The 2013 Kia Soul arrived during the first generation of Kia’s boxy compact hatchback, a model that stood out for its upright shape, city-friendly footprint, and unusually wide appeal across basic transportation and style-focused trims. That variety matters when choosing tires, because the 2013 Kia Soul uses three different primary radial sizes depending on sub-model: 195/65R15, 205/55R16, and 235/45R18. The decision starts with identifying whether the vehicle is a Base, +, w/Eco Pkg., or ! model, then matching the correct rim diameter. From there, the choice shifts to tread character, brand, sidewall appearance, and how closely the tire suits stock ride height, wheel setup, and intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2013 Kia Soul
The 2013 Kia Soul uses three primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on sub-model as well as wheel diameter. All three are radial fitments, but they are built around different 15-inch, 16-inch, and 18-inch rims, so the first step is confirming the exact trim and the actual wheels on the vehicle before comparing tire choices.
235/45R18 is a metric radial size in which 235 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2013 Kia Soul, this size belongs to the ! sub-model and uses an 18-inch rim. Available choices center on BFGoodrich performance-oriented series such as g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and g-Force Phenom T/A, all in blackwall form. This size is the one to evaluate when the vehicle has the larger factory-style wheel package and a lower-profile tire presentation.
205/55R16 is a metric radial size that indicates a 205-millimeter nominal section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 16-inch rim. On the 2013 Kia Soul, it applies to the + and w/Eco Pkg. sub-models, making it one of the more common fitments in the lineup. Product choices include BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic options, with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles available across several tire series. This size is worth close attention when balancing everyday road use, appearance preferences, and the need to stay with the correct 16-inch wheel setup.
195/65R15 is a metric radial size in which 195 gives the nominal width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. For the 2013 Kia Soul, this is the primary fitment for the Base sub-model and it uses a 15-inch rim. The size points to a taller-profile setup than the larger wheel packages used elsewhere in the Soul range. This is the size to confirm when the vehicle has standard-height sidewalls and smaller original-style wheels rather than the 16-inch or 18-inch arrangements.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2013 Kia Soul because tire size changes with trim. The quickest way to avoid a mismatch is to confirm whether the vehicle is a Base, +, w/Eco Pkg., or ! model before selecting a tire.
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2013 Kia Soul !
The 2013 Kia Soul ! uses the larger 235/45R18 radial fitment, which sets it apart from the rest of the Soul range. Tire selection starts with confirming the 18-inch wheel package, then comparing blackwall performance-oriented options within the correct size.
The 2013 Kia Soul + uses the 205/55R16 radial size on a 16-inch wheel. That opens up a broader mix of tire series and even a wide whitewall option, so the decision becomes one of appearance, intended use, and rim compatibility within that size.
The 2013 Kia Soul Base uses the 195/65R15 radial fitment. Before choosing tires, confirm that the car still has its 15-inch wheel setup, especially if wheels were changed at some point to one of the larger Soul trim packages.
The 2013 Kia Soul w/Eco Pkg. shares the 205/55R16 radial size with the Soul +. That makes tire choice more about selecting the right series and sidewall style for the vehicle’s use while staying with the proper 16-inch fitment.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2013 Kia Soul Tires for Sale
Available 2013 Kia Soul tire choices vary by size, brand, and sidewall presentation. The 16-inch fitment offers the broadest spread, including BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic options in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, while the 18-inch size focuses on BFGoodrich g-Force series tires.
These 2013 Kia Soul tire FAQs focus on the trim-specific size differences, wheel diameter checks, available radial choices, and the practical details that matter before replacing tires on a stock or modified vehicle.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2013 Kia Soul?
A 2013 Kia Soul can use three different tire sizes depending on sub-model: 195/65R15, 205/55R16, or 235/45R18. The Base model uses 195/65R15, the + and w/Eco Pkg. models use 205/55R16, and the ! model uses 235/45R18. All of these are radial tire fitments tied to different wheel diameters.
The key step is matching the tire size to the exact trim and the wheels currently on the vehicle. A Soul that has had wheel changes over time may not still be wearing its original rim diameter, so checking the sidewall size and measuring the wheel before ordering helps prevent a mismatch.
What size rim does a 2013 Kia Soul use?
The 2013 Kia Soul uses three rim diameters across the range: 15-inch, 16-inch, and 18-inch. The 195/65R15 fitment uses a 15-inch rim, the 205/55R16 fitment uses a 16-inch rim, and the 235/45R18 fitment uses an 18-inch rim. Each tire size is built around its matching wheel diameter.
Confirming rim diameter should come before comparing tread style or brand. Even when two tires look close in overall size, a 15-inch tire cannot mount on a 16-inch wheel, and a 16-inch tire cannot mount on an 18-inch wheel. Checking the stamping on the wheel and the sidewall marking is the safest starting point.
Do all 2013 Kia Soul sub-models use the same tire size?
No, 2013 Kia Soul sub-models do not all use the same tire size. The Base model uses 195/65R15, the + and w/Eco Pkg. models use 205/55R16, and the ! model uses 235/45R18. That means trim level directly affects both tire size and wheel diameter on this vehicle.
This matters because selecting by model year and name alone is not enough on a Soul. The buyer should confirm the exact sub-model first, then make sure the wheels on the vehicle still match that trim’s intended setup. That becomes especially important if the car has seen wheel upgrades, take-off wheels, or other cosmetic changes.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2013 Kia Soul?
Start with the correct size for the exact 2013 Kia Soul sub-model, because this vehicle uses three different fitments: 195/65R15, 205/55R16, and 235/45R18. After that, compare construction, intended use, sidewall style, brand, and any rim-width guidance attached to the tire you are considering.
A stock daily-driven Soul may call for a different tire character than one used mainly for appearance or weekend use. It also helps to confirm wheel diameter, wheel width, and any prior changes to suspension or ride height so the selected tire suits the car’s actual setup rather than only the original trim designation.
What sidewall styles are available for 2013 Kia Soul tires?
Sidewall style depends on the tire size chosen for the 2013 Kia Soul. Blackwall options are available in both 235/45R18 and 205/55R16, while the 205/55R16 size also includes a wide whitewall offering. That creates a noticeable appearance difference even when the tire size remains correct.
The right sidewall choice depends on whether the goal is a contemporary look or something more customized. A blackwall usually keeps the presentation closer to modern factory-era styling, while a wide whitewall creates a more distinctive visual statement. The main fitment rule is still size first, appearance second.
What brands offer tires for the 2013 Kia Soul?
2013 Kia Soul tires are available from BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic, depending on size. The 18-inch 235/45R18 fitment centers on BFGoodrich g-Force series options, while the 16-inch 205/55R16 size opens up choices from BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic.
Brand choice should be compared alongside size, series, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility rather than in isolation. A buyer looking at 205/55R16, for example, can sort through a broader mix of visual styles and tire series than someone shopping the 235/45R18 fitment. The correct trim-based size still sets the boundaries for that choice.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2013 Kia Soul?
A period-style 2013 Kia Soul tire choice usually starts with keeping the correct trim-based size in place: 195/65R15 for Base, 205/55R16 for + and w/Eco Pkg., or 235/45R18 for !. Since the Soul is a modern compact, the most era-appropriate visual approach is generally a radial tire that suits the original wheel diameter and overall stance.
Appearance then becomes a question of whether the car is being kept close to its stock early-2010s look or given a more personalized presentation. Blackwall tires tend to preserve a more contemporary feel, while the available wide whitewall in 205/55R16 creates a much different visual effect and should be chosen as a styling decision, not as an originality claim.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2013 Kia Soul?
On a 2013 Kia Soul, tire construction does not present a bias-ply versus radial decision because the primary fitments are radial. The visual effect comes more from tire size, sidewall height, and sidewall treatment than from any vintage construction choice. That means appearance differences show up most clearly between the 15-inch, 16-inch, and 18-inch packages.
A Base model with 195/65R15 has a taller sidewall look than a Soul ! wearing 235/45R18, even before brand or series is considered. Buyers trying to preserve the vehicle’s original-era character should keep the correct trim-level sizing and wheel diameter in focus first, then choose the sidewall style that best matches the intended presentation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2013 Kia Soul?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2013 Kia Soul. Wheel changes, different offsets, suspension lowering, spring replacement, or body alterations can all change how a 195/65R15, 205/55R16, or 235/45R18 tire sits within the wheel opening and how much room it has during turning or suspension travel.
A Soul that no longer has its original wheels should be checked carefully before selecting replacement tires by trim alone. Confirm the actual wheel diameter and width, then inspect steering clearance, inner-fender space, and ride-height changes. That extra step is especially important when moving between the Base, +, and ! wheel packages.
What should I inspect before driving a 2013 Kia Soul on new tires?
Before driving a 2013 Kia Soul on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the vehicle’s actual wheel diameter, and check inflation pressure once the tires are mounted. It also helps to look at valve stems, lug torque, tread seating, and any signs of rubbing at full steering lock.
A short, careful road test can reveal vibrations, pulling, or clearance issues that are easier to correct early. It is also wise to recheck pressure after the first drive and keep an eye on uneven wear during the first few hundred miles. Those simple checks help confirm the new tires are working properly with the car’s suspension and alignment.
How often should tires on a 2013 Kia Soul be inspected?
Tires on a 2013 Kia Soul should be inspected regularly, not only when tread looks worn. A quick visual check for cuts, sidewall damage, embedded objects, irregular wear, and low air pressure is smart before longer drives, and a more thorough inspection should be part of routine maintenance throughout the year.
That schedule matters even more if the Soul sits for stretches, sees rough pavement, or has aftermarket wheels. Pressure loss, alignment wear, and sidewall aging can develop without obvious symptoms at first. Staying ahead of those issues helps the correct 15-inch, 16-inch, or 18-inch tire setup deliver the road manners it was chosen to provide.
