Against 422 other 4-cyl cars rated 2023–2025, the Soul beats their 26.5 mpg average by 4.5 mpg, about $210 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2010, the 2L 4-cyl (2016–2025), does 30.4 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.6L 4-cyl (2010–2019), 27.6: $128 a year apart.
Every Kia Soul engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 28.3 / 34.4 | 2016–2025 | $1,263 | |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 25.6 / 30.8 | 2010–2019 | $1,391 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Subaru Impreza gets 29.7 mpg, next to 31 mpg for the 2025 Soul. The Soul is the cheapest of them to run: $54 a year less than the Subaru Impreza.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2025) | $0.103 |
| Fuel per year | $1,239 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,195 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2023–2025 | −$210 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,156 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2025 Kia Soul gives up 6 mpg in town: 35 on the highway against 29 in the city, $227 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2025) | 29 mpg | $1,324 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 35 mpg | $1,097 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (21%) | Typical for its type |
How the Soul changed over the years
The Soul peaked in 2025 at 31 mpg (29 city, 35 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2015 at 26 — 5 mpg apart, or $238 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The biggest single-year change came in 2020: 28 to 31 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 29 / 35 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2024 | 29 / 35 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2023 | 29 / 35 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2022 | 29 / 35 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2021 | 29 / 35 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2020 | 29 / 35 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2019 | 26 / 31 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2018 | 26 / 31 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2017 | 26 / 31 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2016 | 24 / 31 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2015 | 24 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2014 | 24 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2013 | 26 / 31 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2012 | 26 / 31 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2011 | 26 / 31 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2010 | 26 / 31 | 1 | $1,371 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 16 EPA ratings of the Kia Soul — 2 engines across 2010–2025. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,156. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2025 Kia Soul get?
31 mpg combined, 29 city and 35 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2010 the Soul has averaged 28.8 mpg.
Is the 2025 Soul more efficient than the 2024?
About the same: 31 against 31 mpg combined.
Which Soul year has the best gas mileage?
The 2025, at 31 mpg combined (29 city, 35 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Soul get better gas mileage than the Subaru Impreza?
Yes: 31 mpg for the 2025 Soul against 29.7 for the 2026 Subaru Impreza, about $54 a year less to run.
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