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Picking the right Kia Soul exterior door handle matters because a worn or damaged handle affects convenience, safety, and the perceived condition of your vehicle. A proper replacement restores easy entry, resists weathering, and reduces the chance of repeat failures.This guide highlights seven shortlisted options that passed our editorial filters. We evaluated each option on fitment accuracy, material durability, and ease of installation to help you find a reliable handle for your Kia Soul. Read on for the criteria that mattered and practical buying considerations.
Looking for other parts? See all Kia Soul parts & accessories.
Top Picks at a Glance
| Best Overall The best all-around choice for most situations | Garage-Pro Front Exterior Door Handle Set of 2 for 2014–2019 Kia Soul (Primed) |  |
| Best quality Built to a higher standard if you want something more solid | Master Tailgaters Chrome Exterior Door Handle for Kia Soul Front Left with Keyhole |  |
| Best Value The sweet spot between price and what you get | KarParts360 Exterior Door Handle for Kia Soul (2014–2019), Left Front, Primed with Keyhole |  |
| Best Budget The cheapest option that still gets the job done reliably | DNA MOTORING Rear Outer Door Handle for 2010–2013 Kia Soul |  |
| Highest Rated A top-rated pick with lots of positive feedback | A-Premium Front Right Exterior Door Handle for Kia Soul (2011–2013) |  |
| Most popular A crowd favorite that many people choose with confidence | Dorman Front Passenger Side Exterior Door Handle for Kia Soul |  |
| Best Seller A high-volume bestseller chosen again and again | Dorman 96622 Rear Exterior Door Handle for Select Kia Soul Models, Black |  |
1. Garage-Pro Front Exterior Door Handle Set of 2 for 2014–2019 Kia Soul (Primed)
| Fitment | 2014-2019 Kia Soul Front Driver and Passenger Side |
|---|---|
| Material Type | Alloy Steel |
| Finish | Primed |
| Included Components | Installation Hardware |
| Lock Type | Key Lock |
This Garage-Pro set supplies both driver and passenger front exterior door handles as a ready-to-paint replacement for 2014–2019 Kia Soul models. Intended as a direct replacement, the primed finish lets you paint the handles to match your car while the included installation hardware simplifies swap-in installation. Constructed from alloy steel and built to fit the factory mounting points, the handles include a key-lock provision and ambidextrous pull design so they work with standard latch assemblies. Practical benefits include receiving both sides at once to avoid mismatched wear and a part interchange reference to confirm fit. Limitations are the primed surface requiring painting to match the vehicle and that color-matched finishes or smart-fob variants are not supplied in this listing, so buyers wanting a finished, color-correct replacement will need additional paint or to source a prefinished handle.
Best for: Balanced owners who want a reliable, factory-style replacement and prefer getting both front handles at once so repairs look consistent and last through regular use.
Less Ideal for: Buyers seeking a ready-painted, color-matched handle or a factory-style smart-fob handle should look for prefinished or OEM smart-fob specific parts instead.
- Sold as a matched pair covering both front doors which prevents mismatched appearance
- Primed finish ready for custom paint to match vehicle color
- Includes installation hardware for a straightforward replacement process
- Alloy steel construction designed to align with factory mounting points and key-lock provision
- Primed finish requires painting to achieve a color-matched appearance
- No prepainted or smart-fob-compatible option included in this listing
Verdict: A practical, primed pair of front replacement door handles that delivers factory-style fit and includes hardware so you can restore both sides of a 2014–2019 Kia Soul with a single purchase.
2. Master Tailgaters Chrome Exterior Door Handle for Kia Soul Front Left with Keyhole
| Handle Type | Pull Handle |
|---|---|
| Lock Type | Key Lock |
| Hand Orientation | Left |
| Material Type | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) |
This Master Tailgaters chrome exterior door handle replaces the factory front-left handle on Kia Soul (2014-2019) and Soul EV (2015-2019) models and is intended as a direct-fit aftermarket replacement. It is a pull-style handle molded from ABS with a polished chrome finish and includes the lock hardware so you can swap it into the existing mounting and linkage. Installation is plug-and-play and built to match the OEM part number cited, which makes it a straightforward do-it-yourself repair for restoring appearance and function after damage or wear. The handle supports the vehicle's key lock and is shaped to line up with factory mounting points, reducing the need for adjustments. Limitations include being an aftermarket part rather than factory-made so surface finish and long-term durability may differ from the original, and it is specific to the driver-side location only, so buyers needing multiple sides must purchase additional pieces.
Best for: Performance-oriented buyers who prioritize restoring factory function and appearance quickly with a direct-fit replacement while keeping installation simple and fast.
Less Ideal for: Buyers seeking factory-manufactured original parts for exact match in long-term wear or those who need multi-door replacements in a single purchase.
- Direct-fit design that cites the OEM part number for straightforward installation
- Includes key lock and necessary components for an immediate replacement
- Plug-in attachment mechanism simplifies do-it-yourself installation without modifications
- Polished chrome finish restores the vehicle's exterior appearance
- Aftermarket ABS construction may not match factory-long term durability or exact finish
- Fits only the front left driver-side position so additional purchases are needed for other doors
Verdict: A plug-and-play chrome aftermarket replacement that restores the front-left door function and appearance on Kia Soul models with minimal installation effort but with aftermarket material trade-offs.
3. KarParts360 Exterior Door Handle for Kia Soul (2014–2019), Left Front, Primed with Keyhole
| Handle Type | cross |
|---|---|
| Lock Type | Key Lock |
| Hand Orientation | Left |
| Handle Attachment Mechanism | Standard |
| Material Type | Metal |
This KarParts360 exterior door handle is a direct replacement for the left front door of Kia Soul models from 2014 through 2019 and arrives primed and ready for paint. It uses a cross-style handle with a standard attachment mechanism and includes a key, so it installs in minutes with basic hand tools and restores exterior function and security after a broken or worn factory handle. The ABS handle material combined with metal internal parts gives a factory-like feel while keeping the price low. Because it ships primed rather than painted, you can match body color at a shop or paint it yourself for a near-factory finish. Expect straightforward fitment when swapping like-for-like on the specified Kia Soul years, but buyers who need a pre-painted, color-matched part will need to plan for painting. Overall this is a practical, budget-friendly replacement that balances fit, function, and finish options for DIY repairs or inexpensive shop installs.
Best for: Practical optimizers who prioritize cost-effective, reliable repairs and are comfortable doing simple DIY swaps or coordinating a paint match for a near-factory finish.
Less Ideal for: If you need an out-of-the-box color-matched handle or a premium OEM-branded part, consider alternatives sold pre-painted or from the factory parts department.
- Designed specifically for Kia Soul 2014–2019 left front fitment for straightforward replacement
- Primed finish allows color-matching for a near-factory look after painting
- Includes key and uses a standard attachment mechanism for quick DIY installation
- ABS handle with metal components provides a factory-like feel at a lower cost
- Arrives primed rather than painted so professional painting or DIY work is required for a color-matched finish
- Not offered pre-painted so immediate color-matched replacement is not available
Verdict: A budget-friendly, primed replacement that restores function and lets you paint to match your Kia Soul for a near-factory result.
4. DNA MOTORING Rear Outer Door Handle for 2010–2013 Kia Soul
| Fitment | Kia Soul 2010-2013 |
|---|---|
| Included Components | 1 X Outer Door Handle |
| Material Type | Alloy Steel, Plastic |
| Handle Type | Pull Handle |
This DNA MOTORING rear outer door handle is a straightforward, low-cost replacement for a broken rear handle on 2010–2013 Kia Soul models. It installs in place of the factory piece and is offered as a single ambidextrous pull-handle for either driver or passenger rear doors. Constructed from alloy steel with plastic components and a painted smooth finish, it aims to match the original look while resisting everyday exposure. The unit includes a keyed lock option and is sold individually, so replacements can be done one door at a time. Expect a basic, no-frills fit and finish that is practical for restoring function without spending on an OEM-priced part. The product does not include installation instructions and the listing recommends professional installation, so DIYers should be comfortable with door-panel removal and linkages. For buyers focused on economy, this handle delivers the needed replacement function but lacks the refinements and warranty clarity of higher-end or dealer-sourced parts.
Best for: Budget-conscious owners who need an affordable, functional replacement for a rear outer door handle on a 2010–2013 Kia Soul and prefer to repair one door at a time.
Less Ideal for: Buyers seeking a factory-backed part with clear warranty support or those wanting premium finish quality and full installation guidance should consider higher-end or dealer alternatives.
- Direct-fit, model-specific design for 2010–2013 Kia Soul for simpler installation
- Made from alloy steel and plastic for durable, serviceable construction
- Painted smooth finish that closely matches factory exterior appearance
- Sold individually so you can replace only the damaged door handle
- No installation instructions included and professional installation is recommended
- Manufacturer warranty details are not provided in the listing
Verdict: A low-cost, model-specific replacement that restores rear door function on 2010–2013 Kia Soul vehicles without the price of OEM parts.
5. A-Premium Front Right Exterior Door Handle for Kia Soul (2011–2013)
| Vehicle Fitment | Kia Soul 2011-2013 |
|---|---|
| Handle Type | Exterior Door Handle |
| Hand Orientation | Right |
| Lock Type | Key Lock |
| Additional Features | Easy to Install |
This replacement front right exterior door handle is designed to swap onto a 2011–2013 Kia Soul as a one-for-one factory-style replacement. Made from molded plastic with a smooth, paintable finish and a keyed lock hole, it installs using the factory screw attachment points and is intended for outside use. The handle is promoted as easy to install, which makes it practical for DIY repairs or a quick shop replacement, and customers report accurate fitment for the listed model years. Because it is plastic and paintable, you can match the finish to the car, but expect the material to feel lighter than a metal OEM unit. The keyed lock and screw attachment keep operation straightforward, though long-term durability depends on usage and environmental exposure. If you need a simple, reliable passenger-side handle that restores function and can be refinished, this does the job; buyers seeking a heavier-duty or metal replacement should consider other options.
Best for: A reliability-focused buyer who prioritizes restoring factory function with a straightforward, serviceable replacement and wants an option they can paint to match the car.
Less Ideal for: Drivers seeking a heavier-duty metal handle or an upgraded appearance part that differs substantially from factory styling should look elsewhere.
- Designed as a direct fit for Kia Soul 2011–2013 which simplifies installation
- Paintable smooth finish allows color matching to the vehicle
- Includes keyed lock hole for vehicles with keyed door locks
- Easy screw-based attachment works with factory mounting points
- Constructed from plastic so it may feel less robust than metal replacements
- Durability can vary with heavy use and exposure to the elements
Verdict: A practical, paintable direct-replacement for the passenger-side door of Kia Soul (2011–2013) that restores function with minimal fuss.
6. Dorman Front Passenger Side Exterior Door Handle for Kia Soul
| Handle Type | Lever |
|---|---|
| Hand Orientation | Right |
| Specific Uses For Product | Door |
| Additional Features | Easy to Install |
| Handle Attachment Mechanism | screw |
This Dorman replacement front passenger-side exterior door handle is a direct-fit lever-style handle intended for 2011–2013 Kia Soul models. It installs from the outside and uses the factory-style screw attachment, so a basic hand tool set and a few minutes in the driveway are usually all that is needed. The part is designed to match the stock look and function, arriving in matte black that can be painted to match the vehicle if desired. Users report straightforward installation and an appearance that blends with the original trim. Because it is position-specific and model-specific, make sure you select the right side before buying. Some reviewers note occasional stiffness on the retraction after pulling the handle, so minor adjustment may be required after installation. The handle is a budget-friendly way to restore door operation without dealer labor, but it is a simple mechanical replacement rather than an upgraded or reinforced design.
Best for: Convenience-driven buyers who want a quick, do-it-yourself fix to restore door function and appearance without visiting a shop.
Less Ideal for: Drivers seeking a heavy-duty or performance upgrade to exterior hardware or those wanting a pre-painted, exact color-matched finish out of the box should look elsewhere.
- Factory-fit replacement tailored to Kia Soul 2011–2013 that simplifies installation
- Lever design with screw attachment lets owners replace the handle with basic tools
- Matte black finish can be painted to match vehicle color
- Lightweight plastic construction reduces corrosion risk on the exterior
- Some units reported sticky or incomplete retraction requiring minor adjustment
- Not a reinforced or heavy-duty upgrade compared with higher-end aftermarket options
Verdict: A practical, easy-to-install passenger-side replacement for 2011–2013 Kia Soul owners who want a fast DIY repair rather than an upgraded handle.
7. Dorman 96622 Rear Exterior Door Handle for Select Kia Soul Models, Black
| Compatible Vehicles | Kia Soul 2011, 2012, 2013 |
|---|---|
| Material Type | Alloy Steel |
| Handle Type | Arch & Bow Pull Handle |
| Attachment Mechanism | screw |
This Dorman rear exterior door handle is a factory-style replacement designed for select Kia Soul model years (2011–2013) and aims to replicate the original fit and appearance. It is made from alloy steel and attaches with screws, so installation is straightforward for a competent DIYer or a professional technician. Notable features include an ambidextrous arch-and-bow pull design, a machined black finish that matches factory trims, and Dorman’s stated improvements over original designs to resist corrosion. In practice the handle delivers reliable operation and a near-stock look when fitment matches the vehicle, and many buyers report quick, simple swaps that restore function without removing the entire door panel in most cases. Limitations include occasional fitment variance between production runs that may require minor adjustment or trimming, so confirming exact position and year before purchase is important. The part comes as a single handle and is intended as a like-for-like replacement rather than a styling upgrade.
Best for: Risk-averse mainstream buyers who prioritize a reliable, factory-like replacement that minimizes fuss and restores original function without spending dealer-level amounts.
Less Ideal for: Buyers seeking a cosmetic upgrade or custom styling should consider aftermarket options designed specifically for appearance rather than a like-for-like replacement.
- Designed to match factory fit and appearance for specified Kia Soul years
- Alloy steel construction for improved durability over many plastic replacements
- Ambidextrous arch-and-bow design fits common rear door positions
- Easy to install with screw attachment for straightforward DIY replacement
- Fitment can vary between production batches and may require minor trimming or adjustment
Verdict: A practical, factory-style replacement handle that restores rear door function on specified Kia Soul years with durable alloy-steel construction.
Choosing the Right Kia Soul Exterior Door Handle: Key Factors to Consider
Fitment and Compatibility
Exact fitment is critical because door handle assemblies interact with specific latch mechanisms, rods, and mounting points inside the Kia Soul door. A handle that matches the original attachment points reduces the need for modification, prevents rattles, and ensures the locking and opening functions operate smoothly.
When fitment is correct, the installation is quicker and less likely to introduce alignment issues that cause premature wear. Poor compatibility can lead to binding, difficulty closing the door, or failure to secure the door properly.
Material and Finish Durability
Handles are exposed to weather, UV light, and repeated mechanical stress, so the base material and surface finish determine longevity. Look for corrosion-resistant metals or high-grade plastics with UV-stable finishes to avoid cracking, fading, or rust formation.
A durable finish also preserves appearance and reduces the chance that finish flakes or peels will interfere with handle movement. Consider whether the finish matches surrounding trim and whether protective coatings are specified for salt or coastal environments.
Mechanical Reliability and Latch Action
A door handle must reliably transfer user input to the latch every time. Assess whether the mechanism uses solid linkages, robust springs, and well-supported pivot points. These features reduce play and the risk of sudden failure.
Good mechanical design also minimizes the force required to operate the handle, which benefits users with limited hand strength. Consistent latch engagement helps maintain door sealing and reduces wind noise and water intrusion.
Installation Complexity and Tools Required
Some replacements are straightforward bolt-on jobs, while others require partial door-card removal and careful routing of rods or cables. Evaluate how much disassembly the job requires and whether common hand tools are sufficient.
Lower installation complexity is valuable if you plan to DIY. Clear access to mounting fasteners, pre-attached linkage, and included hardware or instructions can significantly shorten installation time and reduce the chance of errors.
Replacement Parts and Serviceability
Check whether individual components like gaskets, linkage rods, or mounting clips are available separately or included. Handles that allow replacement of wear parts extend the overall service life and simplify future repairs.
Serviceable designs often feature modular components that can be swapped without removing the entire door panel, which lowers repair time and cost over the lifespan of the vehicle.
Safety and Lock Integration
If the handle interacts with the vehicle locking system, ensure the replacement accommodates cylinder locks, electronic actuators, or child-safety latches as required. Proper integration maintains security and prevents inadvertent unlocking or inability to lock the door.
Consider whether the handle design preserves access for key cylinders and whether sensor or actuator mounting points are present when applicable. Faulty integration can create safety issues or require additional modifications.
How We Chose the Best Kia Soul Exterior Door Handle
We focused on parts and replacements designed specifically for the Kia Soul and prioritized components that meet common repair and longevity needs. Key criteria included exact fitment to Kia Soul door assemblies, material and finish durability under outdoor exposure, and mechanical reliability for repeated use. We also evaluated installation complexity and whether standard tools and basic mechanical skills suffice.We excluded universal or vague-fit listings and any items lacking clear compatibility information or material specifications. We did not consider cosmetic-only covers that do not replace the functional mechanism. The selected options represent a balance of secure fit, corrosion-resistant construction, dependable latch action, and reasonable installation effort. Serviceability and the availability of replacement linkage hardware were also factored into our selections.
Our full evaluation process is outlined in our review methodology.
FAQ
How do I know if my Kia Soul exterior door handle needs replacement?
You may need replacement when the handle feels loose, sticks, or requires excessive force to operate. Visible cracks, missing finish, or a handle that does not return to its resting position are further signs. If the door fails to latch or lock reliably after operating the handle, that usually indicates a mechanical fault requiring replacement.
Can I install a Kia Soul exterior door handle myself?
Many exterior handles are designed for DIY installation, but the job often involves removing the inner door panel and disconnecting linkage. If you are comfortable with basic hand tools and following step-by-step instructions, DIY replacement is feasible. For complex actuator or lock-integrated assemblies, a professional may save time and reduce the risk of damage.
What tools are typically needed to replace an exterior door handle?
Common tools include a set of screwdrivers, a ratchet with metric sockets, trim-panel pry tools, and needle-nose pliers for clips and linkage. A flashlight and a magnetic tray for fasteners also help. Some vehicles require specialty clips or trim tools, but most installations use widely available hand tools.
Should I choose OEM exterior door handle parts or aftermarket options?
OEM parts are made to original specifications and usually offer reliable fit and finish. Many aftermarket options also meet or exceed functional needs and can provide different finishes or improved materials. The choice depends on priorities such as exact original fit, finish matching, and availability of replacement parts.
What if my handle is broken but the latch still works?
If the latch mechanism is intact, replacing only the exterior handle can often restore full function. Inspect linkage and mounting points to ensure no secondary damage. Replacing the handle while confirming latch alignment typically resolves the issue without additional latch repairs.
Conclusion
When choosing a Kia Soul exterior door handle, prioritize correct fitment, durable construction, and how the handle integrates with the door latch and lock system. Balance ease of installation against long-term serviceability and the availability of replacement parts.Accept that some tradeoffs exist between exact original fit and alternative finishes or materials. Focus on the factors that affect daily use and longevity so you end up with a reliable, secure handle that suits your installation skill level and environmental needs.
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