2016 Kia Soul Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Funky and distinctive, and with high coolness and personality factors, the Kia Soul compact crossover vehicle needs no introduction to U.S. drivers. Since it arrived on the scene in 2010, the Soul has established itself as something fresh and different, even though it takes its DNA from a line of boxy hatchbacks like the Nissan Cube, the Honda Element, and the Scion xB, which first appeared about a decade ago. All but the Soul have fallen out of favor, however, as the Element and xB disappeared after 2011 and 2014, respectively, and the Cube ended production in 2015.
The Soul's continued appeal lies in its good balance of style, affordability, tech features, standard equipment, and fuel economy. Or maybe it's just the Soul's memorable hamster commercials. Either way, the Soul shows no sign of slowing down or disappearing like some of its competitors. In fact, Kia unveiled an electric version of the Soul, the EV, in 2014, and plans to expand the EV's availability to additional states in the U.S. The Soul, it appears, is still going strong.
Last significantly updated in 2014 for its second generation, when it received a longer and wider wheelbase, a revised front end, and a retooled interior, the Soul gets some additions to its standard features for 2016. It continues to come in Base, Plus (+), and Exclaim (!) trims, all of which benefit from a number of updates.
The Base trim, for instance, now comes with the Convenience Package, which adds a 4.3-inch color touchscreen, a rear camera display, and satellite radio to the standard equipment list. The Base also receives 16-inch alloy wheels for 2016.
The Plus gets a longer list of new standard features, including the Designer Collection, which adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, two-tone roof treatment, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Front fog lights, gloss black bumper tusks, and auto on/off headlights also join the standard package, along with an upgraded audio system with the 4.3-inch touchscreen and rear camera display.
Kia equips the top-level Exclaim trim with its Premium Package, adding such standard features as leather upholstery, navigation with an 8-inch display, an Infinity audio system, automatic temperature control, push-button start, and a panoramic sunroof. The package also includes heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and a heated steering wheel. Halogen headlights and LED taillights are among the exterior upgrades. Kia rounds out the list of standard features for the Exclaim with lane departure and forward collision control warning systems.
The above updates make it clear that Kia remains intent on keeping the Soul competitive, and the hatchback's high level of technology features remains one of its major selling points. The Soul has always been a tech leader, and in addition to its new features for 2016, it comes standard with a 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, a USB input jack, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. On the Plus trim, owners can add an optional Infinity audio system with a subwoofer and center speaker. Other options for the Plus and Exclaim trims include speaker lights, HD Radio, push-button start, and automatic climate control.
Because it sits so tall, the Soul's cabin offers plenty of headroom and legroom in both the front and second seat rows, though some reviewers would like to see more cargo space in the back. Still, 24.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats should be adequate for most daily errands. With the rear seats folded down, cargo space expands to 61.3 cubic feet.
The Soul displays unique design elements both inside and out. The cabin has an uncluttered look, with a center stack and steering-wheel-mounted controls that appear to be free-floating. The easy-to-read instrument cluster flows cleanly into the center stack, and buttons, vents, and speakers are well-designed. The high seating positions provide good visibility out the front, but thick C-pillars can limit visibility out the rear.
Outside, Kia has rounded off the Soul's boxy edges a little, resulting in a more streamlined appearance. The sharply sloping roofline gives the impression of speed, while wide-set tires provide a steady stance. An optional Umber Color exterior package for 2016 includes a choice of Shadow Black, Titanium, Fathom Blue, or Cloud White exterior colors, as well as HID projector headlights.
Two different engines power the Soul trims. The Base gets a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder developing an uninspiring 130 hp and 118 lb-ft of torque, while the Plus and Exclaim upgrade to a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that produces a more acceptable 164 hp and 151 lb-ft. The 1.6-liter engine links to a 6-speed manual transmission, which comes standard, or an optional 6-speed automatic, while the Plus and Exclaim get the automatic as standard equipment. Neither engine will raise eyebrows, and the Base with the 1.6-liter can struggle on hills, so the 2.0-liter remains the better choice. Fuel economy numbers for the base engine check in at 24 city/30 highway/26 combined, while the more powerful 2.0-liter manages similar numbers of 24/31/27.
One of the Soul's big surprises continues to be its agile handling and responsive steering. Although the electric power steering can sometimes feel a little soft, it provides good feedback. The Soul feels stable and solid over the road and it takes corners well. Some reviewers say the ride can feel a little stiff at times, but most agree it's generally smooth and comfortable. They also give positive points to the Soul's quiet cabin and engine.
All the standard safety features apply, including front seat-mounted and side-impact airbags, antilock brakes, electronic stability control, and hill start assist. The Soul received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
User reviews for 2016 Kia Soul
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Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.56
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: black · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.7 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.27
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: black · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 4.3 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.7 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.27
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: UVO · Infotainment screen size: 4.3 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.7 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: maintenance status
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
