2017 Kia Soul ! Turbo Review and Road Test | DETAILED in 4K UHD!

Kia's soul has always been one of the most practical, well priced, and best equipped subcompacts in America, but it's never been particularly swift. Until now. For 2017 Kia fitted a new 201 horsepower turbo engine and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission to their faithful hamster. The result isn't a Volkswagen GTI, or a Fiesta ST but it is by far the most fun Soul ever built and it's still extremely well priced.
0-30 : 2.8 Seconds
0-60 : 7.2 Seconds
1/4 Mile : 15.1 Sec @ 93 MPH
60-0 Braking : 111 Feet
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[@setsunaes]

i drove a 2016 ! soul yesterday and boy, this little thing really made me smile. Thinking on change my beloved tC for a soul !

[@melangreathouse2209]

Alex, I’m a confessed “ gear head”, much like yourself. So I HAD to comment on your “ next level “ analysis and comparison of the17 Kia Soul Turbo. I’ve watched you, AND your competitors over the years, and you leave “no stone unturned “ in your niche. You, in MY opinion, are the BEST of the best!!! I’m thinking my next purchase will be a 17” non turbo” Soul- in Brown with that White contrast roof!

[@ericdolby1622]

So? Did you get a Soul?

[@YouTuber-ep5xx]

There is no KIA salesman in the country who has his facts down like this guy.

[@kymode95]

I watched about 4 of your videos before i subscribed. Very detailed, very thorough, keep doing what you're doing.

[@nicosarea]

Thank you Alex on Autos for this fantastic review! I have absolutely no regrets purchasing my first vehicle, the Kia Soul!

[@michelangelobuonarroti3752]

Your auto reviews are second to none. Thank you.

[@harvardford8752]

I love the soul Makes me feel like I had one to begin with

[@Saligia88]

Hi from Russia! Best Kia Soul Turbo review!!!

[@louisbeach5314]

Very detailed and well researched. I own one and did not yet know I could removed the rear cargo floor area. I am still learning the radio and many other functions. Love this vehicle mine happens to be red as well. Thanks for making this very detailed video.

[@alfredobrizuela6610]

Great video, I really enjoyed the comparisons at the end

[@KiMazbaru3]

Great review as always, Alex!

[@kevinlee3174]

Comprehensive review Alex. Thanks for sharing your view and time.

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

As an vehicle lover: I'd buy it one day Alex.

[@brianfurst7653]

Very nicely structured review. Really enjoyable to watch

[@mountainhobo]

13:54 "The other thing to keep in mind is that we can roll back" -- And that's why we have manual brake lever instead of electronic parking brake.

[@jonlosito2004]

I always prefer the manual hand brake to the electronic brake. It's just more convenient to me.

[@drumflip1253]

Just bought one, love it!

[@stevenjames1138]

Love your reviews, Alex! Simply the best. I'm considering this car. And the Honda Civic Sport hatchback as well. Please do a review on the Toyota C-HR!

[@Tully3674]

Good review Alex. I was surprised you made it a top pick based on your grading score. On the flip side, your review makes me consider the Soul as it seems it was designed w/ efficiency in mind.

[@stevewise1656]

Great review as always. If possible, please add crash test ratings when available.

[@Tomatohater64]

Superb review on the Kia Turbo.

[@swanblake]

Love and appreciate that they gave it HID lighting. Huge selling point to me as I drive in dusk a lot. Really impressive vehicle for the price

[@okanoshi941]

I was eagerly anticipating your review of the 2017 Turbo model! Thanks for the comprehensive review, Alex! I am currently leasing a 2015 Kia Soul - Cloud Edition (only two were built for each US Kia dealership) and was on the fence about keeping it or upgrading to the 2017 Turbo model. While I love the new 1.6 Turbo engine with 201 HP and better fuel economy, I think I might just keep my 2015, esp since it's a special edition. I've had ZERO problems with my Soul - currently at 34K miles. I've gotten numerous compliments about the car from ppl who are Audi, BMW, and Mercedes Benz (and so on) owners! They are taken aback by how stylish it is both on exterior and interior. I convinced a Mini Cooper owner to trade her car in for a Soul :-)

[@wesleyd.7433]

Nolan Brooks thats great. Ive also had many compliments from ppl on my 2011! Wouldnt trade it for anything and have also had ZERO issues.

[@jessicawoodward7091]

I love my 2016! Can't wait to u grade!

[@jasanmiguel]

Alex, I'd be interested in seeing a follow-up video from you on the Kia Soul EV after one year's use, focusing on battery liveability and overall vehicle usefulness.

[@donkenning148]

I would be interested in this as well.

[@ravenjames3873]

consumer reports isn't gonna help you

[@BoopSnoot]

Its coming any day now!

[@samuelcasselljr989]

Excellent review

[@Vaxovillion]

Thank you for such a thorough and informative video! I'll be getting something in July and I'd like to stay around the 24 or less range, this seems like your getting a lot for the money. Or there's always a lightly used GTI...

[@baldheadlogic]

Alex, keep up the excellent reviews. Do you know if radar cruise will be added for the 18 model year?

[@edwardgrimenstein2164]

Hey Alex, could you do a quick one-take vlog thing on why you chose the Soul EV? I'm not in the market (2013 Genesis 5.0 R-Spec on the way to a V8 Challentang), but would like to hear your process in making a decision on something you know a ton about. Keep up the good work!

[@islandgirl103]

Great review Alex! I have a two-year-old Soul+ and love the car, except for wanting a little more horsepower. The turbo sounds like more fun. On another note, have you seen and driven the upcoming Buick Regal TourX Wagon? Looking forward to seeing your review of that new model.

[@SHADOWBOXERBAYBEE]

on the touch screen, the first 6 preset stations for Sirus you have the availability to PAUSE the station when at a drive thru OR if you pick one of the 6 first preset, you can REWIND anyone of those to the beginning time of the drive to check out songs to pick instead of being stuck with LIVE radio. :) I LOVE IT but it took me nearly a year to find out this on my own.

[@HollandMariahGrossman]

Alex, AMAZING video, as expected. Question.... would you compare the 2.0 engine in the Plus to the turbo 1.6 in the Exclaim as it pertains to "smooth" or "refined" ride-quality? Clearly, the turbo outperforms the 2.0, but as primarily a city driver, with some highway driving, I found the 2.0 to be a bit erratic, noisy when pushed, and not really smooth when accelerating. I am considering the upgrade to the "!" model, but my first instincts are that it may in fact be worse with those parameters in mind? What do you think makes the most sense, as the two builds I have put together end up only being about $1k difference. (Plus model with the 8" audio infotainment system vs. the Exclaim with zero upgrades). PS - these are both 2019 models I am considering. Thanks so much!

[@miguelagawin]

Thanks for this.

[@deecee1225]

Another great job. Thanks Alex.

[@bselves2]

Great review, as always, Alex. It's interesting how you compare the Soul both to other subcompact CUVs and compact cars such as the Honda Civic. How would you rank the Mazda3 GT (hatchback) against the Soul turbo? Or the Soul against the new Niro? Thanks!

[@YC-nd2cw]

Quite a decent car with cute looking&good power. I would look forward to see a review of EV version

[@ProdigyMan88]

Hi Alex! Please review the all-new 2017 Mazda CX-5. Looks like noise, handling, ride and interior were greatly improved. I liked it even more than BMW X1 after few test drives.

[@ericdolby1622]

I just purchased this exact car but 2018. Every available option on mine and the Inferno Red.

[@pdservices6681]

It does turn the Kia Soul Sport (Turbo) into a GTi if you have an engine and gearbox remap with gear changing adjusted. Mine a 2017 was producing 198 BHP (201 factory quote) with 242 NM Torque (195 factory quote). Gear changing in normal drive was slow, in sport a bit quicker but still hesitant but drove very jerky in traffic. Now the car is putting out 235 BHP with a massive 400 NM Torque and the gear change in normal drive is as quick as the old sport setting without being jerky on the throttle in traffic, but in Sports mode it is rapid, crisp quick gear changing, wheel spins in 1st, 2nd and third and if you plant your foot it is now producing (if you can get traction) a 0-60 time in the high 5’s / early 6’s, that is VW Golf GTi territory and it is all well within safe tolerances and nothing mechanical changed. I own a 2016 RS6 with 720BHP and 980 NM Torque, I call my Kia the baby RS, lots of fun for a work vehicle. Only thing that I really miss is AWD and Paddle shifters which would make this car absolutely perfect and the steering needs to be a bit heavier.

[@cadsux]

Great review. I think this is the first time I've seen your Los Gatos "Dyklaine" office. Here's to your continued success! Do you think it's worth trading in my 2016 Kia Soul ! for the 2017 Soul turbo? If you didn't need the Soul EV, would you do it?

[@icantfindit008]

best analysis... again!

[@reaality3860]

My new 2017 Kia Soul + is the 'Brownstone Edition'. I didn't want the turbo, because I will keep it beyond the warranty period. I didn't want the sunroof, because my Soul sleeps outside. I didn't want the folding power side view mirrors, because it's just one more thing to wear out. I got my Soul exactly the way I wanted.

[@dchen1763]

Excellent review as always, Alex. Your review adds insight to why certain aspect of a vehicle behaves in a particular way, i.e Soul Exclaim had the same suspension tuning but feels firmer and louder perhaps due to the new wider/lower profile tires. Your Insights and logical inferences puts your review a whole class above all others who rehash stats and press kits. Can you consider "emergency maneuver/handling" review (handling ability during sudden weight transfer at speed) as part of your review test statistics? Similar to what Consumer Reports does on rollover. It will really add more real-life value and compliment your child seat section. It'll certainly help all parents with teenage children, and those of us who are frequently asked by friends, colleagues and families to advise on their varying vehicle needs and selections. FYI, KIA dealer here in Texas said the '17 Turbo Exclaim model is not for sale in Texas. Can you speculate or confirm the reason? Thank you, David C.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+David Chen that is odd, Kia said it is available in all 50 states. My guess is that the dealer representative has incorrect information

[@dchen1763]

Thank you very much on that info! Now I know the Soul Exclaim trim has low quantity at current time, in north Texas; instead of "not for sale" per the sales person who wish I'd buy the Soul Plus model sitting on the dealership lot. Alex, I went to Kia dealership for the first time after watching your reviews on Kia Niro and Soul. I'm in the market for a compact, efficient, newest-safety-tech, minor-gear (and a cello) hauler for my teenager. Either Niro and Soul seem to fit the need. Test drove both, you were dead-on-spot in your reviews. Love everything and the size of the Niro, except two issues: (1) gas pedal felt too light and lifeless during take off and really hesitates and non-linear in delivering speed, and (2) the 9.5 seconds 0-60, which is a deal breaker for me. I would gladly give up another 3-4 MPG for top-trim Niro to match Mazda CX-3 on 0-60 at 8.3 seconds. I feel decent 0-60 performance should be considered as part of the overall vehicle safety attribute.

[@juanjosemartinez3729]

Great review as expected but I'm so undecided! I like the turbo engine and panoramic m/r so I'd be buying the fully loaded model. I'm disappointed that it doesn't include or offer the a radar braking/ cruise control features. As I tested the fully loaded is about 27k and I'm concerned the 2020 will be coming out with what this is one is missing. Now, I am more concerned that Kia may decide to eliminate the turbo engine on the 2020 model just like Subaru decided to do on the forester. What's ur opinion? Should I wait and see what 2020 brings?

[@yorainman]

Terrific review, Alex. Thank you. For us golfers, can you try fitting a golf club driver in the trunk or hatch to give us an idea of fit? Getting a golf club bag to fit in the trunk or hatch of you car is a key requirement to those of us that play golf. The driver is the longest club, so if it fits, it means the car may be in the running during purchase time.

[@dchen1763]

Yes, a #1 driver, and a cello hard case (no joke).

[@thomaslgrice]

When I bought my 2012+ I took my 6 pc drum set to the dealer and told the salesman, "If this fits, I'm buying." He replied, "Let me help you." My stands go into a 50" Gator drum hardware bag and it fits in the rear seat foot well. 9.5 years, 142k+ mi later, I still have it and it still hauls much more than my kit. It is hell on the hard plastic interior, tho. :) Overall avg mpg is 29.7. That's 4,784 gallons of gas costing $12,332.59. (I use Fuelly.) The only flaw I had was the passenger headlight assembly was allowing moisture inside and they warrantied that in the first year.

[@JurisKankalis]

how cool to see people... well, Southkoreans anyway, still manufacture SENSIBLE CARS for normal people. My 2004 Lancer wagon is kinda that - practical and roomy boot, three layers of ingenious tool/spare tire/luggage system, no-nonsense boxy design. Of course, this Kia has tons of additional equiopment - just look at those speaker grills, but it's still a very sensible car. Kuddos to Kia for going with the manual handbrake, which should actually be applaudes, esp. if other trims get the E-e-brake, but not kuddos for not offering a manual gearbox. Good review as always!

[@johnnyhe2313]

Will you do a review for 2016 or 17 Mercedes E-class?

[@BTC909]

Plenty of alternative tire choices. I don't expect much from the Nexen's. 400 UTQG.

[@tkt228]

i have the 2015 soul 161 HP , is it worth trading in for the turbo engine?

[@brianbfree2328]

They need to produce the Trailster concept. Nice ground clearance and AWD. It would outsell the Compass and Renegade in my opinion.

[@shravan.parepally]

I’ve been researching between - CX3 HRV and Crosstrek and now you’ve added another option into my headache. And it looks like what I’m looking for - Kia Souls seems to do enough ticks.

[@kevinlee3174]

I hear ya. Really like the Soul. Tested the HRV, you may be disappointed overall. In any case, ensure to test drive them all.

[@BigSam63]

If Subaru would put a decent engine in the crosstrek it would be an awesome car. 152 horsepower in a vehicle that size is pretty pathetic. Over 11 second 0-60 time.

[@TheSirUno]

I really like the new Soul "!"; it's got the looks. What do you think the odds are that Kia will bring over the IRS from the Elantra Sport are for the Soul? That could really make this a bit more fun imo.

[@polaris13]

I'm holding out for a Soul with AWD. You know it's coming.

[@82mattlopez]

Perry F I seriously doubt it because it would be a $30000 soul.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

They keep hinting at it, but the sales of the Soul are on fire without AWD so I don't think that will happen until things slow down. The closest they have come is with the occasional show car that has a hybrid system and e-AWD. A real AWD system would take up too much room in the cabin.

[@Quantum369Mechanic]

gearman I have 2 Kia's the last few years and love the cars and service. If you have bad service, look at other dealerships for help. I found my dealership to provide excellent service. The other dealers I have gone to have been rude or substandard. Shop around my friend, find somewhere where they give you a little extra back when you show up.

[@wesleyd.7433]

Perry F too much added weight/price/-room but i would like to see the 2.0ltr turbo some day. Kia is on a roll lately... +Stinger

[@cadsux]

I've noticed that 2017 Soul Turbo has a cargo capacity of 50 cubic feet, & a curb weight of 3200 lbs., while the 2016 Soul ! has a cargo capacity of 61 cubic feet & a curb weight of around 2900 lbs. What's causing the difference? The 1.6L turbo with larger wheels/tires?

[@andyhaas3620]

Can you compare this to the Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza?

[@celtichutch45]

Thanks

[@acche-rc]

it bounces around because of the inferior Torsion Beam suspension at the rear!

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, I have not seen a detachable shoulder harness like the one in the middle back seat in over 30 years. How is that even legal?

[@kudzu01]

Okay, Alex, I’m going car shopping tomorrow. I realize this is short notice, but I need for you to get to the airport ASAP and fly down to Florida to assist. And by “assist,” I mean you’ll be picking out my car. 😆

[@ericdolby1622]

Whereabout are you? I'm in Naples. I have a 2018 !

[@hillbillyartscrafts4367]

3:30 what kind of succulent is that behind you? what state are you in?

[@swanblake]

the Fiesta ST has the same torsion rear suspension, correct?

[@FOR8YESHUA]

Is there room for a supercharger under the hood?

[@joeb2588]

Nice review. But no manual transmission is disappointing.

[@sergevivier2023]

The IIHS gives the Soul "TOP SAFETY PICK + "however I dont think the panoramic sunroof is safe.

[@acnaivg]

Is the soul good for a new driver?

[@stereoguy7358]

Does the passenger seat have a height adjustment?

[@nightdonutstudio]

How about handling between soul turbo and regular soul? Any big difference. So if acceleration is not very important, which version handle better.

[@jonlosito2004]

Handling is kind of about the same

[@theevermind]

The industry needs to drop the "manual" and "automatic" descriptors for gear-movement and clutch/brake transmission styles. There is nothing inherently manual or automatic about them--it's just how they are activated.

[@rogermoore8154]

What about the blind spot?

[@mountainhobo]

No direct comparison to Honda HR-V?

[@zooks3894]

We don't get this model in Australia:(

[@bholaoates1542]

I just bought a 2017 Kia Soul Plus and I can't seem to get Android Auto to work in it. The USB icon stays greyed out on the infotainment display even when the phone is plugged in. I know the USB port works because I can see it charging my phone when I plug it in, but the USB icon still remains grey on the display and Android Auto isn't displayed anywhere even though I've installed AA on my phone. Anyone have any idea why this is happening?

[@sonja4047]

Great review, thank you... beep beep...

[@howarddavis5083]

How to season a carbon steel pan

[@sic22l]

LED headlamps in the Civic are not a pro for Honda. They're one of the worst if not the worst LEDs on the market (as tested by IIHS), worse than many halogens.

[@skirmich]

Worse than many halogens? Have you seen the Tests? The LEDs does comply with straight line optimal lighting by IIHS Standards.. They are NOT OPTIMAL for Left Hand Curves but it does not mean they are Un-useable, Many if not all cars fail the Optimal Left Hand Curves.... The Halogen version of the Civic performs WORSE than the LEDs. www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/honda/civic-4-door-sedan/2017

[@swanblake]

I believe they just recalled the 2liter unit it because the engine was seizing. Yeah Kia reliability right there

[@wesleyd.7433]

Blake Swan wrong, and it is very reliable.

[@wingktsui3532]

There is a constant low deep engine sound in the background

[@randeezy3914]

I'm debating between a 2017 Mazda 3 hatch vs 2017 Soul !

[@wesleyd.7433]

Randolph Knackstedt both are great cars... Im bias tho for Kia, been very very good to me 2011.

[@mountainhobo]

DCT is more fun that automatic, but it's still a pity there is no manual transmission option.

[@ryanlangner8306]

2017/2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan or Hatchback please!

[@ravenjames3873]

Hatchbacks are always better than sedans Ryan.

[@verothacamaro]

Vent seats and adaptive cruise are odd omissions.

[@internetmeta]

Wish it came in blue.

[@pvva88]

He keeps saying the civic, isn't this a good comparison to the mini clubman or even countryman? Even if prices aren't on par? This is easily 27-29k, I feel like this was a direct conpeition to a 1st gen mini countryman, engine has more output than that too

[@midnightexpress1567]

Why didn’t you compare the Kia Soul to the Jeep Renegade?

[@ericdolby1622]

The zero to 60 was tested to be 6.5 by car and driver.

[@gregr28]

I was thinking the same thing. I assume he did the test with the engine cold. I've had mine since 2017 and can say it gets significantly faster as it warms it. I've even beat that 6.5 with the engine fully warmed up. I raced and beat my roommate who had a 2011 Golf GTI.

[@2501-..-]

good car ...... 가성비 좋네

[@soumyadeepbhunia172]

Long live boxy cars!

[@lilmamachiatv]

Wow what have they done to the front?! The last version looked so much better. They destroyed the look like what they did to the new Sportage.

[@robcohen7678]

yeah it kinda looks like they stopped trying on the bottom front "grille". Somethings missing.

[@franctoma]

Looks a little better when you put the License plates on.

[@margueriet]

i need to know that is the difference in the turbo engine and the 2.0 engine

[@strikezero01]

ok ... time to check the Chevy Trax to- wait.. let me check that $19000 soul version

[@Peizxcv]

Love boxy cars like this with great interior space but the styling is not classic enough and interior not luxury enough. Make the interior to at least Avalon level and it would be a great car

[@jhoko_ilong]

Did I heard you right, you're height is 6'5"?

[@dbrxsdgo]

Oh...my...god...Becky. The intro music is like so...so...totally 80's. C-piller view not that great. Dash and door design are not visually pleasing. Otherwise, a nice package.

[@swanblake]

Is the Civic lighter that the Soul?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It depends on the version. Some Soul models are heavier, some are lighter. If you get the pano roof on the Soul Exclaim it will be about 200lbs heavier than a Civic sedan, the Civic hatch is a little heavier but still doesn't offer the panoramic roof.

[@aussiekang8087]

hi Alex, I'm a current VW GTI (SE Trim) driver. However, the bucket seats are giving me hip and shoulder pain. What car would you recommend in a similar budget in terms of seat comfort and such. Thanks!

[@revilsdr]

@@aussiekang8087 The seats in the Toyota CHR are very comfortable

[@number7redking]

The wife has a 2013 Kia Soul 2U 2.0L it is zippy and love driving it downtown Toronto. However, how the Koreans managed to get so poor interior quality, little power and horrible fuel economy in a 2.0L engine boggles my mind. Japanese only for me (20 years of Japanese vehicles, and never getting anything else).

[@user-gp1bt4vm3r]

2013 Soul is not a good car, so I can understand all of your complaints about it. But the new turbo Soul is really good. I have the 2018 Soul Turbo and it's like day and night compared to the first generation Soul.

[@sprockkets]

The poor economy is simply due to physics - it isn't shaped like a normal sedan or hatchback. You pay for that boxy shape, but you get a lot of room. Same issue where stupid crossovers trade up to 10mpg vs their car counterparts. If you don't like the quality of yours, the 2014 is much improved.

[@ScribblyPoppo]

if i don't have a soul, will i still go to heaven?

[@davidforsberg5675]

If you give me 5k then yes. Send it to #cash4soulfreetrip

[@reaality3860]

NO!

[@jtremix3703]

REPENTNOWANDTRUSTJESUSCHRISTOURLORDANDSAVIORPLEASE🥰

[@jaredstephenson6468]

The KIA logo is crooked on the hatch. That drives me bonkers.

[@TheSirUno]

Looks perfectly fine to me. Besides, it's recessed into the hatch, not just slapped on.

[@simonchow6894]

kia makes good cars. however , their resale value is shitty and the salespersons are terrible ppl

[@nickguyol1023]

I"ve done a lot of car shopping/buying for a long time, and KIA sales staff are among the worst, most incompetent I've ever run into. Just think what they could do with good sales people!

[@88ranchok]

They are junk

[@johnciteroni5416]

therealvegan runner. Why do you say thsy are junk?

[@romel4life375]

A rebadged Nissan cubed