2017 Kia Soul Review

Nearly 146,000 versions of the Kia Soul were sold in the U.S. last year, making it the South Korean automaker’s most popular model.

Nearly one out of every four new Kias delivered in 2016 was one of these subcompact utility vehicles, meaning this nameplate is a cornerstone of the brand.

But are the Soul’s furry mascots responsible for this blazing showroom success or are there other factors in play? After spending more than a week in the driver’s seat, this is a surprisingly easy question to answer.

Once upon a time, there was a teeming segment of small and funky crossovers. They prioritized interior space, irreverent design, and affordability over things like luxury amenities and on-road manners. For better or worse, it ultimately decayed into a class of one.

Looking back, the unloved Nissan Cube went flat in short order, the Honda Element got stripped from the periodic table of vehicles, and Scion’s squared-off xB has been all but forgotten, just like the guy that invented windshield wipers… or was it a woman*?

So why has the Soul succeeded so spectacularly while rivals have faded into history? It thrives thanks to a unique blend of style, functionality, efficiency, and features, a sweet combination that appeals to youthful drivers and those that are young at heart.

The 2017 Kia Soul is offered in three flavors including an entry-level model (Base), a midrange “+” (Plus) variant as well as the fanciest version, “!” (Exclaim). Our tester was naturally the richest offering available, though it was still exceedingly affordable, ringing the cash-register bells at a friendly $23,620 including $850 for delivery as well as $120 for carpeted floor mats, the Soul (sorry, couldn’t resist!) option.

Still, if you’re hunting for a bargain, the base car is plenty affordable, kicking off at less than $17k. At that price, it still offers things like power windows and locks, Bluetooth, a six-speaker sound system, air conditioning and even steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

Upping the fanciness-factor, our Soul “!” was gussied up with a touchscreen infotainment system brandishing a colorful seven-inch display. It also featured automatic climate control, soft plastic on the upper dashboard and door panels, imitation leather on the shroud over the instrument cluster, and stylish 18-inch alloy wheels.

In top-tier trim, the Soul’s cabin is impressive, with premium materials and flawless assembly quality. The overall design is just far-out enough to be fun without being weird enough to elicit eye rolls.

Matching its trio of trim lines, a triad of engines is available for the Soul. Base models are powered by a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder that’s good for a rather measly 130 horsepower. Middle-market models feature a larger 2.0-liter unit that cranks out a more livable 161 ponies. But for speed freaks, there’s also a new 1.6L turbo that imbues this subcompact schlepper with impressive vigor. Rated at 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, Souls so equipped are unexpectedly speedy.

That 1.6-liter turbo is incredibly smooth. It zips and zings without vibrating the cabin and its passengers; isolation is exemplary. Many small-displacement four-cylinders buzz like a swarm of bees when the revs build, but not with this powerplant.

It’s just a shame it sounds so sickly. This engine is suitably quiet, but the noises that do make their way into the vehicle are dreadful, a hoarse moaning sound that discourages you from ever touching the accelerator and enjoying the brisk acceleration that’s just a toe-tap away.

Another disappointing aspect of the Kia Soul’s drivetrain is its dual-clutch automatic transmission. Sure, this seven-speed gearbox shifts seamlessly and in the blink of an eye when you’re underway, but this responsiveness isn’t enough to offset its low-speed shortcomings. Around town, particularly when taking off from a stop or when cold, it often shudders annoyingly, shaking the vehicle. Other times it feels like it’s slipping an excessive amount. In certain situations, it seems unwilling to downshift promptly. Perhaps it’s wiser to forego the extra performance and get the 2.0-liter engine with the conventional six-speed automatic gearbox, or better still, the manual.

Aside from its transmission woes, the Soul is entirely competent. Its steering is sharp, braking confidence inspiring and efficiency admirable. According to the U.S. EPA, this rolling breadbox should return 26 miles per gallon in city driving (9.1 L/100 km) and 31 on the highway (7.7 L/100 km). Combined, it’s rated at an altogether competent 28 mpg (8.5 L/100 km).