Kia Soul reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Kia Soul is a small suv. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 97 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 280 of 442, and 29.6% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is track rod end (6.6% of tests).
Ranked 280 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 14 of 27 small SUVs
In 2024, 24,191 Kia Souls aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 29.6% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Kia Soul is 3% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 9.3% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
29.6%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
9.3%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
7,000
Typical age at test: 10 years
Kia Soul MOT failure rate by age
Most common Kia Soul MOT faults
- Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play6.6% of tests
- Position lamp: not working3.4% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.6% of tests
- Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.5% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.4% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.2% of tests
What the Kia Soul fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 9.5% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 9.3% | ▼ 15% less often |
| Steering | 8.0% | ▲ 4.0× as often |
| Suspension | 7.1% | ▼ 23% less often |
| Tyres | 6.5% | About average |
| Visibility | 4.9% | About average |
| Body and structure | 1.5% | ▼ 53% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 1.4% | ▼ 52% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.3% | ▼ 60% less often |
| Wheels | 0.3% | ▼ 28% less often |
What MPG does the Kia Soul do?
Official economy for the Kia Soul ranges from 38.7 to 58.8mpg across the 88 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2010–2024). A typical petrol version manages 41.5mpg and a typical diesel 56.5mpg. Electric versions average 4 miles per kWh, with an official range of 132 to 281 miles. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Kia Soul?
Any Kia Soul first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Kia Soul registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £170 to £325 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carKia Soul specs and running costs
Official figures for 88 versions sold in the UK between 2010 and 2024.
Fuel types
Diesel, Electric, Petrol
Official economy
38.7–58.8 mpg
Electric range
132–281 miles
Efficiency
4.0–4.2 mi/kWh
CO2
127–170 g/km
Power
100–150 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul EV 'Urban' 39.2kWh lithium-ion battery 134bhp100 PS · N/A · listed 2024 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Soul EV 'First Edition' 64 kWh lithium-ion 150kw 1-speed auto150 PS · N/A · listed 2024 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Soul EV 'Explore' 64kWh lithium-ion battery 201bhp150 PS · N/A · listed 2024 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Soul EV ''Maxx' 64kWh lithium-ion battery 201bhp150 PS · N/A · listed 2024 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Soul '2' 1.6 CRDi 134bhpM6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 58.8 mpg | 127g | £200 | – |
| Soul '2' 1.6 CRDi 134bhp DCTDCT7 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 56.5 mpg | 130g | £200 | – |
| Soul '3' 1.6 CRDi 134bhp DCTDCT7 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 56.5 mpg | 130g | £200 | – |
| Soul 'Mixx' 1.6 CRDi 134bhpM6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 58.8 mpg | 128g | £200 | – |
| Soul 'Urban' 1.6 CRDi 134bhpM6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 58.8 mpg | 128g | £200 | – |
| Soul 'Urban' 1.6 CRDi 134bhp DCTDCT7 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 54.3 mpg | 135g | £200 | – |
| Soul EVN/A · listed 2018 | Electric | 4.2 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | – |
| Soul '1' 1.6 GDi 130bhpM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 43.5 mpg | 152g | £200 | – |
| Soul '2' 1.6 GDi 130bhpM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 43.5 mpg | 152g | £200 | – |
| Soul 'Sport' 1.6 T-GDi 201bhp DCTDCT7 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 40.9 mpg | 156g | £200 | – |
| Soul 'Connect' 1.6 CRDi 134bhpM6 · listed 2016 | Diesel | 58.8 mpg | 128g | £170 | – |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 88 versions.
What a Kia Soul costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 41.5mpg…
- diesel, typical official 56.5mpg…
- Electric, typical official 4 miles per kWh…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out your charging costsWork out a journey in a Kia SoulBuying a used Kia Soul?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Kia Soul with other small SUVs
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Kia models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Kia Soul reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Kia Soul is 3% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 97 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Kia Soul?
The most common MOT fault is “Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play”, found in 6.6% of tests. It fails on steering and brakes more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Kia Soul do?
Official economy for the Kia Soul ranges from 38.7 to 58.8mpg across the 88 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2010–2024). A typical petrol version manages 41.5mpg and a typical diesel 56.5mpg. Electric versions average 4 miles per kWh, with an official range of 132 to 281 miles. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Kia Soul?
Any Kia Soul first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Kia Soul registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £170 to £325 a year.
›How many Kia Souls fail their MOT?
29.6% of Kia Souls aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 9.3% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Kia Soul combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.