only one recall on the 2018 Kia Soul, which is better than many other compact SUVs on the market. The recall covers the airbag control unit, which may prevent the airbags from deploying. Kia will update the software or replace units on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2018 Kia Soul Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Kia Soul can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than the highly-rated Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than the competition, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at roughly $334 per year.
As a used 2018 Kia Soul reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the shocks for $650, the oxygen sensor costing $180, as well as the window switches which cost $250.
Yes it is reliable. Gets around quick and is small so it is easy to park and zip around others. The only think that I wish is that it came with a spare tire. I had to buy my own. They do provide a tire repair kit and typically the car comes with a 10 year warranty.
It is very reliable. Since I had the car I have had no problems. The inside can seat up to four people. It is very economical.
There are no problems. I would overall say it is an excellent vehicle for the price. The souls are not as affordable as most people may think.
I have had any problems with my Kia soul. We keep the oil changed regularly and other maintenance also.
It has been reliable, even after rear-ending another car. I get my maintenance as recommended and everything seems to be in top shape. I haven't had any issues in the 2 years that I have had it.
I have not had any problems thus far with my Kia. We love it and hope that it will last many years.
Ours had a recall but it was fixed. Besides that we have had no issues except the Cadillac converter going out. But it was due to overheating.
In my opinion it’s very reliable. Everything about it is so convenient. No problems whatsoever. I've driven this car back and forth out of town and even out of state. No issues.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is excellent in the 2018 Kia Soul since it comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system which has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen, and a stronger stereo system.
Safety technology is good with a standard rearview camera. Optional advanced safety features include blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, as well as automatic emergency braking.
Is the 2018 Kia Soul a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Kia Soul is a good value since it’s decently reliable while also being affordable. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $13,150 to $17,200, making it cheaper than a Honda CR-V or Subaru Forester. When new, the price range was $16,200 to $35,950. Depreciation is average, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Kia Soul?
There are three models of the 2018 Kia Soul offered, from the entry-level Base, all the way up to the Soul!. The Kia Soul also is only offered with front-wheel drive, which isn’t ideal for colder climates with a lot of snow.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Air Conditioning
- 60/40-Split Folding Rear Seats
- 7-Inch Touchscreen With Uvo Tech Interface
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite Radio
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Six-Speaker Sound System
Soul+ is a step up, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Fog Lights
- Heated Mirrors
- Keyless Entry
- Upgraded Cloth Upholstery
- Selectable Drive Modes
Soul! is the flagship model which has:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Black and Red Exterior Trim
- Cloth and Leather Seats
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Heated Steering Wheel
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Two USB Ports
- Heated Rear Seats
- Premium Harman Kardon Sound System
What Engines Come In the Kia Soul?
- The base engine is a weak 1.6L 4-cylinder which makes 130 horsepower at up to 27 MPG. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission.
- An available upgrade is the average 2.0L 4-cylinder which produces 161 horsepower, which gets up to 27 MPG as well. This engine has a six-speed automatic transmission.
- The flagship engine is the strong 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder which generates 201 horsepower and is fairly fuel efficient at up to 28 MPG. This is offered with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Performance is okay, taking 7.3 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Kia Soul Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Kia Soul?
The 2018 Kia Soul is generally considered to be a comfortable small SUV, with a spacious and well-equipped cabin with room for five passengers. Reviewers have praised the Soul for its comfortable front seats and its smooth and refined ride, which makes it a good choice for long distance driving.
The Soul is available with a variety of comfort and convenience features, such as power-adjustable front seats, a power-adjustable steering column, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a premium audio system. These features can help to enhance the overall comfort of the car.
Passenger room is great throughout the cabin, especially considering its size. There’s more than enough legroom for taller adults in the back seats thanks to the Soul’s boxy shape.
How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Soul Have?
Cargo space is good for the size of the Kia Soul, with enough room for 4-5 full size suitcases behind the rear seats, and over 10 with the seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Kia Soul was launched in 2014, and replaced by the third generation in 2020.
2015: Upgraded leather seating available, standard rearview camera.
2016: Soul! Model now has lane departure warning and forward collision warning systems.
2017: Upgraded turbocharged engine available.
2018: No major changes.
2019: No changes.
2020: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new styling, engines, and technology.
2021: Standard rear occupant alert system, upgraded suspension for the 2.0 X-Line & GT-Line models.
How Does the Kia Soul Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Kia Soul is a very good compact SUV which competes with many compact car models. It’s built for shoppers looking for a more budget-friendly alternative to traditional SUVs.
The Toyota RAV4 is another small SUV which is available for about $5,500 more. Where the Toyota RAV4 stands out is with better performance in the snow since it has an available all-wheel drive system, while the Kia Soul fits better in the small parking spaces of big cities. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since they last longer, although both are decent choices.
The Honda Fit is a popular competitor, which is about $2,500 more. Reliability ratings are slightly higher on the Honda Fit, while the Kia Soul has a more engaging driving experience. We recommend the Honda Fit since they’re cheaper to own, yet both are worth taking a look at to see which you prefer.
Do Owners Recommend the Kia Soul?
Yes! I love my Kia soul so much! It is a reliable smaller car, but still has a ton of head space for my taller friends and family and does not feel small inside although it might look that way from the outside. Great for traveling or long trips as well.
Yes it is dependable and truly a gas saver. I get a lot of miles to the gallon. Very reliable transportation for family use.
Yes although it does not get very good mpg. It handles and accelerates very good. I would like to say the vehicle is very good.
This is a nice little vehicle. It gets about 34 mile per gallon on Ave. The style is. Simple yet fun. I like it.
I love this car. It is the perfect size. I have never had any maintenance issues with it. I love the features such as apple carplay and the backing camera.
I love it! Roomier than it looks. Great gas mileage. Has taken me on many road trips. I see lots of souls on the road.
Yes the Kia Soul is a good vehicle. I have had little problems and I am a frequent driver. There is good space in the back and the back seats fold down.
Yes! It’s really an amazing car. Haven't had any issues and I love the size and way it drives. Also very good on gas compared to vehicles I've had in the past.