Is the 2018 Kia Soul a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
B7.5/10
A solid choice for those needing a practical, budget-friendly compact with good interior space.
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Pros
- Spacious interior for a compact car
- Good fuel economy
- Affordable maintenance costs
Cons
- Lacks advanced safety features
- Stiff ride quality
- Some engine/transmission complaints
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy
25 mpg
Maintenance cost
$1,300/yr
Expected lifespan
200,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- Engine hesitation
- Transmission shudder
- Minor electrical issues
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (1)
The 2018 Kia Soul has 1 NHTSA recall on record. Most recent: Air Bags (campaign 22V031000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Air Bags — Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board a…
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.