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USCar Trader import service
Choose a specific vehicle. Where data is available, its detail page shows the import cost calculation. We assess any possible duty benefit with you before purchase.
Important: A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact us before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support through the process. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
CarHub · Kia
The Kia Soul is a compact, boxy crossover with a cult following, and it survives in the US market in configurations that Europe never fully received.
Model profile
Three generations define the Soul. The first (AM, 2009–2013) launched the tall-box template with 1.6 and 2.0-litre fours. The second (PS, 2014–2019) sharpened the styling, improved refinement and added the Soul Turbo with a 1.6-litre turbo engine, plus the battery-electric Soul EV for select markets.
Powertrain and equipment
The volume engine in the SK3 is the 2.0-litre Nu MPI four, producing roughly 147 hp and driving through a CVT (Kia's IVT) or, on early base cars, a manual.
The Soul is a five-door tall hatchback only. US trim walks have varied by year but broadly run from a base model up through LX, S, GT-Line, EX and the top X-Line or GT-Line Turbo.
Vehicle selection
Supply is plentiful and prices in the States are approachable, so condition and history should drive selection rather than scarcity.
A used Soul import suits a buyer who wants a characterful, practical compact crossover with a big, upright cabin and a personality most rivals lack — especially anyone chasing the turbocharged GT-Line that is hard to find in European specification.
Vehicle data
| Body style | Typical value (SK3 2.0 / 1.6 T-GDI): Compact crossover, 5-door hatchback |
|---|---|
| Seating | Typical value (SK3 2.0 / 1.6 T-GDI): 5 |
| Length | Typical value (SK3 2.0 / 1.6 T-GDI): approx. 4,195 mm |
| Wheelbase | Typical value (SK3 2.0 / 1.6 T-GDI): approx. 2,600 mm |
| Kerb weight | Typical value (SK3 2.0 / 1.6 T-GDI): approx. 1,300 kg |
| Cargo capacity | Typical value (SK3 2.0 / 1.6 T-GDI): approx. 636 L (seats up) |
| Base engine | Typical value (SK3 2.0 / 1.6 T-GDI): 2.0 L Nu MPI I4 |
|---|---|
| Base power | Typical value (SK3 2.0 / 1.6 T-GDI): approx. 147 hp |
| Turbo engine | Typical value (SK3 2.0 / 1.6 T-GDI): 1.6 L T-GDI I4 (GT-Line) |
| Turbo power | Typical value (SK3 2.0 / 1.6 T-GDI): approx. 201 hp |
| Transmission | Typical value (SK3 2.0 / 1.6 T-GDI): CVT/IVT (2.0); 7-speed dual-clutch (1.6T) |
| Drivetrain | Typical value (SK3 2.0 / 1.6 T-GDI): Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel | Typical value (SK3 2.0 / 1.6 T-GDI): Petrol |
| Assembly | Typical value (SK3 2.0 / 1.6 T-GDI): Gwangju, South Korea |
|---|
Values are reproduced verbatim from the existing article table. The documents for the specific vehicle govern.
Pre-purchase review
The Soul is generally dependable, but a few points recur. The 2.0-litre Nu engine on some Kia/Hyundai applications has shown oil consumption and, in isolated cases, engine faults, so a car that uses oil between services deserves scrutiny. The IVT/CVT is smooth but benefits from fluid changes that owners often skip; a shuddering or hunting transmission is a warning sign.
Germany and Europe
US Souls run amber front and red rear side markers, have no rear fog lamp and use US-beam headlights, all of which the TÜV expects corrected.
The assessment depends on the specific vehicle and the circumstances of the transaction. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review any possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are considered separately.
Expect to fit a rear fog lamp, adapt the headlights to a European beam pattern, and correct the side-marker lighting.
USCar Trader services
As a buyer based in Germany, you do not have to inspect the vehicle yourself in the United States or Canada. Within the agreed scope, USCar Trader can coordinate document review, a separately commissioned on-site inspection and purchase processing.
Covered inspection points are agreed in advance. An on-site inspection records condition at the appointment and is not a guarantee.
Next step: Before commissioning, USCar Trader and the customer agree which document, history, inspection and transaction checks suit the vehicle and are included in the service. This records what was actually checked.
Import process
The import process for a Kia Soul is planned around the specific listing, location, documents and commissioned service scope.
Questions and answers
No, not automatically. A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
The GT-Line Turbo with the 1.6-litre turbo engine and 7-speed dual-clutch, which is hard to find in European specification.
No. The US Soul is front-wheel drive across all generations.
Possible oil consumption on the 2.0 engine, neglected CVT/IVT fluid, low-speed jerkiness on the DCT, and the anti-theft status on 2011–2021 cars.
Yes, after lighting adaptations and an individual approval under §21 StVZO, since a COC is rarely available.
By container or RoRo from a US port to Bremerhaven, with marine insurance covering the crossing.
No. USCar Trader is an independent intermediary that locates, vets and coordinates the import for you.
Available VIN, title and history information can be reviewed in the vehicle profile. USCar Trader can also arrange a separately booked on-site inspection within a scope agreed in advance.
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