Is the 2017 Kia Soul a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
B6.5/10
The 2017 Kia Soul is a solid all-round choice. Check the service history and its known problem areas before buying.
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Pros
- Spacious interior for a subcompact
- High safety ratings
- Good value for the money
Cons
- Average driving dynamics
- Limited power on base models
- Noisy cabin at highway speeds
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy
24 mpg
Maintenance cost
$1,500/yr
Expected lifespan
200,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- Transmission hesitation
- Sunroof rattling noises
- Engine knocking sounds
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (1)
The 2017 Kia Soul has 1 NHTSA recall on record. Most recent: Air Bags (campaign 22V031000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Air Bags — Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board a…
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.