Free 2017 Kia Soul EV VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2017 Kia Soul EV VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2017 Kia Soul EV VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique three-letter or number sequences assigned to every vehicle manufacturer globally, essentially acting as an automotive fingerprint. These codes, found at the beginning of a vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), pinpoint the manufacturer, vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. For instance, the Kia Soul-EV, an innovative electric vehicle produced for the 2017 model year, carries a WMI that signifies it is manufactured by Kia Corporation. This particular vehicle, designed to appeal to the eco-conscious driver, is marked for its production in South Korea, specifically in the bustling city of Seoul, within the Seocho-Gu district. Understanding this WMI is crucial for identifying the vehicle’s origins, manufacturer details, and the specific type of vehicle, highlighting its unique place within the global automotive landscape.

List of WMI Codes for a 2017 Kia Soul EV

WMI: KND

• Model Years Covered: 2017-2019
• Example VIN: KNDJP3AE0H7019338
• Manufacturer Name: Kia Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Seoul
• State or Province: Seocho-Gu
• Country: South Korea

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2017 Kia Soul EV VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

• Engine type
• Transmission
• Model or trim
• Body style
• Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 2017 Kia Soul EV:

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 2017 Kia Soul EV VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 2017 Kia Soul EV VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2017 Kia Soul EV VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2017 Kia Soul EV Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2017 Kia Soul EV

The final 6 characters in a 2017 Kia Soul EV’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2017 Kia Soul EV VIN reveal?

• Model Year and Manufacturing Details: The VIN can provide important insights into the vehicle’s model year and manufacturing location. In the case of the 2017 Soul EV, the VIN indicates it was manufactured in Gwang-Ju, South Korea, shedding light on its origin and production year.
• Vehicle Specifications: The Soul EV is classified as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with an electric motor, specifically a 3-phase AC motor from KMC. This demonstrates the diversity in vehicle body types and powertrains that the VIN can reveal.
• Safety Features: The VIN reveals that the Soul EV is equipped with standard safety technologies, including an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Brake Support (DBS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and multiple airbag locations. This information is critical for potential buyers as it can aid in decision-making regarding the vehicle’s safety features.
• Drive Type and Transmission: The VIN specifies that the Soul EV has a 4x2 drive type and a 1-speed automatic transmission, offering insights into the vehicle’s drivetrain and handling characteristics.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Specifics: As a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), the Soul EV utilizes a Lithium-Ion battery with a 360 volts specification and an 80 kW engine power output. These details are significant for understanding the performance and capability of the electric vehicle.
• Comfort and Convenience Features: The VIN indicates the inclusion of standard features such as a backup camera, keyless ignition, and semi-automatic headlamp beam switching, highlighting the vehicle’s focus on convenience and driver assistance.
• Pricing and Capacity: The VIN provides essential information on the Soul EV, including its base price of $32,250, seating for 5, and classification under Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Class 1C, offering insights into the vehicle’s affordability, size, and capacity.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2017 Kia Soul EV