The 2017 Kia Soul carved out its place as a practical compact with standout styling, a tall-roof cabin, and a personality that set it apart from more conventional hatchbacks. Buyers often approach this model with a simple question, but tire fitment on the 2017 Kia Soul depends on the exact trim and wheel package. This model uses three primary radial tire sizes: 205/60R16, 215/55R17, and 235/45R18. That creates very different buying paths, from a whitewall-equipped 16-inch option for the Base model to sportier blackwall fitments on 17- and 18-inch wheels. The key is matching the tire to the actual sub-model and wheel diameter already on the vehicle.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2017 Kia Soul
The 2017 Kia Soul uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. The Base model uses a 16-inch fitment, while other versions may use 17-inch or 18-inch wheels. Before selecting a tire, confirm the trim level and the actual wheel size on the vehicle, especially if the Soul has had wheel or appearance changes over time.
235/45R18 is a metric radial size in which 235 identifies the section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2017 Kia Soul, this size serves the larger-wheel fitment and gives the buyer a low-profile modern radial format. Available choices center on BFGoodrich blackwall tires across the g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and g-Force Phenom T/A series. This size is worth evaluating carefully when keeping the Soul on its 18-inch wheel setup and comparing performance-oriented tire character within the proper fitment category.
215/55R17 is a metric radial size where 215 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 17 is the rim diameter in inches. For the 2017 Kia Soul, this size fills the middle ground between the Base 16-inch setup and the larger 18-inch fitment. BFGoodrich options in this size include blackwall tires from the g-Force Comp 2 AS and g-Force Phenom T/A series. It is the right size to consider when the vehicle is equipped with 17-inch wheels and the goal is to stay with the correct overall fitment category for that configuration.
205/60R16 is a metric radial size with a 205-millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series profile, radial construction, and a 16-inch rim diameter. On the 2017 Kia Soul, this size belongs to the smaller-wheel fitment used on the Base model. Available product choice in this size includes an American Classic radial with a 1.50-inch wide whitewall and asymmetrical tread styling, giving it a distinctly different appearance from the blackwall options in the larger sizes. This size deserves close attention when preserving the correct 16-inch wheel fitment and selecting a tire that matches the vehicle's intended look.
Tire fitment on the 2017 Kia Soul varies by sub-model, so identifying the exact trim is the first step before choosing a tire. The wheel diameter changes across the lineup, which means the correct size is tied directly to the specific version of the Soul.
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2017 Kia Soul !
The 2017 Kia Soul ! uses the 235/45R18 radial fitment, tying it to the largest wheel size used on this model range. Tire selection here centers on choosing among available blackwall performance-style options while staying with the proper 18-inch wheel setup.
The 2017 Kia Soul + can use either a 215/55R17 radial or a 235/45R18 radial, so this trim requires extra attention before replacement. Checking the actual wheel diameter on the vehicle is essential, since the correct tire depends on whether the Soul + is wearing 17-inch or 18-inch wheels.
The 2017 Kia Soul Base uses the 205/60R16 radial fitment on a 16-inch wheel. That makes tire selection more straightforward, with the main decision shifting from size identification to choosing a tire that suits the vehicle's appearance and intended use.
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 2017 Kia Soul Tires for Sale
Available 2017 Kia Soul tire choices vary by size, brand, series, and sidewall treatment. The 17-inch and 18-inch fitments are offered in BFGoodrich blackwall g-Force series tires, while the 16-inch fitment includes an American Classic radial with a wide whitewall presentation.
These 2017 Kia Soul tire FAQs focus on trim-specific sizing, wheel diameter, product selection, appearance differences, and the checks that matter before road use or after wheel and suspension changes.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2017 Kia Soul?
A 2017 Kia Soul can use 205/60R16, 215/55R17, or 235/45R18, depending on the sub-model and wheel package. The Base uses 205/60R16, the Soul ! uses 235/45R18, and the Soul + may use either 215/55R17 or 235/45R18.
The important step is matching the tire to the actual wheel diameter already on the vehicle rather than assuming every 2017 Soul uses the same size. A quick look at the tire sidewall and the trim level usually settles the question, but any aftermarket wheel change should be verified before ordering replacements.
What size rim does a 2017 Kia Soul use?
The 2017 Kia Soul uses 16-inch, 17-inch, or 18-inch rims, depending on the trim and tire size. The 205/60R16 fitment uses a 16-inch rim, 215/55R17 uses a 17-inch rim, and 235/45R18 uses an 18-inch rim.
Rim diameter is the first fitment checkpoint because the tire must match the wheel exactly. The Soul + deserves extra attention since it can appear with either 17-inch or 18-inch wheels, so the safest approach is to confirm the wheel size on the car instead of relying only on trim name or appearance.
Why does the 2017 Kia Soul have more than one tire size?
The 2017 Kia Soul has more than one tire size because different sub-models and wheel packages were used across the lineup. The Base uses a 16-inch setup, the Soul ! uses an 18-inch setup, and the Soul + can be equipped with either 17-inch or 18-inch fitment.
That means tire selection is tied to the vehicle's specific wheel and trim configuration rather than the model year alone. Even though the overall tire diameters are relatively close, the correct replacement still depends on matching the existing wheel diameter and preserving proper clearance, load support, and intended appearance.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2017 Kia Soul?
Start with the correct size for the exact sub-model and wheel diameter: 205/60R16, 215/55R17, or 235/45R18. From there, compare tire construction, sidewall style, tire series, rim-width compatibility, and any available load figures that relate to the size you need.
The buying decision changes with the fitment. A Base model owner may be weighing a wide whitewall appearance in 205/60R16, while a 17-inch or 18-inch Soul owner may be comparing BFGoodrich g-Force series blackwall radials. Matching the tire to the vehicle's intended use and existing wheel setup matters more than choosing by appearance alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 2017 Kia Soul tires?
Sidewall style depends on the tire size used on the 2017 Kia Soul. The 17-inch and 18-inch fitments shown here are available as blackwall tires, while the 205/60R16 fitment includes a 1.50-inch wide whitewall option.
That gives the Soul two very different visual directions. Blackwall tires suit the more modern, performance-oriented look of the larger wheel packages, while the whitewall 16-inch option creates a custom or retro-inspired presentation. The right choice depends on keeping the correct size and deciding how much appearance matters in the finished setup.
What brands offer tires for the 2017 Kia Soul?
BFGoodrich and American Classic offer tires for the 2017 Kia Soul across the sizes covered here. BFGoodrich appears in the 215/55R17 and 235/45R18 fitments, while American Classic is offered in the 205/60R16 fitment.
Brand choice is closely tied to tire size on this vehicle, so the first question is not which brand to pick but which fitment the Soul actually uses. Once that is settled, the available series, sidewall styling, and rim-width specifications become more useful comparison points than brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2017 Kia Soul?
A period-style approach for a 2017 Kia Soul still starts with the proper trim-specific size. The most appearance-driven option shown here is the 205/60R16 American Classic radial with a 1.50-inch wide whitewall, while the 17-inch and 18-inch sizes are presented in blackwall BFGoodrich g-Force series tires.
That does not make the whitewall a factory-original choice for every Soul, but it does create a distinctive custom or retro-inspired look on the correct 16-inch fitment. Buyers focused on authenticity should compare tire appearance with original vehicle literature, period photos, or model-specific enthusiast references before finalizing a visual direction.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2017 Kia Soul?
Construction is straightforward on the 2017 Kia Soul because all of the fitments covered here are radial tires. The visual difference comes less from bias-ply versus radial design and more from the tire's profile, wheel diameter, tread character, and whether the sidewall is blackwall or wide whitewall.
On this model, an 18-inch low-profile blackwall creates a much different presence than a 16-inch whitewall radial. That means appearance planning should begin with the vehicle's actual wheel size and intended style theme. A clean, cohesive look usually comes from matching size, sidewall treatment, and ride height rather than changing only one element.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2017 Kia Soul?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2017 Kia Soul. Aftermarket wheels, altered offsets, suspension changes, lowering, or body modifications can all change how a 205/60R16, 215/55R17, or 235/45R18 tire sits in the wheel opening and how much clearance remains during steering and suspension travel.
A Soul that no longer has its original wheel setup should be checked carefully before replacement tires are chosen. Wheel diameter is only part of the picture; wheel width, offset, and nearby clearance points matter too. A quick inspection at full steering lock and under normal loaded ride height helps prevent avoidable fitment surprises.
What should I inspect before driving a 2017 Kia Soul on new tires?
Before driving a 2017 Kia Soul on new tires, inspect the wheel diameter, verify the installed tire size, and check inflation pressure, valve stems, and lug torque. It is also wise to look over tread seating, sidewall condition, and any sign that the tire is too close to suspension parts or inner fender surfaces.
A short road test should follow, paying attention to steering feel, vibration, rubbing, and straight-line stability. The Soul + deserves an extra look because both 17-inch and 18-inch setups exist. Any vehicle with replacement wheels or prior suspension work should be rechecked after the first miles to confirm everything is settling correctly.
What should I check before a longer drive in a 2017 Kia Soul?
Before a longer drive in a 2017 Kia Soul, confirm that the car is wearing the correct size for its wheel setup and inspect pressure, tread depth, sidewall condition, and any uneven wear. A visual look for cuts, bulges, or slow air loss is especially worthwhile if the vehicle has sat unused for a while.
Longer trips also make it smart to check alignment-related wear and make sure the tires clear normally at full steering lock and over bumps. On a Soul with non-original wheels, that clearance review matters even more. A few minutes of inspection can reveal issues that are easy to miss during short local driving.
