When you’re trying to find the perfect subcompact crossover SUV but aren’t suite sure where to start, you probably know that you want a reliable vehicle. Fortunately, the 2020 Kia Soul delivers solid reliability, making it easier to get a great vehicle that will last for many years to come.
How reliable is the 2020 Kia Soul?
The 2020 Kia Soul has a high reliability rating according to both experts and owners alike and has achieved a J.D. Power Reliability Rating of 89, making it a great investment, according to their website.
- Owner Reviews: 4.62 Stars
- Expert Reviews: 4.6 Stars
Using information that has been provided by the NHTSA and our database of information available here, we’ve compiled a large amount of information from expert and owner reviews, official recalls, customer complaints and similar information sources so that you can feel good about your next vehicle purchase.
History of the Kia Soul
The Kia Soul is a subcompact crossover SUV that has enjoyed a great reception by owners and reviewers alike. Produced for the North American market starting with the 2010 model year, it has gone through three unique generations of production, with the third generation starting in the 2020 model year.
Following a brainstorming trip to Kia Korea, designer Mike Torpey was inspired by the role of the boar in Korean culture and based the initial design on a caricature he sketched of a boar wearing a backpack. He focused on the boar’s capability and strength as he designed the crossover.
As a subcompact, the crossover featured two front bucket seats and a rear bench seat that folds flat for additional cargo space. Initial reviewer complaints about a harsh ride and plastic interior were improved over the first model year. Several special editions have been released featuring unique features and appearance.
2020 Kia Soul Owner Complaints, Recalls and Related Issues
Because it is a relatively new model, the 2020 Kia Soul currently has no recalls or investigations. This is fairly common for newer vehicles, but even a model year five years earlier, the 2015, has only four recalls, a small number for a vehicle of that age, showing its reliability.
One of the primary complaints that tend to appear on the NHTSA website is early transmission failures, in some cases, but these typically happen very early on in the warranty period. This is linked to the CVT transmission, which in general have had numerous issues during development and implementation.
In a similar vein, a few owners are noticing some problems that are occurring with the engine failing at a fairly early point, but these also happen early on in the warranty process and can be repaired. This typically happens with vehicles having under 10,000 miles on them.
Owner reviews regularly mention the vehicle’s comfort, dependability, reliability and many features. These reviews mention the owner’s dedication to the vehicle model, discussing going through several Kia Souls over the years or planning on driving them until the vehicle finally fails. The new generation includes a range of highly-rated technology features.
Owner reviews also mention some of the same issues that were mentioned on the NHTSA website, including early transmission and engine failures, with lower-than-average ratings on only 2% of vehicles, and 93% of reviewers providing a four- or five-star review, showing solid reliability.
Expert reviews of the Kia Soul include mention of the long warranty at 10 years and 100,000 miles, its SUV-focused functionality, a modest price and a fun drive. However, they also mention the lack of an all-wheel drive option, considered strange given the off-road inspired Soul X-Line in the lineup.
Reviewers also mention the very spacious interior, especially for a subcompact, ensuring that occupants in every position have plenty of space to spread out. Two available engines, a base 147-HP 2.0L inline-four and a 201-HP 1.6L turbocharged inline-four, provide fuel economy on one end and superior performance on the other.
Is the 2020 Kia Soul Right for You?
The 2020 Kia Soul has received a wide range of great reviews and is overall a very reliable vehicle. But whether it’s right for you and your household is a decision you’ll have to make on your own. However, the information available at Vehicle History helps you make smart decisions.
