2021 Kia Soul
The 2021 Kia Soul is a wagon, rated at 31 MPG combined by the EPA, with a 4-star NHTSA overall safety rating. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year.

- Combined MPG
- 31
- NHTSA safety
- Starting price
- $21,000
- Recalls
- 2
Watch: Soul reviews
Full specifications
Identity
SRC · NHTSA vPIC| Make | Kia |
|---|---|
| Model | Soul |
| Model year | 2021 |
| Vehicle class | Wagon |
Engine & drivetrain
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Displacement | 2 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City MPG | 29 |
|---|---|
| Highway MPG | 35 |
| Combined MPG | 31 |
| CO₂ tailpipe | 287 g/mi |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2000 |
Available configurations
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Soul | 29 MPG combined |
|---|---|
| Soul | 30 MPG combined |
| Soul | 27 MPG combined |
| Soul Eco dynamics | 31 MPG combined |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City | 29 MPG |
|---|---|
| Highway | 35 MPG |
| Combined | 31 MPG |
Efficiency vs class average
About 24% below the class average.
- Amount financed
- $18,900
- Total interest
- $3,288
Partner offers · may earn us a commission
≈ $1,297/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal
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Cost to own
Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.
Safety ratings & recalls
SRC · NHTSA vPIC- Overall
- Frontal crash
- Side crash
- Rollover
Recalls (2)
- ENGINE21V259000 · 2021-04-13
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.
Remedy: 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.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL25V099000 · 2025-02-17
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.
Remedy: 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.
Compare with rivals
All model years
Frequently asked questions
What is the MPG of the 2021 Kia Soul?
The 2021 Kia Soul is EPA-rated at 31 MPG combined (29 city / 35 highway).
Is the 2021 Kia Soul reliable?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Soul. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.
How safe is the 2021 Kia Soul?
The 2021 Kia Soul earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 4 stars in the frontal crash test.
How much does it cost to fuel the 2021 Kia Soul?
At 12,000 miles per year, the 2021 Kia Soul costs roughly $1,297 per year to fuel, or about $6,484 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.
What type of vehicle is the 2021 Kia Soul?
The 2021 Kia Soul is classified as a wagon. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.
Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC