You're probably aware of the importance of motor oil when it comes to your vehicle. But you might not know that the grade of oil plays a critical role in the life and performance of your car. If you are driving a Kia Soul and are wondering what the best oil for it is, we can help you. We researched this vehicle in detail so that you will know for sure what to use in its engine.
The Kia Soul is recommended to use either 5W-30 or 0W-20 depending on the type of engine that it has under the hood for its newer models. Older models are recommended to use different grades.
Now that we know what the best oil for the Kia Soul is, we'll take a look at why using the correct grade is important. You might also be wondering how often you should change the oil in the Kia Soul or how much oil a Kia Soul will take. For the answers to these questions and more, read ahead in this post to see what our research has uncovered.
![Kia Soul on the motor show, What Is The Best Oil For Kia Soul [Inc. Years 2010-2022]?](https://vehq.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1.-What-Is-The-Best-Oil-For-Kia-Soul-Inc.-Years-2010-2022.jpg)
Why Using The Recommended Grade Is So Important For Your Engine
Each engine is manufactured differently. Sometimes, the oil grade that works perfectly for one engine will diminish the performance of another. This is due to how the moving parts are impacted by the viscosity of the oil itself. Viscosity refers to the oil's thickness, or its ability to flow throughout the engine.
If you use oil of the wrong viscosity, it will not be able to lubricate and cool the engine as it should. This will mean that the parts will wear sooner which will reduce the useful life of the engine.
For newer Kia Soul models, the oil you use will be based on the engine it has. If your Soul has a 1.6-liter engine, it will require 5W-30 synthetic oil. But if your Soul is equipped with the 2.0-liter engine, it will take oW-20 oil.
But if you have an older Kia Soul, they were manufactured for 5W-20 oil. This applies to the Souls that are model years 2017 and older. For additional information, refer to section 8 in your Kia Soul owner's manual.
Higher Mileage Kia Soul Might Be Better With Higher Viscosity Oil
The parts the oil lubricates inside the engine will wear down over time. This will lead to the oil flowing a bit quicker throughout than it did when the engine was new. If your Soul has over 100,000 miles on it, it might be worth considering increasing the viscosity of the oil you use.
Thicker oil will flow a bit slower, matching what is needed for the worn parts. If you have a higher mileage Kia Soul, we recommend having a conversation with your mechanic or your dealership about using a higher mileage oil. This could help you prolong the life of your Kia Soul, keeping it on the road for longer.
How Often Should You Change The Oil In A Kia Soul?
The frequency of oil changes is an important bit of information to have. This vital fluid needs to be replaced every so often so that it can continue to lubricate all of the moving parts without the buildup of sludge. But how often it needs to be changed in the Kia Soul will depend on the type of oil.
If you are using synthetic motor oil, you will find that you will only need to have it changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. This type of oil is cleaner, better for the environment, and lasts a lot longer than its conventional counterpart.
Should you be using conventional motor oil, it will need to be changed fully every 3,000 miles. This type of oil is less expensive per quart when compared to synthetic oil, but the frequency of changes makes it more expensive in the long run. While it does the job it was meant to do, this type of oil is dirtier and not environmentally friendly.
How Much Oil Does A Kia Soul Take?
It's a great idea to know beforehand how much oil your vehicle takes. This helps for budgeting purposes. It will also let you know how much you'll need to buy if you change the oil yourself.
The amount of oil a Kia Soul takes will depend on the engine it has under the hood. Many models are equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. If your Soul has this one, it will take 4.2 quarts to fill up the crankcase.
But if your Kia Soul has the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, it will take more oil when you have this vital fluid changed. This engine needs 4.8 quarts of oil to operate properly.
How Long Will A Kia Soul Last?
The ability of a vehicle to last is an important attribute for many consumers. Not everyone can afford to replace their vehicle every five years or so, making longevity a top priority. Kia Soul owners will be pleased to know that these vehicles are built to last.
A properly maintained Kia Soul should last an average of 175,000 to 200,000 miles. If you drive an average of 15,000 miles each year, the Soul should last between 11.5 and 13.5 years before it needs to be replaced.
Getting your Kia Soul to reach these higher mileage milestones will mean a bit of work on your part. Routine maintenance is the key difference between Souls that have issues around the 100,000 mark and ones that get upwards of 200,000 miles on their engines.
Follow the maintenance schedule outlined by the manufacturer, ensuring that each item is done at the recommended time/mileage intervals.
In addition to routine maintenance, we recommend that you also do the following for prolonging your Kia Soul's longevity:
Keep It Clean
You might not think of cleanliness as keeping your vehicle on the road longer, but this bit of vehicle housekeeping can add years of life to your Kia Soul. You'd be surprised how much a thorough washing will prolong the life of the body.
Any vehicle will be exposed to chemicals that will damage the body over time. This is particularly true of road salt that street crews lay down in the winter months to melt snow and ice.
This substance will make the metals that are exposed from your Kia oxidize and rust out the frame over time. Routinely washing your vehicle rids it of this harmful substance.
On the inside, keeping it clean will save your air filters a lot of wear. Never smoke inside the vehicle, as this will do great damage to the filters. Smoking and vaping will also damage the expensive electrical components inside the Kia.
Don't Delay In Having Repairs Done
Not all mechanical issues will present themselves during your maintenance visits at your Kia dealership. You might be driving one day and feel an odd vibration, smell a noxious odor, or hear a sound that is not normal for your Soul.
If your senses experience anything out of the ordinary, it's important to get your Kia to the dealership or mechanic as soon as possible. Small issues can quickly become bigger, more expensive problems if they are not addressed timely.
Is The Kia Soul Reliable?
Longevity might be important to many consumers, but it is not overshadowed by the need for reliability. Many drivers don't want their primary vehicles to wind up in the shop for repairs, many of which can be costly. Dependability is a critical component for a lot of folks' buying decisions.
For those considering a Kia Soul, you'll find that this is an extremely reliable vehicle. J.D. Power and Associates rated the 2022 model 87/100 for overall reliability, considered "great" in this rating category. This consumer reporting agency consistently rates the Kia Soul as "great" or better across many model years.
U.S. News and World Report have consistently ranked the Soul high in the class of compact SUVs. Over the last several years, the Soul has been #1 or #3 in this class. Considering there are 19 or more vehicles in this class, this is quite an accomplishment for Kia.
Final Thoughts
Using the recommended grade of oil for your Kia Soul keeps your engine's moving parts properly lubricated and cooled, extending the life of the vehicle. Be sure to get the oil in your Soul changed at the factory-recommended intervals so that you do not void your warranty.
A properly maintained Kia Soul will last for a decade or more on the road with few mechanical problems along the way. Drive safe!
We hope this post on the Kia Soul answered all of your questions. For more information, we suggest reading the following posts:
Can Kia Soul Go Off-Road? [Here’s What You Need to Know]