Kia Soul Timing Belt Or Chain? (2010 - 2021)

Researched By AutoPadre

Does A Kia Soul Have A Timing Belt Or Timing Chain?

From 2012 -2021 Kia Souls have a timing chain and interference engine.

From 2010 -2011 1.6L Kia Souls have a timing chain and interference engine while the 2.0L has a timing belt and interference engine.

For example, the 2021 Kia Soul 2.0L 4 Cyl. 147 hp (Nu MPi) option has a timing chain while the 2011 Kia Soul 2.0L 4 Cyl. 140 hp (Beta II) option has a timing belt.

Kia Soul Timing Belt Or Chain
Model Years	Engine Option	Timing Belt Or Chain	Interference Or Non-Interference
2012 - 2021	all	timing chain	interference
2010 - 2011	1.6L	timing chain	interference
2010 - 2011	2.0L	timing belt	interference

Scroll down for detailed information on your particular Kia Soul model year.

Check the belt or chain for other makes and models here.

Timing Belt Basics

A timing belt on the left versus a timing chain on the right.

The primary purpose of the timing belt or timing chain is to maintain the timing (syncronization) between the crankshaft and the camshaft(s).

A timing belt is made of a rubber compound while a timing chain is made of chain similiar to a bicycle chain.

A timing belt wears out over time and must be replaced at the manufacturer's specified interval. Timing belt failure can result in serious engine damage.

Although a timing chain will wear over time it is usually good for the lifetime of the engine but it should be routinely inspected.

Timing Belt Questions? See Our Educational Timing Belt Articles

What Does A Timing Belt Do?
Timing Belt Vs. Serpentine Belt - Differences Explained
Kia Soul Timing Belt Replacement Costs? Click to see our study on different makes and models

Note: Replacement intervals are broad recommendations and can be affected by age, weather conditions, running conditions etc. Check with the owner's manual/ manufacturer/ dealership.

2021 Kia Soul - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2021 Kia Soul models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2021 Kia Soul Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-interference	Replacement Interval
2.0L 4 Cyl. 147 hp (Nu MPi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime
1.6L 4 Cyl Turbo 201 hp (Gamma T-GDi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime

2020 Kia Soul - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2020 Kia Soul models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2020 Kia Soul Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-interference	Replacement Interval
2.0L 4 Cyl. 147 hp (Nu MPi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime
1.6L 4 Cyl Turbo 201 hp (Gamma T-GDi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime

2019 Kia Soul - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2019 Kia Soul models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2019 Kia Soul Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-interference	Replacement Interval
1.6L 4 Cyl. 130 hp (Gamma II GDi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime
2.0L 4 Cyl. 161 hp (Nu GDi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime
1.6L 4 Cyl. Turbo 201 hp (Gamma II T-GDi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime

2018 Kia Soul - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2018 Kia Soul models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2018 Kia Soul Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-interference	Replacement Interval
1.6L 4 Cyl. 130 hp (Gamma II GDi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime
2.0L 4 Cyl. 161 hp (Nu GDi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime
1.6L 4 Cyl. Turbo 201 hp (Gamma II T-GDi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime

2017 Kia Soul - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2017 Kia Soul models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2017 Kia Soul Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-interference	Replacement Interval
1.6L 4 Cyl. 130 hp (Gamma II GDi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime
2.0L 4 Cyl. 161 hp (Nu GDi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime
1.6L 4 Cyl. Turbo 201 hp (Gamma II T-GDi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime

2016 Kia Soul - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2016 Kia Soul models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2016 Kia Soul Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-interference	Replacement Interval
1.6L 4 Cyl. 130 hp (Gamma II GDi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime
2.0L 4 Cyl. 161 hp (Nu GDi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime

2015 Kia Soul - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2015 Kia Soul models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2015 Kia Soul Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-interference	Replacement Interval
1.6L 4 Cyl. 130 hp (Gamma II GDi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime
2.0L 4 Cyl. 161 hp (Nu GDi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime

2014 Kia Soul - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2014 Kia Soul models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2014 Kia Soul Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-interference	Replacement Interval
1.6L 4 Cyl. 130 hp (Gamma II GDi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime
2.0L 4 Cyl. 161 hp (Nu GDi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime

2013 Kia Soul - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2013 Kia Soul models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2013 Kia Soul Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-interference	Replacement Interval
1.6L 4 Cyl. 130 hp (Gamma II GDi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime
2.0L 4 Cyl. 161 hp (Nu GDi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime

2012 Kia Soul - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2012 Kia Soul models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2012 Kia Soul Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-interference	Replacement Interval
1.6L 4 Cyl. 130 hp (Gamma II GDi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime
2.0L 4 Cyl. 161 hp (Nu GDi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime

2011 Kia Soul - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1.6L 2011 Kia Soul has a timing chain and the 2.0L 2011 Kia Soul has a timing belt. Both engines are interference. See the data outlined in the table below.

2011 Kia Soul Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-interference	Replacement Interval
1.6L 4 Cyl. 124 hp (Gamma II GDi)	timing chain	interference	lifetime
2.0L 4 Cyl. 140 hp (Beta II)	timing belt	interference	60k inspect, 80k replace miles

2010 Kia Soul - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1.6L 2011 Kia Soul has a timing chain and the 2.0L 2011 Kia Soul has a timing belt. Both engines are interference. See the data outlined in the table below.