The New Trim Level
Before getting into the new Soul trim, it’s important to note that the Soul doesn’t really have names for its trim levels, so instead, it opts for punctuation and mathematical symbols. The base model is called the Soul, while the mid-tier is the + (Plus), and the fully loaded version is the !. Now that this aspect is relatively straightforward let’s discuss it!
This trim level isn’t new to the Kia name, but it gets massive mechanical upgrades to give it new life. Under the hood, the Soul! gets a turbocharged, 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder that gives it 201 horsepower and up to 195 pound-feet of torque. This enables the turbo Soul to hit speeds it couldn’t have imagined even a year earlier. When you put the pedal to the floor, the! ramps up from zero-to-60 in a mind-blowing 6.5 seconds while topping out at an impressive 125 miles per hour.
What’s Under the Hood
The other two trim levels get separate engines, yet each delivers versatility to the lineup. The base model has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder for 130 horsepower, 30 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway, and 25 mpg in the city. The + model gets a slightly larger, 2.0-liter four-cylinder with the same fuel economy yet boasts some extra oomph in 160 horsepower. If you need the extra power, the + is a definite consideration, but there’s nothing wrong with the base model’s road prowess.
The Interior
Although the Soul may look slight from the outside, it’s actually quite spacious on the inside. It easily accommodates up to five passengers, so you can take all your friends to the beach, a party, or a sporting event in comfort and style. Even with five people, the Soul still offers 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space, and if you need the entire cabin to transport your stuff, the seats fold down to reveal an impressive 49.5 cubic feet.
For those who want added convenience and tech features, the Soul has many options to suit your needs. Available specs include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a touch-screen display between 5 inches and 8 inches, Bluetooth connectivity, premium sound, and a sunroof, just to name a few.
You’ll look good behind the wheel of a 2017 Kia Soul when traveling in style. But don’t take our word for it. Head down to your local dealer to try one yourself.