2017 Kia Soul Nabs Prized Spot on Kelley Blue Book's “10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000” List

The mass offerings available in the current car market provide those searching with durable and husky trucks, mid-size sedans that ooze luxury features, and hybrids that are Eco-friendly and efficient. Many consumers out there are looking for a car that is stylish and funky, and these are the savvy young tech-workers, artists, and dedicated city dwellers our there making a difference. Kelley Blue Book has been the pricing and feature source dealing with all things car-related since 1918. A company that got its origins with just three Model T Fords, it later grew into the all-out industry standard for determining car value.

This is the sixth year in a row that the Soul was selected for the list of cool cars under $18,000, and it was selected for its signature combination of design, feature content, technology, as well as amazing value. Plenty of room for passengers, an interior filled with features savvy drivers are after, and a true sense of practicality within the crossover genre are all reasons to rush down and check out this awesome new release. You can come check out three different trim levels for this year's Soul, and figure out which one stokes your appetite the most: the Base has manual or 6-speed transmission, the Soul Plus with the 6-speed automatic, and the Exclaim Turbo, with the brand new 7-speed DCT.

Re-designed headlights and fog lights are great new features for this year's Soul, and front and rearfascias that are a bit edgier in appearance will be very well-received. Inside you'll find two dedicated USB charge ports, and an 8-way power passenger seat that adds to the convenience and comfort factor during your journey. Anyone who is truly searching for a bargain in the landscape of cars will appreciate the Soul right off the bat: the under $18,000 category has really never seen an entry with so much usable space, tech features, and an overall value. Cars that offer as much as the Soul does at this price make large strides in exceeding the cost element that for many other vehicles is a barrier to entry.

If you opt for the Base Soul, it comes standard with a gasoline direct injection, 1.6-liter all-aluminum DOHC 4-cylinder engine that sturdily cooks up 130 horsepower, and 118 lb-ft of torque. The Plus model makes use of the more muscular 2.0- liter engine with GDI technology, and has a power rating at 161 horsepower, with bragging rights to 150-lb.-ft of torque. If you are truly looking for the option that will give you the power off the line and momentum to conquer the road the way you want to, and by producing 201 horsepower, and 195 lb-ft of torque at 1,500 RPM. St. Louis has many long-standing summer traditions, such as grilling pork steaks, and Maull's Original St. Louis Barbecue Sauce; showing up to the party in your new Soul is going to make you want to stay in your summer sandals year-round!