We had a base 2013 Soul 1.6 Automatic for 6-1/2 years and 95K miles. Absolutely bulletproof. One set of brakes at 60K (front) and 85K (rear), two sets of tires, and regular maintenance.

Even here in West Virginia with all the hills and mountains, it was very rare that I wished it had more power.

I would recommend you have the Kia dealer make it a "Kia Certified" (not an independent third-party warranty) so you get the full 10yr/100K powertrain warranty. It only costs the dealer around $400-$500 so it's a good bargaining tool.

FWIW - We traded and bought a 2020 Soul LX with IVT transmission last summer. With discounts and rebates (including military), it cost $16,500 - before we factored in the trade. Remember to consider the cost of ownership is the difference between the price you buy it for minus the price you sell it for later. Factoring in possible repairs (if the used one is out of Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty), it may not be much/any more expensive to look at new.

Good luck.

 

Went from a 2012 Soul+ to a 2018 1 Millionth Edition. The 2012 Soul+ had around 114k miles on it when I handed it off to my youngest son. He changed the oil himself just last weekend and it is still running great. Just took mine in this weekend for it's second oil change (12.5k miles on it).

Things I have noticed between the 2:

The Gen 2 is a bit more refined than the Gen 1.
Both engines (2.0L) essentially feel & drive the same, but the Gen 2 gets a little less mpg due to being heavier.
My Gen 2 has a frikkin skid plate so changing the oil myself is a PITA compared to the Gen 1. I plan on buying some ratchet extensions and trying to do it myself on oil change #3.
My Gen 2 has a bigger radio screen & clearer back-up camera

Otherwise no big differences, besides the 1 Millionth Edition having quite a few more features.

 

Hey Boc, I've mostly read that the 2016 or later engines were less prone to problems (you can verify that on various consumer sites). However, my 2014 1.6 has been excellent and no problems.

Also remember that they sold over a million Gen 2 Souls and some have had problems, but percentage wise it's tiny. That's why you'll see most Souls rating above average in reliability. How does that saying go? One bad apple don't spoil the whole bunch

 

2015 2.0L here. I have driven a 1.6L, but I wish the 2.0L had a bit more power. It shifts a lot going thru mountains and rolling hills like western Iowa. Around town it's fine, but because I wish it had more power, I'll stick with the larger engine or 1.6T if I upgrade.

58,000 miles on mine. Runs great.

Sent from my SM-T720 using Tapatalk

 

From the two you mentioned I would lean towards the 2017 + with the 2.0L. Since that's what you have in your 2012 I think you would notice the drop in power going to the 1.6L engine - I know I could tell a difference when I was looking for one (ended up with a 2015 ! with the 2.0, as the 1.6 just felt way too underpowered for me). Another thing to keep in mind is that used Kia's have the powertrain warranty halved when they are sold used, so the 2017 would only be covered until 2022 or 60k miles, unless you can get the dealer to make it Certified which would be a great deal.

 

@OP:

From Consumer Reports (CR). Please note that this "Reliability History" for the Kia Soul is user generated. Please note that the 2019 model only has a little over one year of history.

CR recommends the 2.0 litre version of the 2019 model as opposed to the greater horsepower turbo-charged 1.6 litre version. But does not really explain why.

CR also lists the 2020 multi-port injection (MPI) model as #2 top pick in the compact class but from what I am reading on the fora here, I would stay away until I had a better understanding of the IVT transmission issues.

The GDI motors do require extra care but that seems doable.

Your 2012 Soul reliability is not that great according to CR. According to this information and for what it is worth, the 2018 model would be better.

Good luck.

Personally, if the 2012 only has 97,000 miles on it and is performing well, I would keep it for another 100,000 miles or more. There are lots of things to spend money on in life other than automobiles. Brakes and other wearable parts are cheap.

 

One more chart that might of interest, possibly some help.

 

Those ratings are interesting. If they all are as of 2020, one would expect the reliability to decrease as the car gets older.

 

Apparently forum notices went to my spam filter. Sorry folks and appreciate the replies/info. Good point on the 2.0/1.6turbo. It's more the IVT transmissions that i need to stay away from? Anything i buy will be a Kia certified pre-owned (for various employment/social reasons i have to buy a Ford/GM/Kia product) so figured i'm getting warranty. My annoyances with brakes have been noise and fact i'm so far 2 brake calipers and 2 full sets (4 wheels) of rotors plus 1 more of pads. Other stuff (expected for age) is starting to add up and I rather see if i can make the jump now vs waiting too long. I looked and it appears the '18 is a little deeper/bigger trunk space which would be nice. I do a fair amount of highway miles during summer for con season and in rural area my commute adds up. Just too used to hatch/wagon to seriously consider a sedan.

Appreciate the help/advice.

 

Thanks to all for help and advice. Took delivery of a CPO 2018 + in mysterious blue with the 2.0L non turbo motor with 12400~ miles on the clock. So far loving android auto and improved climate control compared to my old '12.