Last updated: 2026-05-15

Chevrolet Trax vs KIA Soul: Reliability Compared

More ReliableChevrolet Trax reliability comparison

Chevrolet Trax

80
ExcellentReliability score: 80 out of 100, rated Excellent
VS
KIA Soul reliability comparison

KIA Soul

77
GoodReliability score: 77 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Chevrolet Trax and the KIA Soul? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two subcompact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Chevrolet Trax currently leads with an average score of 80/100 compared to 77/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Chevrolet Trax and KIA Soul Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Chevrolet Trax is in its second generation, which began in 2024. This places it relatively early in its generation cycle, where newer platforms can sometimes experience first-year issues as they iron out initial design and production challenges. The first generation of the Trax ran from 2015 to 2022, with a significant facelift in 2017 that likely improved its reliability over time. In contrast, the KIA Soul is in its third generation, which started in 2020 and is expected to continue until 2025. A facelift in 2023 suggests that the Soul has benefited from updates that typically address earlier issues, making it a more mature and well-sorted option. With the Soul later in its generation cycle, it may offer more consistent reliability compared to the newer Trax.

Verdict

The Chevrolet Trax is more reliable than the KIA Soul, scoring 80/100 vs 77/100.

The Chevrolet Trax slightly edges out the KIA Soul in reliability with an average score of 80/100 compared to the Soul's 77/100. The Trax has experienced fewer recalls over the past eight years, with five compared to the Soul's ten, and has a lower owner complaint rate of 4.6 per 10,000 units sold versus the Soul's 6.4. However, the KIA Soul offers a lower estimated annual repair cost of $437 compared to the Trax's $488. Both models share common issues in the engine and electrical systems, but the Trax's superior reliability score and fewer recalls make it the more dependable choice overall.

Key Differences

  1. 1KIA Soul costs $51 less per year to repair
  2. 2Chevrolet Trax has 5 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Chevrolet Trax scores 3 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

3Chevrolet Trax
—
2KIA Soul
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair Risk

Chevrolet Trax vs KIA Soul: Which Is More Reliable?

Chevrolet Trax vs KIA Soul at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricChevrolet TraxKIA Soul
Reliability Score80/10077/100
Years Tracked88
Total Recalls510
Complaints per 10k Sold4.66.4
Annual Repair Cost$488/yr$437/yr
Repair Frequency0.2/yr0.2/yr
Major Repair Risk12%9%
Year Wins4 (1 tied)2 (1 tied)

What Are the Common Problems With the Chevrolet Trax and KIA Soul?

The Chevrolet Trax and KIA Soul exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the KIA Soul experiencing a significantly higher total complaint volume at 1005 compared to the Trax's 509. The Soul's engine issues are notably prevalent, with 410 complaints, including 2 crash-linked, whereas the Trax has only 65 engine-related complaints. Both models face substantial electrical system complaints; however, the Trax has more issues in this category at 116 versus the Soul's 75. In terms of safety concerns, the Trax's airbag complaints are significant with 14 crash-linked incidents, while the Soul reports a higher number of airbag complaints at 34, with 24 crash-linked, indicating a critical area of concern for both models.

Chevrolet Trax vs KIA Soul common problem areas comparison
ComponentChevrolet TraxKIA Soul
ENGINE0.6Very Low2.6Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1Very Low0.5Very Low
POWER TRAIN0.4Very Low1Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER0.5Very Low0.7Very Low
STEERING0.3Very Low0.3Very Low
SUSPENSION0.5Very Low—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING—None0.5Very Low
AIR BAGS0.2Very Low0.2Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES0.2Very Low0.1Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER0.1Very Low—None
WHEELS0.1Very Low—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None0.1Very Low
STRUCTURE—None—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM—None—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE—None—None
SEAT BELTS—None—None
FUEL SYSTEM—None—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chevrolet Trax or KIA Soul?

The Chevrolet Trax and KIA Soul both have similar repair frequencies at 0.2 visits per year, indicating that neither is more prone to needing frequent repairs. However, the annual repair cost for the Trax is slightly higher at $488 compared to $437 for the Soul, resulting in a difference of $51 per year, or $255 over five years. More critically, the Trax has a higher major repair risk at 12%, compared to the Soul's 9%. For cost-conscious buyers, this means the KIA Soul offers better value, with lower annual costs and a reduced likelihood of expensive repairs.

How Does Chevrolet Trax vs KIA Soul Reliability Compare by Year?

Chevrolet Trax vs KIA Soul year-by-year reliability scores
YearChevrolet TraxKIA SoulEdge
202585/1000R / 61C85/1000R / 9CTie
202480/1001R / 125C86/1000R / 23CKIA Soul
202281/1000R / 9C78/1001R / 78CChevrolet Trax
202181/1000R / 18C72/1002R / 190CChevrolet Trax
202081/1000R / 80C70/1001R / 338CChevrolet Trax
201975/1002R / 123C76/1001R / 123CKIA Soul
201875/1002R / 93C73/1001R / 199CChevrolet Trax

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Chevrolet Trax scored 85/100 and the 2024 KIA Soul scored 86/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Chevrolet Trax vs the KIA Soul?

If you prioritize reliability and fewer recalls, the Chevrolet Trax might be the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 80/100 and only 5 recalls, it promises a more dependable experience. The Trax also has fewer owner complaints, with just 4.6 per 10,000 sold, and a slightly higher estimated annual repair cost of $488. However, it does carry a 12% risk of major repairs, which is something to consider if you plan on keeping the car for the long haul. On the other hand, if lower repair costs are your main concern, the KIA Soul is worth considering. With an estimated annual repair cost of $437 and a lower major repair risk of 9%, it can be more economical over time. Although it has a lower reliability score of 77/100 and has seen 10 recalls, it may suit those willing to trade off some reliability for reduced repair expenses.

Chevrolet Trax vs KIA Soul: Common Questions

Is the Chevrolet Trax more reliable than the KIA Soul?
Based on our data, the Chevrolet Trax is more reliable with an average score of 80/100 compared to 77/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Trax or the KIA Soul?
The KIA Soul has more recalls (10) compared to the Chevrolet Trax (5). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Chevrolet Trax or the KIA Soul?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Chevrolet Trax has a lower complaint rate at 4.6 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 6.4 for the KIA Soul. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet Trax or the KIA Soul?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the KIA Soul is cheaper to maintain at $437/year versus $488/year for the Chevrolet Trax.

Related Reliability Comparisons

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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