Used 2017 Kia Soul

The 2017 Kia Soul finally receives the one thing it’s lacked since the first hamster-driven 5-door hatchback appeared on our streets: horsepower. The top-level 2017 Soul Exclaim now boasts a 201-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder that delivers the verve the Kia Soul’s funky styling and marketing long promised. Beyond the Turbo model’s extra power, the entire lineup now offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, blind-spot detection, additional USB inputs and more. The all-electric Soul EV touts gas-free driving, but its range is only 93 miles, and availability is limited. The 2017 Soul is a compelling alternative not just to subcompact SUVs like the Fiat 500X or Mini Cooper Countryman, but also the Mazda3, Chevrolet Cruze and Honda Civic hatchbacks, especially when you consider its long warranty and low starting price.

The good news is that the 2017 Kia Soul Exclaim, with its turbo engine, is definitely quicker than ever. With sharper handling from revised suspension settings and 18-inch alloy wheels, the Soul Turbo packs an edgier experience. The quick and predictable steering still lacks the feedback of a Civic, but it’s acceptable. Power the Soul through a corner and it responds admirably, with less body roll than you’d expect from a tall vehicle. The Turbo’s biggest drawback is the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic paired with the engine. It’s slow to shift up or down, and occasional odd surges of power make it feel like it’s not always fully engaged, even with the Sport drive mode selected. We think the midtrim Plus model, with its non-turbo 2.0-liter engine, will satisfy most drivers. The battery-powered Kia Soul EV has the quiet operation desirable of electric vehicles (EVs), but not the quickness. It takes over 11 seconds for the Kia Soul EV to reach 60 mph. The Chevy Bolt does it in 6.5 seconds and has a range of 238 miles, vs. the Soul EV’s lowly 93.

The 2017 Kia Soul offers 5-passenger seating, although four will be more comfortable. Upholstery and trim get notably better as you climb the model ladder, with the Soul Exclaim getting contrast stitching on its cloth and leather seats, plus a sporty D-shaped steering wheel. Available this year are dual USB ports so you can recharge one phone while the other is used for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The Soul’s boxy shape provides very good headroom for all passengers, and offers good cargo space, especially when you fold the rear seats. The pulsating speaker lights are pure whimsy. Electric models have unique touches, like the State of Charge meter that shows battery level and can be seen through the windshield from outside.

You’ll still immediately recognize the 2017 Kia Soul for what it is, but there are a couple of minor tweaks to the exterior. Front and rear bumpers have changed a bit, with the Soul Plus getting body-color inserts, and the Soul Exclaim getting black. The Exclaim also distinguishes itself from its non-turbo mates with 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust tips, HID headlights and LED fog lights. The Soul EV has a front charge port hidden behind a solid grille in front. The Kia Soul’s upright styling offers good cargo and passenger space, and the vertical taillights are so distinctive they’re practically the car’s signature.

TURBO POWER
We’ll freely admit that we’re suckers for horsepower, and the new turbocharged engine under the hood of the Kia Soul Exclaim definitely gives the Soul more of its namesake. As a side benefit, fuel economy is actually better than the other engines, meaning you sacrifice almost nothing, aside from extra money.

APPLE CARPLAY AND ANDROID AUTO
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are maybe the best thing to come along in in-car infotainment since speakers. With CarPlay you have access to everything your phone offers, including Apple Music, and with Android Auto you can use Google Maps, all on your car’s infotainment system.

The 2017 Kia Soul comes in three models: Base, Plus (+) and Exclaim (!). Base models include 16-inch alloy wheels, a new drive-mode function, and an updated audio system. Also standard are air conditioning, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 6-way-manual-adjust driver’s seat, power windows and door locks and Bluetooth wireless technology. The 2017 Kia Soul EV also comes in three trims: The California-only EV-e3, EV and EV Plus. All come with heated front seats, environmentally-friendly interior materials, DC Fast Charge port, and the ability to start the climate system while the vehicle is still charging.

Options vary by model level, with base models with an automatic transmission offering a Convenience Package that adds an updated audio system with a rearview camera, and automatic headlights. Soul Plus models offer an upgraded audio package, and a Primo package that combines a panoramic sunroof, leather seats with power adjustments and heating and cooling in front, blind-spot detection, forward-collision and lane-departure warning, and more. Along with the turbo engine, the Exclaim offers a panoramic sunroof and a Technology package that adds most of what’s in the Primo package, along with a harman/kardon audio system. The top-line Soul EV Plus comes with leather seating and offers a panoramic sunroof.

The Soul Base model gets a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with a meager 130 horsepower, connected to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. The Soul Plus comes with a more satisfactory 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 161 horsepower connected only to a 6-speed automatic. And of course this year there’s the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, with its 201 horsepower and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. All Soul models are front-wheel drive and while all are fairly fuel-efficient. The electric Kia Soul EV makes 109 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, significantly less than the Chevy Bolt. The Soul EV also lags by far that upstart’s range: 93 miles vs. 238 for the Bolt. Charge times take from 24 hours on a 120-volt outlet to a more reasonable 4-plus on a 240-volt outlet. DC Fast Charging can be done in about 30 minutes.

1.6-liter inline-4 (Soul Base)
130 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
118 lb-ft of torque @ 4,850 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/30 mpg (manual), 25/30 mpg (automatic)

2.0-liter inline-4 (Soul Plus)
161 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
151 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/30 mpg

1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 (Soul Exclaim)
201 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
195 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/31 mpg

A/C Synchronous Permanent Magnet motor (Soul EV)
109 horsepower
210 lb-ft of torque
EPA range on a full charge: 93 miles

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.