Best Kia Soul Years to Buy Used: A Reliable and Versatile Choice
The Kia Soul is one of the most popular subcompact crossovers for good reason. Its boxy design unique style and practicality make it a great choice for a wide range of drivers. If you're in the market for a used Kia Soul you'll want to know which model years stand out for reliability features and value. In this guide we'll dive into the best years of the Kia Soul to buy used along with potential drawbacks and common questions to help you make the best decision.
What Makes the Kia Soul a Great Used Car?
The Kia Soul has carved out a niche in the market thanks to its quirky yet functional design excellent fuel efficiency and a strong reputation for dependability. Whether you're looking for a commuter car or a vehicle to transport your gear the Kia Soul often delivers beyond expectations. Its combination of compact size and surprising interior space makes it especially appealing.
Why People Love the Kia Soul:
- Stylish exterior: The bold and modern look stands out in traffic.
- Spacious interior: Despite its small footprint the Kia Soul offers plenty of headroom and cargo space.
- User-friendly tech: Even older models come with solid infotainment and safety features.
- Affordability: Both the purchase price and maintenance costs are generally lower than competitors.
Best Years of the Kia Soul to Buy Used
Here’s a breakdown of the standout model years of the Kia Soul focusing on reliability features and value.
2012 Kia Soul: Affordable and Dependable
The 2012 model is known for its budget-friendly price tag and dependability. This generation introduced updated styling and improved interior materials. It's an excellent option if you're looking for a well-rounded used car at a lower cost.
Highlights:
- Standard USB and Bluetooth connectivity
- 26 MPG city / 34 MPG highway
- Spacious cabin for its class
Potential Drawbacks: Some owners reported occasional issues with the suspension system and road noise can be more noticeable compared to newer models.
2015 Kia Soul: Refined and Feature-Packed
The 2015 model represents one of the best years to buy used thanks to a significant redesign in 2014. This version of the Soul is praised for its improved ride quality and upgraded tech.
Highlights:
- Optional 8-inch touchscreen and navigation system
- Excellent crash-test ratings from the IIHS
- Improved ride comfort and interior materials
Potential Drawbacks: The base engine can feel underpowered especially during highway driving. Consider opting for the more powerful 2.0L engine if performance is important.
2017 Kia Soul: Reliability Meets Technology
For those who want a more modern vehicle without breaking the bank the 2017 Kia Soul is a top contender. It boasts excellent safety ratings and available turbocharged engine for better performance.
Highlights:
- Optional 201-hp turbocharged engine
- Advanced safety features like lane departure warning
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Potential Drawbacks: The base engine still lacks oomph and the dual-clutch transmission in turbo models may feel less smooth for some drivers.
2020 Kia Soul: Fresh Design and Enhanced Features
The 2020 model marked the debut of the third generation Kia Soul offering an even bolder design and upgraded technology. It's a fantastic choice for buyers who want a nearly new car with advanced features.
Highlights:
- Redesigned exterior and interior
- Improved suspension for smoother rides
- Standard suite of safety features including automatic emergency braking
Potential Drawbacks: Higher resale value compared to older models means it might not fit all budgets.
People Are Always Asking
Is the Kia Soul Reliable?
Yes the Kia Soul is widely regarded as a reliable vehicle especially in model years with fewer reported issues like 2015 and 2017. Many owners praise its durable build quality and long-lasting engines.
FAQs
What is the most reliable year for the Kia Soul?
The 2015 and 2017 Kia Soul models are considered among the most reliable with minimal reported issues and strong overall performance.
Does the Kia Soul have good gas mileage?
Yes the Kia Soul generally offers competitive fuel economy. Most models average between 25-30 MPG combined depending on the engine and trim level.
Are Kia Souls expensive to maintain?
Not at all! Kia Souls are known for their low maintenance costs and wide availability of affordable parts.
Owner Reviews: Real Insights
"I've owned a 2015 Kia Soul for five years now and it’s been rock solid. The interior feels upscale for the price and I’ve had zero mechanical issues. Highly recommend!" – Alex Collantes
"The 2020 Soul is a great mix of style and tech but I wish it had a quieter cabin on the highway. Still it’s been a fun and reliable car!" – Jenny T.
Conclusion
The best years to buy a used Kia Soul depend on your priorities. If you're looking for affordability the 2012 model is a great option. For a blend of reliability and modern features check out the 2015 or 2017 models. And if you want the latest design and technology the 2020 Kia Soul won't disappoint.
While each model year has its pros and cons the Kia Soul remains a solid choice for a used car that's fun practical and budget-friendly. Remember to check the vehicle history report and have a trusted mechanic inspect any used car before purchase.
References
- "Kia Soul Reliability and Common Problems" by CarComplaints
- Kelley Blue Book’s "Best Used Cars Under $15K"
- Consumer Reports: Kia Soul Buyer’s Guide