Considering a Kia Soul — or already driving one around Corinth, Texas? You might wonder how these fun and functional subcompact crossover SUVs hold up under the stresses of Texas driving. Vehicles face severe wear and tear between scorching summer temperatures, long highway stretches, and stop-and-go traffic. At Huffines Kia Corinth, our team of experts takes a closer look at the real-world durability of the Kia Soul and gives you practical advice to help your vehicle thrive in the challenging Texas climate.
Get To Know the Kia Soul
Car Kia Soul by Romuald_Gałęcki is licensed with Pixabay License
Since 2009, the Kia Soul has captivated drivers and onlookers with its boxy, spirited style. The latest model's standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Available in four distinct trims, it seats five and offers admirable fuel efficiency at 27 city/33 highway/30 combined mpg.
The Soul earned an Overall Safety rating of four out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Standard safety technology includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure alerts, blind-spot warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, and back-up cameras. Industry-leading coverage on a new Kia Soul includes a five-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty plus a 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty.
The Kia Soul's Reliability Over Time
The Soul is a reliable vehicle, especially in its later model years. RepairPal gives the 2025 model a 4.5/5 rating based on owner repair data. The 2019 model earned a perfect 5/5 from Consumer Reports. Against rivals, it ranks third out of seven subcompact SUVs. Fewer surprise repairs mean more affordable ownership. Aim for years 2017 and newer, as older Souls tended to have issues addressed in later models.
How Long Does a Kia Soul Last?
When you buy a car, you want it to last. Most Kia Souls last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles, or roughly 10 to 13 years of regular driving. Some drivers even report exceeding the 200,000-mile mark. In Dallas-Fort Worth traffic, that's solid value.
Highway miles can extend your Kia Soul's lifespan. Unlike stop-and-go city driving, steady highway speeds are easier on brakes and transmissions. The real challenge in Texas is our scorching heat, which stresses engine cooling systems, AC units, and rubber components such as hoses and belts.
If you're shopping for a preowned Soul, look for models under 50,000 miles — they still have most of their lives ahead. For those with 50,000 to 100,000 miles, check the maintenance records carefully. On a vehicle with over 100,000 miles, expect more frequent repairs; however, it can still serve you well with good care. Remember that a well-maintained high-mileage Soul often beats a neglected low-mileage one.
Preserving the Longevity of a Kia Soul
Several factors influence how long your Kia will last, especially under the demanding driving conditions in Texas. The Kia Soul's construction plays a big role in its longevity. High-strength steel, advanced corrosion-resistant coatings, and solid rust protection help it withstand Corinth's humidity, winter road salt, and intense sun. Beyond its design and engineering, you can add years to your Soul's performance with regular care.
Routine Maintenance Is Nonnegotiable
Regular oil changes are essential to keep your Soul running smoothly. Under normal driving conditions, oil should be changed every 5,000-7,500 miles, or every six months. However, driving in Texas often qualifies as "severe conditions" due to extreme heat and frequent idling in traffic. In those cases, change your oil every 3,000 miles or three months. With AC systems running full blast all summer, skipping maintenance can lead to costly wear and tear.
Follow Kia's Maintenance Schedule
Regular care costs far less than major repairs. A typical service visit runs $100-$300, but can save you thousands in the long run. Here's a basic schedule to follow:
- Every 7,500 miles or six months: Change the oil and filter, rotate the tires, check fluids, and inspect the brakes.
- Every 15,000 miles: Replace the climate control filter and check the brake lines.
- Every 30,000 miles: Replace the engine air filter and inspect major systems.
Texas-Specific Tips To Extend Vehicle Life
Living in Texas means paying attention to specific wear factors:
- Test tire pressure and tread monthly, especially in fluctuating temperatures.
- Monitor coolant and fluid levels, as overheating can happen fast in triple-digit weather.
- Inspect the battery and lights regularly.
- Clean or replace cabin air filters more frequently on dusty rural roads.
Keeping detailed service records can boost your vehicle's resale or trade-in value by 10% to 15% while reassuring future buyers about its condition.
Common Issues and Solutions for Kia Soul Owners
Certain Kia Soul model years require extra attention. Older models have occasionally experienced engine issues and excessive oil consumption. Be alert for unusual engine noises, oil burning between changes, or sudden power loss. It's essential to get a professional diagnosis promptly — Texas heat makes oil break down faster, which can worsen these problems.
To keep your vehicle running well, fix minor problems before they become expensive repairs. Follow your maintenance schedule by replacing spark plugs on time, checking air filters regularly, and cleaning the fuel system periodically. Have the ECM software updated when recommended and the AC refrigerant checked annually.
Experience Long-Lasting Reliability With a Kia Soul From Huffines Kia Corinth
The facts speak for themselves — Kia Souls hold up surprisingly well, even against Texas heat and highways. With regular care, your vehicle can cruise past 150,000 miles, even in challenging climates and conditions.
At Huffines Kia Corinth, we'd love to help you find the right vehicle for your Dallas-Fort Worth lifestyle. Why not book a test drive to try the newest models? And when you need service or genuine Kia parts or accessories, come to the professionals who can help you squeeze every possible mile from your car. Reach out to us with any questions. We're here to help you get years of trouble-free driving on Texas roads.