Ceed II (JD) vs Soul II (PS): which is better?
Kia Ceed II (JD) (2012–2018) vs Kia Soul II (PS) (2013–2019): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Kia Ceed II (JD)
Kia Soul II (PS)Specifications
| Kia Ceed II (JD) | Kia Soul II (PS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2012–2018 | 2013–2019 |
| Body | hatchback | hatchback |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.6 | 1.6 |
| Power, up to | 130 hp | 124 hp |
| Torque, up to | 157 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 310 mm | 4 140 mm |
| Width | 1 780 mm | 1 800 mm |
| Height | 1 470 mm | 1 593 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 650 mm | 2 570 mm |
| Fuel tank | 53 L | 54 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 13 675 ₸ | ≈ 13 675 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Kia Ceed II (JD)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Gamma 1.6 engine (G4FC, G4FG): catalytic converter breakdown and debris entering the cylinders — scoring
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Gamma 1.6 (G4FC, G4FG)): catalytic converter breakdown with debris entering the cylinders — scoring; timing chain stretch after 150k km; knocking when worn (valves adjusted with shims).
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Kia Soul II (PS)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Gamma 1.6 engine (G4FC, G4FG): catalytic converter breakdown and debris entering the cylinders — scoring
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Gamma 1.6 (G4FC, G4FG)): catalytic converter breakdown with debris entering the cylinders — scoring; timing chain stretch after 150k km; knocking when worn (valves adjusted with shims).
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Which one to choose
- Ceed II (JD) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase.
- Soul II (PS) — if you care more about: fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Ceed II (JD) or Soul II (PS)?
Ceed II (JD): up to 130 hp, Soul II (PS): up to 124 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Ceed II (JD) — about 13 675 ₸, Soul II (PS) — about 13 675 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.