How Unsafe is the Kia Soul? A Real-World Safety Look

It’s not unsafe, but it has a mixed safety record – this is the real answer to how unsafe is the Kia Soul. The safety level depends a lot on the model year and the specific crash tests you look at.

Many drivers love the Soul for its style and space. But when you think about your family, you need to know the facts. The question of how unsafe is the Kia Soul pops up a lot in car chats. Let’s break down the data without the scary talk.

We will look at crash test scores from big groups. We will also check real-world driver reports. This gives you the full picture to make a smart choice.

How Unsafe is the Kia Soul in Crash Tests?

Crash tests give us a good starting point. They show how a car handles a big hit. The scores for the Kia Soul have changed over the years.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a top tester. For many years, the Kia Soul got their top “Good” score in most crash tests. This is a strong point in its favor.

But the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had different results. The NHTSA gave some model years only 3 out of 5 stars for overall safety. This mix of scores is why people ask how unsafe is the Kia Soul.

Newer models often do better. For example, the 2020 Kia Soul got a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. So the year you pick matters a ton.

Frontal crash protection is usually good. The main concerns often come from side-impact tests. This is a key area to check for any used model you consider.

So, how unsafe is the Kia Soul in a lab test? It’s not the worst, but it’s not always the best. You must check the exact year’s report card.

How Unsafe is the Kia Soul on Real Roads?

Lab tests are one thing. Real roads are another. They have potholes, other drivers, and surprise events.

The Kia Soul is a tall, boxy small car. This shape gives you great headroom and a fun look. But a higher center of gravity can affect handling compared to a low sedan.

Some drivers report the car can feel a bit tippy in fast turns. This doesn’t mean it will roll over. It just means you should drive it like a tall car, not a sports car.

Real-world injury data from the IIHS is telling. In their studies, the Kia Soul often shows average driver injury claims. This means it’s not a standout for being extra safe or extra risky in real crashes.

Visibility is actually a strong point. The big windows and upright design let you see out well. This helps you avoid crashes in the first place, which is the best safety feature.

So, how unsafe is the Kia Soul in daily driving? For normal, careful driving, it’s fine. Its real-world safety seems pretty average for its class.

Safety Features Over the Years

What’s inside the car matters as much as the shell. Airbags and electronic aids have grown a lot. The Kia Soul’s safety gear has gotten much better.

Older Souls, like those from 2010-2013, had the basics. Think front airbags and anti-lock brakes. Higher trim levels might have added side airbags.

This lack of standard advanced features in early years is part of the safety story. It’s a factor when you think about how unsafe is the Kia Soul from that era.

A big change happened around 2020. Kia made more driver aids standard. This includes automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist.

These systems can stop a crash before it happens. The IIHS notes that automatic braking cuts rear-end crashes by half. Having this tech changes the safety game completely.

If you buy a new or recent used Soul, you get a much safer car. The old question of how unsafe is the Kia Soul matters less for models with these new tools.

Comparing the Kia Soul to Other Small Cars

Is the Soul uniquely bad? Let’s put it next to its rivals. This gives us a fair view of the market.

The Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR are similar small, tall cars. They often get top marks from both IIHS and NHTSA. They are typically seen as safety leaders in the class.

The Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Kona are other close competitors. Their scores are also generally strong. They often match or beat the Soul’s ratings in specific crash tests.

So where does this leave the Kia Soul? It often sits in the middle of the pack. It’s not the safety champ, but it’s also not the obvious weak link it’s sometimes made out to be.

This comparison is vital. It shows that asking how unsafe is the Kia Soul might be the wrong focus. A better question is: “Is it safe enough for me compared to other choices?”

For the price, the Soul often gives you more features. You might trade a perfect safety score for more tech or space. That’s a personal choice.

Common Owner Complaints and Issues

What do people who drive them every day say? Owner forums and complaint boards show patterns. These aren’t always crash issues, but they affect safety.

Some owners of older models report problems with the electrical system. Things like lights failing can be a safety hazard at night. This is a maintenance and reliability concern.

A few talk about the tires wearing out quickly or unevenly. Bad tires hurt stopping power and wet weather grip. This is a key part of active safety that’s often overlooked.

There are very few widespread reports of major structural failures in crashes. This is good news. It suggests the car’s basic protective cage does its job when needed.

Most complaints are about long-term reliability, not immediate danger. This shifts the question from “how unsafe is the Kia Soul” to “how well does it hold up?”

Keeping any car well-maintained is crucial for safety. Worn brakes or bald tires make any car unsafe, no matter its crash test score.

The Importance of Model Year and Trim

You cannot talk about the Soul’s safety in one sentence. The 2014 model is a different car from the 2024 model. The trim level changes things too.

The Soul had a major redesign for the 2014 model year. It got better structure and more airbags. This was a big step up in safety.

Another big update came for the 2020 model. This added more standard driver aids. Choosing a 2020 or newer model is a smart move for peace of mind.

Even within a year, trim matters. The base “LX” trim might have fewer airbags than the top “EX” or “GT-Line” trims in older models. You must check the window sticker or spec sheet.

Resources like the Safercar.gov site let you search by year and model. This is the best way to get your exact answer. It stops you from worrying about how unsafe is the Kia Soul in general.

My advice? If safety is your top concern, look at 2020 and newer. The standard safety package makes it a much more modern and protective choice.

What Safety Experts Say About the Soul

Let’s see what the pros say. Expert reviews often mix driving feel with safety scores.

Many car review sites note the Soul’s good visibility and easy-to-use controls. These things help the driver stay focused and in control. That prevents accidents.

They also point out that the ride can be firm. This is due to its short wheelbase. A firm ride doesn’t mean unsafe, but it can make avoiding obstacles feel less smooth.

Experts at Consumer Reports have given the Soul mixed reliability ratings over time. Their safety assessment usually factors in both crash tests and predicted reliability.

The general expert take is that it’s a decent, practical car. Its safety isn’t a red flag, but it’s not its main selling point either. You buy it for style and value, with safety as a decent bonus in newer ones.

So, how unsafe is the Kia Soul according to experts? They don’t ring alarm bells. They suggest you do your homework on the specific year and drive it yourself to see if you feel secure.

Steps to Make Your Kia Soul Safer

No matter what car you have, you can boost its safety. Here are easy steps for Soul owners.

First, check your tires. Make sure they have good tread and are inflated right. This is the single best thing you can do for everyday safety.

Second, if you have an older model without a backup camera, add one. Many are easy to install. They prevent low-speed crashes when backing up.

Third, use your headlights. Turn them on in rain or dim light so others see your boxy shape clearly. The Soul’s unique look is a plus for visibility if you light it up.

Fourth, if you have a newer model with automatic braking, keep the front sensor clean. Dirt or snow can block it and stop the system from working.

Fifth, don’t overload it. The Soul has a lot of cargo space. But putting too much weight high up can change how it handles. Follow the weight limit in the manual.

Taking these steps helps a lot. They address the practical side of how unsafe is the Kia Soul by making the one you drive safer.

Final Verdict: Should You Be Worried?

Let’s wrap this up with a straight answer. The Kia Soul is not a deathtrap. It’s also not the fortress some other cars are.

For older models (pre-2014), the safety tech is basic. You are relying mostly on the structure and your own driving skills. In this case, the question of how unsafe is the Kia Soul has more weight.

For newer models (2020+), it’s a much safer bet. The standard driver aids are a game-changer. They provide a safety net that didn’t exist before.

The mixed crash test scores are confusing. But they show that safety isn’t black and white. A car can be good in some crashes and average in others.

Your driving habits matter most. A safe driver in an average car is often safer than a risky driver in a top-rated car. The CDC notes that driver behavior is a huge factor in crash outcomes.

So, how unsafe is the Kia Soul? It’s a car with an average safety story that got better with age. Do your research on the specific year, test drive it, and choose the newest, highest-trim model you can afford for the most protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How unsafe is the Kia Soul according to crash tests?

It has mixed scores. IIHS often gives it good marks, while some NHTSA scores are lower. You need to check the results for the exact year you want.

Did the Kia Soul ever fail a safety test?

It has never completely “failed,” but it has gotten mediocre ratings. Some model years got 3-star overall scores from NHTSA, which is below average.

Is the newer Kia Soul safer than the old one?

Yes, much safer. Models from 2020 and up have standard automatic emergency braking. This important feature can prevent crashes before they happen.

How unsafe is the Kia Soul for a new driver?

For a new driver, a newer Soul with good safety tech is a fine choice. The great visibility is a big plus. An older model without modern aids might not be the best first car.

What is the safest year for the Kia Soul?

The 2020 model and later are the safest. They have the best combination of good crash test results and standard advanced driver assistance features.

Should I avoid buying a used Kia Soul?

Not at all. Just be a smart shopper. Aim for a 2014 or newer model for better structure. Try to get a 2020 or newer if your budget allows for the latest safety tech.

Conclusion

So, how unsafe is the Kia Soul? The answer isn’t simple. It’s a car that has evolved from being just okay on safety to being quite good in its latest forms.

If you look at an old one, know its limits. If you look at a new one, enjoy the modern safety net. Always check the official scores for the specific model year before you buy.

Drive safely, maintain your car