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2017 Kia Soul

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Make
Kia
Model
Soul
Year
2017
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Kia Soul OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2017 Base 4dr Hatchback
most popular
Price:   -  From $16,100
2017 + 4dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $19,800
2017 ! 4dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $22,800

Overview

If lively hamsters could drive cars, they’d surely be happy in a Soul, as they were in Kia’s TV commercials when this likable little crossover first appeared. The Soul is one of the few contemporary vehicles that’s readily recognizable from afar, and its unconventional design yields a spacious interior. A friendly, youthful persona also helps in this entry-level crossover category, though plenty of older folks have fallen for the Soul’s practical qualities, as well as its quirky appearance.

What's new for 2017

A new turbocharged 1.6-liter engine goes under the hood of the Exclaim edition, giving the Soul a new level of sporty flavor. Instead of a conventional automatic, the Exclaim Turbo gets a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Kia Soul

Choosing Your Kia Soul

All Souls have front-wheel drive, ample room for five, and 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the backseat. Subcompact on the outside, the Soul offers the interior space of a compact.

Each trim level now gets its own engine. In the Base Soul, a direct-injected 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine develops 130 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque. That base engine mates with either a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission. The Soul Plus holds a 2-liter engine rated 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. In the Exclaim model, the new 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder develops 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Fuel economy is estimated at 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway with the smaller base engine, while the 2-liter manages 25 mpg in city driving. Thriftiest is the Exclaim turbo, estimated at 26/31 mpg (city/highway). All Soul models comes with adjustable steering assist.

The Soul comes in three trim levels: Base, Plus, and Exclaim:

Kia Soul

Base

Starting at $16,840 (destination charge included) with manual shift, the base Soul has an appealing list of standard equipment for its class. Included are the 1.6-liter engine, air conditioning, power windows and locks, power mirrors, a tilt/telescopic steering column, Bluetooth connectivity, rear privacy glass, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The six-speaker sound system includes satellite radio and steering wheel-mounted controls. The automatic transmission adds $1,560.

The optional Convenience package includes a 4.3-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, and automatic headlights.

Kia Soul

Plus

For an MSRP of $20,500, the Plus edition includes the 2-liter engine and Sportmatic automatic transmission, as well as automatic headlights, fog lamps, cruise control, a rearview camera, automatic climate control, heated mirrors, remote keyless entry, a cargo cover, and 17-inch alloy wheels (18-inch optional). Options include keyless ignition, Infinity radio, navigation, a panoramic sunroof, and a heated steering wheel.

An optional Audio package includes navigation, a Harman Kardon sound system, keyless ignition, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The $4,000 Primo package adds leather seat trim, ventilated/heated power front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, and power-folding mirrors. Also included are blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision alert.

A Designer Collection package furnishes 18-inch black-spoke wheels, a two-tone roof, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever.

Kia Soul

Exclaim

Priced at $23,500 with its new turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and dual-clutch transmission, the top Soul also features leather/cloth upholstery, keyless ignition, mirror-integrated turn signals, UVO eServices telematics, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a chrome exhaust tip, and 18-inch wheels.

A Technology package includes extras such as a panoramic sunroof, navigation, Harman Kardon audio, front/rear heated seats, a heated steering wheel, adaptive LED headlights and fog lamps, and blind spot monitoring.

CarsDirect Tip

In basic form, each Soul ranks as an affordable, distinctive little crossover. However, buyers get quite a selection of option packages to choose from, priced from $500 to $4,000. Unless you’re really enthused about some of those additional features, the mid-range Plus trim will probably provide all you need. For thrift-minded buyers, the base Soul, perhaps with automatic, should be wholly satisfactory. The turbocharged Exclaim should attract more sport-minded Soul operators.

Get your price on a Kia Soul »

author image
Contributing Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

After years of teasing a sporty version of its popular Soul, Kia has finally delivered with the new 2017 Soul Turbo. But will a dose of enthusiasm keep customers interested in this aging-but-still-popular box on wheels?

Pricing and Equipment

Whether you consider it a large hatchback or a small crossover, there is no arguing the Soul does its thing inexpensively, thanks to its $18,595 starting price. Because it’s target audience is younger buyers just looking for inexpensive transportation, this base trim is sure to be the most popular. It comes standard with:

  • Sixteen-inch alloy wheels
  • Cloth upholstery
  • Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
  • Split-folding rear seat
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Six-speak stereo system with satellite radio

For buyers who prefer the latest and greatest or are looking for more pep, there is the $23,695 Exclaim (!) trim, which comes with the all-new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Performance Pros

Kia Soul
  • The 201 horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gives the Soul an all-new, fun-filled personality.
  • The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts with precision under moderate to heavy throttle.
  • Ride is smoother than expected in a small crossover.

Performance Cons

  • The turbo engine’s low-end torque quickly brings about annoying levels of torque steer and wheel spin.
  • The two less-powerful engines are average at best.
  • All three engines fall short of the competition in fuel economy, with the naturally aspirated engines hitting 27 miles per gallon combined and the turbocharged unit bumping that to 28 mpg combined.
  • The dual-clutch transmission is a little jerky at lower engine speeds.
  • Paddle shifters on the turbocharged model would up the fun factor significantly.

Interior Pros

  • There’s a laundry list of options to choose from to customize the Soul to a buyer’s liking.
  • The optional infotainment system is intuitive, and its included Android Auto interface makes things even easier.
  • Plenty of soft-touch materials above the shoulder line, giving it a more premium feel.
  • The seats are comfortable and have just enough bolstering to hold passengers in place.
  • There’s an impressive 39.1 inches of leg room in the rear seats.

Interior Cons

  • A lot of engine noise makes its way into the cabin on hard acceleration, although this is occasionally a good thing on the sportier turbocharged model.
  • Only 18.8 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats up.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

While it’s not a hot crossover by any means, the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and dual-clutch transmission are great additions. They deliver zippy acceleration in and out of traffic and allow the Soul to merge onto a busy freeway with confidence.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

While its safety ratings are good, the Soul still lacks the available automatic emergency braking that will make it an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus. What’s more, even the rearview camera is an option – and a costly one at that.

The Bottom Line

With the optional engine, the Soul is a blast to drive. And like always, its cabin is still roomy and well-equipped at all levels. But it lacks in areas that some buyers just cannot look past, such as a standard rearview camera, optional automatic emergency braking, and cargo room with the seats up.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.6L I-4 / 130 HP / 118 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard: 6-spd man w/OD
Available: 6-spd Sportmatic w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
24 / 30 / 27 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.6L I-4 / 130 HP / 118 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
24 / 30 / 27 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Semi-independent Torsion Beam Beam
Spare Tire And Wheel
Fuel Tank
14.2 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$54
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
49.5 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
101 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
163.0 "
Exterior Width
70.9 "
Exterior Height
63.5 "
Front Headroom
39.6 "
Rear Headroom
39.5 "
Front Legroom
40.9 "
Rear Legroom
39.1 "
Front Shoulder Room
55.5 "
Rear Shoulder Room
54.7 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
2,884 Lbs. / 2,942 Lbs.
Wheel Base
101 "
Turning Radius
17.4 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
16.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Clock, Seek-scan / Clock
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Major Components Months
120 Months / 100,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / 100,000 Miles
Accessories Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles

Used 2017 Kia Soul for Sale

3 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Kia
Base
Color: Green
Price

$10,698

Mileage

71,750 mi

Map location icon

Carson Honda (11 mi)

Phone: (800) 717-6845
Kia
Color: Titanium Gray
Price

$11,499

Mileage

84,775 mi

Map location icon

AutoNation INFINITI Tustin (38 mi)

Phone: (888) 211-8977
Kia
+
Color: Black
Price

$11,995

Mileage

57,470 mi

Map location icon

Royal Auto Dealer (38 mi)

Phone: (626) 262-9494

Other Kia Soul Listings

We have expanded the search to include other Kia Soul years that you might be interested in.

Kia
S
Color: Sparkling Silver
Price

$12,991

Mileage

73,661 mi

Map location icon

Raceway Nissan (63 mi)

Phone: (951) 992-1849
See All Used Car Listings

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