2017 Kia Soul vs 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe
Reliability Side-by-Side
2017
Kia Soul
Grade B-
A quirky and practical choice, but tread carefully with the turbo engine and its problematic DCT.
2017
Hyundai Santa Fe
Grade C+
A comfortable family hauler that requires careful engine vetting before purchase.
Best For
Best for Reliability
2017 Kia Soul
Score 82/100 vs 78/100
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Cost of Ownership
| Line Item | 2017 Kia Soul★ | 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance | $450-650 | $450-700 |
| Moderate Repairs | $600-1,800 occasionally | $600-2,000 occasionally (suspension, electrical, major service) |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 26 / 31 | 18 / 25 |
| MSRP (New) | $16,100 | $25,350 |
Major-failure risk and insurance outlook for each vehicle are in their full reliability reports.
Biggest Risks on Each
2017 Kia Soul
7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)
30,000-80,000 mi
GDI Engine Carbon Buildup / Oil Consumption
60,000-100,000 mi
Electrical System & Infotainment
40,000-70,000 mi
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe
Engine (2.4L/2.0T GDI)
60,000-120,000 mi
Electrical/Infotainment
30,000-80,000 mi
Suspension Components
50,000-90,000 mi
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Editorial Take
While seemingly from different vehicle classes, the 2017 Kia Soul and 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe are often cross-shopped by buyers prioritizing value, features, and utility from the same corporate family. The Soul, a distinctive subcompact crossover, appeals to urban dwellers or those seeking a quirky, practical, and efficient daily driver. The Santa Fe, a mid-size SUV (available as a 5-seat Sport or 7-seat standard model), targets families or individuals needing more space, power, and towing capability. Key decision factors revolve around vehicle size requirements, cargo and passenger capacity, power demands, and budget for initial purchase and long-term ownership. HEAD-TO-
Reliability & Common Issues
2017 Kia Soul: 1. Engine Stalling/Hesitation: Some owners, particularly of models with the 1.6L engine, have reported occasional stalling or hesitation issues, sometimes linked to faulty crankshaft position sensors or software glitches. This typically manifests under 70,000 miles. 2. Steering Column Rattle: A fairly common complaint across various Kia models of this era is a rattling noise from the steering column, often due to a worn flexible coupling (also known as a "flex disc" or "spider coupling"). This can start appearing around 50,000 to 80,000 miles. 3. LED Daytime Running Light Failure: Owners have reported individual LED elements or entire strips of the daytime running lights failing, which typically requires replacement of the entire headlight assembly. 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe: 1. Theta II Engine Concerns (2.4L and 2.0T engines in Santa Fe Sport): This is the most significant concern, with reports of excessive oil consumption, connecting rod bearing failure, and premature engine seizure due to manufacturing debris. While Hyundai and Kia initiated recalls and extended warranties, affected vehicles (often exhibiting symptoms between 60,000 and 120,000 miles) can face costly engine replacement if not covered. 2. Panoramic Sunroof Issues: Models equipped with the panoramic sunroof have been known to experience issues such as rattling noises, leaks, or motor failures preventing proper operation. These issues can arise at various mileages. 3. Power Liftgate Malfunctions: Some owners have reported the power liftgate failing to open or close properly, or making unusual noises. This can be due to faulty sensors, motors, or alignment issues and can start showing up around 50,000 miles.
Value & Cost of Ownership
When new, the 2017 Kia Soul offered a significantly lower entry price, ranging from $16,100 to $22,800. The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe was considerably more expensive, starting at $25,350 for the Sport and over $30,000 for the V6 7-seater, reflecting its larger size and more powerful engines. In the used market, the Soul generally maintains its value well for its class due to its popularity and reliability, though it will depreciate more in absolute terms than the Santa Fe. Used 2017 Kia Soul models can typically be found for prices ranging from $8,000 to $15,000, depending on trim, mileage, and condition. Used 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe models vary widely based on Sport/7-seat and engine, ranging from $12,000 to $20,000 or more for well-equipped, lower-mileage V6 models. Insurance costs for the Soul are typically lower due to its smaller size, lower purchase price, and less powerful engine options. The Santa Fe, being a larger SUV with more expensive parts and higher repair costs for major incidents, usually commands higher insurance premiums. Maintenance costs for both vehicles are generally reasonable, as they share parts and engineering from the same corporate umbrella. However, the Santa Fe, especially those with the 2.0T or 3.3L V6, may incur higher costs for specific parts or more complex repairs compared to the Soul's simpler powertrains. The known engine issues for the Santa Fe Sport's 2.4L and 2.0T engines could lead to very high repair costs if not covered by extended warranties or recalls. Resale value for both vehicles is generally strong within their respective segments. The Soul benefits from its unique styling and practical nature, while the Santa Fe benefits from the strong demand for mid-size SUVs.
Editorial Verdict
Best for families: The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, particularly the 7-seat V6 model, is unequivocally the better choice for families. It offers substantially more cargo space, comfortable seating for up to seven passengers (or five with ample space in the Sport), superior highway manners, and a wider array of advanced safety features. Best for commuters: The 2017 Kia Soul is the superior commuter vehicle. Its compact size, excellent maneuverability, better fuel economy, and zippy acceleration (especially with the turbo engine) make it ideal for navigating city traffic and parking. Its distinctive style also adds a bit of flair to the daily grind. Best for enthusiasts: Neither vehicle is a true enthusiast's car. However, if forced to choose, the 2017 Kia Soul Exclaim with its 1.6L Turbo engine offers a surprisingly brisk acceleration and a more direct, agile driving feel than any Santa Fe variant. It's the "least boring" of the two to drive spiritedly. Best value overall: This depends on individual needs. For buyers seeking maximum space, power, and towing capacity for their dollar, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe offers strong value in the mid-size SUV segment. However, considering purchase price, fuel economy, and typical insurance/maintenance costs for a practical and fun daily driver, the 2017 Kia Soul offers a compelling overall value proposition, especially for those who do not require SUV-level space. The Soul's generally lower total cost of ownership makes it a strong contender for overall value.
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