2017 Kia Soul Electric Car Review Features and Performance Insights

The 2017 Kia Soul Electric delivers a practical and fun-to-drive EV experience with a 93-mile range and zippy urban performance. Its spacious interior, user-friendly tech, and distinctive boxy design make it a standout in the compact EV segment, though charging speed and highway range remain limitations.

Key Takeaways

• Efficient 27 kWh battery: Delivers 93-mile range, ideal for daily commutes.
• Spacious interior: Offers best-in-class cargo and passenger room.
• Regenerative braking: Enhances energy recovery and driving efficiency.
• Quick charging: 80% charge in 33 minutes with DC fast charging.
• User-friendly infotainment: Standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
• Low maintenance costs: Fewer moving parts reduce long-term ownership expenses.

2017 Kia Soul Electric Car: A Quirky, Practical EV with Personality

Let’s be honest—when you think of electric cars, the first models that come to mind are probably sleek Teslas or futuristic BMWs. But what if I told you there’s an electric car out there with a boxy design, a funky vibe, and enough charm to win over even the most skeptical drivers? Enter the 2017 Kia Soul Electric—a vehicle that proves EVs don’t have to be boring or overly serious. It’s like the quirky friend at the party who shows up with a boombox and ends up being the life of the gathering.

I remember the first time I saw a Kia Soul EV on the road. It was parked outside a coffee shop, its cheerful two-tone paint and round headlights giving it an almost cartoonish appeal. I couldn’t help but smile. But beyond its playful exterior, I was curious: Could this little electric box deliver where it counts? After spending time with the 2017 model, I can say with confidence that it’s more than just a pretty (or should I say, fun-looking) face. It’s a practical, affordable EV with a few surprises up its sleeve. Whether you’re a city dweller looking for a reliable commuter or an eco-conscious driver ready to ditch gas, the Soul Electric deserves your attention.

Design and Exterior: Boxy but Brilliant

A Unique, Head-Turning Look

The 2017 Kia Soul Electric doesn’t try to blend in. Its boxy shape is instantly recognizable, and while some might call it unconventional, others will love its bold personality. The EV version keeps the Soul’s signature design but adds subtle touches to distinguish it from its gas-powered sibling. For example, the front grille is closed off (since EVs don’t need as much airflow), and the lower bumper has a blue accent strip—a nod to its electric nature.

One of my favorite design details is the two-tone paint option, where the roof is a contrasting color (like black or white) against the body. It gives the car a retro-modern vibe, almost like a mini crossover from a sci-fi movie. The LED daytime running lights add a touch of sophistication, while the 16-inch alloy wheels keep things grounded and practical.

Functional and Practical

Beyond aesthetics, the Soul Electric’s design is surprisingly functional. The boxy shape maximizes interior space, making it feel larger than its compact footprint suggests. The rear hatch opens high, giving you easy access to the cargo area—perfect for loading groceries, strollers, or even a small bike. The ground clearance is low, which helps with aerodynamics but might be a concern if you live in an area with steep driveways or poorly maintained roads.

Pro tip: If you’re planning to use your Soul EV for road trips, consider investing in a roof rack. The car’s flat roof makes it easy to mount cargo carriers, though the added weight will reduce range slightly. Also, the rear wiper is a small but thoughtful feature for rainy climates—it’s often missing on compact EVs.

Interior and Tech: Comfort Meets Quirk

Spacious and Thoughtful Cabin

Step inside the 2017 Kia Soul Electric, and you’re greeted with a surprisingly spacious interior. The boxy shape pays off here, offering ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are supportive, though the base model’s fabric upholstery won’t win any luxury awards. If you opt for the higher trim (more on that later), you’ll get leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats—a nice touch for colder climates.

The dashboard layout is simple and intuitive. The centerpiece is a 5-inch touchscreen (upgradable to an 8-inch screen on higher trims) that houses Kia’s UVO infotainment system. While it’s not as flashy as some competitors, it’s reliable and easy to use. The physical buttons and knobs for climate control and audio are a godsend—no fumbling with touch-sensitive controls while driving.

Tech Features That Matter

The Soul Electric comes with a solid suite of tech features, especially for its price point. Standard amenities include:

• Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming
• USB and auxiliary ports (though no wireless charging)
• Rearview camera (a must-have for tight parking spots)
• Smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available on higher trims)

One standout feature is the optional 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. It’s not the most advanced system, but it gets the job done. The voice command function is hit-or-miss—it works well for basic tasks like calling a contact but struggles with complex commands like “Find a charging station near me.”

For music lovers, the optional Infinity premium audio system delivers crisp sound, though audiophiles might still want to bring their own playlist. The speakers are well-placed, creating a surround-sound effect without overwhelming the cabin.

Storage and Cargo Space

The Soul Electric’s boxy design shines here. With 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats (expandable to 49.5 cubic feet when folded), it outperforms many rivals in its class. The flat load floor and low lift-over height make it easy to load bulky items. The rear seats also fold in a 60/40 split, adding flexibility for larger loads.

Small storage spaces are well thought out. The center console has a deep bin, and the door pockets can hold water bottles or small snacks. The glove compartment is on the smaller side, but it’s lined with felt to keep items from rattling.

Performance and Driving Experience: Smooth, Quiet, and Surprisingly Fun

Electric Powertrain: The Heart of the Soul

Under the hood (or rather, under the floor), the 2017 Kia Soul Electric packs a 27 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 109-horsepower electric motor. While those numbers might not sound impressive compared to newer EVs, they’re perfectly suited for city driving. The motor delivers 210 lb-ft of torque, which means instant acceleration off the line—no waiting for revs to build.

Range is rated at 93 miles on a full charge (EPA estimate), which is modest by today’s standards but adequate for most daily commutes. If you’re driving in stop-and-go traffic, you can expect closer to 80 miles. On the highway, where aerodynamic drag plays a bigger role, range drops to around 70 miles. Pro tip: Use the Eco mode (which limits power output and optimizes energy recovery) to stretch your range on longer trips.

Handling and Ride Quality

The Soul Electric is no sports car, but it’s more fun to drive than you might expect. The steering is light and responsive, making it a breeze to maneuver in tight city streets. The suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up bumps and potholes with ease. It’s not as refined as a Tesla or BMW, but it’s perfectly adequate for daily driving.

One thing to note: The low center of gravity (thanks to the battery pack) gives the Soul a stable feel on the highway. There’s less body roll in corners compared to the gas-powered model, which is a nice surprise. However, the car can feel a bit top-heavy when pushed hard in sharp turns—stick to smooth, confident driving.

Regenerative Braking and Driving Modes

The Soul Electric offers three driving modes: Normal, Eco, and Eco+. In Normal mode, regenerative braking is minimal, giving you a more traditional driving feel. Eco mode increases regen, allowing you to slow down without touching the brakes (a feature known as “one-pedal driving”). Eco+ mode maximizes regen and limits power output, which is great for maximizing range but can feel sluggish.

One of my favorite features is the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. They’re not for changing gears (obviously) but for adjusting the strength of regenerative braking. It’s a fun way to customize your driving experience—pull the left paddle for more regen, the right for less. This level of control is rare in EVs at this price point.

Charging and Range: Real-World Insights

Charging Options and Times

The 2017 Kia Soul Electric comes with a standard Level 1 charger (120V), which can fully charge the battery in about 24 hours. That’s fine if you’re charging overnight at home, but it’s painfully slow for anything else. Most owners will want to invest in a Level 2 charger (240V), which cuts charging time to around 5 hours—perfect for topping up while at work or running errands.

DC fast charging is available, but it’s a paid option (around $750 at the time of launch). With a fast charger, you can get an 80% charge in about 33 minutes—ideal for road trips or when you’re in a hurry. However, the Soul Electric’s small battery means you won’t need fast charging as often as larger EVs.

Range Anxiety? Not Really

With a 93-mile range, the Soul Electric won’t be your go-to for cross-country adventures, but it’s more than enough for most drivers. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the average American drives about 37 miles per day—well within the Soul’s range. If you’re a city dweller with access to public charging, you’ll rarely need to worry about running out of juice.

Here’s a practical example: A friend of mine uses his Soul Electric for a 20-mile round-trip commute, with occasional trips to the grocery store (5 miles each way). He charges it overnight at home and only uses public fast charging once a month when visiting family 50 miles away. He’s never had a range issue.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

The Soul Electric is rated at 105 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) in the city and 91 MPGe on the highway. That translates to an annual fuel cost of about $550 (based on 15,000 miles at $0.12 per kWh). Compare that to a gas-powered compact SUV averaging 25 MPG, which would cost around $1,500 per year—a significant savings.

Data table: Charging and Efficiency Comparison

Feature	2017 Kia Soul Electric	2017 Nissan Leaf (Base)	2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Battery Capacity	27 kWh	24 kWh	60 kWh
Range (EPA)	93 miles	84 miles	238 miles
Level 2 Charging Time	5 hours	6 hours	9.5 hours
DC Fast Charging	Optional (33 min to 80%)	Standard (30 min to 80%)	Standard (30 min to 80%)
MPGe (City/Highway)	105/91	124/101	128/110

As you can see, the Soul Electric holds its own against the competition, though the Bolt EV offers significantly more range. The Leaf is slightly more efficient, but the Soul’s boxy design gives it an edge in interior space.

Trim Levels and Pricing: What You Get for Your Money

Base Model: Soul EV-e

The entry-level 2017 Kia Soul Electric-e starts at around $32,250 (before federal and state incentives). Standard features include:

• 5-inch touchscreen with UVO
• Rearview camera
• Cloth upholstery
• Manual climate control
• 16-inch alloy wheels

It’s a solid choice if you’re on a tight budget and don’t need all the bells and whistles. However, the lack of fast charging and advanced tech features might be a dealbreaker for some.

Mid-Level: Soul EV

The mid-tier Soul EV (around $35,750) adds:

• 8-inch touchscreen with navigation
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Heated front seats
• Leather-trimmed seats
• Dual-zone automatic climate control

This is the sweet spot for most buyers. The added tech and comfort features make it feel like a premium EV, even at this price point.

Top Trim: Soul EV+

The range-topping Soul EV+ (around $38,750) includes:

• DC fast charging
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Infinity premium audio
• Rear parking sensors
• LED fog lights

It’s the best choice for road trippers or anyone who wants the full EV experience. The fast charging option alone is worth the upgrade if you plan to travel outside your usual radius.

Federal and State Incentives

Don’t forget to factor in incentives! The 2017 Soul Electric qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax credit, and many states offer additional rebates (e.g., $2,500 in California, $1,500 in Colorado). These can bring the effective price down to $25,000 or less—making it one of the most affordable EVs on the market.

Safety and Reliability: Peace of Mind Included

Crash Test Ratings and Safety Features

The 2017 Kia Soul Electric earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It also received a “Good” rating in most Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests, though it missed the Top Safety Pick+ award due to marginal headlight performance.

Standard safety features include:

• Anti-lock brakes
• Stability and traction control
• Front-seat side airbags
• Full-length curtain airbags
• Rearview camera

Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert—useful for tight parking lots. Unfortunately, advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist are missing, which is a letdown for the price.

Reliability and Ownership Costs

Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (and 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage) gives peace of mind. The battery is covered for 10 years/100,000 miles, which is longer than many competitors.

Owners report few major issues, though some note minor software glitches with the infotainment system. Regular maintenance is minimal—no oil changes or transmission services, just tire rotations and cabin air filter replacements. The biggest cost is battery degradation, which is inevitable but slow in the Soul EV (about 5-7% over 5 years).

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the 2017 Kia Soul Electric?

The 2017 Kia Soul Electric is a standout in the compact EV segment. Its quirky design, practical interior, and affordable price make it a compelling choice for city drivers, eco-conscious commuters, and anyone who wants an EV with personality. While it lacks the range and tech of pricier rivals, it delivers where it counts: reliability, comfort, and fun.

Here’s who should consider it:

• Urban drivers: The compact size and tight turning radius make it perfect for city living.
• First-time EV owners: The simple interface and low maintenance ease the transition from gas cars.
• Budget-conscious shoppers: With incentives, it’s one of the most affordable EVs available.

And who might want to look elsewhere?

• Long-distance travelers: The 93-mile range is limiting for frequent highway trips.
• Tech enthusiasts: It lacks advanced driver aids and cutting-edge infotainment.

At the end of the day, the Soul Electric proves that EVs don’t have to be serious or soulless (pun intended). It’s a practical, fun, and affordable way to go electric—without sacrificing style or personality. If you’re in the market for a compact EV, give it a test drive. You might just fall in love with that boxy little face.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the range of the 2017 Kia Soul Electric Car?

The 2017 Kia Soul Electric Car offers an EPA-estimated range of 105 miles on a full charge, making it ideal for daily commutes and urban driving. This range is competitive for its class at the time of release.

How long does it take to charge the 2017 Kia Soul EV?

Using a 240-volt Level 2 charger, the 2017 Kia Soul Electric Car takes about 5 hours to fully charge. With a standard 120-volt outlet, charging can take up to 24 hours.

What are the standout features of the 2017 Kia Soul Electric Car?

The 2017 Kia Soul EV includes heated and ventilated front seats, a 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and Kia’s UVO EV Services for remote charging control. It also offers a surprisingly spacious interior for an electric vehicle in its price range.

Is the 2017 Kia Soul EV eligible for federal tax credits?

Yes, the 2017 Kia Soul Electric Car qualified for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 when purchased new, subject to individual tax eligibility. State incentives may also have been available depending on location.

How does the 2017 Kia Soul EV perform in cold weather?

The 2017 Kia Soul Electric Car’s battery performance may decrease in extreme cold, reducing its effective range. However, its cabin heater and battery thermal management system help mitigate efficiency losses in winter conditions.

What safety features come with the 2017 Kia Soul Electric Car?

The 2017 Kia Soul EV includes six airbags, stability control, rearview camera, and available advanced driver aids like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating.