31 MPG combined won’t win any hypermiling contests, but it hits a sweet spot in the quirky and supremely useful 2022 Kia Soul Eco dynamics 2.0L 4-cyl. It’s enough efficiency to satisfy practical buyers who prioritize space and value over outright fuel savings in a subcompact package. It’s a number that balances affordability with the Soul’s inherent versatility.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2022 Kia Soul with the 2.0L engine are 29 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the Soul’s intended use. City driving, with its stop-and-go nature, relies on the engine’s low-end torque, while highway cruising benefits from the automatic variable gear ratio transmission optimizing fuel consumption at higher speeds.

The Soul’s boxy shape isn’t exactly aerodynamic, so don’t expect miracles at 75 mph, however, maintaining a steady pace on longer journeys should deliver results close to the EPA estimate.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $1,400. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving style, local fuel prices, and the number of miles you drive annually. Those who primarily use the Soul for short urban commutes may spend less, while those racking up highway miles for work or leisure could see a higher fuel bill.

This $1,400 figure provides a solid benchmark for budgeting, allowing potential buyers to factor fuel costs into the overall cost of ownership.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized testing procedure, real-world MPG can fluctuate based on several factors. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and carrying heavy loads will all negatively impact fuel economy. Properly inflated tires, regular maintenance, and a conscious effort to drive smoothly can bring you closer to the EPA estimates or even slightly exceed them.

The Soul isn’t a sports car, and driving it like one will quickly diminish its fuel-saving potential. Expect to see figures within a few MPG of the official ratings under normal driving conditions.

How it compares

The 2022 Kia Soul’s fuel economy places it competitively within the subcompact crossover segment. The Nissan Kicks, for example, boasts a slightly better combined MPG of 33, making it a strong choice for those prioritizing maximum fuel savings. A similarly-equipped Hyundai Venue achieves 31 MPG combined, similar to the Soul. These are compelling if you care about all Kia fuel economy data, but a buyer may choose the Soul for its distinctive styling, greater cargo space or the better warranty compared to its rivals. If all-wheel drive is needed, the Mazda CX-30 yields 28 MPG combined. The Soul’s front-wheel drive layout optimizes efficiency for buyers who don’t need all-weather traction, and are satisfied with the SOUL MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Kia Soul doesn’t have any driver-selectable modes for improving fuel economy, but maximizing efficiency starts with smooth acceleration and avoiding unnecessary hard braking. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed to minimize fuel consumption. The Soul’s 2.0L engine is responsive enough to handle city driving without needing to aggressively accelerate and brake.

Keep your tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure, which you can find listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature fluctuations.

Remove any unnecessary weight from the vehicle. Extra cargo in the trunk or on the roof increases the amount of energy required to accelerate and maintain speed. Decluttering the interior and removing items you don’t regularly need will help improve fuel economy, particularly in city driving.

Schedule regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. A clean air filter and fresh oil ensure the engine runs optimally, maximizing both performance and fuel efficiency. Neglecting maintenance can lead to decreased fuel economy and potentially damage the engine over time.

Minimize idling time. If you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and idling consumes fuel without providing any benefit.