Don't run over a crub!!!
When I first got it it ran great but after running over a crub,it doesn't run the same way anymore.it overheats and check engine activates.
Best Everyday EV on the Market, At the Time
This is a great "entry level" EV crossover if the estimated 96-mile range doesn't scare you off. (I topped out @ 108-miles on an 80-degree day.) Good comfort for a 200#+ driver and three additional passengers w/luggage or groceries.Little change in maximum mileage over three-year lease period, even in sub-zero weather. Hauls a lot of stuff, including 8' lumber with rear seats down. Hated to give it up at lease end.
Much Less Weird, Much More Cool Than I Thought!
Have owned my 2016 Kia Soul EV (Base) for 3 weeks now, and put a couple hundred miles on it. It is the perfect car for commuting. I have a 16 mile round trip to and from work, and I’ve never had range anxiety or any problems whatsoever with this car. I also own a 2017 Kia Sedona EX minivan, and the infotainment features, climate control and window/door buttons and procedures are very similar (mostly identical), and comparable. (Back up camera, heated seats, heated steering wheel, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto). This is a well equipped car! While I have used the Soul EV primarily for commuting, I have also loaded up the family (wife, 3 kids) and taken it around town, and it performed admirably. We fit 3 car seats in the back, and it was obviously a tighter fit than the Sedona, but the kids (5, 3, 1) had no complaints. For performance, I can’t say it’s very fast. Top speed is 90mph. But the old girl is QUICK! The 0-60 time isn’t impressive, but 0-30? You’re burning cats off the line! The instant torque you have available with an electric drivetrain is awesome for quick maneuvering in the city and on non interstate highways. Merging into traffic is NO problem. In fact, I feel better merging in with the Soul EV than a normal car. One thing that is unique about the 2014-2016 Soul EV’s is that you can set the car to charge at home on a timer, and have it charge up to either 80% or 100%. The option to stop at 80% was removed for the 2017 and newer models due to some bizarre EPA rule. Many people want to stop at 80% regularly because it’s better for the long term health of the battery to only charge to 100% when that range is really needed. This makes the 2016 and older somewhat desirable for those who are concerned about battery life. It makes it quite simple to manage the battery in a healthy way. The 2016 being the newest with that option makes it particularly a good buy when you can find one. One thing to make clear about the battery life is that these cars all have a 10 year/100,000 mile EV system warranty, including the battery pack. This warranty transfers to each subsequent owner, and is effective from the day it’s sold to the first customer. When the battery reaches a state of health (SOH) level below 70% of new, Kia will repair or replace it for free, under this warranty, regardless of number of owners, as long as you’re under 10/100k. For example, my 2016 wasn’t originally sold until Aug 2017. That means I have a full battery warranty till Aug 2027 or 100k miles. I’m at 19738 miles today. I think there are many of these types of situations sitting on lots today. Cars with lots of battery life and warranty left. At LOW prices. The 2014-2018 Souls have depreciated a lot since new, due primarily to one factor: The 2019-2020 and newer EV’s from Kia/Hyundai, Chevy, and others have more than doubled the range of these older ones. They are all above 200 and creeping up on 300 miles of electric range. That’s great! But if you don’t currently have 30-40k to spend on a new one, and don’t have a 70-80+ mile daily commute, then these 100 miler 2014-2018’s are a STEAL right now. They’re going as low as 10-12k in some cases at the moment, and may go even a bit lower. But many are low mileage, in excellent shape, have lots of battery life and warranty left. And they’re still well equipped like they are a $35k new vehicle -which they were in 2016. I’ll end by saying, I feel sad for my poor old gas Sedona. I just don’t feel like driving it anymore! We have her for the occasional large load or longer trip... but I have to say: I only go to the gas station for snacks and drinks these days! Owning an EV is WAY more cool and MUCH less weird and stressful than I thought it would be!
