2017 Kia Soul
The 2017 Kia Soul is a stylish and practical compact hatchback that offers a unique blend of distinctive design, versatile functionality, and value for money. Known for its boxy, urban-friendly silhouette, the Soul continues to appeal to a wide range of buyers looking for an alternative to traditional sedans and SUVs. For 2017, the Soul received minor updates, refining its already popular formula.
Highlights
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Engine Options: The 2017 Kia Soul offered three distinct engine choices to cater to different driving needs and preferences.
- 1.6L Inline-4: This base engine provides a good balance of fuel efficiency and adequate power for city driving and everyday commutes. It's paired with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.
- 2.0L Inline-4: A step up in power, this engine offers more confident acceleration and highway merging capabilities. It's typically paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
- 1.6L Turbocharged Inline-4 (Exclaim Trim): This potent engine, exclusive to the top-tier Exclaim (now called ! or Exclaim) trim, delivers exhilarating performance with significantly more horsepower and torque, making the Soul feel surprisingly sprightly. It comes exclusively with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
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Safety Features: Kia equipped the 2017 Soul with a commendable suite of safety features designed to protect occupants.
- Antilock Braking System (ABS): Helps prevent wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Assists in maintaining control of the vehicle in slippery conditions or during sudden maneuvers by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels.
- Traction Control System (TCS): Helps prevent wheel spin during acceleration, improving grip on various surfaces.
- Brake Assist System (BAS): Detects a panic braking situation and automatically applies maximum braking force, potentially reducing stopping distance.
- Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC): Prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an incline.
- Available Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): Higher trims offered optional features like:
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts the driver to potential frontal collisions.
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Warns the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane without signaling.
- Blind-Spot Detection (BSD): Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): Warns the driver of approaching vehicles when backing up.
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Trim Summary: The 2017 Kia Soul was offered in three main trim levels, each building upon the previous one with increasing levels of features and refinement.
- Base (also known as A): The entry-level trim provided essential features for comfortable and practical transportation, including air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a basic audio system.
- Plus (also known as !): This mid-level trim added popular amenities such as upgraded interior materials, a rearview camera, satellite radio, and typically a more powerful engine option (2.0L).
- Exclaim (also known as !! or !): The top-tier trim elevated the Soul's experience with the potent turbocharged engine, premium audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, and the most comprehensive suite of advanced safety features.
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Other Notable Aspects:
- Unique Styling: The Soul's iconic boxy design is a major selling point, offering excellent interior space and a commanding view of the road.
- Spacious Interior: Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Soul boasts a surprisingly roomy cabin for both passengers and cargo, making it practical for hauling groceries, gear, or even small furniture.
- Customization Options: Kia often offered a range of vibrant exterior colors and interior accent options, allowing buyers to personalize their Soul to their taste.
- User-Friendly Infotainment: The infotainment system, especially on higher trims with larger touchscreens, was generally intuitive and easy to use, often featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
- Comfortable Ride: The suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and road imperfections well, making it a pleasant daily driver.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Kia Soul is generally a positive experience, characterized by its practicality and ease of use. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements, will follow standard automotive schedules. Kia vehicles are known for their reliability, and the Soul is no exception, typically requiring fewer unexpected repairs than some competitors.
Insurance costs for a 2017 Kia Soul are generally considered moderate. Premiums will vary based on factors like your location, driving record, chosen coverage levels, and the specific trim of the Soul you own. Its safety features and generally good safety ratings can contribute to more favorable insurance rates.
Potential Considerations
While the 2017 Kia Soul is a well-rounded vehicle, potential buyers should be aware of a few points:
- Base Engine Performance: The 1.6L engine in the base model can feel somewhat underpowered, especially when fully loaded or merging onto highways. The 2.0L or 1.6T engines are recommended if you prioritize stronger acceleration.
- Road Noise: Some owners have noted that road and wind noise can be more pronounced in the cabin, particularly at higher speeds, compared to more premium or heavily sound-deadened vehicles.
- Styling is Subjective: While many appreciate the Soul's distinctive look, its boxy design might not appeal to everyone, and some may find it less aerodynamic or sporty than more traditional car shapes.
- Transmission Behavior (Turbocharged): While the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic in the turbocharged model provides quick shifts, it can sometimes exhibit a slight hesitation or jerky behavior at low speeds or in stop-and-go traffic.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Kia Soul stands out as a versatile and characterful compact hatchback that successfully blends quirky styling with everyday practicality. It offers a comfortable and spacious interior, a range of engine options to suit different needs, and a good array of standard and available safety features. For buyers seeking an affordable, reliable, and undeniably unique vehicle that's perfect for urban commuting and weekend adventures, the 2017 Kia Soul remains a compelling choice.
