Everything You Need To Know About Kia Soul Wide Body Kits: Transform Your Ride
The Kia Soul, with its boxy charm and quirky personality, is a prime candidate for customization. One of the most impactful modifications you can make is adding a wide body kit. But before you dive in, let's explore everything you need to know about these kits and how they can drastically alter your Soul's aesthetic and performance.
1. What *Exactly* is a Wide Body Kit?
A wide body kit replaces or adds to your car's existing fenders and quarter panels, extending them outwards. This creates a much more aggressive and muscular stance, allowing for the fitment of wider wheels and tires. The overall effect is a bolder, more imposing presence on the road.
2. The Dramatic Visual Transformation
The most obvious benefit of a wide body kit is the radical change in appearance. Your Kia Soul will instantly stand out from the crowd, exhibiting a custom, almost rally-inspired look. It transforms the Soul from a cute and practical hatchback into a head-turning statement piece.
3. Enhanced Wheel and Tire Options
One of the primary reasons for installing a wide body kit is to accommodate wider wheels and tires. This not only looks fantastic, but also improves grip, handling, and braking performance, particularly beneficial if you've upgraded your engine or enjoy spirited driving.
4. Material Matters: Fiberglass vs. Polyurethane vs. Carbon Fiber
Wide body kits come in various materials. Fiberglass is the most affordable but can be prone to cracking. Polyurethane is more flexible and durable, while carbon fiber is the lightest and strongest, but also the most expensive. Choose the material that best balances your budget and performance needs.
5. Installation: DIY or Professional?
Installing a wide body kit is not a simple bolt-on affair. It often requires cutting, welding, sanding, and painting. Unless you have significant auto body experience, professional installation is highly recommended to ensure proper fitment and a flawless finish.
6. Cost Breakdown: Kit Price, Labor, and Paint
The total cost of a wide body kit project can vary significantly. The kit itself can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the material and complexity. Factor in the cost of professional installation, which can easily double the price, plus the cost of painting to match your Soul's existing color.
7. Legal Considerations: Check Local Regulations
Before committing to a wide body kit, research your local regulations. Some jurisdictions have restrictions on vehicle width and modifications that could impact safety or roadworthiness. Ensuring your modifications comply with the law will prevent potential fines and headaches down the road.
8. Customization Options Beyond the Kit Itself
A wide body kit is just the starting point for further customization. Consider adding a front splitter, rear diffuser, side skirts, and a rear wing to complement the wider stance and enhance the overall aggressive aesthetic. The possibilities are endless!
9. Impact on Resale Value
While a wide body kit can make your Kia Soul incredibly unique, it's important to consider its impact on resale value. Highly customized vehicles can appeal to a smaller pool of buyers, so be prepared for a potentially lower resale price compared to a stock Soul.
10. Where to Find Wide Body Kits for Your Kia Soul
Finding the right wide body kit requires research. Start by searching online retailers specializing in aftermarket body kits. Check forums and social media groups dedicated to Kia Soul owners to see what kits others have installed and get recommendations. Be sure to verify the kit's quality and fitment before purchasing.
By carefully considering these factors, you can transform your Kia Soul into a truly unique and eye-catching machine with the addition of a wide body kit. Just remember to plan your project thoroughly and choose quality components for a stunning and long-lasting result.
