How much does the 2021 Kia Soul cost?

Prices have softened 6.47% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,672 listings available, which suggests healthy inventory for shoppers comparing trims and prices.

If you find a listing below $13,653.73, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Kia Soul a good car?

Generally — the 2021 Kia Soul earns 4.33/5 from owners and 7/10 from our experts. The model scores 8/10 across Cost effectiveness and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its unique design, comfortable interior, and practical features. The Soul also gets credit for its easy entry and everyday usability, which makes it appealing if you want something simple to live with. On the downside, the Soul’s all-wheel-drive absence, polarizing styling, and road noise are the main trade-offs to keep in mind.

That mix fits the Soul’s role as a stylish, space-efficient subcompact SUV with a strong value pitch and easy-to-use tech. 30.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there is still room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Kia Soul reliable?

Owners rate it 4.33/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to reliability, ease of ownership, and a trouble-free feel that many shoppers want in a used vehicle. It also suggests the Soul is a car you can count on for daily use, especially if you value simple operation and easy entry. Kia’s long powertrain coverage adds another ownership advantage, and the model’s practical setup supports long-term confidence.

For used buyers, the main risk is less about the concept and more about how each individual example was maintained and equipped.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Kia Soul?

At 72.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. A pre-purchase inspection matters here, especially if you are comparing multiple trims or looking at a lower-priced listing. Focus on overall condition, equipment completeness, and whether the car’s features match the trim level being advertised.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base cabin includes a standard 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims can add a 10.3-inch touchscreen and more upscale standard features. Some models also get dual center-exit exhausts and other styling touches.
• Powertrain: The base 2.0-liter engine makes 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed manual or CVT. A turbocharged 1.6-liter engine makes 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque and pairs with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is not offered.
• Safety package: The available driver-assistance features include forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, lane change assist, driver attention monitoring, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert/rear collision avoidance assist, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display. Most of these features are held back in added-cost options.
• Infotainment: The base model gets a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An available 10.25-inch touchscreen adds HD radio and voice recognition, and Kia also offers a Harman Kardon audio system.
• Fuel efficiency: The base engine with the manual returns 26/31/27 mpg city/highway/combined, the CVT version returns 28/33/30 mpg, and the turbocharged engine returns 27/32/29 mpg.

Which 2021 Kia Soul trim should I buy?

The 2021 Kia Soul is offered in 6 trim levels: LX, S, X-Line, GT-Line, EX, and Turbo.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The LX is the value entry point, but it keeps the simplest setup and leaves many advanced safety features in an available package rather than standard equipment.
• Sweet-spot trim: The S is the most balanced choice if you want a step up in equipment without jumping to the highest prices.
• Premium/top trim: The EX adds more upscale standard features, while the Turbo brings the strongest performance and the highest price.
• Off-road trim: The X-Line is worth a look if you want the styling and suspension changes, but it is not the best fit for most daily drivers.

The LX Technology Package is the key safety-package note to know, since it adds a long list of advanced safety features.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Kia Soul?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find value.

• Deal availability: 30.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,672 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.47% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 72.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $13,653.73, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Kia Soul's resale value?

The current average of $13,900 sits slightly below last year's $14,861.

That price movement suggests the Soul has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price. A softer market today can also mean less upside risk if you plan to keep the car for a few years before reselling it. The Soul’s broad appeal and practical packaging should help it remain easy to market later, especially if you choose a well-equipped, clean example.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.33/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Kia Soul safe?

The 2021 Kia Soul earns a 2021 Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and four stars overall from NHTSA. It earns four stars for front crash safety, five stars for side crash safety, and four stars for rollover resistance.

It earns a 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The available driver-assistance features include forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, lane change assist, driver attention monitoring, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert/rear collision avoidance assist, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display. Most of these features are held back in added-cost options, so trim choice matters if safety tech is a priority.

The IIHS result also notes that headlight performance varies by trim level, which is worth checking before you buy.

Should I buy a 2021 Kia Soul or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 30.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 72.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.47% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.33/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds a standard rear occupant alert and updated suspension tuning for the X-Line and GT-Line.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $12,739, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $13,900 average.
• It blends utility and efficiency with a lower starting price.

The bottom line: the 2021 is the better pick if you want the updated model-year mix of value, safety, and everyday usability. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2020 is the more budget-friendly alternative and still delivers the Soul’s core strengths.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.