Quick answer: the 2014–2019 Kia Soul 2.0L takes 4.23 US qt (4.0 L) of oil at an oil change and the 1.6L takes 3.80 US qt (3.6 L). Kia recommends SAE 5W-20 for both. The 1.6L Turbo (2017–2019 Soul Exclaim) takes 4.75 US qt (4.5 L) of 5W-30.
| Engine | Oil capacity (drain and refill) | Oil type |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cylinder (Gamma GDI) | 3.80 US qt (3.6 L) | 5W-20 (API SM / ILSAC GF-4) |
| 2.0L 4-cylinder (Nu) | 4.23 US qt (4.0 L) | 5W-20 (API SM / ILSAC GF-4) |
| 1.6L Turbo GDI (2017–2019) | 4.75 US qt (4.5 L) | 5W-30 (ACEA A5/B5) |
The two base engines differ by almost half a quart. Check whether you have the 1.6L (Base) or 2.0L (Plus/+, Exclaim).
Oil capacity by year
| Model year | 1.6L | 2.0L | 1.6L Turbo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 3.80 US qt (3.6 L) | 4.23 US qt (4.0 L) | — |
| 2017 | 3.80 US qt (3.6 L) | 4.23 US qt (4.0 L) | 4.75 US qt (4.5 L) |
| 2019 | 3.80 US qt (3.6 L) | 4.23 US qt (4.0 L) | 4.75 US qt (4.5 L) |
We read the “Recommended lubricants and capacities” table and the SAE viscosity chart in the 2014, 2017 and 2019 manuals.
Recommended oil type
1.6L and 2.0L: for better fuel economy, Kia recommends SAE 5W-20 (API SM / ILSAC GF-4); the chart also allows 5W-30 and 10W-30.
1.6L Turbo: 5W-30 (5W-40 also on the chart) with an ACEA A5 rating.
How to reset the oil change reminder on the 2014–2019 Kia Soul
See also: Oil life reset by brand.
Kia handles the oil reminder through the Service Interval item in the instrument cluster’s User Settings. There you can turn the reminder on or off and set the interval in miles and months; newer manuals also add a Reset option. Use it after each oil change so the next reminder counts from the right point.
Oil change tips
- One 5-quart jug covers any Soul engine.
- Kia lists a “drain and refill” volume. After refilling, run the engine briefly, turn it off, wait a few minutes and check that the level is between the F and L marks on the dipstick before adding more.
Sources and how we checked
All capacities and oil grades on this page come from Kia’s owner’s manuals for the U.S. market, published on Kia’s official owner’s manual site (section “Recommended lubricants and capacities”):
If your owner’s manual shows something different, follow your manual and tell us.
Last checked: October 26, 2026.
FAQ
How much oil does a 2014–2019 Kia Soul take?
3.80 US quarts (3.6 L) for the 1.6L, 4.23 US quarts (4.0 L) for the 2.0L and 4.75 US quarts (4.5 L) for the 1.6L Turbo.
What oil does a 2014–2019 Soul use?
SAE 5W-20 for the 1.6L and 2.0L, 5W-30 for the 1.6L Turbo.
Can I use 5W-30 in a Soul 2.0?
Yes. The viscosity chart allows 5W-30; 5W-20 is recommended for fuel economy.
Which Soul has the turbo?
The Soul Exclaim (!) from 2017 to 2019 uses the 1.6L Turbo.
How do I reset the oil light on a Kia Soul?
In the cluster User Settings, open Service Interval.
Newer Soul? See the 2020–2025 Kia Soul oil type and capacity.