For years, the default answer to “what used SUV should I buy?” has almost always pointed buyers toward Japan. Reliability has become so deeply tied to Toyota and Honda that a lot of shoppers overlook just how much Korean automakers have improved over the last decade. Quietly, some of the most dependable, budget-friendly crossovers on the road have started coming out of Seoul instead.
What makes this particular crossover interesting is that it doesn’t even try to imitate its Japanese rivals. Rather than blending into traffic with conservative styling and sterile practicality, it leans into its oddball personality. The boxy silhouette, funky cabin design, and almost playful attitude make it feel completely different from the sea of anonymous compact SUVs crowding the market today. Beneath all of that charm, though, sits something far more important for used buyers: a genuinely solid long-term ownership record.
That combination is what gives it such surprising appeal on the used market. It’s cheap to buy, inexpensive to run, impressively practical for its size, and backed by reliability scores that challenge the long-standing stereotypes around Korean cars. For buyers who want something dependable without settling for another predictable appliance, this quirky little crossover proves there’s more than one path to long-term peace of mind.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites, including the EPA, CarEdge, and J.D. Power.
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Quirky and built to last
The subcompact SUV segment is loaded with options from a number of different automakers, and if you’re looking to shop for used, there are a lot of deals to be had. Simply opting for a lightly used three-year-old model can save you thousands of dollars. That, however, is where reliability concerns creep in. The traditional solution would be to opt for something Japanese, but the little Kia Soul hushes naysayers with a track record for dependability that exceeds its Japanese rivals.
2023 Kia Soul reliability and maintenance
- Reliability score: 87/100 (J.D. Power)
- Average annual maintenance costs: $437 (RepairPal)
- average ten-year maintenance costs: $7,396 (CarEdge)
The Kia Soul is a perfect demonstration of how there are plenty of Korean vehicles built to last. The 2023 model year scores a whopping 87 out of 100 for quality and reliability. For context, the same model year Toyota RAV4 scored 76. Maintenance costs aren’t exceptionally low, but CarEdge estimates them to be right on the average line.
Buying a 2023 Kia Soul also means you should get a balance of both the bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranty. The standard bumper-to-bumper coverage lasts for five years or 60,000 miles and the powertrain is covered for ten years or 100,000 miles.
Korean cars get a bad rap
Back when Japanese brands like Honda and Toyota tried to enter the U.S. market, they were hit by a wave of naysayers that called their cars cheap junk that wouldn’t last. A large part of this was simply because they undercut their American rivals. It seems that it is now Korean automakers’ turn to bear this misplaced criticism.
The truth is, the data we have for modern Korean vehicles shows that they aren’t any worse than their rivals. In Consumer Report’s annual list of the most reliable automakers on the market, both Kia and Hyundai ranked higher than the likes of Chevrolet, Audi, Volvo, and even Mazda. Kia in particular also ranked higher than Ford.
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You can get a 2023 Kia Soul for less than any new car on the market
Frugal but packed with tons of character
The most affordable new car on the market is currently the Kia K4, which starts just above $22,000. This year marks the first year that there are no longer any new options available for less than $20,000. This only makes lightly used options, like the 2023 Kia Soul, all that more appealing.
2023 Kia Soul trims and pricing
Model | Average list price |
|---|---|
LX | $17,236 |
S | $17,974 |
GT-Line | $19,964 |
EX | $20,132 |
On the used market, a 2023 Kia Soul lists for an average price of $18,023. There are also tons of models available, meaning that you can pretty easily shop around for the best deal. On average, a three-year-old Kia Soul costs about $5,000 less than it did when it was brand new, meaning you’re saving yourself quite a bit of money.
Of the available trims, we would definitely opt for the GT-Line. It isn’t that much more expensive than the base LX and S, but it comes with tons more equipment which help to make it feel that little bit more modern. We would specifically look for a GT-Line that was optioned with the Tech Package, as this means you’ll get things like heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, faux-leather upholstered seats, and a premium sound system.
Interior comfort and technology
Front row headroom | 39.9 inches |
|---|---|
Front row legroom | 41.1 inches |
Second row headroom | 39.5 inches |
Second row legroom | 38.8 inches |
Cargo capacity (behind second row) | 24.2 cubic feet |
On the inside, the Soul is just as quirky as it is on the outside. None of its interesting design cues take away from how practical it is, though, with loads of space in the back row of seats and a very spacious cargo hold. The Soul is a budget-oriented crossover, meaning that you are going to feel some cheap, scratchy plastics, but this is to be expected from such an affordable SUV.
Every model except the base model comes equipped with a 10.3-inch infotainment screen mounted in the dashboard, with the more affordable model getting an eight-inch unit instead. All the modern features you’re after are available here, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, in-dash navigation, and even ambient interior lighting. The GT-Line model can even be optioned with a Harman/Kardon sound system.
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It isn’t quick, but it is exceptionally light on fuel
Another way this Kia saves you money
When buying a budget-oriented car, you want to be sure that it is saving you money in all the ways that matter. The Kia Soul is reliable and comes with a cheap price tag, but just as importantly, it is light on fuel. The downside to this, of course, is that it isn’t exactly loaded with performance.
2023 Kia Soul performance
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.0L Inline-4 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
147 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
29/35 MPG
- Make
-
Kia
- Model
-
Soul
- Segment
-
Subcompact SUV
Every 2023 model comes equipped with the same little four-pot under the hood. This engine makes 147 horsepower, which it sends exclusively to the front wheels. It also comes standard with a CVT. This setup means that it takes around eight seconds for the Soul to hit 60 miles per hour, but it still feels peppy enough to keep up with traffic.
The Soul focuses on comfort more than engagement. The steering is light and lacks feedback and handling is just okay. However, the ride quality is excellent, and the little Kia is capable of absorbing most bumps in the road without any complaint. More importantly, it is extremely frugal, with the EPA rating the little crossover for up to 31 miles per gallon combined.
Kia’s little Soul only seems to get better with age
When it launched, the Soul was the subject of much ridicule. Its counter-culture styling leaned a little too far in the fun direction for most buyers. However, as time has marched on, we feel that we have softened to the rambunctious little crossover. The Kia is also just simply a good deal, ticking all the right boxes for a budget-minded buyer looking to keep their costs low. It is affordable, practical, light on fuel, and lists for an exceptionally palatable price. What more could you want?
