The 2022 Kia Soul 1.6L 4-cyl gets a combined fuel economy of 29 MPG, which fits its purpose as a practical, affordable urban car with style. It’s not a high-performance machine for long trips; it’s a good car for city residents and suburban commuters who care about value and personality more than ultimate fuel efficiency. Owners accept this MPG because the Soul offers a mix of cargo space, maneuverability, and design at a price that’s hard to beat.

City and highway performance

The Soul’s EPA ratings are 27 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The city number matters more since the Soul works well in busy cities. Its small size and steering make it easy to drive on tight streets, where fuel economy often drops. The 32 MPG highway rating works for longer trips, but the Soul’s shape hurts it at higher speeds because wind resistance impacts fuel economy. Drivers see a slight drop above 65 MPH, so keeping a steady pace helps fuel efficiency on the open road.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Kia Soul 1.6L 4-cyl is $1,500. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year using national average fuel prices. It’s a good way to compare the Soul’s running costs with other cars, and helps buyers understand what the fuel consumption figures will cost. Your fuel costs can change based on your driving, local fuel prices, and commute. Regular servicing and tire inflation also matter.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates give a standard comparison, but real-world fuel economy changes. Soul owners report numbers that stay close to the official ratings, with some getting better results through careful driving. Others see lower numbers from quick acceleration or frequent stops. Terrain also matters because hills will reduce gas mileage. Expect 27 MPG if you mostly drive in the city. With proper maintenance and fuel-saving tips, you might reach higher numbers.

How it compares

The Kia Soul’s fuel economy compares well, but some rivals do slightly better. For example, the Nissan Kicks gets 31 MPG combined due to its engine and lighter weight. The Hyundai Venue also scores 31 MPG combined, offering similar practicality in a smaller package. The Honda HR-V, a bit larger, gets 28 MPG combined in its base trim. The Soul’s 29 MPG balances fuel efficiency with the cargo volume and space its buyers want, even if cars like the Kicks get slightly better mileage. See all Kia fuel economy data on our site, including SOUL MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to maximizing fuel economy in the Soul. The 1.6L engine works for everyday driving, but fast bursts of speed will use gas quickly. Watch traffic and avoid hard braking, letting the automatic transmission shift smoothly.

Proper tire inflation enhances safety and handling and lowers rolling resistance, which improves fuel economy. Check your tire pressures often, ideally every few weeks, and inflate them to the levels on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. Under- or over-inflated tires can decrease your MPG.

Use air conditioning less, especially on short trips. Air conditioning puts load on the engine, reducing fuel efficiency, especially in city driving. Use natural ventilation by opening the windows or using the fan when you can.

Reduce weight by removing extra items from your car. Carrying items in your cargo area adds weight, making the engine work harder and using more fuel. Remove items from the trunk and rear seats to improve your MPG, especially if these items rarely leave the car.