How Long Do Kia Souls Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

Published October 13, 2023
in Reliability

The Kia Soul is a compact crossover SUV that had a lot of love and hate going for it. Its unique, boxy design and plenty of customization options have made it a favorite among younger drivers and those looking for a distinct but practical vehicle. U.S. News dubbed the 2023 Soul as one of the best subcompact SUVs in the market, thanks to its roomy interior and being a value-packed vehicle.

On the other hand, the Kia Soul is also an SUV that people love to hate. In 2021, it became the butt of jokes which is mainly rooted in the Soul’s reputation as a ubiquitous and super-regular car – and probably the marketing campaign involving dancing hamsters and catchy tunes (come on, they were cute). However, the Haterade can only go for so long because the Soul is here to stay. One of the primary factors that made the Kia Soul popular is its affordability. The Soul provides modern features and reliable performance at an accessible price point.

If you’re interested in this boxy Korean fun machine, you’re probably wondering: how long do Kia Souls last? Today, we’ll tackle the longevity of the Kia Soul, a little about its reliability, and whether it’s a good long-term investment for used car buyers. Let’s take a look.

Just How Reliable Is the Kia Soul?

How long do Kia Souls last? First, let’s take a look at this SUV’s reliability.

If you want a long-lasting vehicle, you’ll have to consider its reliability. A Kia Soul that’s deemed reliable will typically have fewer unexpected breakdowns, meaning you won’t have to visit the mechanic frequently. This saves you on repair costs and ensures that the vehicle remains in good working condition for extended periods.

The Kia Soul has generally received favorable reviews regarding its reliability as a used vehicle. Many owners praised its long-lasting performance and minimal issues over time. Auto repair and maintenance information RepairPal has scored the Kia Soul an impressive reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5.0, making it the third most reliable out of seven subcompact SUVs. Meanwhile, WithClutch rates the Soul a respectable score of 70.95, which is a lot higher than the average reliability of 57.

However, the Kia Soul had several unreliable model years, just like any other vehicle. If you can help it, avoid these model years due to many complaints and known issues. For example, the 2014 Kia Soul is considered one of the least reliable years, no thanks to its serious engine problems like knocking, power loss, and blown engines.

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How Many Miles Can a Kia Soul Last?

Thankfully, the Soul’s reliability has translated well into its longevity. While it’s hard to tell the actual lifespan of your Kia Soul as it largely depends on factors such as maintenance, driving habits, and driving conditions, plenty of data and owner accounts demonstrate the SUV’s longevity. As such, a well-maintained Kia Soul can reach between 150,000 and 200,000 miles before running into major issues, or an average of 10 to 13 years.

Many owners have shared their experiences with the Kia Soul over at the Kia Soul Forums. Different users have shared about having their Kia Souls reach over 200,000 miles without significant problems, while others have faced issues at lower mileage. One user reports 112,000 miles in 23 months, with the Soul still working great. Some members mentioned that older Kia models were not as reliable, but the recent generation of Kia, including the Soul, is built much better and is more dependable.

As per usual, diligent maintenance is critical to achieving the Soul’s potential life expectancy. Many forum members emphasized the importance of regular maintenance. Proper care, timely oil changes, and addressing minor issues promptly can go a long way in extending the lifespan of the Kia Soul.

How long do Kia Souls last? The general consensus is that the Kia Soul is a reliable subcompact SUV that can give you plenty of miles and years with proper care and maintenance.

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How Many Miles are Too Many for a Used Kia Soul?

While the Kia Soul can give you up to 200k miles of service, it doesn’t mean you should immediately finalize that deal on a high-mileage Soul. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider regarding a high-mileage used Kia Soul:

General rule of thumb: On average, a typical driver accumulates about 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year. So, for a 5-year-old Kia Soul, anything above 60,000 to 75,000 miles might be considered on the higher side.
Under 50,000 Miles: A used Kia Soul with less than 50,000 miles is generally seen as a good buy, as it likely has a significant portion of its life left, especially with proper maintenance.
50,000 to 100,000 Miles: The vehicle’s maintenance history becomes even more critical in this range. A well-maintained Kia Soul with around 100,000 miles can still be a good purchase, but it’s essential to check for potential wear and tear on major components – particularly the transmission.
Over 100,000 Miles: Vehicles in this range are often priced lower due to the higher mileage. While many modern cars, including the Kia Soul, are built to last well beyond this mark, potential buyers should be prepared for more frequent repairs and maintenance. A pre-purchase inspection is a must.

Overall, there’s no strict “maximum mileage threshold,” but weighing the mileage against other factors like maintenance history, vehicle condition, and price is essential.

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If you’re ready to start shopping for a used car and reliability is a priority for you, take a look at our list of the top 10 most reliable used sedans on the market today.

Is a Kia Soul a Worthy Investment?

How long do Kia Souls last? We hope this quick guide has helped you out. If you want a practical and distinctive SUV that offers excellent reliability and long-lasting performance, the Kia Soul should be right up your alley. It has a roomy interior and cargo area, a generous helping of standard features, and a competitive fuel economy.

If you can get past the unique boxy appearance and its ubiquity (the Soul is EVERYWHERE), the Kia Soul is a worthy investment for a used car buyer.

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