A used Kia Soul is one of the most likeable and practical small cars on the American used market. Its boxy shape makes it far roomier inside than its footprint suggests, the tall seating and big windows make it easy to live with, and it comes loaded with features for the money. It also has real personality in a segment full of anonymous hatchbacks. But the Soul shares engines with the wider Kia and Hyundai family that have specific concerns, so this is a model where verifying engine history matters. Across the 2014-2024 span you will find prices from roughly $6,000 to $24,000 depending on year, engine, trim and mileage.

That value does not make the Soul a single vehicle. Across these years you get the second generation (2014-2019) and the third generation (2020-2024), a 1.6-liter engine versus a 2.0-liter, and even a turbocharged version on some later cars. Each has its own things to check, and the engine history is the priority. This guide walks through the versions and what to inspect so you buy a good one.

Which generation to buy

The second-generation Soul (2014-2019) is roomy and well-equipped and now very affordable, but its GDI engines are the ones to scrutinize (more below). The third-generation Soul (2020 onward) is more refined, better to drive and more efficient, with updated engines, and is the better choice if the budget allows. Both are reasonable buys once you have verified the specific car’s engine health and recall status.

Whatever the year, confirm the exact engine and trim against the VIN before you commit, and check for open recalls and any extended engine warranty, which matters more on this family of cars than most. Verifying build and history from the VIN is covered in check a car by VIN and plate.

Gasoline engines

1.6 and 2.0 GDI (engine history)

The Soul’s core engines are the 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter direct-injection (GDI) fours from Kia’s Gamma and Nu/Theta families. Some engines in the broader Kia and Hyundai lineup of this era have been the subject of well-publicized recalls, extended warranties and engine-failure concerns, so the single most important step is to verify recall and warranty history by VIN and confirm any required work (including a knock-sensor update or engine replacement, where applicable) was performed. At the inspection:

Listen carefully for knocking or ticking, especially on a cold start and under light load.
Check oil level and condition and ask directly about oil consumption; an engine that has run low is a serious concern.
Look for any engine warning lights and ask whether the check-engine or oil-pressure light has ever come on.

An engine with a knock, a history of running low on oil, or unresolved recall work is a walk-away. A car with clean engine history and documented service is a genuinely good value.

1.6 turbo

Some later Souls offer a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that adds welcome pep. As a turbo it wants disciplined oil changes and a check for clean cold and hot running with no blue smoke.

Transmission

Souls use a six-speed automatic on most engines, with a CVT-style transmission on some later cars and a dual-clutch on the turbo. On the test drive, confirm smooth shifts with no harsh bangs, flares or hunting; on a CVT, confirm smooth power with no shudder or whine; on a dual-clutch, focus on smooth, decisive low-speed behavior. A structured routine is in the test drive checklist, and how these transmissions differ is in automatic transmission types: CVT, DSG and more.

Body, suspension and electronics

Souls are decently built for the price, but check the usual items. On older or salt-belt cars, inspect the rocker panels, wheel arches, subframe and brake lines for corrosion. Suspension clunks over bumps are usually sway bar links or worn bushings, both affordable.

Other items:

Electronics - test the infotainment, backup camera, sensors and any driver aids; Souls are feature-rich for the money, so exercise everything.
Interior wear - check the seats, headliner and switches against the claimed mileage.
Cooling - confirm steady temperature and no coolant leaks.

A methodical pass over the paint and body with a thickness gauge, checking panel gaps and filler, catches an accident vehicle sold as clean. The full inspection order is in how to inspect a used car.

Used Soul price ranges

Prices are affordable and vary by year, engine, trim and mileage. As a rough US-market guide:

2014-2016 Soul, 90,000-140,000 miles - most often $6,000-$10,000.
2017-2019 Soul Plus/Exclaim, moderate miles - typically $10,000-$15,000.
2020-2023 Soul, low miles, higher trim or turbo - usually $16,000-$24,000.

A vehicle priced far below the market is a warning sign, not a bargain: a hidden accident, a rolled-back odometer, a salvage title or an unresolved engine issue. Verify the mileage against records, as explained in how many miles is too many.

What to watch for and the VIN checklist

Pulling it together into one Soul checklist:

Confirm the engine and transmission (1.6 vs 2.0 vs 1.6 turbo; automatic, CVT or dual-clutch).
Engine recalls - verify recall and extended-warranty history by VIN and that work was done.
Engine health - listen for knock or tick and ask directly about oil consumption.
Transmission - confirm smooth shifts or smooth CVT/dual-clutch behavior.
Rust - inspect rockers, arches and undercarriage on older or salt-belt cars.
VIN history - Carfax or AutoCheck for accidents, title brands, owner count and odometer readings, plus an NMVTIS check for salvage or rebuilt status.

A VIN gives you the history a seller will not volunteer. Reading that report is covered in how to read a vehicle history report. If you are cross-shopping affordable cars, see the used Chevrolet Cruze guide and used Honda HR-V guide.

How MotoPPI helps when buying a Soul

The engine-recall history in this family makes homework especially valuable on the Soul. MotoPPI pulls the VIN history, walks you through a model-specific checklist (with the engine and recall checks front and center), helps you measure paint thickness and read OBD codes, then builds a report that works as leverage in negotiation.

On an affordable car where a bad engine can cost more than the car is worth, that check is the one that matters most. The first check in the app is free, so it is worth starting there before you drive out.

FAQ

Is the Kia Soul reliable?

It can be, but the engine history is key. Some Kia and Hyundai engines of this era were subject to recalls and extended warranties over failures, so verify recall history by VIN and listen for knocking. A car with clean engine history and records is a good value.

Should I worry about Kia Soul engine problems?

You should verify them. Check the VIN against recall databases, confirm any required engine work or knock-sensor update was completed, listen for knocking, and ask about oil consumption before buying.

Is the Kia Soul a good used buy?

Yes, if you check the engine carefully. It offers exceptional interior space for its size, lots of features for the money and real character, at low used prices. The key is verifying engine and recall history.

How much does a used Soul cost?

Roughly $6,000 for an older high-mileage second-generation car up to about $24,000 for a clean, low-mileage recent higher trim or turbo. Its low prices make it strong value if the engine checks out.

Which Soul engine should I buy?

The 2.0 is the stronger of the two mainstream engines; the 1.6 is fine but works harder. The later 1.6 turbo is the quickest but wants disciplined oil care. Whichever you choose, engine and recall history is the deciding factor.

Used Kia Soul (2014-2024): what to check before buying