2017 Kia Soul Review

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4.5/5 Expert Rating

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Used Soul for sale

$6,995 - $19,999

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byMark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

Pros

Long list of standard and optional features
Attractive cabin with user-friendly controls
More passenger space than you might expect
Excellent crash test scores

Cons

Ride quality suffers with larger wheels
Unimpressive fuel economy for a car in this class

What’s new

For 2017, the big news for the Kia Soul is a new turbocharged engine that gives it a solid boost in power and performance. It's only available, however, on the top-of-the-line Soul Exclaim (!) trim. Elsewhere in the lineup, a few features have shifted from optional to standard, and there's more available to add onto the Base trim.

Vehicle overview

The Kia Soul is one of those cars that challenges labels. Is it a hatchback or a wagon or an SUV? It's really a mix of all three, and though this combination has the potential for failure or mockery, Kia put together a car that takes the best that each style has to offer.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$146/mo

$168/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Historically, the Kia Soul has been compared to other oddballs such as the Scion xB and Nissan Cube, both of which capitalized on their boxy shape to make the most of interior space. The Scion and Nissan rivals have since been discontinued, leaving the Soul in a class of one. Subcompact SUVs are now gaining popularity and could certainly be considered competitors.

The Soul, however, gets a distinct edge over the competition with its funky style, youthful approach and a peppier turbo engine that debuts this year. Add to that a generous warranty and top safety scores, and the Soul's appeal is strong, no matter your age.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

4.5 / 5

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our first drive of the 2017 Kia Soul ! (1.6L 4-cyl. turbo; 7-speed dual-clutch automatic).

Scorecard

Overall	4.5 / 5
Driving	4.5
Comfort	4.0
Interior	4.5
Utility	4.0
Technology	4.5

Driving

4.5

Most drivers won't need the added power from the Kia Soul's new turbo engine, but there's no doubt that any driver will appreciate it. We were surprised how entertaining and capable this boxy little car is on a twisting road, which translates to a more confident ride for less-than-sporty drivers.

Acceleration

4.0

Right off the line, there's a little hesitation, but power builds steadily up to highway speeds. The turbo engine will be more than enough for most drivers. Sport mode further sharpens response and holds onto gears longer.

Braking

4.0

The brake pedal is appropriately firm and easy to modulate. With more aggressive braking, the car remains poised and controllable. After some hard driving down a long, winding grade, the pedal never softened.

Steering

4.0

The steering effort feels right at all speeds. It lightens up at parking lot speeds and get heavier as speeds increase. There's a good on-center feel to keep you tracking straight on a highway for effortless road trips.

Handling

4.5

The Kia Soul is surprisingly agile, and dare we say, even fun on a winding road. It takes a little getting used to, but you can drive it much harder than you'd expect.

Drivability

4.5

Whether you're stuck in traffic, maneuvering in a tight spot, blasting through some fun roads or cruising down the highway, the Kia Soul is very easy to drive and inspires confidence.

Comfort

4.0

The Kia Soul rides a little stiffer than other SUVs, but it's far from being a deal breaker. We spent the better part of a day in it and never felt fatigued or in need of a break.

Seat comfort

4.0

Despite having only the basic adjustments, the front seats are comfortable after several hours on the road. The rear seats are a little firm and flat by comparison.

Ride comfort

3.5

The Kia Soul's suspension is the same regardless of trim level. The ride quality is stiffer than that of other compact SUVs, but even on really rough roads, it's never objectionable.

Noise & vibration

3.5

Wind and road noise is always present, but it's not so loud that it becomes intrusive. Under more aggressive acceleration, the engine can get a little loud, but it sounds pretty good for a four-cylinder.

Climate control

4.0

The single-zone automatic climate control is easy to use, and once set, rarely needs to be adjusted.

Interior

4.5

There's a lot of plastic throughout the interior, but the panels are well grained and feel substantial. Any spots that you regularly touch or rest your elbows on are padded.

Ease of use

4.0

Primary controls, as well as buttons and knobs for secondary systems, are well labeled and easy to operate.

Getting in/getting out

4.5

The tall doors and slightly taller ride height make getting in and out of the Kia Soul a breeze, even in tight spots.

Driving position

4.0

You sit taller in the Kia Soul than in a sedan, but not quite as high as in a typical compact SUV. It's an excellent compromise that gives you a great view of the road.

Roominess

4.5

The Kia Soul's cabin feels big and spacious, even if you ignore its relatively small footprint. The rear seats are especially spacious, with plenty of head- and legroom for taller passengers. The panoramic sunroof further enhances the sense of space.

Visibility

4.5

The rear roof pillars are pretty thick, but overall outward visibility is excellent. There's no guesswork when backing into a spot, and you won't have to rely too much on the rearview camera.

Quality

4.0

Materials used and construction are slightly better than expected for a car at this price. The top trim with the turbo engine gets even better materials and seat trim.

Utility

4.0

The Kia Soul's boxy shape allows it to make the most of all available space. Cargo capacity is about what you'd expect from a car that blends hatchback and SUV elements, but interior storage could be better.

Small-item storage

3.0

Bins, pockets and cupholders are adequate but not particularly generous or clever. Other vehicles offer more and larger storage areas, as well as thoughtful solutions for phones and personal items.

Cargo space

4.0

Up to 19 cubic feet of cargo room is available behind the rear seats if piled to the top. Capacity increases to 61 cubic feet with the seats folded (but they don't fold flat) — better than most hatchbacks and competitive with some SUVs. A removable bin under the cargo floor accepts smaller items.

Technology

4.5

Kia exceeds expectations when it comes to technology. A lot of features are built into the infotainment system, and they're all easy to find and operate. Response time is immediate, and the optional audio system delivers a solid punch.

Audio & navigation

The optional Harman Kardon audio system sounds great and is easy to operate. Similarly, the navigation benefits from sharp screen resolution and easy-to-read graphics. The mix of physical and on-screen buttons makes switching between systems quick and simple.

2017 Kia Soul models

The 2017 Kia Soul is classified as a wagon, but really it's more like a compact crossover SUV. It is available in three trim levels: Base, Plus (+) and Exclaim (!). The base model comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (130 horsepower, 118 pound-feet of torque) that is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is optional, and both drive the front wheels only. The Plus receives a 2.0-liter engine (161 hp, 150 lb-ft) and is available only with the automatic transmission. The Exclaim gets a new 1.6-liter turbocharged engine (201 hp, 195 lb-ft) along with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Standard feature highlights for the base Kia Soul include 16-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40-split folding rear seats, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker audio system with USB input and satellite radio.

Stepping up to the Plus trim adds 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, foglights, remote keyless entry, selectable drive modes, cruise control, automatic climate control, center armrests for front and back seats, a 5-inch touchscreen and a rearview camera. At the top of the range, the Exclaim includes 18-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and upholstery trim, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Some features are available on supporting trims as options. Other bundled add-ons include the Audio package for the Plus (a navigation system, an 8-inch display, a Harman Kardon audio system, speaker lights that change with the music, keyless entry and ignition, and two USB ports), the Primo package (panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver seat, 8-way power front passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, power-folding mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, a lane departure warning system and forward collision warning). The Exclaim is eligible for the Technology package that includes most of the above options along with xenon headlights.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 Kia Soul.

5 (49%)

4 (16%)

3 (7%)

2 (9%)

1 (19%)

3.7

43 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

We are Soul People

Rodney Hunt, 10/05/2017

2017 Kia Soul ! 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

My wife first had a 2010 Soul and traded it on a new new 2012 VW Beetle. We traded that in a year later on a 2014 Soul ! for her and one for me. We really liked those cars but are always looking at others. Traded them in on 2 Chevy Trax, the top model. Then about a year and half went back to to the Souls. One for each of us and we are not going to change. Easy in and out, more …

I love this car! (as of 12/28/2018 - I STILL DO)

Jeff, 06/16/2017

2017 Kia Soul ! 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

This car has most of the things I wanted in a vehicle all put into one. I had been searching and test drove quite a few vehicles and walked away from each disappointed about something. That was not the case with this one. The ride is smooth and the EXCLAIM is very quick. I used to drive a smaller hatchback and got tired of having essentially fall into my car. With the soul, the …

Great compromise

Bob, 11/13/2017

2017 Kia Soul + 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

Not too big, not too small. Easy to drive and park. Responsive engine. Entertainment center is good with a small but functional touch screen. Good value for the money. Update:. We don't drive it alot. So far we are very happy. Update:. We drive mostly local and less than 8k miles. Been a great car. May 2021: Still a great car. We've driven less than 9k miles. Very convenient for …

My first Kia

Joe, 08/04/2017

2017 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6A)

I have a three year lease on a 2017 Soul. I have owned the vehicle for just a few weeks now. In that time I have made the following observations. It is important to keep in mind that this is a base vehicle. I see it filling a niche was owned by the VW Bug, with technology and comfort. My 1.6 130 hp with an automatic transmission is plenty of motor for this car. The mileage is amazing and …

See all 43 reviews of the Kia Soul

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2017 Kia Soul video

2017 Kia Soul Expert Rundown Review

TRAVIS LANGNESS: I'm automotive editor Travis Langness. And this is the Edmunds Expert Rundown of the 2017 Kia Soul. For 2017, the Kia Soul's biggest upgrade is the new turbocharged engine with stronger power and more performance. You can only get the turbo engine on the Soul's top trim level, but we think it's worth the cost. On top of the increased performance, you also get a nicer cabin and more tech features. Unfortunately, the ride quality suffers with the bigger wheels. And overall, the Soul has unimpressive fuel economy for a car in this class. On the inside, the Soul's got an attractive cabin with lots of user-friendly controls and more passenger space than you might expect from a car this size. It's not typical that we recommend the top trim level. But with the Kia Soul, it's definitely worth the extra cost. You get peppier turbo engine. And the price increase over the mid-range model isn't that big. Bottom line is the Kia Soul is a high-quality, , utilitarian and competitively priced car that we definitely recommend. For more reviews of key competitors, go to YouTube and check out more of the Edmunds Expert Rundowns.

2017 Kia Soul Expert Rundown Review

Looking for a great mix of a hatchback, wagon and SUV? The 2017 Kia Soul might be a good match. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we don't and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.

2017 Soul Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP	$16,100
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$146/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Soul models:

UVO eServices: Assists you with getting help through automatic crash notification and roadside assistance at the push of a button.
Blind-Spot Detection: Alerts you if there's a vehicle lurking in a blind spot or crossing behind you in a parking lot.
Lane Departure Warning: Gives an audible warning if you start drifting out of your lane without signaling.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover14.7%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Acceptable
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2017 Kia Soul Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Technology

Audio & navigation

Which Soul does Edmunds recommend?

2017 Kia Soul models

Most helpful consumer reviews

We are Soul People

I love this car! (as of 12/28/2018 - I STILL DO)

Great compromise

My first Kia

2017 Kia Soul video

2017 Kia Soul Expert Rundown Review

2017 Soul Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 Kia Soul 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}