The Good
The 2018 KIA Soul offers a compelling package. Practical buyers appreciate its surprisingly spacious interior, urban maneuverability, solid fuel efficiency, and strong value proposition. Emotionally, its distinctive "box car" design, youthful appeal, and available vibrant colors provide a fun and unique ownership experience, combining comfort with reliable performance for everyday driving.
The Bad
While appealing, the 2018 KIA Soul does have some weaknesses. The base engine can feel sluggish, especially with a full load. Road noise can be noticeable at highway speeds, and while spacious, interior materials in lower trims might feel less premium. Its distinctive styling isn't for everyone, and it lacks an all-wheel-drive option.
2018 KIA Soul: Quick Overview
Here are the key specifications for the 2018 KIA Soul:
- Engine Options:
- 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder (Base trim)
- 2.0-liter DOHC 4-cylinder (Soul + trim)
- 1.6-liter DOHC turbocharged 4-cylinder (Soul ! trim)
- Horsepower:
- 1.6L: 130 hp @ 6,300 rpm
- 2.0L: 161 hp @ 6,200 rpm
- 1.6L Turbo: 201 hp @ 6,000 rpm
- Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated City/Highway/Combined):
- 1.6L w/ 6-speed Manual: 24/30/27 mpg
- 1.6L w/ 6-speed Automatic: 25/30/27 mpg
- 2.0L w/ 6-speed Automatic: 25/30/27 mpg
- 1.6L Turbo w/ 7-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic: 26/31/28 mpg
- 0-60 MPH Acceleration (Approximate):
- 1.6L: 9.5-10.0 seconds
- 2.0L: 8.0-8.5 seconds
- 1.6L Turbo: 6.5-7.0 seconds
- Towing Capacity: The 2018 KIA Soul is not officially rated or recommended for towing by the manufacturer.
- Trim-Level Features:
- Base: This entry-level trim includes the 1.6L engine with a choice of 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, 16-inch steel wheels, power windows and door locks, air conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and a six-speaker audio system.
- Soul + (Plus): Upgrades to the 2.0L engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Features include 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, a rearview camera, cruise control, remote keyless entry, a center console armrest with storage, and upgraded cloth seating. Optional packages add the UVO infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and a panoramic sunroof.
- Soul ! (Exclaim): The top-tier trim boasts the potent 1.6L turbocharged engine with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It features 18-inch alloy wheels, unique exterior styling accents, push-button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and automatic climate control. Optional features include a Harman Kardon premium audio system, heated front seats, and advanced driver-assistance features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
2018 KIA Soul Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2018 |
| Make | KIA |
| Model | Soul |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Small Station Wagon |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Korea |
| Manufacturing City | GWANG-JU |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 1434.71 kg |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | 161.29 cm |
| Overall Length | 414.02 cm |
| Overall Width | 180.09 cm |
| Wheelbase Length | 257.05 cm |
| Standard Seating | 5 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | Regular Unleaded I-4 2.0 L/122 |
| Engine Size | 1.6L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 7-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | 4-Wheel ABS |
| Steering Type | Rack & Pinion |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $22,800 USD |
| Invoice Price | $21,561 USD |
| Delivery Charges | $895 USD |
Vehicle History Report
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2018 KIA Soul Have?
The 2018 KIA Soul generally enjoys a reputation for solid reliability; however, like any vehicle, it has some frequently reported issues and recalls worth noting. For context, some earlier Soul models (particularly those with the 2.0L GDI engine before 2017) faced consumer complaints regarding excessive oil consumption, engine knocking, and in rare cases, engine failure. While the 2018 model benefited from revisions and generally reports fewer such catastrophic engine problems, it's still wise for prospective buyers to inquire about service history and listen for unusual engine noises.
Minor electrical glitches, such as intermittent infotainment system freezing or power window switch malfunctions, have been occasionally reported by owners. Some drivers have also noted a somewhat numb or "notchy" feel from the electric power steering, though this is often subjective and not a safety concern.
Regarding recalls, the 2018 KIA Soul has been subject to at least two significant campaigns:
- NHTSA Recall 18V-137: High Pressure Fuel Pipe (Affects 1.6L T-GDI engine). This recall specifically targeted 2017-2019 KIA Souls equipped with the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine (found in the Soul ! trim). The high-pressure fuel pipe connecting to the fuel pump could suffer from improper sealing, potentially leading to a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire. Owners of the turbocharged variant should confirm this recall has been addressed.
- NHTSA Recall 19V-120: Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) May Malfunction. This broader recall affected several KIA models, including some 2018 Souls. The ACU could fail after a crash, preventing the airbags from deploying. KIA dealers were instructed to inspect and potentially replace the ACU.
Long-term reliability for the 2018 Soul is generally viewed as good when maintained properly. However, buyers should be aware of the potential for the 1.6L turbo engine's fuel pipe recall and ensure all open recalls have been completed by a KIA dealership to mitigate any safety risks.
How long will the 2018 KIA Soul last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 2018 KIA Soul offered a commendable array of technology, entertainment, and safety features for its class. Even the base model included essential tech like a 5-inch touchscreen display, a USB port, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, and a six-speaker sound system. Stepping up to the Soul + and Soul ! trims significantly enhanced the experience with the optional UVO infotainment system, which featured a larger 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. Crucially, these higher trims also offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a highly desirable feature for smartphone users, along with navigation, HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The top-tier Soul ! could be further optioned with a premium Harman Kardon audio system, delivering superior sound quality.
In terms of driver-assistance, the 2018 Soul kept things relatively simple but practical. A rearview camera was standard on Soul + and Soul ! trims, aiding in parking and low-speed maneuvers. For the Soul !, advanced safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available as options, providing crucial warnings to help prevent collisions. More sophisticated driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist were not offered for this model year.
Standard safety features across all trims included six airbags (front, front-side, and side-curtain), electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist, and hill-start assist control. These foundational features contributed to its strong safety performance in crash tests.
Crash-Test Ratings:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): The 2018 KIA Soul earned an excellent 5-Star Overall Safety Rating. This included 5 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS): The IIHS awarded the 2018 Soul "Good" ratings in most of its crashworthiness tests, including moderate overlap front, small overlap front (driver-side), side impact, roof strength, and head restraints & seats. When equipped with optional front crash prevention technology (available on the Soul !), it received a "Basic" rating. Headlight performance was rated "Poor" for the standard halogen lights and "Acceptable" for the optional HID with dynamic bending light.
What Colors Options are Available?
In the meantime, feel free to explore the other sections for more content.
2018 KIA Soul Prices and Market Value
2018 KIA Soul Cost of Ownership
2018 KIA Soul Fuel Efficiency
2018 KIA Soul Safety Rating
NHTSA
2018 KIA Soul Recalls & Defects
AIR Bags
2018 KIA Soul Warranty
Basic
Corrosion
Drivetrain
Roadside Assistance
2018 KIA Soul Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2018 KIA Soul Compare to Other Sedan?
The 2018 KIA Soul competes in the highly contested compact crossover segment, facing off against key rivals such as the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Nissan Kicks, Toyota C-HR, and its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Kona.
- Performance: The Soul offers a versatile powertrain lineup. Its base 1.6L engine is adequate, while the 2.0L provides a decent balance of power and efficiency. The standout is the 1.6L turbocharged engine in the Soul !, which delivers a genuinely zippy 201 hp, outperforming many rivals in acceleration (e.g., HR-V, C-HR, Kicks). The Hyundai Kona 1.6T is a comparable performance alternative. The Mazda CX-3 offers excellent handling but less outright power.
- Features: The Soul often excels in its feature-to-price ratio. Higher trims offer an excellent UVO infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which was not available on the 2018 C-HR, for instance. The HR-V counters with its unmatched "Magic Seat" versatility, while the Kicks focuses on practicality and fuel economy over luxury. The Kona also offers strong tech and a modern interior. The Soul's distinctive design is a feature in itself that rivals can't match.
- Reliability: While the Soul generally has good reliability, brands like Honda and Toyota often hold a perceived edge in long-term dependability for some buyers, partly due to historical engine issues with some GDI engines that Kia (and Hyundai) faced in earlier years (though less common for 2018). Mazda also has a strong reliability reputation. However, the 2018 Soul's overall reliability scores are competitive within its class, especially when well-maintained and any recalls addressed.
- Price: The KIA Soul consistently offers strong value. Its starting prices are often lower or comparable to rivals, but it frequently includes more standard features at each trim level. The Nissan Kicks is often a strong budget-friendly contender, while the HR-V can be slightly pricier. The Soul's depreciation is moderate, making it a good used buy.
Recommended Alternatives:
- For Similar Value and Style: The Hyundai Kona is a strong alternative, especially its turbocharged variants, offering similar performance and tech in a more traditional crossover package. The Nissan Kicks is another excellent value choice if maximum power isn't a priority.
- For Perceived Reliability and Resale Value: The Honda HR-V provides exceptional cargo flexibility and Honda's strong reputation. The Mazda CX-3 offers a more premium feel and engaging driving dynamics, albeit with less rear passenger space.
Final Verdict: Is the 2018 KIA Soul a Good Sedan?
Jovan
Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.