Kia Soul Fuel Economy Breakdown

Fuel efficiency is a top priority for many car buyers today, and the Kia Soul, with its distinctive style and practical design, often sparks questions about its gas mileage. Is this quirky crossover as economical as it is unique? Understanding the Kia Soul fuel economy breakdown is crucial for anyone considering this popular vehicle.

This comprehensive guide will dive deep into the Kia Soul's MPG ratings, explore what truly impacts its real-world fuel efficiency, and arm you with practical tips to maximize your savings at the pump. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of what to expect from a Kia Soul and how to make it work best for your wallet.

Understanding Kia Soul Fuel Economy: EPA Estimates

When you're researching a new vehicle, the first place most people look for fuel economy figures is the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) estimates. These provide a standardized benchmark for comparison. The Kia Soul has consistently offered competitive MPG ratings, primarily due to its efficient powertrain.

For recent model years, including the 2025, 2024, 2023, and 2022, the Kia Soul typically features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), which is Kia's version of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This combination is designed for a balance of performance and efficiency.

Here’s a general overview of EPA estimated MPG for recent Kia Soul models:

• Most Trims (e.g., LX, S, GT-Line):
  • City: 27-28 MPG
  • Highway: 33 MPG
  • Combined: 30 MPG
• EX Trim: The EX trim often boasts slightly higher figures due to tuning, achieving:
  • City: 29 MPG
  • Highway: 35 MPG
  • Combined: 31 MPG

It's worth noting that in earlier model years, a 1.6L turbocharged engine was available, which offered different, though still solid, fuel economy ratings. For instance, the 2022 Kia Soul Turbo was rated at an EPA-estimated 27 MPG city and 32 MPG highway. However, for 2023 and newer models, the turbocharged option was discontinued, leaving the 2.0L engine as the sole powertrain.

Real-World Kia Soul MPG: What to Expect

While EPA estimates are a great starting point, your actual Kia Soul gas mileage can vary. Why? Because the real world isn't a controlled laboratory. Factors like your driving style, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance play a significant role.

According to data from real-world drivers, the combined average MPG for a 2022 Kia Soul is around 29.22 MPG. For the 2023 Kia Soul, some drivers have reported a combined average of about 30.49 MPG. These figures align closely with the EPA's combined estimates, suggesting that the Soul generally performs as advertised for many owners. One real-world highway test of a 2023 Kia Soul, driven at an average of 70 mph, yielded about 31.3 MPG.

Factors That Influence Your Kia Soul's Gas Mileage

Understanding what affects your fuel economy is the first step toward improving it. Several elements can cause your Kia Soul fuel efficiency to deviate from the official estimates:

Driving Habits

Your personal driving style has one of the most significant impacts on fuel consumption.

• Aggressive Driving: Rapid acceleration, hard braking, and speeding can drastically reduce your MPG. Aggressive driving can increase fuel usage, and speeding uses more fuel due to increased air and tire rolling resistance.
• Excessive Idling: Letting your car idle for more than 30 seconds at a time can waste fuel.
• Constant Speed Changes: Alternating between speeds, especially on the highway, is less efficient than maintaining a steady pace.

Vehicle Maintenance

Keeping your Kia Soul well-maintained is not just about reliability; it's also about efficiency.

• Tire Pressure: Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Improperly inflated tires can increase consumption by up to 20%.
• Clogged Air Filters: A dirty air filter restricts airflow to the engine, impacting the air-to-fuel ratio and reducing efficiency.
• Faulty Spark Plugs: Worn or damaged spark plugs can lead to incomplete combustion, increasing fuel consumption.
• Oil Type: Using the wrong type of oil or oil that doesn't reduce friction as recommended by the manufacturer can lead to poor fuel economy.

Weight and Aerodynamics

The heavier and less aerodynamic your vehicle is, the more fuel it will consume.

• Excess Cargo Weight: Carrying unnecessary items in your car adds weight, which means the engine has to work harder to move the vehicle.
• Roof Racks and External Accessories: These can significantly increase aerodynamic drag, especially at higher speeds, leading to reduced fuel efficiency.

Environmental Factors

Nature also plays a role in your fuel economy.

• Temperature: Cold weather can reduce fuel efficiency because engines take longer to warm up, and cold, dense air increases aerodynamic resistance. Hot temperatures, especially with heavy A/C use, also decrease MPG.
• Terrain: Driving uphill requires more power and, therefore, more fuel. Frequent driving in hilly or mountainous regions will naturally lower your average MPG.
• Air Conditioning Use: Running the A/C system puts an extra load on the engine, increasing fuel consumption by up to 20%.

Maximizing Your Kia Soul's Fuel Efficiency

Now that you know what affects your MPG, here are actionable steps to help you get the best possible Kia Soul gas mileage:

• Drive Smoothly: Accelerate gently and anticipate stops to avoid hard braking. Think of it as gliding rather than stop-and-go driving. Using cruise control on highways can help maintain a constant, efficient speed.
• Regular Maintenance: Adhere to your Kia Soul's recommended maintenance schedule. Regularly check tire pressure, replace air filters, and ensure spark plugs and oil are in good condition.
• Lighten the Load: Remove any unnecessary weight from your vehicle, especially heavy items you don't need for daily driving.
• Minimize Drag: Remove roof racks or cargo carriers when not in use to reduce aerodynamic resistance.
• Plan Your Trips: Combine multiple short errands into one longer trip. Cold starts use more fuel, so consolidating trips when the engine is warm is more efficient.
• Smart A/C Use: Use your air conditioning sparingly, especially at lower speeds. At highway speeds, using the A/C might be more efficient than driving with windows down due to aerodynamic drag.

Kia Soul Fuel Economy Compared to Competitors

The Kia Soul competes in a crowded segment of compact crossovers and subcompact SUVs. How does its fuel economy stack up against rivals like the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue?

Generally, the Kia Soul's highway MPG (up to 35 MPG) is competitive with its key rivals. However, in city driving, some competitors like the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue have historically shown slightly better city MPG figures, achieving around 30-31 MPG compared to the Soul's 27-29 MPG. Overall, the Kia Soul remains a strong contender in terms of fuel efficiency within its class, offering impressive combined MPG ratings of 30-31 MPG for its current models.

Conclusion

The Kia Soul fuel economy breakdown reveals a vehicle that is genuinely efficient for its class, offering impressive MPG ratings that can help you save on fuel costs. While EPA estimates provide a solid baseline, your real-world mileage will depend heavily on your driving habits and how well you maintain your vehicle. By adopting fuel-efficient driving practices and keeping up with regular maintenance, you can ensure your Kia Soul delivers optimal performance and keeps more money in your pocket.

What has your experience been with the Kia Soul's fuel economy? Share your tips and observations in the comments below! Or, if you're curious about other ways to save on vehicle costs, check out our related articles on efficient driving techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Kia Soul good on gas?

Yes, the Kia Soul is generally considered good on gas for a compact crossover. Recent models typically offer EPA-estimated combined fuel economy ratings of 30-31 MPG, with highway figures reaching up to 35 MPG, especially on the EX trim.

What is the best year for Kia Soul fuel economy?

Recent model years (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025) of the Kia Soul with the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and IVT consistently offer strong fuel economy, with the EX trim leading the pack at 29 MPG city / 35 MPG highway / 31 MPG combined.

How many miles can a Kia Soul go on a full tank of gas?

With a fuel tank capacity of 14.3 gallons and highway MPG ratings up to 35 MPG, a Kia Soul can travel approximately 500 miles on a full tank of gas under ideal conditions.

How can I improve my Kia Soul's MPG?

To improve your Kia Soul's MPG, practice smooth acceleration and braking, maintain proper tire pressure, perform regular maintenance (oil changes, air filter replacement), remove unnecessary weight, and limit excessive idling and aggressive driving.