DecodedCars2016 Kia Soul
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Small Station Wagons
- Body styles
- EV, EX/Sx, LX
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- EV, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 24 city / 31 hwy
- EV range
- 93 mi · 4 h on 240 V
- Length
- 163 in
- Curb weight
- 2,714–3,289 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints823 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 28 for similar models — most often about the engine.
- 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Kia Soul is a small station wagon offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 163 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,289 lb (EV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 31 highway), 1% worse than the 2016 small station wagon average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $700 a year in fuel.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 93 miles and takes about 4 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 823 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Soul — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Soul →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV | 163 in | 70.9 in | 63 in | 101.2 in | 61.8 / 62.6 in | 3,289 lb | 61/39 |
| EX/Sx | 163 in | 70.9 in | 63 in | 101.2 in | 61.8 / 62.6 in | 2,837 lb | 61/39 |
| LX | 163 in | 70.9 in | 63 in | 101.2 in | 61.8 / 62.6 in | 2,714 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul Electric EV | 81 kW AC PMSM | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 93 mi · 31.9856 kWh/100mi | – | $700 | – |
| Soul | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 27 | -1% | $2,500 | 337 |
| Soul ECO dynamics | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 30 / 26 | -5% | $2,600 | 337 |
| Soul | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 30 / 26 | -5% | $2,600 | 335 |
| Soul | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 30 / 26 | -5% | $2,600 | 338 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Kia Soul.
Similar 2016 small station wagons
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Kia Soul (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Honda Fit | 36 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Nissan Juke | 30 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Fiat 500 L | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (5)
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl) · Oct 26, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V724000 · 6,262 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles. The parking mechanism may be damaged, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied while the vehicle is powered on.
- Risk
- Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC287. This recall expands and replaces recall number 20V-389. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-389 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · Mar 29, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V218000 · 2,689 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving.
- Risk
- A battery electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will update and/or replace the battery management system and software, as necessary, free of charge. The new software will illuminate the EV warning light, limit charging capacity, and reduce vehicle power if abnormal voltage is detected. If this occurs, the battery will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC267.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl) · Jul 2, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V389000 · 3,714 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle (EV) vehicles. The parking mechanism may become damaged if the driver moves the gear shift lever into Park 'P' before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. If the parking mechanism is damaged, unintended vehicle movement may occur when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied.
- Risk
- Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC191.
Engine · Feb 22, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V120000 · 378,967 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure.
- Risk
- Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.
Steering · Sep 29, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V608000 · 342,381 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles. The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly.
- Risk
- If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the pinion plug or replace the steering gear assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC155. Note: This recall supersedes campaigns 14V-332 and 15V-736. Vehicles previously remedied under those numbers are being recalled again under this campaign.
Not every 2016 Kia Soul is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Kia Soul buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 561 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 84 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Engine And Engine Cooling — 66 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 81,700 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 93 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Kia Soul. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Soul years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Soul | 31 | 165.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 12 |
| 2024 Soul | 31 | 165.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 30 |
| 2023 Soul | 31 | 165.4 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 54 |
| 2022 Soul | 31 | 165.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 95 |
| 2021 Soul | 31 | 165.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 239 |
| 2020 Soul | 31 | 165.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 388 |
| 2019 Soul | 28 | 163 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 140 |
| 2018 Soul | 28 | 163 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 223 |
| 2017 Soul | 28 | 163 in | Not rated | 3 | 290 |
| 2015 Soul | 26 | 163 in | Not rated | 7 | 907 |
| 2014 Soul | 26 | 163 in | Not rated | 5 | 878 |
| 2013 Soul | 28 | 161.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 631 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →