Kia Soul Electric Car 2017 Review Performance and Features

The 2017 Kia Soul Electric delivers a fun, eco-friendly ride with a peppy 109-horsepower motor and a real-world range of 93 miles, making it ideal for city commutes. Loaded with tech like a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and advanced safety features, it outshines rivals in value and practicality.

Key Takeaways

• Efficient 27 kWh battery: Delivers 93-mile range, ideal for city commutes.
• Responsive 81 kW motor: Offers smooth acceleration and quiet performance.
• Regenerative braking: Enhances efficiency and extends driving range.
• Spacious interior: Maximizes comfort with 105 cu-ft of passenger space.
• User-friendly tech: Features a 5-inch touchscreen and standard Bluetooth.
• Strong safety: Equipped with 6 airbags and stability control for peace of mind.
• Affordable EV: Competitive pricing with federal tax incentives available.

Kia Soul Electric Car 2017 Review: A Compact EV That Packs a Punch

Remember when electric cars were these futuristic, sci-fi-looking machines that cost as much as a small house? Fast forward to 2017, and the landscape had changed dramatically. Enter the Kia Soul electric car 2017 – a quirky, boxy little EV that proved you didn’t need a six-figure price tag to go electric. I first spotted one in my neighborhood, its cheerful face and distinctive silhouette standing out in a sea of sedans and SUVs. It wasn’t just the looks that caught my attention; it was the promise of affordable, practical electric mobility.

The 2017 Kia Soul EV wasn’t just another car with a battery bolted on. It represented a bold step for Kia, showing they were serious about electrification while keeping their signature fun-to-drive personality. What made it stand out was its perfect blend of practicality, affordability, and that unmistakable “cool” factor. Whether you were a city dweller tired of gas station visits or an eco-conscious driver wanting to reduce your carbon footprint, the Soul EV seemed to tick all the right boxes. But did it deliver on its promises? Let’s dive into the details and find out.

Performance That Surprises

Power Under the Hood

When you first hear about a 109-horsepower electric motor, you might think, “That doesn’t sound like much.” And you’d be right – on paper. But here’s the thing about electric motors: they deliver 100% of their torque instantly. That means when you press the accelerator, the Kia Soul electric car 2017 leaps forward with surprising urgency. It’s like having a slingshot that never runs out of ammo. In city traffic, this instant response is a game-changer. You can easily zip between cars, merge onto highways without stress, and navigate busy intersections with confidence.

My first test drive through downtown traffic was eye-opening. The Soul EV accelerated from 0 to 30 mph faster than most gas-powered cars I’ve driven. The 0-60 mph time of about 11 seconds might not sound blistering, but in real-world driving, it felt much more responsive thanks to that immediate torque delivery. It’s the kind of car that makes you smile every time you hit the gas – or rather, the accelerator.

Real-World Range: The Good and the Not-So-Good

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: range. The 2017 Soul EV came with a 27 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, offering an EPA-estimated 93 miles on a full charge. Now, in today’s world of 200+ mile EVs, that might seem underwhelming. But back in 2017, this was actually quite competitive for the price point. For context, the Nissan Leaf at the time had a similar range, while the BMW i3 offered less.

My personal experience mirrored these numbers. On a typical day with mixed city and highway driving (about 70% city, 30% highway), I consistently got around 85-90 miles. This was perfect for my 25-mile daily commute with plenty of juice left for errands. The key was understanding how to maximize efficiency. For example, I learned that maintaining a steady 55-60 mph on highways was optimal, while frequent hard braking and rapid acceleration could knock 10-15 miles off the range.

Driving Experience: More Fun Than You’d Expect

One of the biggest surprises about the Kia Soul electric car 2017 was how enjoyable it was to drive. The electric powertrain made it feel nimble and light on its feet. The steering was nicely weighted – not too light, not too heavy – making it easy to maneuver through tight city streets. The suspension was tuned for comfort, soaking up potholes and rough pavement better than you’d expect from a small car.

What really impressed me was the regenerative braking system. With four levels of regen (adjustable via steering wheel paddles), you could tailor the driving experience to your liking. In “B” mode with maximum regen, you could almost drive using just the accelerator – lifting off would slow the car significantly, often eliminating the need for the brake pedal entirely in city traffic. This “one-pedal driving” took some getting used to, but once mastered, it made driving incredibly efficient and fun.

Charging: The Practical Side of EV Ownership

Home Charging: Making It Work for You

For most Soul EV owners, home charging was the primary method, and it worked beautifully. The car came standard with a 120V Level 1 charger (the kind you plug into a regular household outlet). While this was slow – adding about 2-5 miles of range per hour – it was perfect for overnight charging. I’d plug it in when I got home around 6 PM, and by morning, it was fully charged and ready to go.

However, I quickly realized that investing in a 240V Level 2 charger was a game-changer. For about $500-700 installed (with possible utility rebates), I upgraded to a 7.2 kW charger. This cut my charging time from 24+ hours to about 4-5 hours for a full charge. The convenience was worth every penny. No more waiting around – I could top up during dinner or while doing laundry.

Public Charging: The 2017 Reality

Back in 2017, public charging infrastructure was still developing, but the Soul EV was well-prepared. It supported DC fast charging (CHAdeMO standard), which could replenish the battery to 80% in about 33 minutes. This was a lifesaver on longer trips. I remember a weekend getaway where I needed to drive 150 miles round trip. I planned my route using apps like PlugShare, identified fast-charging stations at a mall and a rest stop, and timed my charging breaks with lunch and bathroom visits. It worked like a charm.

For regular public charging, the Soul EV had a 6.6 kW onboard charger, which meant it could fully charge in about 4 hours at a 240V Level 2 station. This was great for workplaces, shopping centers, and public parking structures. My tip? Always carry a portable Level 1 charger as a backup. You never know when you might need to plug in at a friend’s house or a hotel without EV charging.

Smart Charging Features

The Soul EV’s infotainment system had some clever charging features that made life easier. You could schedule charging to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates (great for saving money). There was also a “departure time” feature that would pre-condition the cabin while still plugged in, ensuring your car was at the perfect temperature when you left without draining the battery.

One underrated feature was the ability to monitor charging remotely via the UVO app. You could check charge status, start/stop charging, and even get notifications if someone unplugged your car. This gave me peace of mind when charging in public lots.

Interior and Tech: Where Practicality Meets Personality

Space and Comfort for Days

Step inside the Kia Soul electric car 2017, and you’re greeted by a surprisingly spacious interior. The tall, boxy design wasn’t just for looks – it meant excellent headroom and a surprisingly roomy back seat. I’m 5’10”, and I could sit behind myself with plenty of legroom. The flat floor (no transmission tunnel thanks to the electric drivetrain) made the middle seat more usable than in most compact cars.

The cargo area was equally impressive. With 18.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats (expanding to 49.5 with them folded), it could easily swallow a week’s worth of groceries, luggage for a weekend trip, or even a large dog crate. The low load floor made it easy to lift heavy items in and out. One weekend, I helped a friend move – we fit a queen-sized mattress, two nightstands, and a bunch of boxes without any trouble.

Infotainment: Ahead of Its Time

The 2017 Soul EV came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that was surprisingly advanced for its time. Standard features included navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and a backup camera. But what really set it apart was the UVO EV Services system, which was specifically designed for electric vehicle owners.

This system gave you detailed information about:

• Real-time energy usage and efficiency
• Range estimates based on current driving conditions
• Nearby charging stations with availability info
• Charging station reviews from other users

I found the range estimator particularly useful. It would adjust based on your current speed, outside temperature, and even the elevation of your route. For example, if I was heading into the hills with a full battery, it would conservatively estimate my range at 75 miles instead of the usual 93, helping me plan my charging stops accordingly.

Comfort and Convenience Features

For its price point, the Soul EV was surprisingly well-equipped. My mid-level EX model had:

• Heated front seats (a godsend on cold mornings)
• Automatic climate control with a heat pump (more efficient than resistive heating)
• Keyless entry and push-button start
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• LED interior lighting

One feature I particularly appreciated was the heated steering wheel. Living in a colder climate, I can’t overstate how nice it was to grab a warm steering wheel on winter mornings. The automatic climate control with heat pump was also brilliant – it used less energy than traditional electric heaters, helping preserve range in cold weather.

Safety and Reliability: Peace of Mind Matters

Standard Safety Tech

The 2017 Soul EV came with a solid array of safety features, especially considering its price point. Standard equipment included:

• Anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution
• Stability and traction control
• Seven airbags (including a driver’s knee airbag)
• Rearview camera
• Hill-start assist

Higher trims added more advanced features like:

• Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert

I found the blind-spot monitoring particularly useful in city driving, where cyclists and pedestrians could appear unexpectedly. The forward collision warning saved me from a fender bender when a car in front of me stopped suddenly in heavy rain – the system alerted me a split second before I reacted, giving me just enough time to brake safely.

Real-World Reliability

One of the best things about the Kia Soul electric car 2017 was its reliability. Electric vehicles generally have fewer moving parts than gas cars, which means less to go wrong. Over the years, the Soul EV developed a reputation for being bulletproof.

My experience matched this reputation. The only maintenance I needed in my first 15,000 miles was:

• Tire rotations every 7,500 miles
• Cabin air filter replacement at 15,000 miles
• Windshield wiper fluid top-ups

No oil changes, no spark plug replacements, no transmission fluid changes – it was liberating. The battery also held up well. After two years and about 20,000 miles, my range had decreased by only about 5%, which is excellent for an early-generation EV.

Warranty Protection

Kia backed the Soul EV with one of the best warranties in the business:

• 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty
• 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• 10-year/100,000-mile battery warranty

The long battery warranty was particularly reassuring. It covered both capacity loss (guaranteeing at least 70% capacity after 10 years) and defects. This gave me confidence that I wouldn’t be stuck with a degraded battery in a few years.

Cost of Ownership: The Hidden Savings

One of the most compelling arguments for the Kia Soul electric car 2017 wasn’t just the purchase price, but the long-term cost of ownership. Let me break down the numbers from my experience:

Cost Factor	Gas Car (Average)	Kia Soul EV 2017
Annual Fuel/Energy Cost (12,000 mi/yr)	$1,800	$600
Annual Maintenance (5 years)	$2,500	$750
Insurance (Annual)	$1,200	$1,300
Depreciation (5 years)	45%	35%
Total 5-Year Cost	$18,500	$12,250

These numbers might seem surprising, but they reflect real-world experience. Electricity is much cheaper than gas, especially if you charge at home overnight when rates are lower. Maintenance savings were even greater than expected – no oil changes, no exhaust system repairs, and the regenerative braking system meant brake pads lasted much longer.

Depreciation was also better than average. While early EVs often lost value quickly, the Soul EV held its value well thanks to its practicality, reliability, and Kia’s strong warranty. I sold my 2-year-old Soul EV for about 65% of its original price, which was much better than the 50% I’d have gotten for a comparable gas-powered car.

There were also tax incentives to consider. In 2017, buyers could get a federal tax credit of $7,500, plus additional state incentives in many areas. This effectively brought the price of the Soul EV down to around $25,000-$27,000, making it one of the most affordable EVs on the market.

The Verdict: Who Is the Soul EV For?

After spending significant time with the Kia Soul electric car 2017, I can confidently say it was a standout in the early EV market. It wasn’t perfect – the 93-mile range might not suit everyone, and the charging infrastructure was still developing in 2017. But for the right buyer, it was a revelation.

So who should consider the 2017 Soul EV? Primarily, it’s ideal for:

• City dwellers with predictable, short commutes
• Suburban families looking for a second car
• Environmentally conscious buyers wanting to go electric without breaking the bank
• Tech-savvy drivers who appreciate connected features and smart energy management

The Soul EV excelled in urban environments. Its compact size made it easy to park, its instant torque made stop-and-go traffic less stressful, and its efficient packaging meant you didn’t sacrifice comfort for size. The quirky design also meant it stood out in a sea of anonymous crossovers – something that appealed to buyers who wanted a car with personality.

For longer trips, the Soul EV required more planning than a gas car. You needed to map out charging stops and be mindful of your speed (higher speeds drain the battery faster). But with the growing network of fast chargers and the car’s efficient 6.6 kW onboard charger, it was certainly doable for weekend getaways within a 150-mile radius.

What I appreciated most was the Soul EV’s ability to make electric driving feel normal. It wasn’t a compromise – it was just a different, often better, way to get around. The quiet cabin, smooth acceleration, and low operating costs made every drive enjoyable. And knowing I wasn’t contributing to local air pollution? That was the cherry on top.

If you’re considering a used 2017 Soul EV today, here are my final tips:

• Check the battery health – Use an OBD2 scanner or have a dealer check the battery’s state of health
• Test all charging options – Try Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging if possible
• Look for higher trims – The EX and EX Premium trims have more features and better resale value
• Consider the climate – Cold weather reduces range, so buyers in northern states might want to prioritize garage parking

The 2017 Kia Soul EV might not have been the flashiest or longest-range EV on the market, but it was one of the most practical and enjoyable. It proved that electric cars could be affordable, reliable, and fun to drive – a philosophy that has since become mainstream. If you’re looking for an entry point into the world of electric vehicles, the Soul EV remains a compelling choice even years later.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The 2017 Kia Soul EV offers an EPA-estimated range of 93 miles on a full charge, making it suitable for daily commutes and city driving. Its 27 kWh lithium-ion battery balances efficiency with practicality for urban use.

How fast does the 2017 Kia Soul Electric Car charge?

Using a Level 2 (240V) charger, the 2017 Kia Soul EV reaches a full charge in about 4-5 hours. A DC fast charger can replenish the battery to 80% in just 33 minutes, ideal for quick top-ups.

What are the standout features of the 2017 Kia Soul EV?

The 2017 Kia Soul Electric Car includes heated/cooled seats, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, and regenerative braking. Standard safety tech like rearview cameras and blind-spot monitoring adds value.

Is the 2017 Kia Soul Electric Car good for long road trips?

While the 93-mile range limits extended travel, the 2017 Kia Soul EV excels in urban environments. Its DC fast-charging capability helps on shorter road trips, but planning around charging stations is essential.

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

Cold weather reduces the 2017 Kia Soul Electric Car’s range by up to 30%, like most EVs. Preconditioning the cabin while plugged in helps preserve battery life during winter driving.

What is the warranty coverage for the 2017 Kia Soul EV?

The 2017 Kia Soul Electric Car comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, providing long-term peace of mind for owners.