Is the Buick Envista more reliable than the KIA Soul?

Based on our data, the Buick Envista is more reliable with an average score of 79/100 compared to 77/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Buick Envista or the KIA Soul?

The KIA Soul has more recalls (10) compared to the Buick Envista (1). 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 Buick Envista or the KIA Soul?

Adjusted for sales volume, the KIA Soul has a lower complaint rate at 6.4 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 7.1 for the Buick Envista. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-07-26

Buick Envista vs KIA Soul: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Buick Envista

Good

KIA Soul

Good

Choosing between the Buick Envista 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 midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Buick Envista currently leads with an average score of 79/100 compared to 77/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Buick Envista and KIA Soul Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the KIA Soul is in its third generation (SK3), introduced in 2020 and refreshed in 2023. Being late in its generation cycle, this model benefits from having its design and engineering well-sorted, as any initial issues typical of new platforms have likely been addressed by now. In contrast, the Buick Envista is in its first generation (RE6), having been introduced in 2024. As a newer model, it may still be ironing out early production quirks, which can affect reliability. Buyers often find that vehicles later in their generational cycle, like the KIA Soul, tend to have more consistent reliability records.

Verdict

The Buick Envista is more reliable than the KIA Soul, scoring 79/100 vs 77/100.

The KIA Soul and Buick Envista are closely matched in reliability, with the Soul scoring 77/100 and the Envista slightly higher at 79/100. The Soul has a lower owner complaint rate of 6.4 per 10,000 sold compared to the Envista's 7.1, and it also benefits from independent repair cost estimates at $437 annually. However, the Envista's recall history is notably better, with only 1 recall over 3 years, whereas the Soul has had 10 recalls over 8 years. Ultimately, the choice may hinge on the Soul's lower complaint rate and repair costs versus the Envista's stronger recall performance.

Key Differences

1Buick Envista has 9 fewer total recalls
2Buick Envista scores 2 points higher in reliability
3KIA Soul has 0.7 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

2Buick Envista

—

1KIA Soul

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Buick Envista vs KIA Soul: Which Is More Reliable?

Buick Envista vs KIA Soul at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Buick Envista	KIA Soul
Reliability Score	79/100	77/100
Years Tracked	3	8
Total Recalls	1	10
Complaints per 10k Sold	7.1	6.4
Year Wins	0	2

What Are the Common Problems With the Buick Envista and KIA Soul?

The KIA Soul and Buick Envista exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the KIA Soul showing a higher overall complaint volume, particularly in the engine and power train categories, which account for 562 complaints combined, including 6 crash-linked incidents. The KIA Soul also experiences significant airbag issues, with 34 complaints, 24 of which are crash-linked, indicating a potential safety concern. In contrast, the Buick Envista's most reported issue is the electrical system, with 33 complaints, but it lacks the crash-linked severity seen in the KIA Soul's airbag and brake problems. Overall, while the KIA Soul is plagued by more severe safety-related issues, the Buick Envista demonstrates a more contained profile with fewer total and crash-linked complaints.

Buick Envista vs KIA Soul common problem areas comparison
Component	Buick Envista	KIA Soul
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	2.9Low	0.5Very Low
ENGINE	0.4Very Low	2.6Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	1.2Low	0.7Very Low
POWER TRAIN	0.3Very Low	1Very Low
STEERING	0.3Very Low	0.3Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	0.4Very Low	0.1Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	—None	0.5Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	0.2Very Low	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY	0.2Very Low	—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER	0.2Very Low	—None
AIR BAGS	—None	0.2Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	—None	0.1Very Low
STRUCTURE	—None	—None
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	—None
SUSPENSION	—None	—None
SEAT BELTS	—None	—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	—None

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

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Buick Envista or KIA Soul?

The KIA Soul, with an annual repair cost of $437 and a repair frequency of 0.2 visits per year, presents a clear picture of its maintenance demands. Its 9% major repair risk suggests a low likelihood of costly repairs. In contrast, specific data for the Buick Envista is unavailable, making direct comparisons challenging. However, for cost-conscious buyers, the KIA Soul offers transparent and manageable maintenance expenses. Over five years, its repair costs amount to approximately $2,185, with a predictable service schedule. This predictability and the low frequency of repairs make the KIA Soul a more reliable choice for budget-sensitive individuals seeking to minimize unexpected automotive expenses.

How Does Buick Envista vs KIA Soul Reliability Compare by Year?

Buick Envista vs KIA Soul year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Buick Envista	KIA Soul	Edge
2025	80/1000R / 28C	85/1000R / 9C	KIA Soul
2024	75/1001R / 49C	86/1000R / 23C	KIA Soul

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Buick Envista scored 80/100 and the 2024 KIA Soul scored 86/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Buick Envista vs the KIA Soul?

If you prioritize low running costs and predictable maintenance expenses, the KIA Soul might be your best choice. With an estimated annual repair cost of $437 and a low repair frequency of 0.2 times per year, it offers affordable upkeep. Despite having a slightly lower reliability score of 77, the Soul's major repair risk is a manageable 9%, and owner complaints are relatively low at 6.4 per 10,000 sold. However, be mindful of its 10 total recalls and issues related to the engine and powertrain. For those seeking a more reliable option with fewer recalls, consider the Buick Envista. It boasts a higher reliability score of 79 and only one recall, suggesting better overall dependability. Although owner complaints are slightly higher at 7.1 per 10,000 sold, the Envista's focus on addressing critical areas like the electrical system and brakes is advantageous. If comprehensive reliability and fewer potential headaches are your priorities, the Envista is a compelling choice.

Buick Envista vs KIA Soul: Common Questions

Is the Buick Envista more reliable than the KIA Soul?: Based on our data, the Buick Envista is more reliable with an average score of 79/100 compared to 77/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Buick Envista or the KIA Soul?: The KIA Soul has more recalls (10) compared to the Buick Envista (1). 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 Buick Envista or the KIA Soul?: Adjusted for sales volume, the KIA Soul has a lower complaint rate at 6.4 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 7.1 for the Buick Envista. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Buick Envista comparisons

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More KIA Soul 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

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.

Repair Costs

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

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.

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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