Yahoo Autos Our 2017 Kia Soul Turbo Gets Less Edgy with Age
WHAT WE LIKE: The Kia Soul is a convenient, nicely packaged vehicle that doesn't forget the fun factor with its potent 201-hp turbocharged inline-four. It's also a fairly good long-range cruiser with strong straight-line tracking on the highway and good ride quality considering its short wheelbase. Its tall, crossover-like form factor does temper any desire to drive it like the hot hatchback it otherwise resembles-it's too tall and tippy to be much fun on a twisty road-but the configuration also makes it easier to see ahead when negotiating rush-hour traffic on our daily commutes.
The Soul has been economical to operate so far, returning 27 mpg-up 1 mpg from our previous report, despite our proclivity for full-throttle acceleration. Since that previous report, we've been to the dealership twice for regular oil changes, which are prescribed at 6500-mile intervals for the turbo model (naturally aspirated Souls are allowed 7500 miles between changes). At 25,644 miles, the service entailed replacing the engine and cabin air filters, tire rotation, and an alignment due to uneven tire wear; the total cost was $282.
WHAT WE DON'T LIKE: Gripes continue over suboptimal behavior of the Soul's seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). It's not particularly evident in short-range, gentle driving, which is probably why the dealership service technicians report that they're unable to replicate our complaints. Driven more assertively over a longer period, you can't avoid noticing the first-gear clutch slip followed by a too-soon upshift to second gear, which together can erode your confidence when aiming for that gap in traffic when pulling out onto a major artery. Once, associate editor Joseph Capparella reported a long hang-up between shifts at 5500 rpm while merging onto a freeway, resembling something you might experience in a car with a continuously variable transmission. It was so unexpected that Capparella called it a "scary moment," but we've been unable to make the car do it again. Regardless, overall, the Soul would be better off with a conventional automatic that would shift more smoothly and predictably, since the DCT doesn't deliver particularly sharp responses, anyway.
Road roar from the tires and wind noise at highway speeds generate some complaints, too. These wouldn't be particularly noteworthy in a base $17,000 Soul, but our car is so fully equipped that it costs more than $28,000-these econobox characteristics seem a lot more annoying at that price.
WHAT WENT WRONG: The wheel-alignment issue that demanded service (noted above) is probably attributable to peak pothole season in the transition from winter to spring, during which we destroyed one winter tire (noted in our 20,000-mile report) about 5000 miles prior to the realignment. A more routine oil change and tire rotation at 32,284 miles cost $58.
Several drivers have noted squeaks and noises emerging as the Soul ages, including a loud rattle from the back of the car that sounds as if it might be coming from the suspension. More concerning is a sense that there's excess play in the steering; we'll have the dealership investigate both of these issues on our next visit.
WHERE WE WENT: Competent as it is on the highway, the Soul isn't anyone's first choice for long-distance adventures. It has been across the state to Grand Rapids a few times and wandered the back roads in the thumb of the Michigan mitten, with its farthest adventure taking it west into Wisconsin.
Months in Fleet: 16 months Current Mileage: 32,548 miles
Average Fuel Economy: 27 mpg
Fuel Tank Size: 14.2 gal Observed Fuel Range: 380 miles
Service:$639 Normal Wear: $0 Repair: $0
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