The 2016 Kia Soul 2.0L gets a 27 MPG combined rating. It’s not intended to win any hypermiling contests, but that number represents respectable gas mileage in a funky, practical, and affordable car. Soul buyers may not be prioritizing fuel economy above everything else; they want style, cargo space, and value, and 27 MPG combined is an acceptable compromise to get those things.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Soul gets 24 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects stop-and-go driving, where the Soul’s 2.0-liter engine works harder to move its boxy shape. The highway rating is more impressive, showing that the Soul, with its six-speed automatic transmission, can cruise efficiently once it gets up to speed. However, expect a slight dip in highway MPG if you drive into headwinds a lot or load the car with passengers and cargo.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that fueling the 2016 Kia Soul 2.0L will cost owners about $1,600 per year. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, a mix of city and highway driving, and national average gas prices. Actual costs will vary depending on how you drive, the gas you use (the Soul uses regular unleaded), and gas prices in your area. $1,600 helps to compare the Soul’s running costs with other vehicles.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized comparison, real-world fuel economy varies. Soul owners report a range of MPG figures. Some exceed the EPA’s 31 MPG highway rating on road trips. Others fall short of the 24 MPG city figure in congested areas. Aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips, and neglecting maintenance can hurt fuel consumption.

If you adopt a smoother driving style, make sure your tires are inflated properly, and keep up with scheduled servicing, you can achieve or even surpass the EPA estimates.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2016 Kia Soul 2.0L gets about average fuel economy. The Nissan Cube, another boxy competitor, also got 27 MPG combined. Newer compact crossovers, like the Honda HR-V (28 MPG combined for the front-wheel-drive model) and Mazda CX-3 (29 MPG combined), get slightly better gas mileage because of more advanced engine technologies and aerodynamic designs. However, these vehicles often cost more and may not have as much cargo space as the Soul.

If you want maximum fuel efficiency in a small hatchback, the Toyota Prius c (46 MPG combined) is a great choice, though it’s not as stylish or practical. For an overview, see all Kia fuel economy data. Comparing the Soul to past models? Check out SOUL MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Drive gently. Avoid hard acceleration and braking, since these habits really hurt fuel consumption. The Soul’s engine is responsive enough for daily driving without needing to be driven aggressively. The six-speed automatic is designed to optimize fuel economy, so let it do its job.

Keep your tires inflated properly. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tires often and inflate them to the pressure on the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reduce weight. Extra cargo in the Soul adds weight, which reduces fuel economy. Remove items you don’t need, especially heavy stuff. This is especially true when loaded down for road trips.

Keep up with maintenance. Regular servicing, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance, keeps the engine running efficiently. A well-maintained engine consumes less fuel and produces fewer emissions.

Plan your trips. Combine errands into one trip to reduce cold starts, which consume more fuel. Avoid peak traffic to reduce stop-and-go driving. These simple steps can improve fuel efficiency.