Kia Soul EV Gen 1

Overview

The 2017 Kia Soul EV Gen 1 was a funky and characterful early entrant in the electric compact SUV game, bringing distinctive boxy styling to the zero-emission scene. As the first generation, it offered a practical, city-friendly package. Highlights included its surprisingly spacious interior for its footprint and a decent smattering of tech for its era. Being discontinued, it's now a compelling used buy, with European market prices around €8,799 for this Gen 1 trim. It carved a niche for those wanting an EV with a bit more personality than the average hatchback.

What's New for 2017?

For 2017, the Kia Soul EV Gen 1 was primarily a carry-over model, marking the final production year for this iteration before a new generation arrived. The key specifications, including the 27 kWh usable battery pack, remained consistent with the updated first-generation models. Buyers in 2017 got a well-established, if not cutting-edge, electric vehicle known for its unique design and urban practicality. Minor package or trim adjustments might have occurred, but no major powertrain or technology overhauls were introduced for this concluding year of the Gen 1 Soul EV.

Design & Exterior

The 2017 Kia Soul EV Gen 1 rocks a truly distinctive, boxy design that stands out from the crowd – you’ll either love it or, well, you’ll spot it! Its upright stance and quirky details, like the unique front grille panel that cleverly hides the charging ports, give it loads of personality. This specific Gen 1 trim measures 4140 mm in length, 1800 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and 1593 mm in height. It often featured two-tone colour schemes and aerodynamically-styled wheels, making it look both fun and a little bit futuristic for its time.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the 2017 Soul EV Gen 1 offers a surprisingly airy and spacious cabin, thanks to its boxy shape. Materials are generally durable, with some eco-friendly touches like bio-plastics. Passenger comfort is decent for four adults. Cargo-wise, you get 281 litres in the boot, expanding to a useful 891 litres with the rear seats folded flat. Sadly, there's no frunk. Tech for this era typically included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, often with navigation, a reversing camera, and by 2017, features like DAB radio and basic smartphone connectivity were becoming common.

Performance & Driving Experience

Under the bonnet (or rather, floor!), the Soul EV Gen 1 features a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) driving the front wheels, delivering a respectable 81 kW (around 110 bhp) and a punchy 285 Nm of torque. This translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint in 11.2 seconds, making it feel nippy around town. The driving experience is smooth and quiet, as expected from an EV, with a comfortable ride bias. Regenerative braking helps to recoup energy, and it’s generally an easy and unintimidating car to pilot through urban environments.

Range, Battery & Charging

The 2017 Soul EV Gen 1 is equipped with a 27 kWh usable battery pack (30.5 kWh nominal). Green Cars Compare calculates its real-world range at approximately 151 km, with an efficiency of 5.59 km/kWh. For AC charging, it uses a Type 1 (J1772) inlet and the standard on-board charger is rated at 3.6 kW, meaning a full charge takes around 7.5-8 hours. For DC fast charging, it uses a CHAdeMO port and can accept up to 50 kW, allowing for a quick top-up (e.g., 0-80%) in about 30-35 minutes under ideal conditions.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

The Kia Soul, on which the EV is based, received a 4-star rating from Euro NCAP back in 2014. For the 2017 Soul EV Gen 1, standard safety kit typically included essentials like multiple airbags, ABS, and stability control. Driver-assistance features were more basic by today's standards but often included a rearview camera, parking sensors, and Hill Start Assist. More advanced systems like adaptive cruise control or active lane keeping weren't commonly found on this generation, keeping it straightforward but safe for its intended urban use.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In Europe, Kia has long been known for its generous warranty, and the 2017 Soul EV Gen 1 typically benefited from the brand's 7-year / 150,000 km basic vehicle warranty. Crucially, the high-voltage battery was also usually covered for 7 years / 150,000 km, often with a state-of-health guarantee (e.g., to 70% capacity). As an EV, maintenance is generally lower than combustion-engined cars, focusing on tyres, brakes, and cabin filters. Reliability for these early Soul EVs has been respectable, making them a solid used proposition.