2017 Kia Soul oil capacity and type are crucial pieces of information for any owner looking to perform routine maintenance, ensure optimal engine performance, and extend the lifespan of their quirky and beloved compact crossover. Understanding the specific oil requirements for your vehicle is not just about keeping the engine running; it’s about protecting its intricate components from wear and tear, maintaining fuel efficiency, and upholding your warranty. The 2017 Kia Soul, known for its distinctive styling and practical interior, came with a few different engine options, each with its own precise needs when it comes to lubrication.
Understanding Your 2017 Kia Soul Engine Options
Before delving into the specifics of oil, it’s essential to identify which engine powers your 2017 Kia Soul. For this model year, Kia offered three main engine choices in North America, and the oil specifications vary accordingly:
1.6-liter Gamma GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) 4-cylinder: This was typically found in the base models.
2.0-liter Nu MPI (Multi-Point Injection) 4-cylinder: A more powerful option, often found in mid-tier trims.
1.6-liter Gamma T-GDI (Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection) 4-cylinder: This turbocharged engine was available in the Soul Exclaim (or ! trim), offering enhanced performance.
Identifying your specific engine is the first step in ensuring you select the correct oil capacity and type. You can usually find this information in your owner’s manual, on a sticker under the hood, or by checking your vehicle’s VIN.
2017 Kia Soul Oil Capacity
Knowing the exact oil capacity is vital to prevent overfilling or underfilling, both of which can lead to engine damage. Overfilling can cause aeration of the oil, reducing its lubricating properties, while underfilling can lead to insufficient lubrication and overheating.
Here are the approximate oil capacities for the 2017 Kia Soul by engine type (including the oil filter change):
1.6-liter Gamma GDI 4-cylinder:
Capacity: Approximately 4.23 US Quarts (4.0 Liters)
2.0-liter Nu MPI 4-cylinder:
Capacity: Approximately 4.23 US Quarts (4.0 Liters)
1.6-liter Gamma T-GDI 4-cylinder (Turbo):
Capacity: Approximately 4.75 US Quarts (4.5 Liters)
It’s always recommended to double-check these figures with your vehicle’s owner’s manual, as minor variations can occur. When refilling, it’s best to add slightly less than the specified amount, then start the engine for a minute, let it sit for a few minutes, and check the dipstick, adding small amounts until the oil level is between the “L” (Low) and “F” (Full) marks.
Recommended Oil Type for Your 2017 Kia Soul
Selecting the correct oil type involves two key specifications: viscosity (e.g., 5W-20, 5W-30) and the API (American Petroleum Institute) or ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee) service rating (e.g., SN PLUS, GF-5, GF-6). These ratings indicate the oil’s performance standards and compatibility with modern engine technologies.
For the 2017 Kia Soul, the recommended oil types are as follows:
For 1.6-liter Gamma GDI 4-cylinder & 2.0-liter Nu MPI 4-cylinder:
Viscosity: SAE 5W-20 or SAE 5W-30
API Service Rating: API SN PLUS or later, or ILSAC GF-5 or later.
Note: In colder climates or for better fuel economy, 5W-20 is often preferred. 5W-30 provides slightly more robust protection in hotter conditions or for engines with higher mileage. Always consult your manual for regional recommendations.
For 1.6-liter Gamma T-GDI 4-cylinder (Turbo):
Viscosity: SAE 5W-30
API Service Rating: API SN PLUS or later, or ILSAC GF-5 or later.
Note: Turbocharged engines often require specific oil formulations to withstand higher temperatures and pressures, so sticking strictly to 5W-30 is usually recommended. Oils with the API SN PLUS rating are particularly good at preventing Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI), a common issue in smaller, turbocharged direct-injection engines.
Conventional, Synthetic Blend, or Full Synthetic?
While your owner’s manual might specify a minimum requirement, opting for a full synthetic oil is highly recommended for modern engines like those in the 2017 Kia Soul. Synthetic oils offer superior protection, better flow in cold weather, improved resistance to breakdown under high temperatures, and can often support longer oil change intervals (though you should still adhere to Kia’s recommended intervals). If full synthetic isn’t in your budget, a synthetic blend is a good compromise.
Why the Right Oil Matters for Your 2017 Kia Soul
Using the correct oil capacity and type is not a suggestion; it’s a critical component of your vehicle’s long-term health:
Engine Longevity: The right oil lubricates moving parts, reducing friction and wear, which directly contributes to a longer engine life.
Optimal Performance: Properly lubricated engines run more smoothly and efficiently, contributing to better fuel economy and consistent power delivery.
Protection Against Sludge and Deposits: High-quality, correctly specified oils are formulated to resist breakdown and prevent the formation of sludge and harmful deposits that can clog oil passages.
Warranty Compliance: Using the incorrect oil can, in some cases, void your vehicle’s warranty if engine damage is directly attributed to the wrong lubricant.
Temperature Management: Oil helps dissipate heat from the engine, preventing overheating and component damage.
Performing an Oil Change on Your 2017 Kia Soul
While consulting a professional mechanic is always a safe bet, many DIY enthusiasts choose to change their own oil. If you decide to tackle it yourself:
1. Safety First: Always work on a level surface. Use jack stands in addition to a jack to secure the vehicle. Wear gloves and eye protection.
2. Gather Supplies: You’ll need the correct amount of new oil, a new oil filter, an oil filter wrench, a socket wrench for the drain plug, a drain pan, and a funnel.
3. Drain Old Oil: Locate the oil drain plug on the oil pan (usually at the bottom of the engine). Place the drain pan underneath and carefully remove the plug to allow the old oil to drain completely.
4. Replace Filter: Remove the old oil filter (it may be a canister or cartridge type) and install a new one, ensuring you lubricate the new filter’s rubber gasket with a thin layer of new oil before tightening.
5. Refill Oil: Replace the drain plug securely. Using a funnel, slowly add the new oil, starting with a slightly conservative amount.
6. Check Level: Start the engine and let it run for about a minute to circulate the oil, then turn it off and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle. Check the dipstick and add more oil if necessary to reach the “F” mark.
7. Dispose Properly: Never pour used oil down the drain. Many auto parts stores and service stations offer free recycling for used motor oil.
Oil Change Interval for the 2017 Kia Soul
Kia generally recommends an oil change every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. However, if you frequently drive under “severe driving conditions,” such as:
Repeated short-distance driving (less than 5 miles or 8 km)
Driving in dusty, sandy, or muddy conditions
Driving in extreme temperatures (very hot or very cold)
Heavy stop-and-go traffic
Towing a trailer
…then more frequent oil changes, typically every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, are advised. Always refer to your 2017 Kia Soul owner’s manual for the most accurate and up-to-date maintenance schedule tailored to your specific vehicle and region.
By paying close attention to your 2017 Kia Soul’s oil capacity and type, you’re not just performing a basic service; you’re investing in the longevity and reliability of your vehicle, ensuring it continues to deliver that unique blend of style and practicality for many miles to come.
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Source:
2017 Kia Soul Owner’s Manual (pages referencing Maintenance and Specifications)