carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 27 / 33 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,250 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 302 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $20,690–$25,121 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.6/10, the 2024 Kia Soul earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.4/10, while Performance at 6.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 8.0/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.3/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.0/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology comes in at 7.2/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $20,690–$25,121, 30 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Soul sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. The 8.4/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this suv delivers more than most of the class. At 2 years old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Bottom line: Think of the 2024 Kia Soul as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2024 Kia Soul ranks #737 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 70% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $20,690 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 43%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2021 Kia Soul scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2024's 7.6 — and starts roughly $2,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.7/10 | $21,310 | Read review → |
| 2024 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $20,690 | |
| 2023 | 7.6/10 | $20,069 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $19,448 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.4/10 | $18,827 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $18,207 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $17,586 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.2/10 | $16,965 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.2/10 | $16,345 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $15,724 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $15,103 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.