Is the KIA Soul more reliable than the Mazda CX-30?

Based on our data, the KIA Soul is more reliable with an average score of 77/100 compared to 66/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the KIA Soul or the Mazda CX-30?

Both have 10 recalls across their tracked years. Review individual year pages for details on what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the KIA Soul or the Mazda CX-30?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Mazda CX-30 has a lower complaint rate at 5.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 6.4 for the KIA Soul. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Is the KIA Soul or Mazda CX-30 safer?

Based on NHTSA crash test ratings, the Mazda CX-30 has a higher overall safety rating of 5/5 stars compared to 4/5 for the KIA Soul. Check sub-ratings (frontal, side, rollover) above for a more detailed safety comparison.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

KIA Soul vs Mazda CX-30: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

KIA Soul

Good

Mazda CX-30

Good

Choosing between the KIA Soul and the Mazda CX-30? 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 compact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The KIA Soul currently leads with an average score of 77/100 compared to 66/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the KIA Soul and Mazda CX-30 Generations Compare?

As of today, the Mazda CX-30 is in its first generation, which ran from 2020 to 2024. Since it has recently completed its first generation, potential buyers should be aware that newer platforms like this may have experienced typical first-year issues, which tend to be resolved in subsequent model years as the platform matures. In contrast, the KIA Soul is currently in its third generation, which began in 2020 and is set to conclude in 2025. The Soul received a significant facelift in 2023, indicating that it is in the later stages of its generation cycle. Mature platforms like the Soul's third generation are often more reliable due to ongoing improvements and refinements over the years. This makes the KIA Soul a potentially more reliable choice, given its established platform and recent updates.

Verdict

The KIA Soul is more reliable than the Mazda CX-30, scoring 77/100 vs 66/100.

The KIA Soul demonstrates stronger reliability with an average score of 77/100 compared to the Mazda CX-30's 66/100. Both vehicles have experienced 10 recalls, but the KIA Soul has a slightly higher owner complaint rate at 6.4 per 10,000 sold, versus the CX-30's 5.7. However, a key differentiator is the KIA Soul's estimated annual repair cost of $437, providing a clearer picture of ongoing maintenance expenses, which is not available for the CX-30. While both models exhibit common issues in engine and electrical systems, the KIA Soul's higher reliability score and transparent repair cost estimation make it a more reliable choice overall.

Key Differences

1KIA Soul scores 11 points higher in reliability
2Mazda CX-30 has a 1-star higher safety rating
3Mazda CX-30 has 0.7 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

1KIA Soul

—

2Mazda CX-30

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

KIA Soul vs Mazda CX-30: Which Is More Reliable?

KIA Soul vs Mazda CX-30 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	KIA Soul	Mazda CX-30
Reliability Score	77/100	66/100
Years Tracked	8	7
Total Recalls	10	10
Complaints per 10k Sold	6.4	5.7
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2025 NHTSA	2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	6	0

What Are the Common Problems With the KIA Soul and Mazda CX-30?

The Mazda CX-30 and KIA Soul exhibit distinct problem profiles, particularly in terms of engine-related issues and crash-linked complaints. The CX-30 has a relatively low total of 218 complaints, with the engine being the most reported issue at 44 complaints, but it notably includes a high percentage of crash-linked incidents in service brakes and airbags. In contrast, the KIA Soul has a significantly higher total of 1005 complaints, with engine issues being the most prevalent at 410 complaints and only 2 of these linked to crashes. The Soul also shows a concerning number of crash-linked complaints in the air bags category, with 24 out of 34, highlighting a potential safety concern not as pronounced in the CX-30.

KIA Soul vs Mazda CX-30 common problem areas comparison
Component	KIA Soul	Mazda CX-30
ENGINE	2.6Low	1.2Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.7Very Low	0.7Very Low
POWER TRAIN	1Very Low	0.3Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.5Very Low	0.8Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	0.5Very Low	—None
AIR BAGS	0.2Very Low	0.3Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	0.1Very Low	0.4Very Low
STEERING	0.3Very Low	0.1Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	0.2Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	0.3Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	0.2Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	0.1Very Low	—None
STRUCTURE	—None	0.1Very Low
SUSPENSION	—None	0.1Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	0.1Very Low
SEATS	—None	0.1Very Low
WHEELS	—None	0.1Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	—None
SEAT BELTS	—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: KIA Soul or Mazda CX-30?

Independent repair cost data indicates that the KIA Soul has an annual repair cost of $437, with a repair frequency of 0.2 visits per year and a 9% risk of major repairs. While specific data for the Mazda CX-30 is unavailable, industry trends can provide some insight. The KIA Soul's modest repair frequency and moderate risk suggest reliable performance with predictable costs. Over five years, the KIA Soul's repair expenses could total approximately $2,185. For cost-conscious buyers, the KIA Soul offers clear advantages with its lower expected maintenance costs and relatively infrequent repair visits. Without concrete data for the Mazda CX-30, the KIA Soul emerges as a more transparent and potentially more economical choice.

How Does KIA Soul vs Mazda CX-30 Reliability Compare by Year?

KIA Soul vs Mazda CX-30 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	KIA Soul	Mazda CX-30	Edge
2025	85/1000R / 9C	68/1001R / 22C	KIA Soul
2024	86/1000R / 23C	68/1002R / 23C	KIA Soul
2023	77/1004R / 45C	68/1001R / 20C	KIA Soul
2022	78/1001R / 78C	67/1001R / 28C	KIA Soul
2021	72/1002R / 190C	60/1002R / 94C	KIA Soul
2020	70/1001R / 338C	64/1003R / 31C	KIA Soul

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 KIA Soul scored 86/100 and the 2025 Mazda CX-30 scored 68/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the KIA Soul vs the Mazda CX-30?

If you prioritize low running costs and a lower risk of major repairs, the KIA Soul might be the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 77/100 and an estimated annual repair cost of $437, it offers a budget-friendly option for those who want to minimize unexpected expenses. Additionally, the KIA Soul has a major repair risk of only 9% and a repair frequency of 0.2 times per year, making it a solid option for those who value peace of mind. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the Mazda brand and can accommodate slightly higher owner complaints at 5.7 per 10,000 sold, the Mazda CX-30 could still be a viable option. However, keep in mind its lower reliability score of 66/100 and the lack of detailed repair cost estimates. If the allure of Mazda's driving experience outweighs potential reliability concerns, the CX-30 might be your preference despite its noted issues with the engine and electrical system.

KIA Soul vs Mazda CX-30: Common Questions

Is the KIA Soul more reliable than the Mazda CX-30?: Based on our data, the KIA Soul is more reliable with an average score of 77/100 compared to 66/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the KIA Soul or the Mazda CX-30?: Both have 10 recalls across their tracked years. Review individual year pages for details on what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the KIA Soul or the Mazda CX-30?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Mazda CX-30 has a lower complaint rate at 5.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 6.4 for the KIA Soul. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the KIA Soul or Mazda CX-30 safer?: Based on NHTSA crash test ratings, the Mazda CX-30 has a higher overall safety rating of 5/5 stars compared to 4/5 for the KIA Soul. Check sub-ratings (frontal, side, rollover) above for a more detailed safety comparison.

More KIA Soul comparisons

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More Mazda CX-30 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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