The 2019 Kia Soul stands out for its upright shape, compact footprint, and practical hatchback layout, giving it a distinct place among modern small cars. Buyers often choose it for city use, daily driving, and a style-forward look that still leaves room for real utility. Tire selection on the 2019 Kia Soul depends on trim, with 205/60R16, 215/55R17, and 235/45R18 radial fitments tied to different sub-models and wheel packages. That means the decision is less about vintage-style construction and more about confirming the exact trim, wheel diameter, and the kind of appearance or road feel you want. Checking the car’s present wheel setup is especially important before choosing a replacement tire.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2019 Kia Soul
The 2019 Kia Soul uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. All three are radial fitments, but they are spread across 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch rims. The first step is confirming whether the car has its original wheel package or a different setup, because rim diameter determines which of these sizes can even be considered.
235/45R18 is a metric radial size in which 235 is the section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2019 Kia Soul, this size belongs to 18-inch wheel applications and brings a lower-profile look than the smaller-diameter options. Available choices in this size come from BFGoodrich in blackwall form across g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and g-Force Phenom T/A lines. It is the size to evaluate when the car is equipped with the larger wheel package and a sportier overall tire profile.
215/55R17 is a metric radial tire size that uses a 215-millimeter nominal width, a 55-series profile, and a 17-inch rim. For the 2019 Kia Soul, it serves as a middle-ground fitment, balancing sidewall height and wheel diameter between the 16-inch and 18-inch setups. Product choices in this size include BFGoodrich blackwall radial options in the g-Force Comp 2 AS and g-Force Phenom T/A series. This size is worth selecting only after confirming that the Soul is actually on 17-inch wheels, since the same model line also uses other rim diameters.
205/60R16 is a metric radial size with a 205-millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series profile, and a 16-inch wheel diameter. On the 2019 Kia Soul, it is the 16-inch fitment and carries the tallest sidewall of the three primary sizes used here. The available product in this size is an American Classic radial with a 1.50 inch wide whitewall and asymmetrical tread, giving it a very different visual character from the blackwall performance-oriented choices in the larger sizes. It is the correct starting point when the car retains the 16-inch wheel package.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2019 Kia Soul because tire size changes with trim and wheel package. Some versions use one size only, while the Soul + can be found with either 17-inch or 18-inch radial fitment, making wheel confirmation especially important.
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2019 Kia Soul !
The 2019 Kia Soul ! uses the 235/45R18 radial size, tying this sub-model to an 18-inch wheel package. Tire selection here centers on choosing among the available blackwall BFGoodrich options while keeping the correct 18-inch fitment in place.
The 2019 Kia Soul + can use either 215/55R17 or 235/45R18 radial tires, so this sub-model requires a wheel check before ordering. The practical decision is confirming whether the car is on 17-inch or 18-inch rims and then comparing the product choices within that exact size.
The 2019 Kia Soul Base uses the 205/60R16 radial size on a 16-inch wheel. That makes tire selection fairly straightforward, with the main consideration being whether the available whitewall presentation suits the look and use of the car.
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 2019 Kia Soul Tires for Sale
Available 2019 Kia Soul tire choices vary by size, brand character, and appearance. The 17-inch and 18-inch fitments focus on BFGoodrich blackwall g-Force series radials, while the 16-inch 205/60R16 option is an American Classic radial with a 1.50 inch wide whitewall.
These 2019 Kia Soul tire FAQs focus on trim-specific sizing, rim diameter, product selection, appearance differences, and the checks that matter before replacing tires on a car that may already have different wheels fitted.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2019 Kia Soul?
A 2019 Kia Soul can use 205/60R16, 215/55R17, or 235/45R18, depending on the exact sub-model and wheel package. The Base uses 205/60R16, the Soul ! uses 235/45R18, and the Soul + can use either 215/55R17 or 235/45R18.
The key step is matching the tire size to the wheel diameter currently on the car. A Soul that has had wheels changed since new may no longer follow the original trim-based setup, so checking the sidewall on the existing tire and confirming the wheel size before replacement helps avoid choosing the wrong fitment.
What size rim does a 2019 Kia Soul use?
The 2019 Kia Soul uses three rim diameters across its primary fitments: 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch. Those rim sizes correspond to 205/60R16, 215/55R17, and 235/45R18 respectively, with each tire size built around one specific wheel diameter.
Rim diameter is the first fitment checkpoint because a 16-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 17-inch or 18-inch wheel, and the same rule applies across the other sizes. Looking at the current wheel and tire sidewall is the most practical way to confirm what the car actually needs before comparing tread style or brand.
Why does the 2019 Kia Soul have more than one tire size?
The 2019 Kia Soul has more than one tire size because different sub-models and wheel packages use different fitments. The lineup spans 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch wheels, so the tire size changes to match the wheel diameter and overall trim configuration.
That means the right replacement is not chosen by model name alone. Trim level matters, and so does the actual wheel setup on the car today. On the Soul + especially, verifying whether the vehicle is wearing 17-inch or 18-inch wheels is more important than assuming one size applies across every example.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2019 Kia Soul?
Start with the correct size for the exact 2019 Kia Soul sub-model and wheel diameter, because this model uses 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch fitments. After that, compare construction, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, tire series, and any product details that affect how the car will look and be used.
A Base model on 205/60R16 raises a different choice than a Soul ! on 235/45R18. The 16-inch option here adds a wide whitewall appearance, while the larger sizes lean toward blackwall BFGoodrich g-Force selections. Matching the tire to the car’s actual wheels and the look you want is more useful than comparing sizes across trims.
What sidewall styles are available for 2019 Kia Soul tires?
The available sidewall styles for 2019 Kia Soul tires include blackwall and wide whitewall, depending on size. The 17-inch and 18-inch fitments are represented by blackwall BFGoodrich radials, while the 205/60R16 option is offered as an American Classic radial with a 1.50 inch wide whitewall.
That gives the Soul very different visual directions depending on the wheel package. Blackwall choices suit a modern performance-oriented look, while the whitewall 16-inch tire creates a far more distinctive appearance. Sidewall style should always be chosen after size and wheel diameter are confirmed, since appearance options are tied to specific fitments.
What tire series are available for the 2019 Kia Soul?
The 2019 Kia Soul tire options here include BFGoodrich g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, and an American Classic asymmetrical-tread radial. Those series are not spread evenly across every size, so the series you can choose depends on whether the car uses 16-inch, 17-inch, or 18-inch tires.
Series choice matters because it shapes the kind of product comparison you can make within the correct fitment. The 17-inch and 18-inch sizes offer more than one BFGoodrich series, while the 16-inch size pairs its own visual identity with a single whitewall option. Size first, then series, is the most practical order.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2019 Kia Soul?
A period-style choice for a 2019 Kia Soul starts with the tire size that matches the car’s actual trim and wheel diameter. Among the available options, the 205/60R16 American Classic radial with a 1.50 inch wide whitewall creates the most deliberately styled appearance, while the 17-inch and 18-inch choices remain modern blackwall radials.
Appearance should still follow fitment, not the other way around. A whitewall can change the Soul’s visual personality, but it only belongs on the 16-inch setup. If preserving the look of a specific trim or package matters, compare the current wheels on the car before choosing a tire based mainly on sidewall presentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2019 Kia Soul restoration or appearance build?
Correct tire fitment matters because the 2019 Kia Soul uses three different size-and-wheel combinations, and each one changes the stance and visual balance of the vehicle. A 205/60R16, 215/55R17, and 235/45R18 do not present the same sidewall height or overall look, even though all are proper radial fitments for this model line.
An appearance-focused build works best when wheel diameter, tire profile, and sidewall style all support the same goal. Choosing a tire only for looks without confirming the wheel package can create an obvious mismatch. The cleanest result comes from starting with the exact trim fitment and then selecting the sidewall and series that suit it.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2019 Kia Soul?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2019 Kia Soul. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, lowering, or altered offsets can change the space available for a 205/60R16, 215/55R17, or 235/45R18 tire, even when the size itself is correct for one of the original trim configurations.
A modified Soul should be checked for wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fender and steering components before replacement tires are chosen. The Soul + deserves extra attention because it already spans more than one original wheel setup. Looking at the current hardware on the car is more reliable than assuming stock fitment remains in place.
What should I inspect before driving a 2019 Kia Soul on new tires?
Before driving a 2019 Kia Soul on new tires, inspect the wheel size, confirm the installed tire size matches the car’s setup, and check inflation, bead seating, and general clearance. It is also smart to look over the wheels for damage and confirm there is no rubbing at full steering lock.
A short follow-up inspection after the first miles is worthwhile, especially if the car has replacement wheels or recently changed suspension parts. Uneven clearance, vibration, or contact marks can point to a fitment issue early. Catching those signs quickly helps prevent premature tire wear and avoids driving on a combination that needs correction.
How often should tires on a 2019 Kia Soul be inspected?
Tires on a 2019 Kia Soul should be inspected regularly for pressure, tread condition, cuts, bulges, cracking, and uneven wear. A quick visual check should happen often, and a closer inspection makes sense before longer trips or any time the car begins to pull, vibrate, or feel different on the road.
This matters even more if the Soul is driven infrequently or sits for long periods, because age and underinflation can become issues before tread is worn out. Monitoring wear patterns can also reveal whether the wheel-and-tire setup matches the car properly. Consistent inspection helps protect both fitment and day-to-day drivability.
