The Kia Soul was introduced in 2008, featuring a unique appearance that polarized opinions. The second-generation Soul did not deviate significantly from its predecessor's design. However, the latest restyling has added a contemporary touch to the vehicle, while also making it more spacious and functional.
While driving, the Soul offers satisfactory handling, but its engine selection is subpar. The petrol engine is inefficient, and the diesel engine is noisy, both of which are shortcomings that other competing crossover models have improved upon. Additionally, the Soul falls behind many of its competitors in terms of crash-test ratings.
Kia recommends you change the oil in a Kia Soul every 10,000 miles, 15,000 kilometers, or once a year, whichever comes first. However, if you frequently drive in severe conditions, such as extreme temperatures or dusty roads, it is advisable to have your oil changed every 5,000 miles, 7,500 kilometers, or six months to ensure optimal engine health.
The Myth: There is a widely-circulated myth about the necessity of changing your car's oil every 4,500 kilometers (3,000 miles), despite the significant advancements in both engine technology and oil chemistry. While this was once considered necessary, most car manufacturers now recommend intervals of either 11,000 or 15,000 kilometers (7,500 or 10,000 miles) for oil changes.
However, many customers continue to rely on the outdated 4,500-kilometer (3,000-mile) rule due to their lack of awareness about the advancements and progress in the automotive industry. By adhering to the manufacturer's recommended oil change interval, you can save time and money on maintenance costs while also playing a role in protecting the environment.
If you are doing a full oil change, you will need between 3.5 and 4.8 quarts (3.31 and 4.54 liters) of oil depending on the year and engine of your Kia Soul.
To determine which engine oil is best suited for your vehicle, it is recommended that you refer to the technical manual specific to your make and model. This will provide you with valuable information about selecting an appropriate oil based on its viscosity index, which typically ranges from 0W to 15W.
While it is generally recommended to use the brand of engine oil recommended by the manufacturer, it's also important to consider different types of oils, such as mineral, synthetic, or semi-synthetic oils. Your driving style and the types of roads you typically use will also play a significant role in determining the best engine oil for your Kia Soul, whether you frequently drive on highways, city roads, or a combination of both.
Kia Soul. Credit: Unsplash
We have listed all the Kia Soul models and engine types in the following table, as well as the correct engine oil grade for each of the cars. You can use the search and filter to easily find the right engine oil for your Kia Soul.
Car Make & Model | Year | Oil Grade |
---|---|---|
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi 1 Petrol | 2014, 2015, 2016 | 0W-40 or 5W-20 or 5W-30 or 5W-40 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi 1 Petrol | 2017, 2018, 2019 | 0W-40 or 5W-20 or 5W-30 or 5W-40 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi 2 Petrol | 2014, 2015, 2016 | 0W-40 or 5W-20 or 5W-30 or 5W-40 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi 2 Petrol | 2017, 2018, 2019 | 0W-40 or 5W-20 or 5W-30 or 5W-40 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi 2 Diesel | 2014, 2015, 2016 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi 2 Diesel | 2017, 2018, 2019 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi 3 Diesel | 2014, 2015, 2016 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi 3 Diesel | 2017, 2018, 2019 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi Connect Petrol | 2014, 2015, 2016 | 0W-40 or 5W-20 or 5W-30 or 5W-40 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi Connect Petrol | 2017, 2018, 2019 | 0W-40 or 5W-20 or 5W-30 or 5W-40 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Connect Diesel | 2014, 2015, 2016 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Connect Diesel | 2017, 2018, 2019 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi Connect Plus Petrol | 2014, 2015, 2016 | 0W-40 or 5W-20 or 5W-30 or 5W-40 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi Connect Plus Petrol | 2017, 2018, 2019 | 0W-40 or 5W-20 or 5W-30 or 5W-40 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Connect Plus Diesel | 2014, 2015, 2016 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Connect Plus Diesel | 2017, 2018, 2019 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi Maxx Petrol | 2014, 2015, 2016 | 0W-40 or 5W-20 or 5W-30 or 5W-40 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi Maxx Petrol | 2017, 2018, 2019 | 0W-40 or 5W-20 or 5W-30 or 5W-40 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Maxx Diesel | 2014, 2015, 2016 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Maxx Diesel | 2017, 2018, 2019 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi Mixx Petrol | 2014, 2015, 2016 | 0W-40 or 5W-20 or 5W-30 or 5W-40 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi Mixx Petrol | 2017, 2018, 2019 | 0W-40 or 5W-20 or 5W-30 or 5W-40 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Mixx Diesel | 2014, 2015, 2016 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Mixx Diesel | 2017, 2018, 2019 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi Sport Petrol | 2014, 2015, 2016 | 0W-40 or 5W-20 or 5W-30 or 5W-40 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi Sport Petrol | 2017, 2018, 2019 | 0W-40 or 5W-20 or 5W-30 or 5W-40 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi Start Petrol | 2014, 2015, 2016 | 0W-40 or 5W-20 or 5W-30 or 5W-40 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi Start Petrol | 2017, 2018, 2019 | 0W-40 or 5W-20 or 5W-30 or 5W-40 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi Urban Petrol | 2014, 2015, 2016 | 0W-40 or 5W-20 or 5W-30 or 5W-40 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi Urban Petrol | 2017, 2018, 2019 | 0W-40 or 5W-20 or 5W-30 or 5W-40 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Urban Diesel | 2014, 2015, 2016 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Urban Diesel | 2017, 2018, 2019 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 1 Petrol | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 10W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 1 Petrol | 2012, 2013 | 10W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 2 Petrol | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 10W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 2 Petrol | 2012, 2013 | 10W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi 2 Diesel | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi 2 Diesel | 2012, 2013 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Burner Diesel | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Burner Diesel | 2012, 2013 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 Echo Petrol | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 10W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 Echo Petrol | 2012, 2013 | 10W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Echo Diesel | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Echo Diesel | 2012, 2013 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi Hunter Petrol | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 10W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi Hunter Petrol | 2012, 2013 | 10W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Hunter Diesel | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Hunter Diesel | 2012, 2013 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Inferno Diesel | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Inferno Diesel | 2012, 2013 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi Quantum Petrol | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 10W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi Quantum Petrol | 2012, 2013 | 10W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Quantum Diesel | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Quantum Diesel | 2012, 2013 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 Samba Petrol | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 10W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 Samba Petrol | 2012, 2013 | 10W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Samba Diesel | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Samba Diesel | 2012, 2013 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Searcher Diesel | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Searcher Diesel | 2012, 2013 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 Shaker Petrol | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 10W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 Shaker Petrol | 2012, 2013 | 10W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi Shaker Petrol | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 10W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 GDi Shaker Petrol | 2012, 2013 | 10W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Shaker Diesel | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Shaker Diesel | 2012, 2013 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 Tempest Petrol | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 10W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 Tempest Petrol | 2012, 2013 | 10W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Tempest Diesel | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 5W-30 |
Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Tempest Diesel | 2012, 2013 | 5W-30 |
The Kia Soul offers two engine options: a 1.6-liter petrol or a 1.6-liter diesel engine. The standard petrol engine is non-turbocharged and affordable, but not very fuel-efficient. On the other hand, the 1.6 diesel engine is not very refined and produces a clattering noise on startup that persists during the drive. However, it eventually quiets down to a low hum at cruising speeds. According to official figures, the petrol engine is slightly faster than the diesel engine, with a two-tenths of a second advantage in the 0-60mph (10.6 seconds versus 10.8 seconds) and a two mph lead in top speed (115mph versus 112mph). The DCT/auto diesel engine has almost identical performance figures. For those seeking a more spirited drive, the turbocharged 201bhp Soul Sport offers sprightly acceleration, with a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds. However, the numb steering does not inspire a sense of fun, and the dual-clutch gearbox is slow to shift when driven aggressively.