The 2014 Kia Soul arrived as a distinctly styled compact hatchback with a practical, urban-friendly layout and trim levels that changed its stance and personality in noticeable ways. That matters when it comes to tires, because this model year uses three different radial sizes: 205/60R16, 215/55R17, and 235/45R18, depending on the exact sub-model. The tire decision is less about vintage-style construction and more about matching the right wheel diameter, profile, and overall look to the Soul you actually own. Some versions lean toward everyday comfort, while others use a lower-profile fitment that gives the vehicle a sportier presentation and a different product selection.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2014 Kia Soul
The 2014 Kia Soul uses three different primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Since these fitments span 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch rims, the first step is confirming which trim and wheel package the vehicle has before comparing tires, sidewall style, or series.
In 235/45R18, the 235 refers to section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. This is a modern radial fitment used on the 2014 Kia Soul ! and it pairs the largest wheel diameter in this model range with a shorter sidewall profile. Available choices center on BFGoodrich g-Force series tires in Blackwall form, including Comp 2 AS, Sport Comp 2, and g-Force Phenom T/A. This size is the one to evaluate when the Soul has the factory-style 18-inch setup and a more aggressive stance to maintain.
In 215/55R17, the 215 is the section width in millimeters, 55 is the sidewall aspect ratio, R means radial construction, and 17 identifies the rim diameter. On the 2014 Kia Soul, this size is used on the + sub-model and sits between the 16-inch and 18-inch fitments in overall character. Product selection includes BFGoodrich Blackwall radial options from the g-Force Comp 2 AS and g-Force Phenom T/A series. This size is worth confirming carefully when the vehicle wears 17-inch wheels, since it should not be confused with the similar-looking but different 16-inch or 18-inch setups.
In 205/60R16, the 205 denotes section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R stands for radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. This radial size is used on the 2014 Kia Soul Base and the + w/Eco Pkg., making wheel confirmation especially important if trims or wheels have been changed over time. The available product here is an American Classic Radial with a 1.50 inch whitewall and asymmetrical tread styling, giving this modern Kia a very distinctive appearance choice. It suits owners who need the 16-inch fitment and want to balance correct sizing with a specific visual presentation.
Sub-model fitment on the 2014 Kia Soul is not one-size-fits-all. Tire selection depends on identifying the exact trim first, because the covered versions use different radial sizes on 16-inch, 17-inch, or 18-inch wheels.
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2014 Kia Soul !
The 2014 Kia Soul ! uses the 235/45R18 radial fitment, which places it on the largest wheel diameter offered among these sub-models. Tire selection here centers on matching the 18-inch setup correctly and then choosing among the available BFGoodrich Blackwall performance-oriented series.
The 2014 Kia Soul + uses a 215/55R17 radial tire, giving it its own fitment separate from the 16-inch and 18-inch versions. That makes wheel verification important before purchase, followed by comparison of the available BFGoodrich series within the correct 17-inch size.
The 2014 Kia Soul + w/Eco Pkg. uses the 205/60R16 radial size rather than the 17-inch fitment used on the standard + trim. The key step is confirming that 16-inch wheel setup, then deciding whether the available wide whitewall presentation matches the look and use planned for the vehicle.
The 2014 Kia Soul Base also uses the 205/60R16 radial tire size on a 16-inch rim. That keeps sizing straightforward as long as the vehicle still has the expected wheel diameter, while the available product makes appearance a bigger decision point than construction choice.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2014 Kia Soul Tires for Sale
Available tires for the 2014 Kia Soul vary by size, brand, series, and appearance. The 17-inch and 18-inch fitments center on BFGoodrich Blackwall g-Force options, while the 16-inch 205/60R16 offering comes from American Classic in a wide whitewall radial style.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 2014 Kia Soul, how trim level affects fitment, and what to compare when choosing among 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch radial tires.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2014 Kia Soul?
A 2014 Kia Soul can use 205/60R16, 215/55R17, or 235/45R18, depending on the exact sub-model. The Base and + w/Eco Pkg. use 205/60R16, the + uses 215/55R17, and the ! uses 235/45R18. All three are radial tire fitments tied to different wheel diameters.
The practical step is confirming the trim level and the actual wheels on the vehicle before choosing a tire. Souls that have had wheel swaps or replacement wheels over time may no longer match the original trim-based setup, so the tire should be selected by the combination of sub-model, wheel diameter, and the vehicle’s current configuration.
What size rim does a 2014 Kia Soul use?
The 2014 Kia Soul uses three different rim diameters across its covered sub-models: 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch. The 205/60R16 tire fits a 16-inch rim, the 215/55R17 fits a 17-inch rim, and the 235/45R18 fits an 18-inch rim. Rim diameter changes with the trim-level tire size.
That makes wheel confirmation especially important before ordering replacement tires. Looking only at the model year and name is not enough, because the Soul range includes multiple factory-style wheel packages. Checking the sidewall on the current tire and verifying the actual wheel diameter on the vehicle helps prevent choosing a tire that matches the model but not the installed wheels.
Why does the 2014 Kia Soul have more than one tire size?
The 2014 Kia Soul has more than one tire size because different sub-models use different wheel and tire packages. Base and + w/Eco Pkg. models use 205/60R16, the + uses 215/55R17, and the ! uses 235/45R18. Each size corresponds to a different rim diameter and overall trim-level setup.
For a buyer, that means the right tire choice starts with identifying the exact version of the Soul rather than assuming one size covers the whole model line. It also means that a tire selected for one trim may be completely wrong for another if the wheel diameter differs, even when the tires appear close in overall proportions.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2014 Kia Soul?
Start with the correct primary size for the exact 2014 Kia Soul sub-model: 205/60R16, 215/55R17, or 235/45R18. From there, compare construction, rim-width compatibility, brand, tire series, and any appearance differences that matter to the way the vehicle is used. Every fitment here is radial, but the available products are not all aimed at the same type of presentation.
A Soul with 18-inch wheels calls for a different buying approach than a 16-inch Base or Eco package setup. It helps to match the tire not only to size, but also to the actual wheel width, the vehicle’s present ride height, and whether the goal is a sportier modern look or a more distinctive appearance such as a wide whitewall.
What sidewall styles are available for 2014 Kia Soul tires?
Two sidewall styles appear across the available 2014 Kia Soul tire choices: Blackwall and Wide Whitewall. The 17-inch and 18-inch fitments are offered as Blackwall radials, while the 205/60R16 fitment includes an American Classic radial with a 1.50 inch whitewall. Sidewall style depends on the size and product line being considered.
That means appearance choice is not the same across every Soul trim. If the vehicle uses 16-inch wheels, the available option creates a noticeably different visual effect than the Blackwall choices offered in the larger sizes. Buyers should decide whether they want a conventional modern sidewall or a more attention-grabbing presentation before narrowing the final product.
What tire series are available for the 2014 Kia Soul?
The available tire series for the 2014 Kia Soul include BFGoodrich g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, and an American Classic radial with asymmetrical tread styling. The exact series depends on the tire size, so a 17-inch or 18-inch Soul has different choices from a 16-inch Base or Eco package model.
Series matters because it helps distinguish the type of tire presentation and specification set available within the correct size. Once the fitment is confirmed, comparing series can help narrow the field by sidewall style, rim-width range, and other product details instead of treating every radial tire in the right size as essentially the same.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for the appearance of a 2014 Kia Soul?
Appearance on a 2014 Kia Soul starts with using the correct size for the exact sub-model, then choosing the sidewall and series that best suit the look you want. The 17-inch and 18-inch options are Blackwall BFGoodrich tires, while the 205/60R16 fitment includes an American Classic radial with a 1.50 inch whitewall. Those create very different visual results.
A buyer trying to preserve a contemporary, trim-appropriate look may lean toward the Blackwall choices on larger wheels, while someone after a more customized presentation may focus on the 16-inch wide whitewall option. The main point is to treat size as the fixed requirement and appearance as the choice layered on top of correct fitment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored or customized 2014 Kia Soul?
On the 2014 Kia Soul, construction does not create the main appearance difference because all of the primary fitments and available products here are radial. The visual distinction comes more from wheel diameter, tire profile, and sidewall treatment, especially when comparing the Blackwall 17-inch and 18-inch tires with the 16-inch wide whitewall option.
That shifts the decision away from bias-ply-versus-radial concerns and toward proportion and styling. A lower-profile 18-inch setup gives the Soul a different stance than a 16-inch package, and a whitewall changes the vehicle’s character more dramatically than a standard Blackwall. Any appearance-driven change still needs to stay within the vehicle’s correct wheel and tire fitment.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2014 Kia Soul?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2014 Kia Soul even when the replacement tire matches one of the original sizes. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, lowering, spacers, or body alterations can change clearance and wheel compatibility. That matters because this model already spans 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch factory-style fitments.
A modified Soul should be checked by its current setup, not just by model year. Wheel width, offset, steering clearance, and fender room all become part of the decision when the vehicle no longer sits on a standard configuration. Tire selection is much easier and safer when the actual wheel and suspension package is confirmed first.
What should I inspect before driving a 2014 Kia Soul on new tires?
Before driving a 2014 Kia Soul on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the installed rim diameter, and check that each tire is inflated properly and seated correctly. It also helps to look over the suspension and alignment condition, since uneven wear or handling concerns can show up quickly with fresh tires.
A short test drive should include listening for rubbing, feeling for vibration, and verifying that steering response is normal. Rechecking air pressure after installation is a smart step, especially if the vehicle has been sitting or the wheels were recently changed. Catching a clearance or setup issue early helps protect both the tire and the vehicle.
How often should tires on a 2014 Kia Soul be inspected?
Tires on a 2014 Kia Soul should be inspected regularly, especially for air loss, uneven tread wear, cuts, bulges, and sidewall damage. Even on a modern vehicle, routine visual checks are worthwhile because the Soul uses several different low- to mid-profile radial sizes, and problems can become more noticeable as wheel diameter and profile change.
Many owners make inspections part of normal fueling or washing routines, with a closer look before longer trips. It is also wise to inspect sooner if the car has hit potholes, curbs, or debris. Consistent pressure checks and prompt attention to wear patterns can help reveal alignment, suspension, or wheel issues before they turn into larger fitment problems.
