2014 Soul
2014 Kia Soul
2014 Kia Soul interior

2016 Kia Soul

Pros: Impressive room for four adults, despite the small overall size; generous levels of standard equipment; lots of “with-it” available features; classy-for-the-class interior materials

Cons: Gas-engine drivetrains are a bit unpolished at times; significant engine noise in some driving situations

CG Says: The Kia Soul sees just a few updates for 2016. Forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning are available in a Premium package for the top-line Exclaim model (which now comes standard with leather seats). The Premium package also includes amenities such as heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a navigation system. A Designer Collection Appearance package includes 18-inch black-spoke wheels and a two-tone paint scheme in either white with a red roof or red with a black roof. Meanwhile, the all-electric Soul EV adds a lower-priced EV-e trim level, and the top-line EV+ model gets an available Sun and Fun Package that includes a panoramic sunroof and other amenities. The Soul’s tall, boxy body proportions mean that it packs a surprising amount of passenger and cargo room in a small overall package. In optioned-up form, the Soul also packs a surprising number of comfort and convenience features and a convincingly upscale feel for its class. The expressive, funky-box styling might turn off some shoppers, but the Soul’s handling is a bit more nimble that its looks might suggest. The ride quality is quite pleasant for a subcompact as well. The competitively priced Soul is a very compelling mix of personality and practicality.

The Facts
Class Subcompact Car
Body Style(s) 4-door wagon
Passenger Count 5
Drive Wheels front-wheel drive
Manufacturer Kia
Nation of Manufacture South Korea
Base Prices Base: $15,800
Plus (+): $19,300
Exclaim (!): $21,200
Soul EV-e: $31,950
Soul EV: $33,950
Soul EV +: $35,950

Base Engine
1.6-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
130
Std. Transmission
6-speed manual
Avail. Transmission
6-speed automatic
EPA City Range (mpg)
24
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
30

Optional Engine
2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
164
Std. Transmission
6-speed manual
Avail. Transmission
6-speed automatic
EPA City Range (mpg)
23-24
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
31

Optional Engine
electric motor
Horsepower
109
Std. Transmission
single-speed
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
120 MPGe
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
92 MPGe

2016 Kia Soul Red Zone Special Edition
2016 Kia Soul Red Zone Special Edition
Share this: