Kia Soul AWD availability by model year

The Kia Soul has offered all-wheel drive as an option since the 2020 model year, but it is not standard on any trim level. You have to choose it — it does not come automatically on higher trims or specific packages. The AWD system is available on most Soul trims across the 2020 to 2024 model years, though availability has shifted slightly year to year.

For the current generation (2023 and newer), AWD is offered on EX and higher trims. On 2020 to 2022 models, AWD was available starting at the LX trim level, making it more accessible then than it is now. If you are shopping used, check the window sticker or VIN decoder to confirm whether a specific Soul has AWD — the badge on the back will say "AWD" if it does, but that is not always visible on photos.

The Soul is front-wheel drive by default. Most buyers choose FWD because it costs less, offers better fuel economy, and handles adequately for daily driving. AWD adds weight and complexity, which is why Kia reserves it for buyers who specifically want it.

Key Takeaways

  • Kia Soul AWD has been available since 2020 but is never standard — you must order or select it as an option.
  • On 2023 and newer models, AWD starts at the EX trim; on 2020–2022 models, it was available from LX up.
  • The Soul is front-wheel drive by default, and most owners never add AWD because FWD handles winter and light snow adequately for typical driving.
  • AWD adds roughly 300 to 400 pounds and reduces fuel economy by 1 to 3 miles per gallon compared to the same FWD model.

What the Kia Soul AWD system actually does

The Kia Soul AWD is a part-time system that sends power to all four wheels when traction is needed, then returns to front-wheel drive during normal highway driving to save fuel. It is not a true full-time AWD like you find on some Subarus or Audis. The system engages automatically when the front wheels slip — you do not have to switch it on or off.

This design works well for light snow, wet leaves, and gravel, but it is not the same as a truck's four-wheel drive system. The Soul sits lower to the ground and has less ground clearance, so it will not climb steep unpaved roads or ford through deep snow the way a truck would. If you live somewhere that gets heavy snow or you drive on unplowed mountain roads regularly, the Soul AWD will help, but it has limits.

The system adds about 300 to 400 pounds to the vehicle's weight, which is why fuel economy drops. A 2024 Soul EX with AWD gets an EPA estimate of 28 city / 32 highway / 29 combined, compared to 29 city / 35 highway / 31 combined for the same trim in FWD. That difference compounds over years of ownership.

Cost of adding AWD to a Kia Soul

The price difference between FWD and AWD on a new Kia Soul ranges from about $1,400 to $1,800, depending on the model year and trim. On a 2024 Soul, the gap is typically around $1,500. This is the upfront cost at purchase — you pay it once, but you also pay it in fuel over the life of the vehicle.

If you drive 12,000 miles a year and gas costs $3.50 per gallon, the 2 to 3 mile-per-gallon difference between FWD and AWD costs you roughly $70 to $105 per year in extra fuel. Over five years of ownership, that adds up to $350 to $525 in fuel alone, on top of the $1,500 purchase premium. Some buyers see this as insurance against winter weather; others see it as money spent on a system they rarely use.

Used Kia Souls with AWD typically sell for $800 to $1,200 more than comparable FWD models, which is less than the original markup but still meaningful if you are buying used and budget is tight.

When the Kia Soul AWD makes sense

AWD on a Soul is worth the cost if you live in a region that gets regular snow or ice, drive on unpaved roads, or commute through areas where roads are not cleared quickly after storms. It also makes sense if you tow a small trailer or carry heavy loads regularly — the extra traction helps stability when the vehicle is loaded.

AWD does not make sense if you live somewhere that rarely sees snow, drive mostly on highways, or park in a garage overnight. In those situations, you are paying $1,500 upfront and $70 to $100 per year in fuel for a system you may never use. Front-wheel drive handles rain, wet roads, and light snow adequately for most drivers, and it is what the majority of Soul owners choose.

If you are on the fence, consider how many days per year your area gets snow or ice that actually affects driving. If it is fewer than five days, FWD is probably the right choice. If it is more than fifteen days, AWD starts to make financial sense because you are using it regularly enough to justify the cost.

Comparing Kia Soul AWD to competitors

The Honda HR-V offers AWD as an option on most trims and has been doing so longer than the Soul — since the first generation. The Toyota Corolla Cross, another compact crossover, also offers AWD on higher trims. Both systems work similarly to the Soul's: they engage automatically when traction is needed and return to front-wheel drive on dry roads.

The Subaru Crosstrek is the main competitor that comes standard with AWD on all models, which means you cannot buy it in FWD. That makes it more expensive than a Soul or HR-V, but if AWD is non-negotiable for you, Subaru's approach removes the decision. The Crosstrek also has higher ground clearance than the Soul, which matters if you drive on rough terrain.

If you are comparing fuel economy across these vehicles, remember that any AWD compact crossover will cost more to fuel than its FWD equivalent. The difference is usually 1 to 3 miles per gallon, which is consistent across brands.

How to check if a used Kia Soul has AWD

The easiest way is to look at the back of the vehicle — if it has AWD, there will be an "AWD" badge on the liftgate. On some model years, this badge is small or faded, so do not rely on it alone. Check the window sticker if you are buying from a dealer; it will list the drivetrain clearly. If you are buying from a private seller, ask them directly and verify by running the VIN through Kia's website or a VIN decoder tool.

You can also look underneath the rear axle: an AWD Soul will have a driveshaft running to the rear wheels, while an FWD model will not. This requires getting under the vehicle or using a lift, so it is not practical for most buyers, but a mechanic can confirm it if you are unsure.

The window sticker is the most reliable source. If the seller does not have it, Kia can provide one using the VIN, and most dealers will do this for free if you ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Kia Soul need AWD for winter driving?

No. The Soul's front-wheel drive handles winter driving adequately in most climates, especially if you use winter tires. Winter tires make a bigger difference than AWD in snow and ice. If you live somewhere with heavy snow or frequent ice, AWD helps, but it is not required for safe winter driving.

Can I add AWD to a Soul that came with FWD?

No. The AWD system is built into the vehicle during manufacturing — it cannot be retrofitted to an FWD Soul. If you want AWD, you need to buy a Soul that was ordered with it from the factory or find a used one that already has it.

Does the Kia Soul AWD have a low-range gear for off-roading?

No. The Soul's AWD system is designed for on-road traction in snow and wet conditions, not off-roading. It has no low-range gear, no locking differentials, and no terrain modes. If you need serious off-road capability, you need a truck or a vehicle designed for that purpose.

What is the fuel economy difference between Soul FWD and AWD?

The AWD version typically gets 1 to 3 miles per gallon less than the FWD version of the same trim and model year. On a 2024 Soul EX, that is 29 city / 35 highway / 31 combined for FWD versus 28 city / 32 highway / 29 combined for AWD.

Is the Kia Soul AWD reliable?

Yes. The AWD system on the Soul has been in use since 2020 with no widespread reliability issues reported. Maintenance is the same as any other Kia — regular oil changes, tire rotations, and scheduled service. AWD does not require special maintenance beyond what FWD needs.