About This Kia Soul Base 2017 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Kia Soul Base 2017 sits on a set of 18×9 / 18×8-inch Traklite Turbulance wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Traklite for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Kia Soul Base builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the Traklite Turbulance creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Traklite Turbulance on the Kia Soul Base 2017
I walked up to this Kia Soul at the show and immediately stopped in my tracks. Fitting an 18x9 up front and 18x8 in the rear on this platform is a bold move. Most people stick to skinny stock wheels, but these Traklite Turbulance wheels change the whole game.
The +35 offset sits flush with the fenders once you air out. We checked the clearances, and the hub bore matches perfectly with the Kia’s factory specs. No vibration, no headaches, just clean rolling.
Those 18-inch barrels fill the arches way better than the stock setup ever could. The spoke design on the Turbulance also clears the base model calipers with room to spare. I hate when wheels look cramped, but these have plenty of breathing room.
You need to watch the inner clearance when you tuck. Because we are running a 9-inch wide wheel up front, the bag setup is crucial for avoiding strut rub. The air suspension makes it easy to find that perfect height without shredding your tires.
The staggered width creates a purposeful stance that you usually only see on RWD sports cars. It makes the Soul look wider and more aggressive from every angle. I love how the rear 8-inch width keeps the car feeling nimble while the front 9-inch adds that girthy look.
If you run this setup, watch out for the fender liners on big bumps. We had to tuck the liners slightly to keep the paint safe during full compression. It is a small price to pay for this kind of visual impact.
What We Recommend for Kia Soul Base 2017 Owners
If you want this look, start with the right tire stretch. We recommend a slight stretch to keep the sidewall tucked under the fender lip when the air is out. It saves your paint and keeps the cops from looking twice.
Don't be afraid of the +35 offset range on this car. It is the sweet spot for getting that flush look without needing aggressive fender pulls. Most owners try to go too wide and end up hating their life on every pothole.
I always suggest a square setup if you plan on daily driving this thing hard. Staggered looks cool, but square gives you better tire rotation options and more predictable handling. If you stick to the 18x8 all around, you can avoid a lot of fitment drama.
Avoid cheap spacers if you can help it. These Turbulance wheels have the right offset to bolt straight onto the hubs. Adding spacers just introduces unnecessary vibration and ruins the clean lines of the wheel design.
Finally, check your lug nuts and make sure you have the right seat type. We see so many guys strip their studs because they used the wrong hardware. Buy high-quality steel lugs and keep your build reliable.
Style and Build Analysis
The black finish on these wheels works perfectly against the factory paint. It gives the Soul a dark, moody vibe that hides brake dust and looks mean. There is no flash, just a clean, monochromatic aesthetic that feels intentional.
The spoke pattern on the Turbulance is aggressive and technical. It looks like it belongs on a track car, which is exactly why it looks so wild on a boxy Kia. The contrast between the utilitarian body and the race-inspired wheels makes the car look custom.
Stance defines a build, and this air suspension setup nails it. When the car sits on the ground, the wheels perfectly frame the wheel wells. It transforms the Soul from a grocery-getter into a genuine head-turner.
We have seen hundreds of Souls, but this one has the best proportions I have ever seen. Everything is balanced perfectly from front to back. It proves that you do not need a sports car to create a legendary stance build.
This car commands attention because it breaks the mold. It isn't trying too hard, yet it stands out in a sea of boring crossovers. It is a masterclass in choosing the right wheel for the right platform.
Why We Love This Build
Seeing this Soul in person changed my mind about the whole platform. The way the black Turbulance wheels catch the light against the paint is pure automotive art. It sits so low that it looks like it is glued to the asphalt.
We love this build because it feels authentic and honest. The owner didn't go for a crazy widebody kit, just solid wheels and smart suspension work. It is the kind of car that makes you look twice every time you walk away.
This is the gold standard for how to modify a daily driver. It is functional, it is aggressive, and it absolutely kills the competition. Go get your own set and start turning heads today.
Full Specs Breakdown
Here is exactly what this owner is running. We break down every detail so you can replicate this build or use it as a starting point for your own setup.
- Car Make & Model: Kia Soul Base 2017
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Traklite Turbulance
- Wheel Size: 18×9 / 18×8
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Black
- Tires: Federal Evolution ST-1 205/40 24.5″x8.1″ / 205/40 24.5″x8.1″
- Suspension: Air Suspension
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Kia Soul Base owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 18×9 / 18×8-inch wheels fit my Kia Soul Base? Yes, but fitment depends on width, offset, and tire size working together. A wrong offset means rubbing. A wrong tire size means poor handling. Always verify all three.
Do I need to modify my fenders? That depends on your offset and suspension. A conservative offset with stock ride height usually fits without modification. Go aggressive and you may need to roll or pull your fenders.
Can I daily-drive this setup? Absolutely. Thousands of Kia Soul Base owners run 18×9 / 18×8-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
