2016
Kia Soul

Starts at:
$15,900
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New 2016 Kia Soul
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Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 5dr Wgn Man Base
    Starts at
    $15,900
    24 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Wgn Auto Base
    Starts at
    $17,400
    24 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Wgn Auto +
    Starts at
    $19,400
    24 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Wgn Auto !
    Starts at
    $21,300
    24 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2016 Kia Soul 2016 Kia Soul 2016 Kia Soul 2016 Kia Soul 2016 Kia Soul 2016 Kia Soul 2016 Kia Soul 2016 Kia Soul 2016 Kia Soul 2016 Kia Soul 2016 Kia Soul 2016 Kia Soul 2016 Kia Soul 2016 Kia Soul 2016 Kia Soul 2016 Kia Soul 2016 Kia Soul 2016 Kia Soul 2016 Kia Soul 2016 Kia Soul

Notable features

Five-seat compact hatchback
Choice of two four-cylinder engines
Manual or automatic transmission
USB port standard
Bluetooth connectivity standard

The good & the bad

The good

Interior quality
Many upscale features available
Panoramic moonroof available
Heated steering wheel available

The bad

Peculiar body-colored liftgate panel
All-wheel drive not offered
Modest cargo volume
See all specifications

Expert 2016 Kia Soul review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The Kia Soul is a boxy compact hatchback with room for five people. The Soul comes with front-wheel drive and a choice of two four-cylinder engines. A manual and an automatic transmission are offered, and competitors include the Mini Countryman and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Kia also sells an all-electric Soul EV that is covered separately in the Cars.com Research section.

Three price levels are available, a base model, Plus and Exclaim. The base model uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The others come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the automatic transmission.
New for 2016
A new audio system with a 4.3-inch touch-screen and rearview camera is standard on the Plus and Exclaim and optional on the base model. A new Designer Collection available on the Plus includes two-tone paint (white with a red roof or red with a black roof) and 18-inch alloy wheels. Leather seats are standard on the Exclaim, and forward collision and lane departure warning systems are newly available features included in the Premium Package for the Exclaim. The Exclaim’s Premium Package also includes a navigation system with an 8-inch screen, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade, and a heated steering wheel.
Significant Standard Features

  • Front bucket seats and 60/40-split folding backseat
  • Air conditioning
  • Power windows and locks
  • Power side mirrors
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Driver-selectable steering assist
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • 130-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (base model)
  • 164-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder (Plus, Exclaim)
  • Six-speed manual transmission (base) or six-speed automatic
  • Stop-start technology
  • Panoramic moonroof
  • Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
  • Leather upholstery
  • Heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats
  • Keyless entry with push-button start
  • Navigation system with 8-inch display

2016 Kia Soul review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The Kia Soul is a boxy compact hatchback with room for five people. The Soul comes with front-wheel drive and a choice of two four-cylinder engines. A manual and an automatic transmission are offered, and competitors include the Mini Countryman and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Kia also sells an all-electric Soul EV that is covered separately in the Cars.com Research section.

Three price levels are available, a base model, Plus and Exclaim. The base model uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The others come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the automatic transmission.
New for 2016
A new audio system with a 4.3-inch touch-screen and rearview camera is standard on the Plus and Exclaim and optional on the base model. A new Designer Collection available on the Plus includes two-tone paint (white with a red roof or red with a black roof) and 18-inch alloy wheels. Leather seats are standard on the Exclaim, and forward collision and lane departure warning systems are newly available features included in the Premium Package for the Exclaim. The Exclaim’s Premium Package also includes a navigation system with an 8-inch screen, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade, and a heated steering wheel.
Significant Standard Features

  • Front bucket seats and 60/40-split folding backseat
  • Air conditioning
  • Power windows and locks
  • Power side mirrors
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Driver-selectable steering assist
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • 130-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (base model)
  • 164-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder (Plus, Exclaim)
  • Six-speed manual transmission (base) or six-speed automatic
  • Stop-start technology
  • Panoramic moonroof
  • Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
  • Leather upholstery
  • Heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats
  • Keyless entry with push-button start
  • Navigation system with 8-inch display

Available cars near you

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Safety review

Based on the 2016 Kia Soul base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
14.7%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
14.7%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years or newer / less than 80,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles
Dealer certification
165-point inspection
See all CPO program details

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Consumer reviews

92% of drivers recommend this car
4.6 / 5
Based on 342 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.7
Interior 4.6
Performance 4.5
Value 4.6
Exterior 4.6
Reliability 4.7

Most recent

  • By LE from Hollywood
    Used to own this car
    April 27, 2025

    My experience at this place was horrible.

    My experience at this place was horrible. The salesman who helped me was very friendly, but the manager had a very bad attitude and arrogance. I would not recommend this car dealership to anyone.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By wendishuff from Lakeland, FL
    Owns this car
    January 6, 2025

    I've had my 2016 Kia Soul for over eight (8) years now,

    I've had my 2016 Kia Soul for over eight (8) years now, and I've loved everything about it. She has been such a great car I couldn't imagine ever buying anything else. UNTIL...a few months ago she start to chug and stall, so I took her into the Regal Kia dealership here in Lakeland, FL. They did all kinds of repairs that were covered by recalls and the waranty, but she continued to have trouble, so after getting months of run-around from the dealership they told me that they needed to replace the engine (as it turns out this is a VERY common problem with Kia's), but they wouldn't be able to honor the warranty because I couldn't account for two oil changes that took place over four years ago. This is no exaggeration. I love my Soul, so I took impeccable care of her, but I did not have the receipts for two oil changes from four years ago so they denied my warranty claim. The dealership, just for your information, has the ability to override the decision by Kia, but chose not to do the right thing. I will never drive another Kia which is a shame because otherwise I've really enjoyed her. If you do get a Kia, please hold onto ALL of your maintenance records!!! You WILL need them. Do a Google search on all of the problems folks have had with the piston rings, the need to replace the engine, and Kia denying warrantee claims.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 1.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By George from Pembroke Pines,Florida
    Owns this car
    February 21, 2024

    Excellent Purchase as Far

    I own a Kia Soul 2016 has currently 62,000 miles ,purchased it with 23,000 miles on it.So far its been a fantastic car. No maintenance issues. Keep up with all the recommended maintenance and I'm sure your have a long time vehicle.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Juanita T. Rooks-Holman from Indianapolis, Indiana
    Owns this car
    September 12, 2023

    No one answers the phone.

    It has very hard time trying to get a KIA representative on the phone regarding the recalls. I no longer have a working computer, but I did wait 1 1/2 hours on the phone for assistance, really even longer more than a month before. I have been calling since August without any results until today 9/12/23
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    10 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Jilly from Dartmouth Canada
    Owns this car
    July 10, 2023

    Rose

    Adorable! I was so excited when I got my Kia Soul, it’s my second Kia product I had purchased which fits my budget. I noticed my soul had recalls, happy that there bein taking care off.. I love Driving it in the snow, lil Tank.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By MJ from Palm Harbor, FL
    Owns this car
    March 4, 2023

    Pleasantly surprised

    When I bought my Kia Soul in 2019, I wasn't expecting much. It already had 55K+ miles on it, and it was a crossover vehicle, which I'd never owned(I always owned cars!). I have to admit, I've been pleasantly surprised for the most part. I do wish it got better gas mileage around town, but it does have great pick-up, lots of interior room, and a nice-looking exterior. Att 73K+ miles now, I've yet to have a mechanical problem.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Not Happy from Oak Lawn ,Il
    Owns this car
    November 29, 2022

    Not too happy

    I loved my car when I bought it. The last 6 months have been horrible. Once on the expressway white smoke came out when I accelerated. Then last weekend on the expressway Check engine came on. Had it towed. Dealer said the fixed the problem but my engine is going car only has 75,000 miles and I was very good on maintenance.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 2.0
    11 people out of 13 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Mistylyd from Thompson, CT
    Owns this car
    September 26, 2022

    Beware! poor engine design

    Everything was great for the first 139,000 miles. I had no issues with the car. I kept with general Maintenance and never had any issues until the service engine light came on with a code reading that a sensor needed replacing and/or timing was off. So I was on my way to mechanic to have work done when engine started pinging and rattling and then died. The timing chain broke! Unlike most other cars which have serpentine belts for timing that run along side the engine, It turns out the Kia Soul has a very poor design with a timing chain that is encased in the engine. So when it broke it did a lot of damage to the engine. I now need to replace the engine on a 6 yr. Old car I love with no other issues. Total price tag locally $6315!!!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Jasmine Maynard from High point north Carolina
    Owns this car
    September 23, 2022

    I been trying to figure out who can help me

    I had my Kia soul for 3 years it was a recall on the engine august of 2021 where I got the car from they won't do anything to fix it they are telling me I need to take it to a Kia dealership
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    10 people out of 14 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By G from Palmbay fl
    Owns this car
    September 14, 2022

    Best car ever if you enjoy public ridicule.

    I put a banner across the windshield that reads SOULLESS enough said the 2016 kia soul did not even come with a spare tire and a over hyped stereo that has been described as complete bs
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 3.0
    5 people out of 16 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Lena Moore from Columbus,Georgia
    Owns this car
    September 6, 2022

    Ever ever then my problems that I'm having with my

    Right now I'm experiencing front end problems when I mash my brakes I'm getting loud crackling sounds and I'm trying to get it fixed I don't know if it's the brakes or the front end or something else I don't know
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Mike from Arlington ky
    Owns this car
    July 24, 2022

    Throwaway cars don’t waste your money

    The Engines go bad after 100,000 miles and they Kia does not help they Normal wear and tear throwaway cars junk junk and more junk
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 1.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
See all reviews

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Kia dealers near you

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2016 Kia Soul?

The 2016 Kia Soul is available in 3 trim levels:

  • ! (1 style)
  • + (1 style)
  • Base (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2016 Kia Soul?

The 2016 Kia Soul offers up to 24 MPG in city driving and 30 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2016 Kia Soul?

The 2016 Kia Soul compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2016 Kia Soul reliable?

The 2016 Kia Soul has an average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2016 Kia Soul owners.

Is the 2016 Kia Soul a good Wagon?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2016 Kia Soul. 92.1% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.6 / 5
Based on 342 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.7
  • Interior: 4.6
  • Performance: 4.5
  • Value: 4.6
  • Exterior: 4.6
  • Reliability: 4.7

Kia Soul history

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