2017 Kia Soul review

1. Space for kids and cargo

The 2017 Kia Soul is a five-door hatchback, but its tall and chunky styling lends it more of a compact SUV appearance. Its square shape has obvious practical benefits for carrying cargo or passengers. There is 24.2 cu-ft of cargo space with the rear seats in place – 61.3 cu-ft with them folded – and the 60/40 split-folding function offers more versatility when you have to carry those essential lifestyle accessories. With 39.1in of legroom and 39.5in of headroom in the back, rear seat passengers won't complain about space. If you prioritize practicality, the Kia Soul is a good choice.

2. Stand-out personalization

The 2017 Kia Soul is a distinctive car, and a choice of eight colors – including the super bright Alien Green, Caribbean Blue, and Inferno Red – make it turn even more heads. Further two-tone paint options and 18-in alloy wheels offered as part of the Designer Package give you even more chance to find the Soul that fits your fashion-forward thinking. A further six available packages mean there should be a 2017 Soul to suit all aspects of your lifestyle.

3. Equipment and technology

The space offered by the 2017 Kia Soul is complemented by its great levels of onboard equipment and technology. Enhanced trim options for 2017 include the availability of leatherette and cloth upholstery, Smart Key push-button start, and a Harman Kardon^® sound system on + (Plus) and ! (Exclaim) trims. Bluetooth^® connectivity is standard on all 2017 Kia Soul trims with top Exclaim models adding Apple CarPlay^® and AndroidAuto^™ integration, as well as a seven-inch color infotainment system.

4. Stylish, high-grade interior

Step inside the 2017 Kia Soul and you will find a stylish interior made from high-end materials. From the way the dash-top speakers are integrated into the air vents to the design of the center instrument and control stack, neat touches define the 2017 Kia Soul's cabin. Available Tech and Sunroof packages on the Exclaim trim add further distinctive features such as illuminated door speakers and a panoramic sunroof.

5. New turbocharged engine

Introduced as part of a refresh for this model year, a 1.6L turbocharged engine is new for the 2017 Kia Soul. The 201 hp four-cylinder gasoline unit has 195 lb-ft of torque, with zero to 62 mph taking 7.8 seconds. And even though it has more performance than the 2017 Soul's other 130-hp 1.6L and 161-hp 2.0L gasoline engine options, the 1.6L turbocharged model is more economical, achieving an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 31 mpg on the highway.