2017 Kia Soul Review
2017 Kia Soul Review





+43
Used Soul for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
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 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.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$146/mo for Soul Base
Soul Base
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
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 / 5The 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.
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
4.5Most 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
4.0Right 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
4.0The 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
4.0The 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
4.5The 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
4.5Whether 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
4.0The 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
4.0Despite 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
3.5The 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
3.5Wind 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
4.0The single-zone automatic climate control is easy to use, and once set, rarely needs to be adjusted.
Interior
4.5There'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
4.0Primary controls, as well as buttons and knobs for secondary systems, are well labeled and easy to operate.
Getting in/getting out
4.5The tall doors and slightly taller ride height make getting in and out of the Kia Soul a breeze, even in tight spots.
Driving position
4.0You 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
4.5The 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
4.5The 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
4.0Materials 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
4.0The 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
3.0Bins, 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
4.0Up 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
4.5Kia 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.
Which Soul does Edmunds recommend?
We don't often recommend the range-topping trim, but in the case of the Kia Soul Exclaim (!), it's justified. It's the only model with the peppier turbo engine, and the price increase over the midrange model isn't outrageous. In addition to the increased performance, you also get a nicer cabin and more tech features to wow your passengers.
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.

Tested: Does the 2024 Kia EV9 Live Up to the Hype?
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 Kia Soul.
5 star(49%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(9%)
1 star(19%)
43 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
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 … elbow room than the Trax and more storage room. Love and use the under floor storage in the back. Don't feel cramped in the seats which are very comfortable. Our trip via car to Las Vegas from Minnesota was very nice. The 200 hp engine in the ! was not taxed by the Rockies. No extreme down-shifting when going up the mountains. Carried all our luggage (and we have a lot because we are gone for 10 days and all our electronics,pills and food. The touch screen radio and navigation and climate controls are easy to use (we are 68 and 70 years old.) Gas mileage around town is consistently 24 to 25 MPG and highway runs 31 or so. Most of the Souls we see on the road or in town are driven by older people who need easy in and out and all the other features.
5 out of 5 stars
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 … seats are at waist height and I quite literally just walk into my seat. Just yesterday, I took a friend out in it who owns a truck and he mentioned this very thing. He was saying he has to climb up into his truck and loves that you can just walk into the seat. I said the same thing regarding my golf (as you just read). I also got the Tech Package and I am very pleased with the sound system. It is superb. Definitely not a miss there. The audio controls actually make sense and is very easy to navigate. I test drove some cars that were just way too complicated (looking at you Honda). We don't want complicated while we're driving. I want to push 2 buttons max to get where I want and do what I want. The fuel economy is actually lower than advertised, and that's kind of a bummer. I drive mostly (that's 90%) interstate and am lucky if I break 28 overall. The A/C unit is not what I'd call amazing. There are definitely better A/C units out there. Other than that... very comfortable. Drives great. Turns on a dime (better than my Hatchback did, but the hatchback handled like a dream... cuz it's a hatchback). I am not at all disappointed and would highly recommend it. Also, Kia's warranty kind of tells a story of a company who's not afraid to offer a high warranty because they have faith in their product. Seriously, their warranty is twice as good as anyone else's. Highly recommended.
5 out of 5 stars
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 … commutes and local trips.
4 out of 5 stars
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 … I love all the technology that tells me about my consumption and range. I find that I drive a bit slower in this vehicle for some reason. Getting in and out are important to me and this is done with ease. I wish the front seat had a few more adjustments but it is fairly comfortable. The Soul is easy to drive and the ergonomics are good. The technology is easy to understand and use for an older driver like me, love the Bluetooth.. This vehicle is easy to park and navigate well in tighter areas. The one real knock on the Soul is that its smaller windows create very dangerous blind spots. If you don't have a warning system and I don't, the passenger side has a huge driver's blind spot. The drivers side is also bad but not as bad. Overall I am delighted with my KIA Soul.
2017 Kia Soul video
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
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 |
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
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover14.7%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
People who viewed this also viewed
4.6 average Rating out of 12 reviews. |
Starting at $23,340 |
4.2 average Rating out of 26 reviews. |
Starting at $22,140 |
4.0 average Rating out of 20 reviews. |
Starting at $24,155 |
Related Used 2017 Kia Soul info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Cadillac XT4 2020 Review
- Cadillac XT5 2020 Review
- Cadillac XT4 2021 Review
- Cadillac Escalade 2021 Review
- Cadillac Escalade 2020 Review
Shop similar models
- Honda HR-V 2024
- Ford C-max-hybrid 2018
- Ram Promaster-city 2022
- Nissan Rogue-sport 2022
- Audi Allroad 2016
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Kia Soul 2017
- Used Kia Soul 2010
- Used Kia Soul 2018 For Sale
- Used Kia Soul 2013
- Used Kia Soul 2011
- Used Kia Soul 2016 For Sale
- Used Kia Soul 2014
- Used Kia Soul 2019
- Used Kia Soul 2012
- Used Kia Soul 2015
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Lamborghini Lamborghini Huracan
- Honda Prologue Pricing
- Lambo Aventador
- Hyundai Venue Interior
- Fisker Ronin
- Ford Fusion
- Grand Wagoneer
- Kiaev9
- 2024 GMC Yukon XL News
- 2025 Karma Kaveya News
Research recent models from same make
- Kia Seltos
- Kiaev6
- 2023 Kia Soul
- 2023 Kia Niro
- Kia Carnival
- 2022 Kia Telluride
- Kia Sportagehybrid
- 2022 Kia Sportage
- 2022 Soul
- 2023 Kia Forte
Research similar vehicles
- 2022 Porsche Panamera
- 2023 Porsche Panamera
- 2024 Countryman
- A6 Allroad
- 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- 2024 Volvo V60 Cross Country
- 2024 Volvo V60
- 2022 MINI Countryman
- Porsche Taycan 2022
- Ford Connect Passenger
Other models
- Used Dodge Caliber in High Point, NC
- Used Infiniti G-Coupe in Lodi, NJ
- New Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class for Sale in District Heights, MD
- Used Lexus LC-500H in Zephyrhills, FL
- Used Lincoln Navigator-L in Chesapeake, VA
- Used Acura Ilx in Kent, OH
- New Mercedes-Benz E-Class for Sale in Mansfield, OH
- Used Lexus NX-250 in Anniston, AL
- Used Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class in Randolph, MA
- Used Infiniti M in Marietta, GA