“I really like my Kia Soul for city driving. Compact, fits in tight spaces, great fuel economy, safe, easy to drive. My only complaint would be I wish it had more acceleration power.”
2017 Kia Soul: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 Kia Soul is the ! trim’s new 201-hp turbocharged engine and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The rest of the lineup receives a light exterior and equipment update rather than a full redesign.
About the 2017 Kia Soul
2nd generation (2014-2019), fourth model year; 2017 is a light update year with a new turbo top trim rather than a full redesign.
Kia positions the Soul as a fun, funky urban runabout that blends small-car efficiency with the taller seating position, easy entry, and cargo flexibility people like in a crossover. Its core appeal is the combination of standout boxy styling, a surprisingly roomy cabin, and everyday usefulness in tight city spaces. Compared with rivals, Kia leans on personality, practical interior packaging, and feature value more than rugged capability or all-wheel-drive image.
The 2017 Soul ranges from the straightforward Base model to the more fully equipped + and the sporty, upscale ! trim. The + pairs a 2.0-liter engine with features such as automatic climate control and a color touchscreen. The ! stands out with much stronger turbocharged performance, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, push-button start, and leather-and-cloth upholstery.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The ! trim replaces its previous 2.0-liter engine with a 201-hp, 1.6-liter turbocharged engine producing 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Base and + powertrains carry over.
Styling
The lineup receives revised lighting, updated front and rear bumper details, and new wheel designs. Roof rails move from optional to standard across the lineup.
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are newly offered on higher trims, but they are not standard across the lineup.
Tech
Infotainment and convenience equipment shifts by trim. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on ! and optional on +, while the ! also makes proximity entry and push-button start standard; its power driver’s seat moves to the options list.
2017 Kia Soul specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & Sportmatic | Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 161 hp | 130 hp |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft | 150 lb-ft | 118 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 61.3 cu-ft | 61.3 cu-ft | 61.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.1 in | 39.1 in | 39.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Cruise Control | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Tail Lights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Kia Soul a full redesign?
No. The 2017 Soul is a light mid-generation update of the second-generation model, with a new turbo powertrain for the ! trim and modest exterior and equipment revisions.
Which 2017 Kia Soul trim has the turbo engine?
The ! trim has the turbo engine. It uses a 201-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic; the Base and + retain their non-turbo engines.
Does the 2017 Kia Soul have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, depending on trim. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the ! trim and optional on the +, rather than included across the full lineup.
What safety technology changed on the 2017 Kia Soul?
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert join the equipment offered on higher trims for 2017. The Soul does not gain a new safety suite as standard across every trim.
Is the 2017 Kia Soul meaningfully different from the 2016 model?
Yes, most clearly in the ! trim. Its 201-hp turbo engine and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic are major performance changes, while the rest of the 2017 lineup is closer to 2016 aside from refreshed exterior details and reshuffled equipment.
2017 Kia Soul Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Kia Soul.
4.2
2017 Kia Soul
(428 reviews)
“It's a great vehicle for families. It's economical and surprisingly spacious. I have way more trunk space than I anticipated. I do delivery part time and it's great for that also.”
“Modest car, finishes and craftsmanship match the price/quality. Big interior space and hard mounting points for a roof rack were my big considerations. The car is reasonably fun to drive and is sort of cute in it's own way.”