2016 Kia Soul

2016 Kia Soul Highlights

The 2016 Kia Soul delivers on its adorable looks with generous passenger and cargo space, solid fuel efficiency, and a surprising amount of tech for the price point. While Kia also produces an EV version of the Soul, this overview focuses on the gas-powered editions.

Key Details

• Subcompact crossover SUV body style
• Two-row seating for up to five passengers
• Two engine options: 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines
• Available in three trim levels: Base, Plus (+), and Exclaim (!)
• New two-tone paint options for added customization
• Standard alloy wheels are now on the base model
• Available advanced safety features, including lane-departure and forward-collision warning systems

Benefits

• Distinctive styling sets it apart from traditional compact cars
• Spacious interior with ample headroom and cargo space
• User-friendly technology features
• Competitive fuel economy
• Strong value proposition with generous standard features
• Available premium amenities on higher trims

Learn More: Which Years Of Used Kia Souls Are Most Reliable?

2016 Kia Soul Overview

Performance

The 2016 Kia Soul offers two engine options:

1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (Base trim):

• 130 horsepower and 118 lb-ft of torque
• Available with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission

2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (Plus and Exclaim trims):

• 164 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque
• Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission

2016 Kia Soul oil type:

• 10W-30 above -18 degrees
• 5W-20 or 5W-30 for all temps (5W-20 preferred)

2016 Kia Soul oil capacity:

• 1.6-liter: 3.8 quarts
• 2.0-liter: 4.2 quarts

Surprisingly, the 1.6-liter engine has a worse economy than the more powerful 2.0-liter engine. Due to the smaller engine's lower power output, the larger engine is generally the better choice unless a manual transmission is a priority. The 2.0-liter’s acceleration and passing power are much improved over the 1.6, especially with multiple passengers onboard.

The six-speed automatic transmission is available on all trims and standard on Plus and Exclaim, while the six-speed manual is only available on the base trim with the 1.6-liter four-cylinder.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2016 Soul a five-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2016 Kia Soul a Top Safety Pick, IIHS’s second-highest designation.

Standard safety features across all trims include:

• Six airbags (front, front-seat side, and full-length side curtain)
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Electronic stability control (ESC)
• Vehicle stability management (VSM)
• Hill-start assist Control (HAC)

New for 2016, the Soul offers advanced safety features on higher trims, including:

• Lane departure warning system
• Forward Collision warning system

The Plus trim now includes a standard rearview camera, as do Base models ordered with the Convenience package.

Driving

The boxy 2016 Kia Soul doesn’t know it’s an economy car. While less engaging than a performance-oriented compact such as a Volkswagen Golf or Mini Cooper, the Soul has far more interior space and features. Driver and passengers sit upright with excellent visibility in a surprisingly quiet cabin.

The steering has three modes: Normal, Sport, and Comfort, which alter the steering weight. Whichever mode the driver chooses, the steering remains reasonably precise but never enters sports car territory.

The base 1.6-liter engine is underpowered but is the only way to get a manual transmission in the Soul. The 2.0-liter engine in the Plus and Exclaim trims offers more usable power, providing quicker acceleration and more confident highway merging.

Ride quality is a strong point. The suspension is tuned to absorb urban road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride well-suited for daily driving. While not sport-tuned, the suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and handling.

Interior

The 2016 Kia Soul interior combines practicality with a touch of whimsy, offering a spacious cabin that belies its compact exterior dimensions. The interior layout is intuitive and user-friendly, with controls placed within easy reach of the driver.

Key interior features include:

• Cloth upholstery standard, with leather now standard on Exclaim trim
• 60/40 split-folding rear seats
• Panoramic sunroof
• Available heated and ventilated front seats
• Available heated steering wheel
• Distinctive circular theme in dashboard design

One of the Soul's standout features is its surprisingly spacious interior. The boxy shape allows for a notable amount of headroom and legroom for front and rear passengers. The upright seating position provides a commanding view of the road.

Cargo space is impressive for a compact vehicle:

• 24.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats
• 61.3 cubic feet with rear seats folded

New for 2016, the Soul offers two-tone interior color schemes, allowing for greater personalization. The circular theme, seen in elements like the air vents and door speakers, adds a playful touch to the interior design.

Technology

The 2016 Kia Soul’s tech offerings are competitive for its price point and segment.

Key technology features include:

• Standard 5-inch color touchscreen audio display
• Available 8-inch touchscreen with navigation
• Available UVO eServices infotainment system
• Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming
• USB and auxiliary input jacks
• Available Infinity premium audio system with eight speakers and subwoofer

The UVO eServices system provides features like roadside assistance, vehicle diagnostics, and a parking minder when equipped.

Higher trims offer additional tech features:

• Push-button start with proximity keyless entry
• Automatic climate control
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror

Other available technology features include:

• LED interior lighting
• Mood lighting speakers, which pulse in time with music

Fuel Economy

The 2016 Kia Soul offers competitive fuel economy ratings for its class. EPA fuel economy estimates are as follows:

1.6-liter four-cylinder engine:

• Manual transmission (mpg): 24 city / 30 highway / 26 combined
• Automatic transmission (mpg): 24 city / 30 highway / 26 combined

2.0-liter four-cylinder engine:

• Automatic transmission (mpg): 24 city / 31 highway / 27 combined

2016 Kia Soul Reviews

Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book give the 2016 Kia Soul an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5. Owners praise the Soul's styling, reliability, and comfort.

Reasons to Buy It

• What other compact crossover looks this cool?
• Generous tech for the price point, especially in higher trims
• Higher trims get upscale materials
• Surprising amount of headroom and cargo space
• Comfortable ride quality suitable for daily commuting

Problems

• The base engine may feel underpowered for some drivers, especially on highways
• Fuel economy, while competitive, isn't class-leading
• The boxy shape can result in some wind noise at higher speeds
• Some advanced safety features are only available on higher trims
• Ride can be firm over rough road surfaces

Explore: Kia Soul trim levels: Feature comparison tables

CoPilot's Take

If you want a compact crossover SUV that combines daily, practical utility with a fun, quirky personality, the 2016 Kia Soul is your vehicle. It doesn’t feel as compact as its dimensions indicate, thanks to its spacious interior, which provides lots of room for passengers and cargo in a relatively small footprint.

Performance-wise, the Soul is adequate for its intended purpose. While not sporty, it offers a comfortable ride and easy maneuverability in urban environments. The 2.0-liter engine in higher trims provides a welcome boost in power and, shockingly, fuel economy.

The 2016 updates, such as standard alloy wheels on the base model and a rearview camera on the Plus trim, improve an already impressive vehicle. Introducing advanced safety features like lane departure and forward collision warning systems keeps the Soul current.

So, what are the downsides? Fuel economy, while competitive, may not impress those seeking maximum efficiency. The base engine can feel underpowered in certain situations; some may find the ride firm over rough road surfaces.

2016 Kia Soul FAQs

Is the 2016 Kia Soul a good car?

The 2016 Kia Soul is generally considered a good car. It offers a spacious interior, distinctive styling, and a good range of features for its price point. The Soul receives high marks for reliability and owner satisfaction. Its boxy design provides excellent visibility and cargo space, making it practical for daily use.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Kia Soul?

While the 2016 Kia Soul is generally reliable, some common issues reported by owners include:

• Engine problems: Excessive oil consumption or engine failure, particularly in models with the 1.6-liter engine.
• Electrical issues: Problems with the infotainment system or other electrical components.
• Steering problems: Issues with the electric power steering system.
• Brake wear: Some owners find the brakes wear out faster than expected.

How long can a 2016 Kia Soul last?

With proper maintenance, a 2016 Kia Soul can last 200,000 miles or more. Many owners report their Souls surpassing the 150,000-mile mark with regular maintenance.

How many miles does a 2016 Kia Soul get on a full tank?

Based on the 2016 Kia Soul mpg ratings from the EPA, it’s possible to achieve the following ranges with its 14.2-gallon fuel tank:

For the 1.6-liter engine (24 city / 30 highway / 26 combined mpg):

• City driving: about 340 miles
• Highway driving: about 426 miles
• Combined driving: about 369 miles

For the 2.0-liter engine (24 city / 31 highway / 27 combined mpg):

• City driving: about 340 miles
• Highway driving: about 440 miles
• Combined driving: about 383 miles

Check Out: Are Kia Souls Good Cars?