“Kia soul ev lots of well engineered standard features; get luxury items without the cost. Kia brand is noted for quality.”
2017 Kia Soul EV: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important 2017 Kia Soul EV change is revised charging: DC fast charging now targets 94 percent from empty, and charging can be scheduled to finish at a chosen time. Otherwise, this is a light-update year with the same battery, motor, and EPA-estimated range.
About the 2017 Kia Soul EV
1st-gen Soul EV for the US market (2015-2019), third model year on the second-generation Soul platform; minor-update year before the larger-battery 2018 update.
Kia positions the Soul EV as a quirky, city-friendly electric hatchback with more passenger room and cargo usefulness than many small EVs. Its boxy shape is a big part of the appeal, making it easier to load and live with than lower, tighter electric hatchbacks. Kia also emphasizes easy charging, strong everyday comfort equipment, and electric power that feels lively around town thanks to instant torque and regenerative braking.
The 2017 Soul EV remains a small electric hatchback offered in three levels. The California-only EV-e has a 5-inch display and rearview camera, the middle Soul EV adds an 8-inch navigation screen and a heat-pump climate system, and the EV+ brings leather seating, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and parking sensors.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The 27-kWh battery and 109-hp motor carry over, but DC fast charging is revised to target 94 percent from empty. Charge-end scheduling is also added, letting charging finish at the driver’s chosen time.
Safety
The pedestrian warning sound is updated so it changes with vehicle speed. No new crash-avoidance suite is added.
Tech
The EV-e gains a 5-inch color display with an integrated rearview camera. The EV+ also adds a rear center armrest.
2017 Kia Soul EV specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | AC Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| Horsepower | 109 hp | 109 hp | 109 hp |
| Torque | 210 lb-ft | 210 lb-ft | 210 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 49.5 cu-ft | 49.5 cu-ft | 49.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36 in | 36 in | 36 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 93 | 93 | 93 |
| MPGe Combined | 105 | 105 | 105 |
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2017 Kia Soul EV?
The biggest change is revised charging behavior. DC fast charging now targets 94 percent from empty, and charge-end scheduling lets charging finish at a chosen time.
Did the 2017 Kia Soul EV get a larger battery or more range?
No. The 2017 Soul EV keeps its 27-kWh battery, 109-hp electric motor, and EPA-estimated 93-mile range.
How is the 2017 Kia Soul EV different from the 2016 model?
The 2017 Soul EV receives revised DC fast charging, charge-end scheduling, and an updated pedestrian warning sound. The EV-e also gains a 5-inch display with a rearview camera, while the battery, motor, and range remain unchanged.
What changed on the 2017 Kia Soul EV-e trim?
The 2017 Soul EV-e gains a 5-inch color display with an integrated rearview camera. It also receives the lineup-wide charging revisions and updated pedestrian warning sound.
Is the 2017 Kia Soul EV a major redesign?
No. The 2017 Soul EV is a minor update within the first US-market generation, with charging, safety-sound, and equipment revisions rather than a new battery, motor, or body structure.
2017 Kia Soul EV Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Kia Soul EV.
4.2
2017 Kia Soul EV
(26 reviews)
“Very good practical vehicle. Well laid out controls and displays. The only thing that limits you is the range. It really should get at least 200 miles per charge in the future models.”
“This is the lowest cost fully electric vehicle other than the Nissan Leaf. It has decent features but shorter range.”