2017 Kia Soul EV Expert Review
Reviewed by Stefan Ogbac
The 2017 Kia Soul received Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration with the available UVO3 infotainment system.
Vehicle Summary
The 2017 Kia Soul EV is the all-electric version of the Kia Soul hatchback, replacing the gas engine with an electric motor backed by a lithium-ion battery. Like the gas-powered Soul, the Soul EV is front-wheel drive only.
Overview
Powering the 2017 Soul EV is an electric motor with 109 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque backed by a 27-kWh lithium-ion battery and a single-speed automatic transmission. The EPA rates the 2017 Soul EV at 120/92 mpg-e and 93 miles on a single charge. Using a level 3 charger, the Soul EV's battery can be replenished back to 80 percent in 30 minutes. A level 2 charger takes four to five hours to recharge the Soul EV's battery from empty and a level 1 charger, which is a standard household outlet, will take 24 hours to charge the car to full. The Soul EV is also one of the roomiest electric vehicles available with 18.8 cubic feet behind the split-folding second row and 49.5 cubic feet behind the front seats.
Standard features include cloth seats, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, a 3.5-inch display in between the gauges, keyless entry/start, automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Options include ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, fog lights, a rearview camera, Kia's UVO3 infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen and navigation, fog lights, and leather upholstery.
Safety
The 2017 Kia Soul EV hasn't been crash tested yet but the gas-only variant received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA (out of a possible five stars) and a Good score on all crash tests in IIHS evaluations (Good is the highest possible score). There are no available active safety features on the 2017 Kia Soul EV.
What We Think
In our 2015 long-term verdict review of the Soul EV, we said that the car offers a smoother ride than gas-powered models thanks to its low center of gravity. Additionally, the Soul EV is also quieter at highway speeds, and the electric motor helps get the car up to speed with ease. The Soul EV's biggest drawback compared to the much more expensive Chevrolet Bolt EV is the Kia's range of just under 100 miles.
Cool Fact
The Kia Soul EV's battery pack is placed under the floor of the passenger to lower the car's center of gravity.
