2017 Kia Soul Review: Unreliable Quirky Small SUV With Potential Expensive Engine Problems

Nov 17, 2022

The 2017 Kia Soul only lasts around 150,000 miles with some reported engine failures and brake system issues. At $13,275 to $16,500, it’s cheap, but not worth buying if it’s outside of the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty.

The Good

There’s plenty of passenger room throughout the cabin, stereo technology is good for the price and safety scores are great.

The Bad

The larger wheels make the suspension stiffer than average, cargo space is lower than other small SUVs and there’s no all-wheel-drive system available.

Is the 2017 Kia Soul a Good Used SUV?

Overall Rating 7/10 – 2017 is a good year for the Kia Soul, reliability improvements paired with a nice interior give it a good overall score. Owner reviews praise the efficiency, technology, as well as the passenger room.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are good compared to other small SUVs, the seats are comfortable with a lot of cushioning, cargo space is also good for its size.
Reliability 7/10 – There are fewer problems reported with the 2017 Kia Soul than earlier years, making it more reliable. Avoid models from 2012–2016 which have widespread engine failures. Models from 2017–2022 are more reliable.
Performance 6/10 – Performance is slow from the non-turbo 4-cylinder engine options, while the turbocharged motor is a bit more fun to drive.
Safety 8/10 – The 2017 Soul is a safe SUV, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Lane departure warning, as well as a forward collision warning are both optional.
Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 28 MPG, giving 397 miles of range from the 14.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $24 cheaper than average at $188 per month.
Value 8/10 – Blue book prices are lower than other compact SUVs, making the 2017 Soul a good value for shoppers on a budget since engine problems are less widespread, and most are covered under the warranty.

Positive Owner Reviews

Bryan S

It runs quietly and sufficiently.

This car runs beautifully and is comfortable. The sound system is great as a base model. I feel safe and the car is very roomy for a family. Can also be great to take your furry friend to the park or the beach. The base model comes with an eco drive mode, sport and also normal. It is great to be able to switch to normal for longer road trips, and the eco for everyday work travel.

Karen B

My car is very affordable and I save a lot of money on gas.

I love the way it drives. I like that it is small and easy to park. I love the paint color, alien green.

Jennifer R

Fun to drive. Shiny black. Great gas mileage.

I purchased my Kia Soul based mostly on reliability and mileage report. It is shiny black and very nice in appearance. For what's considered a small car I find it to suit my needs and is has quite a lot of room actually. It is fun to drive, gets great gas mileage and I receive free oil changes and tire rotations for the first few years. I love it.

Paul B

The hamstermobile of wonder.

Even though it is only a 4 cylinder engine this little cube can go. The drive is a little rough but I have not had any issues with this car since buying this vehicle. The trunk space is actually surprisingly large and I really like the storage beneath the trunk floor.

Holly H

Great car with wonderful features!

My Kia soul has a very smooth ride, great visibility, very reliable with great fuel efficiency, and it is much roomier than I thought it would be! The backup camera is very useful and the Bluetooth connectivity is wonderful. I love the different drive modes (normal, eco, and sport), which can come in very handy.

Sharon W

Kia Soul 17 review. Reliable vehicle.

My Kia Soul seems to be very reliable and thus there have never been any issues other than routine maintenance. I prefer to drive Kia products because they back their vehicles with a strong warranty. I can easily fit into small parking spaces and although it is not a SUV, I do enjoy the fact that the car is somewhat elevated.

Destiny G

My vehicle has great gas mileage, drives smoothly and is reliable.

The Kia Soul is a very reliable car. It has good gas mileage, I only have to fill up every other week if I do not drive far distances.

Cordie L

Kia soul is a great car. Good gas mileage, smooth ride. Great warranty.

This is the 3rd soul I have owned. I love them. They are easy to drive, good on gas, safe and the warranty is great. Before the soul I had 2 Kia rios. They also were great cars. I have never had a major problem with any of my Kia's. They are fun to drive and great on the highway.

Negative Owner Reviews

Steven scott

Reliability

Engine oiling problems.

Alexis F

2016 Kia soul review 100,000 miles.

The Kia soul has good space, and gas mileage. But I have recently been having troubles with it. Almost about 100,000 miles on it. The interior is ok, but the outside appearance just is ugly and is not attractive. Didn't pay all that much for the car.

Jamie C

Not impressed by the durability.

The car does not handle very well. When it gets close to time to change the oil, it starts driving terribly with a horrible sound. The seats are adjustable however they are not very comfortable at all. The bumper and mirrors as well of several other parts are made of plastic and break very easily.

Jess M

Soul may not be for everyone.

The Kia Soul is an okay car. The main negative is that it is not peppy enough, the engine is too small. Positives include the overall look of the car as it is different and attractive. Also it has good gas mileage. I have to say that I have not had good experiences at the Kia dealership.

Kara B

The car paint is great in grey!

The car is great for a small family of four, I have a 6 year old and a newborn, this car just cannot fit luggage in the trunk comfortably. It had a great space for the spare tire, the paint lasts through almost anything. I would highly recommend Kia vehicles.

Patsy S

Tire low light will not go off.

It is too small and I want my Chrysler 200 back. I do not like the way the mpg go back to the teens every time I get gas. I do not like the fact that the inside lights don't' stay on when you turn off the motor. The low tire light is on and will not go off even though I had the tires checked and they are not low.

Georgia F

Kia soul is great for small families.

The Kia soul is stylish and perfect for a single person, couple or small family. As a family of three, the soul has enough space for us and our dog. But, moving forward as a family of 4, we will need to upgrade to a larger vehicle. The trunk space in the Kia soul leaves much to be desired and makes it hard to take day trips with young children.

Cyill V

My new interesting Kia experience.

It's pretty reliable. No major issues except the battery died already and I had difficulty getting it replaced by the dealer. So far I have not had any major problems with the car. Of, forgot Some times it appears difficult to start. And back window would not go up and down. After the first week. Of trying, it worked.

What Do Critics Say About the Kia Soul?

Consumer Reports says the 2017 Kia Soul is a nice alternative to the normal compact SUV, with average owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the 2017 Kia Soul a 3.8/5, praising the standard technology, but doesn’t like the stiff suspension.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Soul a 4.4/5, enjoying the practical roomy interior, but owners don’t like the weak engine choices.

What Common Problems Does the 2017 Kia Soul Have?

Common problems found on the 2017 Kia Soul include engine failures, brake system issues, as well as failures to start. Overall, these problems are more severe than other compact SUVs, leading to expensive repair bills even though the normal maintenance costs are affordable.

Engine failures are still a complaint on the 2017 Kia Soul, yet they are not as bad as in older models. The bearings in the engine wear out, leading to a sudden catastrophic failure. Replacing the engine is the only way to fix the problem, costing around $6,500.

Brake system issues, leading to the ABS light turning on have also been mentioned by owners at around 25,000 miles. Usually the problem is caused by one of the sensors at the wheels. Replacing the ABS sensors costs about $150 per wheel. It can also be a sign of low brake fluid, which can be expensive to fix, depending on the source of the leak.

Failures to start have also been mentioned by some owners in the first 50,000 miles. There are a few computer or sensor problems which can prevent the engine from starting. Changing out the sensors on the engine costs $150 to $400, while a replacement computer is over $1,000.

There’s only 1 minor recall on the 2017 Kia Soul for the air bag control module, which is common on all compact SUVs. Kia will replace the control module for free on affected models.

How Long Will the 2017 Kia Soul Last?

A well-maintained 2017 Kia Soul lasts around 150,000 miles before sudden mechanical problems make it too expensive to own, which is only half as long as the top-rated Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are close to other compact SUVs, according to data from Repair Pal, at $358 per year.

As the Kia Soul ages, reaching 100,000 miles, owners should be prepared to replace the alternator for $500, the powertrain control module costing $1,300, as well as the fuel sending unit, which costs $675.

Ann Marie B

Yes. The 2017 Kia soul + has been reliable since I purchased it. There haven't been any problems so far.

Rhea S

It is very reliable. I have had our Kia soul for over two years and I have not broken down. I got into a minor accident where my tire blew up but the car is still in mint condition.

Elizabeth M

My Kia soul is very reliable, having traveled a good bit for both work and for running my marathons. Not only has it been reliable on city streets and highways but on the farm and off road.

Jeff S

I've had no problems yet minus tire wear and wiper fluids and blades. There is a slow leak in a tire but its not the cars fault.

Elizabeth F

No I have not had any problems - the car runs well and I do not have to change the oil for 5000 miles.

Doraliza C

The Kia soul base is reliable. So far I have not had any problems with the car. And I hope it stays that way.

Jackie D

I have not had a single issue with this car. I feel like it is very reliable. The only thing I have had to do is get oil changes and put in gas.

Jackson H

The only problem I have had out of it is the radio and Bluetooth connection, which I plan on taking to the dealership to have fixed via warranty. Something happened with the Bluetooth connection on a call and now the screen will not display and the radio will not work. Otherwise, I have not had a single problem!

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is okay in the 2017 Kia Soul, offering standard Bluetooth connectivity. Optional upgrades include 5 or 8-inch touchscreens as well as an upgraded Harmon Kardon stereo system. Standard safety technology includes a rearview camera. Optional safety features available include lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, along with a forward collision warning.

Is the 2017 Kia Soul a Good Value?

Yes, the 2017 Kia Soul is a good value since there are fewer widespread issues reported as they age. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $13,275 to $16,500, making it cheaper than a Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5. When new, the price range was $16,100 to $35,950. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 10% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Kia Soul?

There are 3 models of the Kia Soul offered in 2017, including the Base all the way up to the top of the line Exclaim (!). It’s only offered with front-wheel drive.

Base is the entry-level model with:

16-Inch Alloy Wheels
Cloth Upholstery
Satellite Radio
60/40-Split Folding Rear Seats
Bluetooth
USB Port
Six Speaker Audio System

Plus (+) is a step up, adding:

17-inch Alloy Wheels
Automatic Headlights
Heated Steering Wheel
Keyless Entry
Cruise Control
Heated Rear Seats
5-Inch Touchscreen Stereo

Exclaim (!) is the flagship model which has:

18-Inch Alloy Wheels
Leather Seats
8-Inch Touchscreen Stereo
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Harman Kardon Audio System
Speakers With Color Changing Lights

Base

130 HP 27 MPG

View Details

161 HP 27 MPG

View Details

201 HP 28 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the Kia Soul?

The base engine is a weak 1.6L 4-cylinder which makes 130 horsepower while getting up to 28 MPG. It has a standard six-speed manual transmission with an optional six-speed automatic.
A step up is the slightly stronger 2.0L 4-cylinder which produces 161 horsepower at up to 27 MPG. It comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The flagship turbo engine is a more powerful 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder which generates 201 horsepower at up to 27 MPG as well. This engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Performance is okay, taking about 7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Kia Soul Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Kia Soul?

The 2017 Kia Soul is a surprisingly comfortable compact SUV for its size with seating for up to five passengers. Seating is nice throughout the cabin, although some find the seats to be a little firm.

Passenger space is good throughout the cabin with enough room for taller adults in the back seats due to the high ceilings.

How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Soul Have?

Cargo room is lower than many other compact SUVs offering enough room for 4-5 suitcases behind the rear seats, with enough space for over 10 with the seats folded flat.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The second generation of the Kia Soul came out in 2014 and was changed out for the third generation in 2020.

2015: Standard rearview camera added, upgraded leather seating.

2016: Soul! Model comes with forward collision & lane departure warning systems.

2017: More powerful turbocharged engine added.

2018: No major changes.

2019: No changes from 2017.

2020: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new exterior & engines.

2021: Upgraded suspension on 2.0L X-Line & GT-Line, standard rear occupant alert system.

How Does the Kia Soul Compare to the Competition?

The Kia Soul ranks poorly compared to other compact SUVs since there are still expensive problems. Even though it looks like a good choice on paper, it’s not worth buying one out of warranty.

The Honda Fit is another compact SUV which costs about $2,000 more. Reliability ratings are better in the Honda Fit, while the Kia Soul offers more technology for the money. We recommend the Honda Fit since they will last longer with lower repair bills as they age.

The Subaru Crosstrek is a competitor which costs around $5,000 more. Where the Subaru Crosstrek stands out is with standard all-wheel-drive, while the Kia Soul is a bit smoother on the roads. We recommend the Subaru Crosstrek since the higher ground clearance makes it more practical for snow and dirt.

Ranks #2 Compact SUV by Owners

2017 Subaru Crosstrek

4.68

2017 Kia Soul

4.67

Tie

2017 Kia Niro

4.65

Do Owners Recommend the Kia Soul?

Ann Marie B

Yes. My 2017 Kia soul plus has worked efficiently for what I need it for. So far, I haven't had any issues with it and I think it was worth purchasing.

Rhea S

Yes. It is easy to maneuver and you can park in small spaces. Mileage is also good. I currently can also get a full tank for less than $35 in pa.

Elizabeth M

Yes, it meets my needs and has good gas mileage. It runs well in snow, rain, or good weather. There is plenty of room for my Labrador retriever, however I do wish there was more trunk space.

Jeff S

Yes, it is safe, reliable, and good in the snow. It's also roomy. I like the seats and the touch display. I dislike the outside look but the interior is good.

Elizabeth F

Yes, it is reliable and gets good gas mileage. It was reasonably priced and I got a good interest rate on the loan.

Doraliza C

Yes, it is a good vehicle. There are a couple of things that I would change like more trunk space. Also the back seat are a little bit small if you have more than 2 kids.

Jackie D

Yes, I really like it. This is my second Kia soul and I would definitely buy another. It is fun to drive and the inside is comfortable.

Jackson H

Yes! It has performed amazingly and has loads of space! It very easily became my favorite vehicle that I have owned!

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Kathy on January 22, 2024

Starter Problem

2 weeks ago, I spent $500+ for an oil change, brakes and rotor repair at CarX. I have always trusted them, and still do, with my 2017 Kia Soul+. A few days later, the car would not start. It had to be towed to a Napleton Kia location. It was towed on Saturday morning and was kept until the following Friday. They say they checked it thoroughly and couldn't find a problem until the the day it was ready. They said the starter needed to be replaced. The car has less than 26,000 miles on it and is not under warranty. The starter was replaced previously while it was under warranty. This is the 3rd starter in the car. They said it had nothing to do with the CarX service, which I believe. I'm wondering if I've gotten what is sometime referred to as "a lemon". Not pleased with Napleton's slow response to repairs being done. Why would they not check the started first, but instead go through a bunch of diagnostic tests before looking at the starter?

Lisa H on April 21, 2023

2017 soul was good until it wasn't

Everything was fine until the engine suddenly and completely failed at 90000 miles. Kia paid for new engine and rental. Now we're at 94000 miles and the transmission is slipping. I'm kinda over it.

Maria Martinez on March 15, 2023

Engine problems

I was driving on a busy street in north Dallas and my car started pulling . I parked it had it tow to my home , mechanic said it was the engine . Less than 150k mileage .

Heather L on June 24, 2021

This car is a great, flexible vehicle for all sizes of families!

The vehicle is perfect size for all activities—small truck-like uses, sedan activities. We love the flexibility of it, as well as the easy maintenance.

Deborah R on June 20, 2021

Very roomy, cozy, great starter car.

It is a wonderful vehicle. Looks small but more room than you would think. If you love to travel or you do travel a lot, this is the perfect car for you. Great on gas. Drives smoothly. Turns sharp, which I love. Definitely a recommended car. Never have regretted choosing this vehicle as our first car after getting married.

Rebecca G on June 3, 2021

This hamster car is fun to drive!

Very reliable. Good miles per gallon. Fun to drive. Scratches easily. Very affordable. I like that the seats go down. Trunk could be roomier. Easy to maintain. Wish I had gotten a color darker than silver. I do not like the Kia dealers in my area.

Mark B on May 31, 2021

Good value for the money.

So far the car has been reliable. The turbo engine is powerful for highway driving. The seat is comfortable. The touchscreen system is very intuitive. The only feature I do not like is the key fob. I also wish the trunk was larger with the backseat in use.

Maggie W on May 31, 2021

Trusty, unassuming car that gets me around town.

I find the Kia soul to be clunky. It does not go fast unless I put it in sport mode. I do not love it, but it gets me around. I do like though how much space it has for carrying things. When the trunk is folded down, I can carry a full size wooden pallet.

Richard S on May 29, 2021

The soul is a quirky vehicle that is has great looks and is a good family car.

My soul has been a great vehicle. It gets good gas mileage and have had no problems with this vehicle. It is a great vehicle for hauling and carries 4 people with comfort. Other than regular maintenance I have had no service problems. I got this vehicle with all the current tech and everything works great.

Brett P on May 24, 2021

Great car for first time buyers.

Great vehicle for a first time buyer. Decent gas mileage and cheap to fill up the tank. Small vehicle so very easy to turn and park; however, the car is surprisingly roomie on the inside and can fit quite a bit of cargo as well. Great vehicle to take on road trips and also great for just going around town.

Desirae A on May 15, 2021

Rains renders back up cam useless.

No major issues, except the back up cam I useless when it rains. Water always gets on the lens and I cannot see. But then I just use the good old turn your head and grab the opposite side seat to ensure I am not going to hit anything or anyone. Other than that, it's great. The cruise control and sport. Mode really comes in handy on the interstate and throughout the big metropolitan area I live in.

Gloria M on May 6, 2021

A soul with soul and pep and room to drive in style!

The headroom is great - and the hatch area with the seats down holds two Irish setters with plenty of room. The Kia soul is fun to drive but gets average mileage. The engine is a 4 cylinder so it does not have a lot of power climbing mountains but for me it has a lot of pep.

Meaghan R on April 28, 2021

2017 Kia soul: better than most cars.

My car is comfortable and reliable. The only problem I have encountered is with the Bluetooth feature; it sometimes fails to connect with devices, but this is uncommon. It gets about 30 miles to a gallon of gas. Though it accelerates a bit slowly, it is not a slow car and I have driven it at over 100 miles per hour (Texas speed limits are fast) with no trouble, nor did the engine make concerning sounds. There are no heated seats, but the seats are comfortable and the air conditioning and heating systems are very effective.

Andrew L on April 19, 2021

A small, tolerable vehicle.

The car is not very spacious. Even when you fold down the seats, you cannot fit much. If you need to transport a wheelchair on a regular basis, for example, choose another vehicle. It is big enough so that you do not feel that you are being tossed all over the place when you get on a bridge. The gas mileage is ok. Bluetooth radio is nice.

Linda F on April 18, 2021

Love my Kia soul: turbo, seats, sound system, and gas mileage.

I love the 'turbo' feature on my inferno red Kia soul. You can fold the back seats down and have enormous space. The car turns on a dime, and is fun to drive. I love the sound systems too. This is my 2nd Kia soul I have purchased. I love the 100k/10 year warranty as well.

Rick H on April 16, 2021

Excellent Kia soul has a boxy design being very useful.

Performance is very good in the city and along the highway. Reliability is excellent. Comfort is very good. Features are very useful for hauling music equipment and animals and educational supplies. This car is extremely easy to park and the size is quite useful in the city.

Linda O on April 4, 2021

Kia Soul, the best ride on the road.

My vehicle the Kia Soul is a pleasure to drive. It is quiet and rolls along smoothly even on bumpy roads. The Kia accelerates very fast when needed and brakes on a dime. I have had many cars over the years and can honestly say the Kia has been the most pleasurable experience of them all. The Kia has a beautiful dashboard with all the amenities such as telephone, radio, series radio and all the necessary buttons on the tilting steering wheel. I also has a button for overdrive and then the Kia really takes off. The Kia is very economical on gas so much so that my daughter will leave her Jeep in driveway and borrow the Kia. The seats are comfortable and the cargo space could be a bit bigger but the back seats fold down so that enlarges the space. I was able to haul a 55 inch TV in the cargo space without putting the seats down plus my walker was back there too. Yes, I love my Kia Soul and will get the Kia Soul eve when I take this one back to the dealer when my lease is up.

Clifford L on April 3, 2021

Fantastic vehicle. Kia soul.

I have had zero issues with my vehicle. It runs perfectly, it is great on gas, and still looks good. Just the normal maintenance required. Brakes, oil changes, tires, etc. Love this Kia and definitely recommend one to all of my friends and family. I am sure they'll enjoy it just as much as I and my family have.

Annie K on March 31, 2021

A cheap vehicle with all the amenities!

I love my car. It was cheap, it's a smooth ride, and it has all sorts of amenities. The radio and sound system is awesome, the seats are comfy and easy to clean. I love literally everything about my car and I am so glad I got it. The only thing I would change is I wouldn't get it in black. . It shows dirt too well. I wish I had gotten blue instead.

Kennedy G on March 28, 2021

It has a lot more room then people give a kia soul credit for.

At first I was very worried about buying a kia soul when it was first suggested to me. But, to my surprise it has a lot of room in it as a family car. I have room for two carseats and then some.

Zion W on March 26, 2021

I find the Soul to be dependable.

Small car but plenty of people space. Back seat has good legroom. However not much cargo space. I find it handles well even on wet roads. It's comfortable during long drives. I drove from GA to nm no issues. I feel safe driving in heavy rain the tires grip the road pretty well. I do not like I have to remember every time I start to change drive mode to sport to get better gas mileage, in city 27-30 mpg where as eco only 24 mpg. I do not like that all the doors unlock when you put the car in park that is a safety issue for me. I drive a lot 30, 000 miles in 14 months. I find my Soul to be dependable.

Robert D on March 26, 2021

Kia soul: camping success.

I have had my soul a little over 3 years! I keep up with regular maintenance and have had no issues with the car as of yet. My soul is super comfortable and reliable! I have taken it on many road trips and even used it for camping by folding the back seats down and putting a mattress in the back.

Rina B on March 25, 2021

The little piggy aka black Kia soul.

It was my moms favorite car, she called it her little buggy, the features are amazing and its great on gas, it is kind of low to the ground which makes it hard to drive in the snow or ice but other than that it's an amazing vehicle and spacious and has plenty of legroom and the seats can be removed.

Beth G on March 25, 2021

Kia Soul is roomy and comfortable

What I like about my Kia Soul. It sits higher than a normal car. It's comfortable. It's very roomy. It has a sport mode and an eco mode. The lights are very bright. I sometimes get flashed by other drivers because they think I have my brights on. I don't like that part. I worry about momentarily blinding other drivers. I like that the steering wheel has radio controls. It's an overall good car.

Denis L on March 23, 2021

Very well built and very reliable.

It's very reliable. I'd prefer a larger vehicle.

Jenna A on March 21, 2021

Bluetooth allows me to play my music and charge my phone at the same time.

My car gets really good gas mileage. I don't typically need to drive far but a full tank can usually last me at least 3 weeks. It has Bluetooth which turns out to be really helpful once you have it(I didn't in my old car) and it has a USB port. It also has a rear view camera which makes parallel parking much easier.

Mary Z on March 21, 2021

It has pretty good mileage I find. While the price is not as bad as it was a few years ago, it's nice to not spend a lot when going to the gas station.

I love the size of it, it's not too big or too small. Also that it has more height than my previous car. So far I have no dislikes for it.

Sue L on March 16, 2021

Mood rings and music are a wonderful feature.

This is the third Kia Soul that I have owned and I love the vehicle. Have had no issues or problems with any of my Kia vehicles. I have found them to be very dependable cars and economical to operate. Gas mileage is very good and they are comfortable even on longer road trips. You can select from a wide range of options to suit your driving and your pocketbook. I especially like the fact that the back seats fold down and give you a large area to load with all types of cargo. And lets not forget all of the cool colors for the Kia Soul. No other car company can match the bold colors of Kia. I highly recommend Kia and hope that you give them a try soon, also.

Jessica K on March 16, 2021

Comfortable car for a family of four.

I have had my 2017 Kia soul for about a year and a half now. I am a mother of two and expecting one on the way. So far the car has not had any serious issues. It is been very reliable to my family. I was surprised that I could fit my daughters and my baby’s car seat in the back seat and still have room for my 8 year old son. That is a huge plus for my family’s comfort with the vehicle. I also adore the compact size of the Kia soul.

Erica K on March 15, 2021

My Kia Soul ranks among the best in a very competitive class.

It's in great condition, it runs great and it's just the perfect sized car for me . I've never had any problems with it every since I first got it. I just love it, I love the color of it the color black, it runs at a good speed up to 26 in the city & 31 on the highway and it's just the perfect average car to have for those that aren't looking for anything too expensive or too low budget.

Cyill V on March 11, 2021

My new interesting Kia experience.

Phillip W on March 10, 2021

2017 Kia Soul is Worth Your Money

I have owned my 2017 Kia Soul for about a year and a half at this time. So far, I have no issues with anything on the vehicle. The car is driven on a 45 minute commute daily and has suffered no issues. The gas mileage at full gets you 300 or so miles, maybe more. You can utilize eco mode or sports mode. No issues whatsoever. Highly recommend!

Erica M on March 10, 2021

We love my Kia soul so much, my husband bought his own!

I love my Kia soul. It is roomy and compact which is exactly what I need for work and travel. I am professor and academic advisor which makes my schedule fluid. I love how reliable it is. I have never had any problems with it. It is such a great car my husband bought the exact make/model as me!

Danielle K on March 10, 2021

Small, fuel efficient, yet still spacious. Overall very cozy and fun to drive.

One of the smoothest drives I've ever had. Spacious enough to fit my bike and my Great Dane comfortably and surprisingly fuel efficient. I wish the back hatch were slightly bigger, but it's not too much of an issue. I also really enjoy how well it parks and takes all turns.

Shaunna G on March 7, 2021

Roomy, comfortable, and great on gas.

Very roomy inside and comfortable. While I do prefer a digital speedometer I like the design and set up of the dash. Great on gas mileage as well. The only thing I really do not like is it really has no 'get up and go', although I wasn't looking for that feature at time of purchase. One main influence of my purchase however was safety rating and it has lived up to that.

Jessica W on March 4, 2021

It has good gas mileage, a comfortable interior, and a nice sound system.

I like how compact it is, but it is still spacious enough for me. I don't like that it doesn't have a cd player.

Kristin C on March 3, 2021

Why the ‘17 Kia Soul is my favorite.

The 2017 Kia Soul (exclaim) has been an amazing vehicle to own. It is fast, smooth, and has an amazing sound system depending on the package you get. It has a panoramic sunroof, which I love and I use my sunroof all the time. It has just the right amount of sport-age and style I love.

Arnold B on March 2, 2021

A not bad cheap car for everyday use.

The gas mileage is not as they claim. The ride is a little rough. Acceleration is not bad for a 4 cylinder engine. Not much storage space & vision for driver except forward. My opinion is that it makes a good car for going on short day trips. Do not drive on unpaved roads.

Krystal M on March 2, 2021

I love that both the seats will fold down for more space.

I like the compact car feel but it doesn't feel small inside. It still has a lot of room for storage and ease. I have went from a 2 kid home to a blended family of 4 since purchasing so that's a con as right now. I wish the hatch was a little roomier though.

Amber B on March 1, 2021

The Kia soul has character.

The Kia soul is an awesome car with lots of room. It feels like more than a car. It has character. It drives smooth and is a fun car to own. It can also be a family car or a transportation vehicle for rideshare etc since there is such a roomy interior.

Sharla B on February 24, 2021

My review on a nice slick black Kia soul.

The Kia soul is a great car that is one of the best cars that I have ever known to have such good gas mileage. I also love the unique shape of the Kia soul and that the black slick color really makes it look sporty and nice looking over all. And it is also very roomy which you wouldn't have thought from looking at it from the outside.

Tracy C on February 22, 2021

Excellent investment: Kia Soul.

My car is great on gas mileage and handles very well. I can park it pretty much anywhere as the exterior size is quite compact. Despite its small size, the cabin area is rather spacious; the rear seats come down to accommodate large items from the rear hatch. I have been on a few 1300 mile trips with it and the passenger exclaimed how comfortable it was even though it was such a long trip.

Jasmine T on February 21, 2021

Perfect for just starting a family.

My car is great for small families. It has plenty of space for my daughter and all the things I need to fit. It is great with gas and very easy to drive. Everyone can fit comfortably with now issue.

Parker S on February 17, 2021

Never thought I'd love it!

I really love the sound in this vehicle. Great quality Bluetooth connection. Comfortable seats. Maintenance is inexpensive and widely available. I love that I can change drive modes based on need (sport, eco, and normal). I usually drive sedans, but this is my first crossover and I do not think I'll go back.

Karen G on February 16, 2021

Kia Soul is an amazing car

No problems at all with the Kia soul. It's one of the best cars and it's super safe to drive. The car has four brakes on all four wheels which makes it safe to drive whenever it rains

Tee F on February 14, 2021

Silver kia soul is a good vehicle

Very spacious, rear view camera is helpful. Car turns on a dime, turbo engine can make it a hesitate a slight bit before zooming off from stop.

cassandra w on February 13, 2021

It looks cool and drives great. I like that the inside is all dark, even the roof. I wish it had lane warning light in the side mirrors and I wish it had a better back up camera.

It great gas mileage and the gas tank is on the driver side.

Laura B on February 13, 2021

Great car for those that are on a budget.

My Kia is very reliable. Since I have had the vehicle I have had no problems and the maintenance has been very easy. And for the price I bought the vehicle for I have been extremely pleased with the quality of the vehicle. So I would highly recommend this vehicle for people on a budget.

Andrea C on February 12, 2021

Kia soul! A really good car.

It is compact, easy to use and highly efficient. It runs for a full 5 days without having to put gas. I love the sound system and automatic transmission, I love my Kia soul and all of it is cool features, I hope other people can enjoy as much as I do.

Aaliyah J on February 9, 2021

Small but very spacey, a lot of room for a family trip.

Sometimes the Bluetooth speaker will disconnect from your phone and connect to another if that person had their Bluetooth on. It gets annoying because if you're in a hurry and need to Bluetooth on for navigation it can take up time. It is a small car but there’s a lot of space still. Especially in the back trunk. You can take a family trip in this car, you can get a full tank with $27. The screen is touch screen too, the car provides you with a back camera. It is a reliable smooth car, so far I haven't had any problems with it and I have had it for about 3 1/2 years now.

Tina B on February 8, 2021

Great little car for a single mom.

It is a stock model, I wish it had a little more pep in it is step. It will go fast, but it takes a second. I also wish the face of the stereo was touch screen and a little more intuitive.

Tim M on February 7, 2021

Great car great value get one now.

This is my second Kia soul, the gas mileage with the space of a SUV, but not the big box feel. Great sound system and great handling. My next car will probably be a newer soul maybe a gt. They have come a long way in quality. It handles great in the rain and the snow. I love it.

michelle C on February 5, 2021

You get what you pay for.

The CVT and 4 cyl engine make it really sluggish. It's very front heavy so braking needs to start early. It has a lot of room inside. There's no CD player only radio and satellite. Plenty of legroom and safety features. Turning radius is good not great and the hatch doesn't open with the key fob

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.