DecodedCars2020 Kia Soul
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Small Station Wagons
- Body styles
- 5dr Hatch, EV Limited 5dr Hatch, EV Premium 5dr Hatch
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- EV, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 29 city / 35 hwy
- EV range
- 243 mi · 9.5 h on 240 V
- Length
- 165.4 in
- Curb weight
- 2,844–3,715 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints388 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 63 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Kia Soul is a small station wagon offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 165 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,844 lb (5dr Hatch).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (29 city / 35 highway), 1% worse than the 2020 small station wagon average of 31.3 MPG, for an estimated $650 a year in fuel.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 243 miles and takes about 9.5 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 388 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2020
- New body dimensions: 2.4 in longer, wheelbase +1.2 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine dropped: 1.6L 4-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 28 to 31
- Longest EV range up from 111 to 243 miles
- NHTSA overall rating down from 5 to 4 stars
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Soul →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5dr Hatch | 165.4 in | 70.9 in | 63.8 in | 102.4 in | 61 / 61 in | 2,844 lb | 61/39 |
| EV Limited 5dr Hatch | 165.4 in | 70.9 in | 63.8 in | 102.4 in | 61 / 61 in | 3,715 lb | |
| EV Premium 5dr Hatch | 165.4 in | 70.9 in | 63.8 in | 102.4 in | 61 / 61 in | 3,466 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul Electric EV | 201 kW AC PMSM | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 243 mi · 29.1732 kWh/100mi | – | $650 | – |
| Soul Eco dynamics | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 35 / 31 | -1% | $2,150 | 287 |
| Soul | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 33 / 30 | -4% | $2,250 | 303 |
| Soul | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 32 / 29 | -7% | $2,300 | 309 |
| Soul | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 31 / 27 | -14% | $2,500 | 332 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Kia Soul SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.7% |
Similar 2020 small station wagons
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Kia Soul (this car) | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Honda Fit | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2020 Honda HR-V | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2020 Kia Niro | 50 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV | 259 mi | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Engine · Apr 13, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V259000 · 147,249 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.
- Risk
- A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Kia will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. The recall began June 11, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC209.
Not every 2020 Kia Soul is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Kia Soul buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 245 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 88 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 28 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 13,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 243 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Kia Soul. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Soul years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Soul | 31 | 165.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 12 |
| 2024 Soul | 31 | 165.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 30 |
| 2023 Soul | 31 | 165.4 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 54 |
| 2022 Soul | 31 | 165.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 95 |
| 2021 Soul | 31 | 165.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 239 |
| 2019 Soul | 28 | 163 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 140 |
| 2018 Soul | 28 | 163 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 223 |
| 2017 Soul | 28 | 163 in | Not rated | 3 | 290 |
| 2016 Soul | 27 | 163 in | Not rated | 5 | 823 |
| 2015 Soul | 26 | 163 in | Not rated | 7 | 907 |
| 2014 Soul | 26 | 163 in | Not rated | 5 | 878 |
| 2013 Soul | 28 | 161.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 631 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →