DecodedCars2022 Kia Soul
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 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
- Horsepower
- 147–201 hp
- Transmission
- CVT, 7-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 29 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 165.4 in
- Curb weight
- 2,844–3,715 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 201 hp, versus about 141 hp for similar 2022 models.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2022 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 2022 small station wagon average of 31.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 95 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2022
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2021 Soul — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 Soul →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Gwang-Ju, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2022 Soul configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
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 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 | 28 / 33 / 30 | -4% | $2,250 | 301 |
| Soul | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 32 / 29 | -7% | $2,300 | 309 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Kia Soul SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.7% |
Similar 2022 small station wagons
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Kia Soul (this car) | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Honda HR-V | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2022 Kia Niro | 50 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV | 259 mi | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV | 247 mi | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical · Feb 17, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V099000 · 137,256 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Dealers will also install piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC336.
Not every 2022 Kia Soul is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2022 Kia Soul buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 54 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Engine And Engine Cooling — 20 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 12 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 62,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2022 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 |
| 2021 Soul | 31 | 165.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 239 |
| 2020 Soul | 31 | 165.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 388 |
| 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 →