The 2020 Kia Soul stands out as a compact crossover with upright styling, practical packaging, and trim-level variety that ranges from everyday commuter duty to sportier appearances. That variety matters when it comes to tires, because this model year uses three different primary radial sizes: 205/60R16, 215/55R17, and 235/45R18. Some trims stay with a straightforward 16-inch setup, while others move to 17-inch or 18-inch wheels that change both the tire’s proportions and the selection available in that size. For a Soul owner, the key is matching the tire to the exact trim and wheel package before comparing sidewall style, tire series, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2020 Kia Soul
The 2020 Kia Soul uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Before choosing a tire, confirm whether the vehicle is on 16-inch, 17-inch, or 18-inch wheels, since the Soul’s trim range uses different rim diameters and different tire proportions. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to selecting the right radial tire within the correct size and style.
A 215/55R17 tire is a metric radial size with a 215-millimeter section width, a 55-series profile, and fitment for a 17-inch rim. On the 2020 Kia Soul, this size represents a mid-level wheel and tire package that keeps a balanced sidewall height while remaining firmly in modern radial territory. Available choices in this size come from BFGoodrich and include the g-Force Comp 2 AS and g-Force Phenom T/A, both in Blackwall form. This size is worth evaluating carefully when the Soul has the correct 17-inch wheel and the goal is a modern performance-oriented replacement.
Fit(s): EX, EX Designer Collection, GT-Line, GT-Line Turbo, and X-Line
Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
A 235/45R18 tire uses a 235-millimeter section width, a 45-series profile, and an 18-inch rim diameter, giving it a wider and lower-profile look than the smaller Soul fitments. For the 2020 Kia Soul, this size is tied to several trims that use the larger 18-inch wheel package, so it should not be chosen unless that wheel diameter is already confirmed. BFGoodrich offers this size in several Blackwall g-Force series, including g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and g-Force Phenom T/A. It is the right path when the vehicle’s trim and wheels call for the largest original rim diameter used on this model year.
A 205/60R16 tire is a metric radial with a 205-millimeter section width, a 60-series profile, and fitment for a 16-inch rim. On the 2020 Kia Soul, this size serves the trims equipped with the smaller wheel package and carries a taller sidewall than the 17-inch and 18-inch alternatives. The available product in this size is an American Classic Radial with a 1.50 Inch Whitewall and an asymmetrical tread series, giving it a distinct appearance compared with the Blackwall performance-oriented options in the larger sizes. This size should be selected only when the Soul retains the correct 16-inch wheel setup.
Tire fitment for the 2020 Kia Soul varies by sub-model, and in one case even within the same trim family. Checking the exact trim first is important because the Soul uses three different tire sizes across 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch wheel packages.
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2020 Kia Soul EX
The 2020 Kia Soul EX can use either a 215/55R17 radial or a 235/45R18 radial, so wheel diameter needs to be confirmed before choosing a tire. Once that is established, the real comparison is between the available 17-inch and 18-inch product selections in the correct size.
The 2020 Kia Soul EX Designer Collection uses the 235/45R18 radial size. Tire selection for this sub-model centers on choosing among the available 18-inch Blackwall BFGoodrich options while making sure the vehicle still has its matching wheel setup.
The 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line uses the 235/45R18 radial size. That means the focus is not on multiple primary sizes, but on selecting the right 18-inch tire series and confirming the wheel package has not been changed from this fitment.
The 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line Turbo uses the 235/45R18 radial size. Buyers looking at this trim should concentrate on the available 18-inch Blackwall performance-style options and verify wheel diameter before comparing specific tire characteristics.
The 2020 Kia Soul LX uses the 205/60R16 radial size. Tire choice here is straightforward once the 16-inch wheel is confirmed, with the main distinction being the whitewall presentation available in this size rather than multiple competing size options.
The 2020 Kia Soul S uses the 205/60R16 radial size. For this sub-model, the tire decision is mainly about staying with the proper 16-inch fitment and deciding whether the available wide whitewall appearance suits the vehicle’s intended look and use.
The 2020 Kia Soul X-Line uses the 235/45R18 radial size. That keeps the fitment question simple, but it still makes sense to compare the available 18-inch tire series and check that any aftermarket wheel changes have not altered the original sizing needs.
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 2020 Kia Soul Tires for Sale
Available 2020 Kia Soul tires vary by size, brand, tire series, and sidewall treatment. The 17-inch and 18-inch fitments center on BFGoodrich Blackwall g-Force options, while the 16-inch fitment uses an American Classic radial with a 1.50 Inch Wide Whitewall and asymmetrical tread.
2020 Kia Soul tire questions usually come down to trim-specific size, wheel diameter, product style, and how the available radial options differ between the 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch setups.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2020 Kia Soul?
The 2020 Kia Soul uses three different tire sizes: 205/60R16, 215/55R17, and 235/45R18. All three are radial sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel package rather than the model name alone.
The first thing to verify is the wheel diameter currently on the vehicle. A Soul LX or S uses a different size than most 18-inch trims, and the EX can appear with either a 17-inch or 18-inch setup, so checking the actual wheel before comparing tires is the safest starting point.
What size rim does a 2020 Kia Soul use?
A 2020 Kia Soul can use 16-inch, 17-inch, or 18-inch rims, depending on the sub-model. The 205/60R16 tire fits a 16-inch rim, 215/55R17 fits a 17-inch rim, and 235/45R18 fits an 18-inch rim.
Wheel diameter should be confirmed before any tire purchase because these sizes are not interchangeable across different rims. It also helps to confirm wheel width when comparing product options, especially on the 17-inch and 18-inch fitments where the available tires have specific rim-width compatibility ranges.
Why does the 2020 Kia Soul have more than one tire size?
The 2020 Kia Soul has more than one tire size because different sub-models use different wheel packages. Some trims stay with 16-inch wheels, the EX can use either 17-inch or 18-inch fitment, and several upper trims use 18-inch wheels with the 235/45R18 size.
That means trim identification matters just as much as the year and model name. The best approach is to confirm the exact sub-model and then verify the actual wheels on the vehicle, since previous wheel changes or replacement wheels can leave a Soul wearing a different setup than expected.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2020 Kia Soul?
Start with the correct primary size for the exact 2020 Kia Soul sub-model and wheel diameter. From there, compare construction details within that size, along with brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width compatibility, and any stated load information that applies to the product.
The available choices differ noticeably by size. The 17-inch and 18-inch fitments focus on BFGoodrich g-Force performance-style Blackwall tires, while the 16-inch fitment uses an American Classic radial with a wide whitewall appearance, so intended look and actual wheel setup both shape the final decision.
What sidewall styles are available for 2020 Kia Soul tires?
The available sidewall styles for the 2020 Kia Soul include Blackwall and Wide Whitewall, depending on tire size. The 215/55R17 and 235/45R18 options are Blackwall BFGoodrich tires, while the 205/60R16 offering is an American Classic radial with a 1.50 Inch Wide Whitewall.
That makes sidewall choice part of the trim and wheel-size decision, not just an appearance preference. A whitewall treatment is only appearing here in the 16-inch fitment, so owners of 17-inch or 18-inch Souls should focus more on tire series and wheel compatibility than on decorative sidewall variation.
What brands offer tires for the 2020 Kia Soul?
BFGoodrich and American Classic offer tires for the 2020 Kia Soul across the sizes used on this model year. BFGoodrich covers the 215/55R17 and 235/45R18 fitments, while American Classic appears in the 205/60R16 size.
Brand choice is tied closely to tire size on this application. A Soul on 17-inch or 18-inch wheels will be comparing BFGoodrich g-Force series options, while a 16-inch Soul is looking at a different type of presentation with the American Classic wide whitewall radial, so the wheel package largely determines the brand path.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2020 Kia Soul?
A period-style approach on a 2020 Kia Soul still starts with the correct original fitment size for the trim and wheel diameter. Among the available choices, the 205/60R16 American Classic radial stands out for owners who want a more distinctive traditional look because it uses a 1.50 Inch Wide Whitewall sidewall.
That appearance choice only applies if the Soul uses the correct 16-inch wheel setup. Owners of 17-inch or 18-inch trims will be choosing among Blackwall BFGoodrich options instead, so the visual direction is shaped first by the factory-style wheel package and then by the tire series available in that size.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2020 Kia Soul?
For the 2020 Kia Soul, construction does not create a bias-ply versus radial appearance decision because the primary fitments here are radial throughout. The visible differences come more from sidewall treatment, wheel diameter, and the tire’s overall profile, especially when comparing the 16-inch setup with the lower-profile 18-inch option.
That means appearance planning should center on keeping the correct trim-specific size and selecting the sidewall style that suits the vehicle’s presentation. A 16-inch Soul can take on a more traditional look with the available wide whitewall, while 17-inch and 18-inch Souls stay in a more modern Blackwall performance-oriented visual range.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2020 Kia Soul?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2020 Kia Soul, especially if the vehicle has aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or a wheel-and-tire package that differs from its original trim setup. The Soul already uses multiple rim diameters from the factory, so even small changes can complicate the size decision.
A modified Soul should have its actual wheel diameter and width checked before choosing tires. It also makes sense to look at steering clearance, fender clearance, and how the tire sits within the wheelwell, since a size that belongs on one trim may not suit another setup once wheels or ride height have changed.
What should I inspect before driving a 2020 Kia Soul on new tires?
Before driving a 2020 Kia Soul on new tires, confirm that the size matches the vehicle’s trim and wheel diameter and that inflation is set properly for the vehicle’s needs. It is also wise to inspect the wheels for damage and make sure the tires seat correctly on the rims.
A quick road-use inspection should also include checking for rubbing at full steering lock, uneven suspension height, and any signs that alignment may be off. After the first miles, recheck tire pressure and look for unusual wear patterns so any fitment or setup issue is caught early rather than after extended use.
How often should tires on a 2020 Kia Soul be inspected?
Tires on a 2020 Kia Soul should be inspected regularly rather than only when visible problems appear. A consistent check for tread wear, cuts, bulges, punctures, and pressure loss helps catch issues early, especially on a vehicle that may see mixed city and highway use.
It also helps to inspect tires before longer drives and after impacts with potholes or curbs. On a Soul with different wheel or tire choices than stock, inspections become even more important because wear patterns can reveal clearance or alignment problems that are easy to miss when the vehicle is just parked.
