30 MPG combined isn’t going to win any hypermiling awards, but for the 2021 Kia Soul 2.0L 4-cyl, it’s a perfectly respectable figure. This isn’t a car bought for its earth-shattering fuel efficiency; it’s bought for its quirky style, surprising practicality, and affordable price. Young professionals, urban dwellers, and those who prioritize value and personality readily accept this fuel economy as a trade-off for the Soul’s other charms.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2021 Kia Soul 2.0L 4-cyl come in at 28 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the Soul’s nimble handling and responsive acceleration in stop-and-go traffic, while the highway number benefits from its efficient automatic transmission with variable gear ratios. Remember these are estimates, and individual results will vary based on driving style and conditions.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA provides a figure for annual fuel cost based on 15,000 miles driven per year, using national average fuel prices. For the 2021 Kia Soul 2.0L 4-cyl, that figure is $1,450. This means if you drive the average mileage and fuel prices remain consistent, you can expect to spend around $1,450 on gasoline each year. This is a helpful benchmark for comparing running costs against other vehicles you might be considering. You can view all Kia fuel economy data to see how the Soul stacks up within the brand.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are often optimistic, and real-world fuel economy may differ. Factors like aggressive driving, frequent short trips, excessive idling, and carrying heavy loads can negatively impact your MPG. On the other hand, smooth acceleration, consistent speeds, and proper tire inflation can help you achieve, or even exceed, the EPA figures. Expect to see numbers in the mid-to-high 20s for combined driving, with the potential to reach the low 30s on longer highway trips.

How it compares

The Kia Soul occupies a unique niche, blending hatchback practicality with SUV-like styling. Therefore, its competitors are varied. The Nissan Kicks, a similar small crossover, boasts a combined 33 MPG from its smaller engine. The Hyundai Venue, another close competitor, achieves a similar 31 MPG combined.

However, both the Kicks and Venue offer less cargo space and a less powerful driving experience compared to the Soul’s 2.0L engine. Looking at hatchbacks, the Honda Civic Hatchback offers a more engaging driving experience and similar fuel economy around 31 MPG combined in its base trim, but at a higher price point. The Soul buyer prioritizes value and distinctiveness, so even if other cars offer marginally better fuel economy, the Soul’s unique package often wins them over. For more information, you can review SOUL MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Soul’s automatic transmission is designed to optimize fuel efficiency, so let it do its job. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. Smooth and progressive inputs will keep the engine in its sweet spot for fuel economy.

Tire pressure is critical. Check your tires regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the door jamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, significantly reducing fuel efficiency.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Hauling around extra cargo not only impacts performance, but also decreases fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need from the car’s trunk.

Plan your trips. Combining errands into a single trip minimizes cold starts, which consume more fuel. Also, avoid peak traffic times to reduce idling, as idling burns fuel without adding mileage.

Consider using the Soul’s Eco mode, if equipped. Eco mode adjusts the engine and transmission settings to prioritize fuel efficiency, although this may come at the expense of some responsiveness.