The 4 Most Reliable Used Kia Soul Model Years Under $15,000 in 2023
The Kia Soul is the small hatchback/SUV advertised by giant dancing hamsters. This ad campaign gave the Soul a fun, funky, and fresh vibe right out of the gate. Many owners have learned this small vehicle’s boxy shape provides more cargo and passenger room than most vehicles in its class. Is it a hatchback or a subcompact SUV? Who knows. Regardless, some of the most reliable Kia Soul model years cost less than $15,000. Below are four of them.
(Note: Regardless of a used car’s reliability score, obtain a vehicle history report and have a trusted mechanic perform an inspection to uncover potential problems before purchasing. Also, prices may vary depending on trim level, mileage, overall condition, and location.)
How reliable is the 2017 Kia Soul?
The 2017 Soul takes you back to the previous generation with an affordable price range of about $10,500 to $14,000. This 7-year-old Kia car has a “great” J.D. Power Quality & Reliability score of 81 out of 100, making it one of the most reliable used Kia Soul models.
With a price range well within the budgeted $15,000, the top Exclaim trim could be the right choice for most consumers. This 2017 Kia Soul model includes:
- Keyless entry
- Power windows
- Multi-zone climate controls
- Leather upholstery
- Fog lights
- Variable speed wipers
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio
- Harman Kardon audio system
- Pulsating multi-color front door speaker
What does the similar 2018 Kia Soul offer?
When the goal is to score a reliable used Kia Soul, consider the 2018 model. It should fit within a $15,000 budget, with an average price range of $11,000 to $15,500 across all trims. The 2018 Soul also has a J.D. Power Quality & Reliability score of 81/100.
Depending on the trim, you’ll find several cool features in the 2018 Kia Soul, including:
- 60/40 split-folding rear seat
- UVO eServices
- 8.0-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Voice-command navigation
- An array of impressive exterior colors
- Forward collision warning
- Blind-spot detection
- Rear cross-traffic alerts
- Lane departure warning
The 2019 Kia Soul is newer but has a slightly lower reliability rating
As you get closer to the newest models, Kia Soul prices increase, so finding one that fits your budget can become challenging. The 2019 Soul has an average used price range of $12,200 to $18,600, putting the $15,000 budget in the middle. This model year also hits the J.D. Power Quality & Reliability chart at a high “average” 80/100.
Some 2019 Kia Soul trims include the UVO Parking Minder, which helps you remember where you parked the car. This feature requires UVO eServices, but that could be useful when looking for your car in a parking lot. This system also has UVO Vehicle Diagnostics to remind you to make service appointments.
Is the 2020 Kia Soul a good car?
Of the four most reliable Kia Soul model years, the 2020 Soul might be the most difficult to fit into your budget. Buyers pay about $14,200 to $21,100. This model also has a J.D. Power Quality & Reliability score of 81/100.
If you want to enjoy the benefits of a turbocharged engine harnessing 201 hp or the 2.0-liter making 161 hp, you’ll need to increase your budget and look for the Exclaim or Plus trims. The Drive Mode Select makes adjusting the desired settings easy in this fun and funky hatchback/SUV.
