Owner guide · Michigan City Kia · Michigan City, IN
Kia Soul Oil Type and Capacity
This guide covers the engine oil the Kia Soul takes, how much it holds, when to change it and how to check the level. It is based on the 2025 Soul owner's manual (code SK3), the newest Soul manual listed on ownersmanual.kia.com when we read it on October 28, 2026, which covers the 2.0L gas engine. Other model years can differ, so check the manual for your vehicle.
0W-20full synthetic
4.23 US qt.drain and refill (4.0 L)
8,000 milesor 12 months, normal schedule
5,000 milesor 6 months, severe usage
What oil does a Kia Soul take?
Per the 2025 Soul owner's manual, the 2.0L engine takes full synthetic SAE 0W-20 oil meeting API SN PLUS/SP or ILSAC GF-6, and holds 4.23 US qt. (4.0 L) for a drain and refill. Replace the oil and filter every 8,000 miles (13,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, or every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months under severe usage.
Kia Soul engine oil type and capacity
| Engine | Oil | Capacity (drain and refill) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L (Gasoline 2.0 MPI) | Full synthetic SAE 0W-20, API SN PLUS/SP or ILSAC GF-6 | 4.23 US qt. (4.0 L) |
From Recommended lubricants and capacities and Recommended SAE viscosity number in the 2025 Soul owner's manual (SK3), read October 28, 2026.
The viscosity chart in the manual shows 0W-20 for the 2.0L across its whole temperature range. Kia explains that lower viscosity oils can provide better fuel economy and cold weather performance, while higher viscosity oils are required for satisfactory lubrication in hot weather, and that oils of any viscosity other than those recommended could result in engine damage. It recommends oils that carry the API Certification Mark and says never to add any additives to the engine oil.
Kia Soul oil change interval
| Schedule | Engine oil and engine oil filter |
|---|---|
| Normal maintenance | Replace every 8,000 miles (13,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first |
| Severe usage (conditions A to K) | Replace every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months |
| Recommended oil not used | Replace on the severe usage schedule |
| After 10 years or 100,000 miles (150,000 km) | Kia recommends the severe maintenance schedule |
From the Scheduled maintenance service section of the 2025 Soul owner's manual (SK3), read October 28, 2026.
The manual notes that it is normal for engine oil to be consumed during driving, so check the level on a regular basis. It adds that the oil change schedule is there to prevent oil deterioration and is not related to oil consumption.
When the Soul is on the severe usage schedule
For engine oil and filter, the 2025 Soul manual applies the 5,000-mile or 6-month interval under any of these conditions:
| Condition | From the manual |
|---|---|
| A | Repeatedly driving short distance of less than 5 miles (8 km) in normal temperature or less than 10 miles (16 km) in freezing temperature |
| B | Extensive engine idling or low speed driving for long distances |
| C | Driving on rough, dusty, muddy, unpaved, graveled or salt-spread roads |
| D | Driving in areas using salt or other corrosive materials or in very cold weather |
| E | Driving in heavy dust condition |
| F | Driving in heavy traffic area |
| G | Driving on uphill, downhill, or mountain roads repeatedly |
| H | Using for towing or camping and driving with loading on the roof |
| I | Driving for patrol car, taxi, other commercial use of vehicle towing |
| J | Frequently driving under high speed or rapid acceleration/deceleration |
| K | Frequently driving in stop-and-go conditions |
How to check the Kia Soul oil level
The 2025 Soul manual lists these steps:
- Be sure the vehicle is on level ground.
- Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature.
- Turn the engine off, remove the oil filler cap and pull the dipstick out. Wait 15 minutes for the oil to return to the oil pan.
- Wipe the dipstick clean with a clean cloth and re-insert it fully.
- Pull the dipstick out again and check that the level is between the F and L lines. If it is below the L line, add enough oil to bring it to the F line.
Kia warns not to touch the radiator hose while checking or adding oil, because it may be hot enough to burn you. Use a funnel, use only the specified oil and wipe off spills immediately. Oil consumption may increase while a new vehicle breaks in and stabilizes after 4,000 miles (6,000 km). The oil is very hot right after driving, so replace it only after it has cooled down.
If the engine oil pressure light comes on
The 2025 Soul manual says the Engine Oil Pressure warning light appears when engine oil pressure is low, for example because there is not enough oil. If it comes on, drive carefully to the nearest safe location, stop, turn the engine off and check the oil level, adding oil if it is low. If the light stays on after adding oil, or no oil is available, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
Kia warns that continued driving with the light on may cause engine failure, and that serious engine damage may result if the engine is not stopped right away when the light stays on while it is running.
Michigan City Kia service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. |
| Saturday | 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sunday | Closed |
From Michigan City Kia's website, October 28, 2026. The website lists Monday to Saturday service hours and none for Sunday. Holiday hours can differ.
Kia Soul engine oil questions
What kind of oil does a Kia Soul take?
The 2025 Soul owner's manual lists full synthetic SAE 0W-20 engine oil meeting API SN PLUS/SP or ILSAC GF-6 for the 2.0L engine (listed as Gasoline 2.0 MPI).
What is the Kia Soul oil capacity?
The manual lists 4.23 US qt. (4.0 L) of engine oil for a drain and refill.
How often should a Kia Soul get an oil change?
The normal maintenance schedule in the 2025 Soul manual replaces the engine oil and filter every 8,000 miles (13,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Under any of the severe usage conditions A through K, the interval is every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months.
What if I use a different oil?
The manual says the normal interval is based on the recommended engine oil specification. If that specification is not used, replace the oil according to the severe usage schedule.
Why is this guide based on the 2025 manual?
When we checked ownersmanual.kia.com on October 28, 2026, 2025 was the newest Soul manual listed (code SK3). Older Souls can differ, so check the manual for your model year.
Should I add an oil additive?
No. Kia says never to add any additives to the engine oil, because they can change the oil's properties and may cause serious engine failure.
Soul due for an oil change?
Visit Michigan City Kia at 710 E. US Hwy 20 in Michigan City, IN, schedule service online, or read about oil change service at our store.
Sources
Oil type, capacity, change intervals, severe usage conditions, the level check and the oil pressure light notes are from the 2025 Soul owner's manual (SK3, 2.0L gas) on ownersmanual.kia.com, read October 28, 2026. Other years can differ, so the manual for your vehicle is the final word. Address and hours are from Michigan City Kia's own website. Image: Kia America.
- 2025 Soul owner's manual (SK3): Recommended lubricants and capacities, Kia America, read October 28, 2026
- 2025 Soul owner's manual (SK3): Recommended SAE viscosity number, Kia America, read October 28, 2026
- 2025 Soul owner's manual (SK3): Scheduled maintenance service (normal and severe usage schedules), Kia America, read October 28, 2026
- 2025 Soul owner's manual (SK3): Checking the engine oil level, Kia America, read October 28, 2026
- 2025 Soul owner's manual (SK3): Changing the engine oil and filter, Kia America, read October 28, 2026
- 2025 Soul owner's manual (SK3): Warning lights (Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light), Kia America, read October 28, 2026
- Kia Owner's Manual site (Soul manual list: newest year 2025, SK3; source of the image), Kia America, read October 28, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Kia, October 28, 2026
- Kia service center at Michigan City Kia, Michigan City Kia, October 28, 2026
