The oil filter on a 2019 Kia Soul is located on the underside of the engine, inside a cartridge-style housing near the front of the engine. It is not accessible from the top of the engine bay and is reached from underneath the vehicle after removing any necessary underbody panels.
In most trims, including the common 2.0-liter inline-four and the optional 1.6-liter turbo, Kia uses a bottom-mounted, cartridge-style filter housed in a cylindrical housing. Access typically requires safely lifting the car and removing the lower splash shield or undertray to reveal the filter housing cap.
Where to find the oil filter
The quick guide below describes the typical location and access method for the 2019 Soul. The exact appearance can vary slightly by engine option and trim, but the filter is generally in the same bottom-mounted housing near the front of the engine.
- The filter sits in a cartridge housing mounted to the underside of the engine, toward the front of the vehicle. You access it from beneath the car, usually after removing the undertray or splash shield.
- The oil filter is cartridge-style, not a traditional screw-on canister. When servicing, you replace the cartridge inside the housing and reseal the housing cap with a new O-ring/gasket as required.
- Steps to access typically include raising the vehicle safely, removing the protective shield, loosening the filter cap with the proper tool, extracting the old cartridge, installing a new cartridge, reassembling the cap, and then refilling the engine with fresh oil.
In short, the 2019 Kia Soul’s oil filter is located on the bottom front side of the engine inside a cartridge housing, and you reach it from underneath the vehicle with the underbody shield out of the way.
Engine variants and accessibility
The Soul offered with a 2.0-liter inline-four and, in some markets, a 1.6-liter turbo may show minor differences in access points or shielding. However, both configurations use a bottom-mounted cartridge-style filter housed near the front of the engine. Always check the owner’s manual for your exact VIN and trim to confirm the precise access point and tool requirements.
How to replace the oil filter safely
To perform an oil-filter replacement on a 2019 Kia Soul, follow these general steps. Always ensure you have the correct filter cartridge and gasket, and use proper jacking/ramps equipment and safety practices.
- Warm up the engine, then safely raise the car on ramps or jack stands and support it securely.
- Place a drain pan beneath the engine and remove the lower splash shield or undertray if equipped.
- Follow the housing cap to locate the oil-filter cartridge housing on the bottom front of the engine.
- Use the appropriate tool to loosen and remove the housing cap. Keep any oil that may spill contained in the drain pan.
- Remove the old cartridge from the housing and discard it as required by local regulations.
- Install a new cartridge, ensuring the O-ring or gasket is replaced if the kit includes one. Reinstall and torque the housing cap to the manufacturer's specification.
- Reinstall the undertray/splash shield if you removed it, then carefully lower the vehicle.
- Refill the engine with the correct amount and grade of oil, then start the engine and check for leaks. Recheck the oil level and top off if necessary.
- Dispose of the old oil and filter at a proper recycling facility or service center per local rules.
Following these steps will help ensure a safe and effective oil-filter replacement, but consult the owner’s manual or a Kia service professional for model-specific torque specs and steps.
Summary
For a 2019 Kia Soul, the oil filter is located on the bottom front side of the engine inside a cartridge-style housing that is accessed from underneath the vehicle. The replacement process involves lifting the car, removing the splash shield, swapping the cartridge inside the housing, and refilling engine oil, with attention to proper disposal of used oil and parts. Always verify engine-specific details in the owner's manual for your exact trim and VIN.