47/100
2018Small Station WagonsRegular

2018 Kia Soul

EPA ID: 38888
24
City MPG
27
Combined MPG
27MPG· Average
30
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2018 Kia Soul achieves an EPA-estimated 27 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 24 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine paired with a manual 6-spd, this small station wagons features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2018 Soul produces approximately 335 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Soul performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,200, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $250 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassSmall Station Wagons
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine1.6L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionManual 6-spd
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions335 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score6/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,200
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $250

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
26.4
Impact vs EPA
+$46
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$601/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$16,800
46.6%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$9,722
27.0%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$9,125
25.3%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.1%
Total 5-Year Cost$36,047

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #23V724000·2023-12-21
critical
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles. The parking mechanism may be damaged, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied while the vehicle is powered on.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC287. This recall expands and replaces recall number 20V-389. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-389 will need to have the new remedy completed.

Campaign #23V218000·2023-08-18
critical
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: A battery electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will update and/or replace the battery management system and software, as necessary, free of charge. The new software will illuminate the EV warning light, limit charging capacity, and reduce vehicle power if abnormal voltage is detected. If this occurs, the battery will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC267.

Campaign #22V031000·2022-03-21
critical
Component: AIR BAGS

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Kia Soul configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,200
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $250

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City24 MPG
Highway30 MPG
Combined27 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

67.0 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 83 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 5.6 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.