Kia Soul vs Subaru Crosstrek: reliability compared
From 2012 to 2025, owners filed an average of 378 complaints per model year about the Kia Soul and 85 about the Subaru Crosstrek.
Side by side
| Kia Soul | Subaru Crosstrek | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2012-2025 | 2012-2025 |
| Owner complaints | 5,285 | 1,196 |
| Complaints per model year | 378 | 85 |
| Recalls | 13 | 13 |
| Years to avoid | 2013201420152016 | 20182019 |
| Best years | 20192022 | 201320142015 |
| Most common problem | Engine | Visibility |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 30-31 mpg combined (2025) | 27-29 mpg combined (2025) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Soul | Crosstrek | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3,391 | 154 |
| Steering | 509 | 59 |
| Electrical | 471 | 201 |
| Transmission | 410 | 119 |
| Fuel system | 357 | 41 |
| Brakes | 299 | 54 |
| Visibility | 64 | 341 |
| Driver assistance | 80 | 78 |
Questions about the Kia Soul vs Subaru Crosstrek
Which is more reliable, the Kia Soul or the Subaru Crosstrek?
Between 2012 and 2025, the Kia Soul has 4 years to avoid and the Subaru Crosstrek 2. The Subaru Crosstrek has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Subaru Crosstrek drew fewer complaints per model year (85 vs 378), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Kia Soul or the Subaru Crosstrek?
From 2012 to 2025, the Kia Soul was covered by 13 recalls and the Subaru Crosstrek by 13.
What years of the Kia Soul and Subaru Crosstrek should you avoid?
Kia Soul: 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Subaru Crosstrek: 2018 and 2019.
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