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.
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
Negative Owner Reviews
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.
Yes. The 2017 Kia soul + has been reliable since I purchased it. There haven't been any problems so far.
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.
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.
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.
No I have not had any problems - the car runs well and I do not have to change the oil for 5000 miles.
The Kia soul base is reliable. So far I have not had any problems with the car. And I hope it stays that way.
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.
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
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.
Do Owners Recommend the Kia Soul?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, it is reliable and gets good gas mileage. It was reasonably priced and I got a good interest rate on the loan.
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.
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.
Yes! It has performed amazingly and has loads of space! It very easily became my favorite vehicle that I have owned!