2017 Kia Soul EV
2017 Kia Soul EV pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which Soul EV does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
4 / 5Based on the standard Kia Soul, the 2017 Kia Soul EV is what its name says it is. It's a Soul, but with electric power. Simple, right? Well, Kia's engineers probably don't see it that way, but the end result for you is very much that easy.
Kia fits the Soul EV with a 109-horsepower electric motor and a 27-kWh (kilowatt-hour) battery, and the combination is good enough for an EPA-estimated 93 miles of driving range. In the past, this was an above-average figure for a low-cost EV. But a few key competitors, such as the new Hyundai Ioniq and updated Volkswagen e-Golf, can now go a little farther. There's also the new all-star of the class, the Chevrolet Bolt, which has more than double the Kia's range.
From a utility standpoint, though, the 2017 Soul EV still offers a distinct advantage. Its boxy shape allows for greater cargo-carrying capacity than many other EVs, particularly if you're looking to haul bulky items. The Soul EV is also relatively quiet and comes well equipped with convenience and luxury-oriented features. Overall, we're fans of the 2017 Kia Soul EV, but we recommend that you look at the newest rivals if range and interior quality are your main concerns.
Trim levels & features
The 2017 Kia Soul EV is a four-door electric-powered hatchback available in three trim levels: EV-e (available only in California), EV (also known as base) and Plus (+). Regardless of trim level, you get a 90-kW electric motor (109 horsepower, 210 pound-feet), a 27-kWh battery pack, a DC fast-charge port and a 6.6-kW onboard charger.
Standard equipment is pretty generous for the bottom EV-e and base EV trim levels, but there are a few optional extras on the top trim level that are appealing. Look for the ventilated front seats and the potential upgrade to a panoramic sunroof, if that's to your liking.
If you go with the EV-e (California only) you'll get 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated side mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, automatic climate control (with a "driver only" function to save energy), a height-adjustable driver seat, cloth upholstery, heated front seats, a heated tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 5-inch center screen with a rearview camera, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and a USB port.
In the middle of the Soul EV's trim-level structure is the base model. It's similar to the California-only EV-e, but it also gets a heat pump for the climate control system (helping to improve energy efficiency and maximize driving range), an 8-inch touchscreen, a navigation system and Kia's Uvo infotainment system (with additional electric-vehicle-oriented features).
Probably the most attractive of the trim levels for the Soul EV is the Plus (+). It gets almost all the equipment that the Soul EV has to offer, without a massive increase in price. On top of the base model, the Plus adds aerodynamic windshield wipers, foglights, front and rear parking sensors, power-folding mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, simulated-leather dashboard and console trim, heated rear seats, a luggage net, a cargo cover and a 12-volt cargo area power outlet.
Optional for the Plus is a Sun and Fun package, which provides a panoramic sunroof and LED interior lighting.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the2015 Kia Soul EV Plus (+).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Soul EV has received some revisions, including the addition of a standard 5-inch center screen and an available panoramic sunroof. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Kia Soul EV.
Driving
3.5Acceleration
3.5Braking
3.5Steering
3Handling
2.5Drivability
5Comfort
4Seat comfort
4Ride comfort
3Noise & vibration
4Interior
4.5Ease of use
4Getting in/getting out
5Roominess
3Visibility
4Quality
3Utility
5Technology
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2017 Kia Soul EV.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Soul EV safety features:
- Pedestrian Warning System
- Alerts pedestrians of the quiet Soul EV's approach with a soft, artificial noise at 12 mph and under.
- Front and Rear Parking Sensors
- Warn you if the car's bumpers are approaching exterior objects such as walls or other vehicles.
- Uvo Connectivity
- Allows owners to set parameters for secondary drivers such as geo-fencing, curfew alert and speed alert.
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2017 Kia Soul EV for Sale
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See your car's valueThe 2017 Kia Soul EV is a capable electric vehicle with above-average utility. Thanks to its boxy shape, the Soul EV can fit quite a bit of cargo in the rear, and there's enough room in back for adults to sit comfortably. The EPA estimates the Soul EV has a driving range of 93 miles, which is average in the compact EV class.
Kia does equip the Soul EV with a features, though. For trim levels, there's the EV-e, which is available only in California, the base Soul EV and the Plus (+). The simple options structure means there's no long list of custom options or stand-alone items to choose from. For prospective buyers, that makes things a lot easier.
The EV-e and base trim levels offer items such as heated seats, a heated tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen and a rearview camera. Most people will be happy with the Soul EV's standard gear, especially for the price. But move up the ladder to the top-trim level Kia Soul EV Plus, which isn't that much more expensive, and you'll get items such as ventilated front seats and an optional panoramic sunroof. Regardless of which equipment level you go with, the Soul EV is good value for money, packing a lot of items in for the price.
If you put the 2017 Kia Soul EV up against its main competitors, its price is middle-of-the-pack. Rivals with a bit more luxury equipment and significantly longer EV range are more expensive, while less desirable vehicles with shorter EV range will save you a bit upfront. It's also important to note that most EVs are eligible for certain tax credits that will bring the price down. When you decide on what equipment you need and which 2017 Kia Soul EV is right for you, be sure to check out the details on Edmunds and we'll help you find the perfect one.
2017 Kia Soul EV Overview
The 2017 Kia Soul EV is offered in the following submodels: Soul EV Wagon. Available styles include e 4dr Wagon (electric DD), + 4dr Wagon (electric DD), and 4dr Wagon (electric DD).
What do people think of the 2017 Kia Soul EV?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Kia Soul EV and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Soul EV 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Soul EV.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Kia Soul EV and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Soul EV featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Edmunds Scorecard
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Which 2017 Kia Soul EVS are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Kia Soul EV for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2017 Kia Soul EV.
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2017 Kia Soul EV?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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Related vehicle information
2017 Kia Soul EV Information
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