Analysis Of The Discontinued Kia Soul Specs & Performance
The Kia Soul specs have remained remarkably consistent over the 15-year run of this boxy little SUV, and here's why that matters: The Soul was discontinued after 2025, but pre-owned and nearly new models can still be found at multiple dealerships, including Gunther Kia.
While the Kia Soul horsepower may be moderate, this fun-loving vehicle handles life's demands with high MPG, fantastic agility, and an ample dose of quirky personality. We're confident that today's exploration of this SUV's engines, fuel efficiency, size, and towing capacity can help you picture yourself behind the wheel.
The 4-Cylinder Kia Soul: Small Engines, Big Fuel Savings
Since its 2010 U.S. debut, the Kia Soul has relied on four-cylinder powertrains. Like most other four-cylinder designs, these engines were small but mighty, especially when it came to MPG.
Kia Soul Fuel Capacity Facts
- In 2025, the Kia Soul earned an incredible EPA-estimated 29/35 MPG (City/Highway) and 443 miles of combined driving range.1
- After its 2020 redesign, the combined Kia Soul gas mileage was equal to or higher than most of the SUV's top rivals, including the Chevrolet Trax, Hyundai Venue, and Subaru Crosstrek.
- Long before its 2020 engine revamp, the Kia Soul MPG was still wallet-friendly, especially in trim levels with eco-friendly designations that prioritized fuel efficiency.
The Specs Behind the Fuel Efficiency: 2025 Kia Soul Engine Options
One of the main reasons this SUV got such great gas mileage was its under-hood configuration. Granted, these engines didn't produce an adrenaline-jolting Kia Soul 0-60 mph time, but this vehicle never claimed to be a performance model.
In the chart below, we've outlined the Soul's most critical 2025 specs. However, you'll notice there's no Kia Soul towing capacity data, and that's because the SUV isn't rated for towing, but other SUVs in our new Kia inventory are.
| 2025 Kia Soul Specs | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 147 |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| EPA-Est MPG (City / Hwy) |
|
| 0-60 Time | 8 sec2 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal |
| Base Curb Weight | 2,888 lbs |
Kia Soul Specs Through the Years
In case you're considering a model year other than 2025, let's take a quick look at the history of the Soul. In total, this SUV has offered three engine types, including a Kia Soul turbo. How much horsepower each design provided changed multiple times, so we've included those figures as well:
- 2010 – 2011: The Soul debuted in the U.S. with a 122-horsepower 1.6-liter manual four-cylinder and a 142-horsepower 2.0-liter manual or automatic four-cylinder.
- 2012: Very soon after, the 1.6-liter manual four-cylinder gained an automatic option and increased its horsepower to 138. The 2.0-liter manual or automatic four-cylinder also boosted its output to 164 horsepower.
- 2013: The 138-horsepower 1.6-liter automatic or manual four-cylinder remained unchanged, while the 164-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder dropped its automatic configuration.
- 2014 – 2016: Kia engineers retuned the 1.6-liter automatic or manual four-cylinder, sacrificing horsepower for better low-end torque and smoother in-town driving. The 164-horsepower 2.0-liter automatic four-cylinder continued on.
- 2017 – 2019: This year, the 130-horsepower manual or automatic 1.6-liter four-cylinder stayed the course, but the 2.0-liter automatic four-cylinder returned with 161 horsepower and a new 201-horsepower automatic 1.6-liter four-cylinder.
- 2020: This refresh dropped the lower-powered 1.6-liter engine in favor of the stronger 201-horsepower 1.6-liter automatic four-cylinder and 147-horsepower 2.0-liter manual or automatic four-cylinder.
- 2021 – 2022: The 201-horsepower 1.6-liter automatic four-cylinder and 147-horsepower 2.0-liter automatic four-cylinder continued strong, but the manual transmission retired.
- 2023 – 2025: Only an efficient 147-horsepower 2.0-liter automatic four-cylinder engine remained.
2025 Kia Soul Cargo Space & Exterior Size
The Kia Soul is a small, agile vehicle that's perfectly tailored to city life. The exterior specs make the SUV extremely maneuverable, whether you're navigating traffic or squeezing into the last open parking space. The Soul measures just 165.2 inches long, 70.9 inches wide, and 63 inches tall, which is compact by any standard. Luckily, those measurements work to your advantage if you ever need to take a U-turn: The SUV's turning diameter is a minuscule 34.8 feet.
The Kia Soul trunk space is also quite impressive at 24.2 cubic feet. When you fold the rear seats, you'll open up 62.1 cubic feet of space – enough to haul boxes, mattresses, and more. As for passenger comfort, the front row offers 41.1 inches of legroom, which is ideal for most adults. Rear passengers get 38.8 inches of legroom, which is still plenty of clearance for adults, teens, or kids in car seats.
| 2025 Kia Soul Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length / Width | 165.2 / 70.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.4 in |
| Passenger Seating | 5 |
| Front Headroom / Legroom | 39.9 / 41.1 in |
| Rear Headroom / Legroom | 39.5 / 38.8 in |
| Standard Cargo Capacity | 24.2 cu ft |
| Max Cargo Capacity | 62.1 cu ft |
| Ground Clearance | 6.7 in |
See These Kia Soul Specs in Action at Gunther Kia
Has our review of recent and past Kia Soul specs helped you understand this compact SUV better, appreciate its fuel economy, or decide on a model year you'd like to buy? We hope you'll come experience this vehicle in person at our Gunther Kia dealership.
If a Kia Soul is your dream SUV, don't let its 2025 discontinuation stand in your way. While we can't offer any lease specials for the Soul, we can create a personalized finance plan for your purchase. However, you can explore current Kia lease specials on other models in our lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kia Soul Specs
Is the Kia Soul a four- or six-cylinder?
Since its 2010 launch in the U.S., the Kia Soul has always been a four-cylinder SUV. More specifically, you can find 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine options throughout its history.
What is the difference between the 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter engines in the Kia Soul?
The 1.6-liter Kia Soul engine produced less horsepower and torque, while its turbocharged counterpart, the Kia Soul 1.6T, generated bigger specs. In comparison, the Soul's 2.0-liter engine usually had better low-end torque, providing a more relaxed and responsive feel, even without a turbo boost.
What is the life expectancy of a Kia Soul engine?
A Kia Soul engine can last for hundreds of thousands of miles if properly maintained. Overall, the Kia Soul is an affordable and reliable vehicle, regardless of the model year you purchase, and it can accompany you through years of life's adventures.
How big is a Kia Soul in inches?
When it retired in 2025, the compact Kia Soul measured 165.2 inches long, 70.9 inches wide with mirrors folded, and 63 inches tall. The ground clearance was 6.7 inches, and the SUV's wheelbase was 102.4 inches.
Can a Kia Soul pull a trailer?
No, the Kia Soul is not designed for towing in any of its engine configurations or model years. However, the SUV does have the ability to haul cargo inside. Its standard trunk measures 24.2 cubic feet and can hold multiple boxes. With its rear seats folded, the Soul offers 62.1 cubic feet of cargo space and a payload capacity of 1,135 pounds.
Have More Questions About The Kia Soul? Contact Us!
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1Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle's condition. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov.
2This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/kia/soul.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.