Chevrolet
Trax
Kia
Soul
Chevrolet Trax vs Kia Soul: 2022 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Kia Soul comes out ahead of the Chevrolet Trax on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Trax
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation. For the first-generation models (approximately 2014-2022), owner feedback is overwhelmingly negative, characterized by very frequent and severe mechanical failures leading to high repair costs and widespread distrust. Common catastrophic issues include turbocharger failures, timing chain problems, and complete engine failures, often occurring before 100,000 miles.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to identify a "best" version. For the new generation, an owner notes the LT trim offers a good balance of features.
Known issues
- ⚠**First Generation (2014-2022 w/ 1.4L Turbo Engine):** Turbocharger failure: Requires replacement, often linked to other engine damage. Cost reports range from $2,100 to $6,000. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Engine failure: Catastrophic failures including melted cylinders, holes in engine blocks, and complete replacements. Often occurs under 100,000 miles. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Timing chain issues: Causes persistent check engine lights (P0016, P0017 codes) and requires expensive replacement. Frequency: very frequent.
Soul
Overall
Mixed to negative sentiment, heavily dependent on model year and engine. The vehicle is consistently praised for its practicality, including exceptional interior roominess, good fuel economy, easy maneuverability, and overall value as a basic, economical transportation appliance. Long-term owners of specific years (e.g., 2011, 2020) report high satisfaction with minimal repairs and reliable service.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a single "best" version. Positive long-term reliability is anecdotally reported for the 2011 model year and for the 2020+ models with the 2.0L engine (non-turbo), provided they avoid the major engine failure issues.
Known issues
- ⚠Catastrophic engine failure (knocking, stalling, seizure) often preceded by excessive oil consumption: very frequent across 2010-2020 models. Linked to recalls and extended warranty programs.
- ⚠Excessive oil consumption/burning: recurrent, noted as a common precursor to major engine issues.
- ⚠Transmission problems: includes laggy acceleration, harsh clunking between gears (particularly 2nd to 3rd), "searching" for gears, and general lack of refinement. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Kia Soul is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Chevrolet Trax, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Chevrolet Trax is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Chevrolet Trax or the Kia Soul?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Chevrolet Trax and the Kia Soul. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Chevrolet Trax or the Kia Soul?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Chevrolet Trax is classed as a SUV, the Kia Soul as a Crossover, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Chevrolet Trax or the Kia Soul?
The Kia Soul is more fuel-efficient on paper: 6.9 L/100km combined versus 8.7 L/100km for the Chevrolet Trax, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet Trax or the Kia Soul?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.