Is the 2022 Kia Soul a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
B+8.5/10
The 2022 Kia Soul is a solid choice if you prioritize practicality and unique styling. It's great for city driving and offers decent fuel efficiency.
Pros
- Spacious interior and cargo space
- Fuel-efficient engine
- Unique styling
Cons
- Firm ride quality
- Limited off-road capability
- Average cabin materials for the price
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy
29 mpg
Maintenance cost
$1,200/yr
Expected lifespan
200,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- Infotainment system reboot randomly
- Occasional transmission hesitation
- Paint chipping on early models
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (1)
The 2022 Kia Soul has 1 NHTSA recall on record. Most recent: Engine And Engine Cooling — Engine — Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical (campaign 25V099000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Engine And Engine Cooling — Engine — Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical — Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.…
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.