2021 Kia Soul
Should You Buy a 2021 Kia Soul?
The 2021 Kia Soul is a versatile wagon that combines practicality with a unique design, making it an appealing choice for urban dwellers and families alike. With a front-wheel-drive layout and a fuel-efficient 2.0L I4 engine, it delivers 147 horsepower and achieves an impressive 30 MPG combined. The spacious interior comfortably seats five passengers, making it ideal for daily commutes or weekend getaways. Priced at an MSRP of $21,790, it offers a competitive entry point in the compact wagon segment, providing good value for budget-conscious buyers.
However, potential buyers should be aware of some reliability concerns. The NHTSA reports a total of 245 complaints, with notable issues related to the engine and engine cooling systems, particularly at higher mileage intervals. Despite these concerns, the Kia Soul maintains a respectable reliability score of 84.5/100, indicating that many owners have had positive experiences with the vehicle overall.
The 2021 Kia Soul is best suited for budget-conscious individuals or small families seeking a stylish, practical vehicle for daily commuting and occasional road trips.
Strengths
- +Spacious and versatile interior with ample cargo space
- +Excellent fuel economy at 30 MPG combined
- +Unique and stylish design that stands out in its class
- +Affordable pricing for a compact wagon
- +Good safety ratings and features
Weaknesses
- -Reported engine and cooling system issues at higher mileage
- -147 hp may feel underpowered for some drivers
- -Limited availability of advanced tech features in base models
- -Less refined ride quality compared to some competitors
- -Interior materials may not feel premium
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2021 Kia Soul has reported 245 complaints to the NHTSA, with 21 crash incidents and 12 injuries, but no fatalities. The most frequent issues involve the engine and engine cooling systems, particularly between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. While these concerns are noteworthy, there are no significant NHTSA complaints on record that would deter a well-informed buyer.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 2 L
- Cylinders
- I4
- Transmission
- Manual 6-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 27
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 165.4 in
- Width
- 70.9 in
- Height
- 63.8 in
- Wheelbase
- 102.4 in
- Curb Weight
- 2,844 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 5
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –