How Many Gallons Does a Kia Soul Hold

Wondering how many gallons a Kia Soul holds? Most models come with a 14.5-gallon fuel tank, offering solid range for city and highway driving. With good fuel economy, the Soul can travel over 400 miles on a single tank, making it a reliable choice for commuters and weekend adventurers alike.

Key Takeaways

• Standard fuel tank size: The majority of Kia Soul models, from 2010 to 2023, feature a 14.5-gallon fuel tank.
• Fuel efficiency varies by engine: Gasoline engines average 27–33 MPG combined, while the electric Soul EV offers up to 110 MPGe.
• Real-world range exceeds 400 miles: With efficient driving, a full tank can last over 400 miles on the highway.
• Fuel type matters: Most Souls use regular unleaded gasoline; using premium offers no benefit and increases costs.
• Maintenance improves mileage: Regular oil changes, tire pressure checks, and air filter replacements help maintain optimal fuel economy.
• Driving habits impact range: Aggressive acceleration and high speeds reduce fuel efficiency significantly.
• EV model has no gas tank: The Kia Soul EV runs entirely on electricity and does not use gasoline.

How Many Gallons Does a Kia Soul Hold? A Complete Guide

If you’re thinking about buying a Kia Soul—or you already own one—you’ve probably asked yourself: “How many gallons does a Kia Soul hold?” It’s a smart question, especially if you’re planning long road trips, commuting daily, or just want to understand your car’s fuel capabilities. The good news is that the Kia Soul is designed with practicality in mind, and its fuel tank size reflects that.

The Kia Soul has been a popular compact crossover since its debut in 2009. Known for its boxy shape, spacious interior, and fun personality, it’s a favorite among urban drivers and small families. But beyond its quirky design, one of the most important features for many buyers is fuel efficiency and range. And that starts with knowing how much fuel the car can actually hold.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the fuel tank capacity of the Kia Soul, explore how that translates into real-world driving range, and share tips to help you get the most out of every gallon. Whether you’re driving a gas-powered Soul or considering the electric version, this article has you covered.

Standard Fuel Tank Capacity of the Kia Soul

So, how many gallons does a Kia Soul hold? The answer is consistent across most model years: **14.5 gallons**. This has been the standard fuel tank size for the Kia Soul from its early generations right up through the 2023 model year. Whether you’re driving a 2012 Soul or a brand-new 2023 Soul GT-Line, you’ll find the same 14.5-gallon tank under the rear seats.

This size strikes a great balance between fuel capacity and vehicle weight. A larger tank might offer more range, but it would also add weight and reduce efficiency. A smaller tank would mean more frequent fill-ups, which isn’t ideal for road trips or long commutes. At 14.5 gallons, the Soul gives you enough fuel to go the distance without sacrificing performance or fuel economy.

It’s worth noting that this capacity applies to all gasoline-powered Kia Soul models. The Soul has come with different engine options over the years—like the 1.6L, 2.0L, and turbocharged 1.6L engines—but none of these changes affected the fuel tank size. The tank remains a constant, reliable 14.5 gallons.

Why 14.5 Gallons? The Engineering Behind the Number

You might wonder why Kia chose 14.5 gallons specifically. It’s not arbitrary. Automakers carefully calculate fuel tank size based on vehicle weight, aerodynamics, expected driving patterns, and fuel economy targets. For a compact crossover like the Soul, 14.5 gallons is ideal because it supports a driving range of over 400 miles when combined with the car’s efficient engines.

For example, if your Soul gets 29 miles per gallon (MPG) combined—which is typical for the 2.0L engine—you can expect to travel about 420 miles on a full tank (14.5 x 29 = 420.5). That’s more than enough for a weekend getaway or a week of commuting without stopping for gas.

Kia also designed the fuel tank to fit neatly under the rear passenger area, maximizing interior space. This placement helps keep the center of gravity low, improving handling and stability. Plus, it protects the tank from road debris and impacts.

Does the Fuel Tank Size Change with Trim or Year?

One common question is whether different trims or model years have different fuel tank sizes. The short answer is no. Whether you have a base LX, a sporty GT-Line, or a well-equipped EX, the fuel tank remains 14.5 gallons across the board.

Even as the Kia Soul evolved—adding features like Apple CarPlay, advanced safety systems, and more powerful engines—the fuel tank capacity stayed the same. This consistency makes it easier for owners to plan fuel stops and calculate range, regardless of which Soul they drive.

The only exception is the **Kia Soul EV**, the all-electric version. Since it doesn’t use gasoline, it doesn’t have a fuel tank at all. Instead, it relies on a battery pack that stores electricity. We’ll cover the EV in more detail later, but for now, just know that if you’re driving a gas-powered Soul, you’re working with a 14.5-gallon tank.

Fuel Efficiency and Real-World Range

Knowing how many gallons a Kia Soul holds is only part of the story. The other half is understanding how far those gallons will take you. That’s where fuel efficiency comes in.

The Kia Soul’s fuel economy varies depending on the engine, transmission, and driving conditions. But on average, most gasoline-powered Souls deliver between **27 and 33 MPG combined** (city and highway). Let’s break that down.

Gasoline Engine Options and Their MPG Ratings

Over the years, the Kia Soul has offered a few different engines. Here’s a quick look at the most common ones and their fuel economy:

– **1.6L 4-cylinder engine (early models):** Around 24–26 MPG city, 30–32 MPG highway. This engine was available in the first-generation Soul (2010–2013) and was known for its simplicity and reliability.
– **2.0L 4-cylinder engine (2014–2023):** Approximately 25–27 MPG city, 32–35 MPG highway. This became the standard engine in later models and offered a nice balance of power and efficiency.
– **1.6L Turbocharged engine (2017–2023, GT-Line trim):** Around 24–26 MPG city, 30–32 MPG highway. While more powerful, the turbo engine uses slightly more fuel due to increased performance.

These numbers are based on EPA estimates, but real-world results can vary. Factors like traffic, weather, driving style, and vehicle load all play a role.

Calculating Your Soul’s Driving Range

Now, let’s do some math. If your Kia Soul has a 14.5-gallon tank and gets 29 MPG combined, your total range would be:

14.5 gallons × 29 MPG = **420.5 miles**

That’s impressive for a compact car. On a full tank, you could drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco (about 380 miles) and still have gas to spare. Or, if you’re commuting 30 miles round-trip each day, you could go over two weeks without filling up.

Of course, if you drive mostly in the city with lots of stop-and-go traffic, your MPG might drop to 25 or lower. In that case, your range would be closer to 360 miles. On the flip side, highway driving at steady speeds can boost your MPG to 33 or higher, giving you a range of over 480 miles.

Tips to Maximize Your Fuel Range

Want to get the most out of every gallon? Here are some practical tips:

– **Keep your tires properly inflated.** Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure monthly.
– **Avoid aggressive driving.** Rapid acceleration and hard braking can lower your MPG by 15–30%. Drive smoothly and anticipate traffic.
– **Use cruise control on the highway.** It helps maintain a constant speed, which improves efficiency.
– **Remove excess weight.** Extra cargo in your trunk or back seat adds weight and reduces mileage. Travel light when possible.
– **Keep up with maintenance.** A clean air filter, fresh spark plugs, and regular oil changes help your engine run efficiently.

By following these tips, you can stretch your fuel range and save money at the pump.

Gas vs. Electric: The Kia Soul EV

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the **Kia Soul EV**. If you’re asking, “How many gallons does a Kia Soul hold?” and you’re looking at the electric version, the answer is simple: **zero gallons**.

The Kia Soul EV is a fully electric vehicle (EV) that runs entirely on battery power. It doesn’t have a gasoline engine or a fuel tank. Instead, it uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack to power an electric motor.

How Far Can the Soul EV Go?

The range of the Kia Soul EV depends on the model year and battery size. Here’s a breakdown:

– **2015–2019 Soul EV (27 kWh battery):** EPA-estimated range of about 93–110 miles.
– **2020–2023 Soul EV (64 kWh battery):** EPA-estimated range of up to 243 miles.

That’s a big improvement! The newer models can easily handle daily commutes and even longer trips, especially with the growing network of public charging stations.

Charging the Soul EV

Instead of filling up with gas, you charge the Soul EV using an electrical outlet or charging station. Here’s how it works:

– **Level 1 charging (standard 120V outlet):** Adds about 2–3 miles of range per hour. Best for overnight charging at home.
– **Level 2 charging (240V home charger or public station):** Adds 20–30 miles per hour. A full charge takes about 6–8 hours.
– **DC fast charging (public stations):** Can charge the battery to 80% in about 54 minutes.

While the Soul EV doesn’t use gasoline, it’s still important to plan your trips around charging availability, especially on long drives.

Comparing Gas and Electric Souls

| Feature | Gas-Powered Soul | Soul EV |
|——–|——————|——–|
| Fuel tank size | 14.5 gallons | N/A (electric) |
| Fuel type | Regular unleaded gasoline | Electricity |
| Range | 360–480 miles | 93–243 miles |
| Refueling time | 5–10 minutes | 6–8 hours (Level 2), ~1 hour (DC fast) |
| Fuel cost (per mile) | ~$0.12–$0.15 | ~$0.03–$0.05 |

As you can see, the gas-powered Soul offers much greater range and faster refueling, while the EV is cheaper to operate and better for the environment.

Factors That Affect Fuel Economy in the Kia Soul

Even with a 14.5-gallon tank, your actual fuel economy can vary. Several factors influence how efficiently your Kia Soul uses fuel. Understanding these can help you get the best performance and range.

Driving Habits

How you drive has a huge impact on fuel economy. Aggressive driving—like speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking—can reduce your MPG by up to 30%. On the other hand, smooth, steady driving helps your engine operate efficiently.

For example, if you drive 60 mph instead of 70 mph on the highway, you could improve your fuel economy by 5–10 MPG. That adds up over time.

Vehicle Load and Cargo

The more weight your Soul carries, the harder the engine has to work. Carrying heavy items in the trunk or back seat reduces fuel efficiency. Roof racks and cargo boxes also increase aerodynamic drag, especially at highway speeds.

If you’re going on a road trip, pack only what you need. And if you have a roof rack, remove it when not in use.

Weather and Climate

Cold weather can reduce fuel economy by 10–20% in city driving. That’s because engines take longer to warm up, and winter tires have more rolling resistance. Using seat heaters and defrosters also draws power from the engine.

In hot weather, running the air conditioning can lower MPG by 10–25%, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

Maintenance and Upkeep

A well-maintained Kia Soul runs more efficiently. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

– **Oil changes:** Use the recommended oil type and change it every 5,000–7,500 miles.
– **Air filter:** Replace it every 15,000–30,000 miles to ensure proper airflow.
– **Spark plugs:** Check and replace them as needed (usually every 30,000–100,000 miles).
– **Tire alignment and balance:** Misaligned tires cause uneven wear and reduce efficiency.

Regular maintenance not only improves fuel economy but also extends the life of your vehicle.

Fuel Quality and Additives

Using high-quality gasoline helps your engine run smoothly. While premium fuel isn’t necessary for the Kia Soul (it’s designed for regular unleaded), some drivers swear by fuel additives or top-tier gas for better performance.

Top-tier gasoline contains more detergents that help keep fuel injectors clean. While the difference in MPG might be small, it can contribute to long-term engine health.

Tips for Long Road Trips in Your Kia Soul

Now that you know how many gallons a Kia Soul holds and how far it can go, let’s talk about making the most of it on long trips.

Plan Your Fuel Stops

With a range of 400+ miles, you might not need to stop often. But it’s smart to plan ahead. Use apps like GasBuddy or Waze to find the cheapest gas stations along your route. Fill up when your tank is about half full to avoid running low in remote areas.

Pack Smart

Avoid overloading your Soul. Use soft-sided luggage instead of hard cases to save space. And remember: every extra pound reduces fuel economy.

Drive Efficiently

Use cruise control on highways, avoid sudden lane changes, and maintain a steady speed. If you’re driving in mountains, shift to a lower gear when climbing to reduce strain on the engine.

Take Breaks

Fatigue affects driving performance. Take a break every 2 hours or 100 miles. Stretch, hydrate, and rest your eyes. A well-rested driver is a safer, more efficient driver.

Monitor Your Fuel Gauge

Don’t wait until the low fuel light comes on. Most Souls have a reserve of about 2–3 gallons after the light appears. That’s 50–70 miles of driving, but it’s better to fill up early than risk being stranded.

Conclusion: The Kia Soul Is a Fuel-Smart Choice

So, how many gallons does a Kia Soul hold? The answer is clear: **14.5 gallons** for all gasoline-powered models. That’s enough fuel to take you over 400 miles on a single tank, especially if you drive efficiently and maintain your vehicle.

The Kia Soul strikes a great balance between size, efficiency, and practicality. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands around town, or heading out on a cross-country adventure, the Soul’s fuel capacity and economy make it a reliable companion.

And if you’re looking to go green, the Kia Soul EV offers an all-electric alternative with zero emissions and lower operating costs—though it doesn’t use gasoline at all.

No matter which Soul you choose, understanding your fuel system helps you drive smarter, save money, and get the most out of every mile. So fill up, hit the road, and enjoy the ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many gallons does a Kia Soul hold?

Most Kia Soul models, from 2010 to 2023, have a 14.5-gallon fuel tank. This applies to all gasoline-powered versions, regardless of trim or engine type.

Can I use premium gas in my Kia Soul?

No, premium gas is not required. The Kia Soul is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline. Using premium offers no performance or efficiency benefits and will only cost you more.

How far can a Kia Soul go on a full tank?

With a 14.5-gallon tank and average fuel economy of 27–33 MPG, the Kia Soul can travel between 360 and 480 miles on a full tank, depending on driving conditions.

Does the Kia Soul EV have a gas tank?

No, the Kia Soul EV is fully electric and does not have a gasoline engine or fuel tank. It runs entirely on battery power.

What affects my Kia Soul’s fuel economy?

Driving habits, vehicle load, weather, maintenance, and fuel quality all impact fuel economy. Smooth driving, proper tire pressure, and regular upkeep help maximize MPG.

How often should I fill up my Kia Soul?

Most drivers fill up every 1–2 weeks, depending on mileage. With a range of over 400 miles, you can typically go 7–10 days between fill-ups for average commutes.