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Consumer Reviews

2016 Kia Soul Consumer Reviews

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4.6
(419 reviews)
2016 Kia Soul
5
84%
4
7%
3
3%
2
2%
1
4%
90%
Recommend this vehicle
Value
4.7
Performance
4.6
Quality
4.6
Comfort
4.7
Reliability
4.7
Styling
4.8
2016 Soul Overview
Among the 419 owners who provided feedback on the 2016 Kia Soul for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with 90% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's styling and comfort to be its strongest features and quality to be its weakest. 350 out of 419 of owners (84% of them) rank the 2016 Soul five out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem aligned in their opinions of the 2016 Kia Soul. Is it the right vehicle for for you? Check out Kelley Blue Book's consumer reviews and see for yourself.
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Review Summary

AI summary of user-generated reviews for this vehicle
Customers overwhelmingly praise the comfortable interior with heated or cooled leather seats, ample legroom, and spacious cargo area with foldable rear seats. The responsive handling, smooth ride, and drive mode selector enhance the enjoyable driving experience. Most highlight excellent fuel economy between 25-40 mpg and low maintenance costs as major ownership advantages. The touchscreen navigation, smartphone integration, and Infinity audio systems are widely appreciated. A few report minor issues like underpowered highway performance or isolated durability concerns, but these are vastly outweighed by strong overall satisfaction and long-term reliability.
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Most Helpful Reviews

Positive Review

"I love it!"

I am just turning 70 with some physical problems like sciatica and lower back pain. I am about 5'6"tall. I have been looking for a small hatchback for about a year and test drove about 8-9 cars that fit the bill. For ME the priorities were 1. Seat comfort 2. Ability to see over stearing wheel 3. Roominess for errands at home lumber stores, etc 4. Clearance off the ground---ie. some cars hit curb when parking 5. Fun to drive 6. Last but not least: price under $25k There are a number of cars that have better gas mileage and equal roominess, but only one other of them had seats with power assisted drivers seat and lumbar support because they cater to a younger crowd. Kia hit the mark with this car for my age group as well as younger with all the cool technology. It is easy to get in and out of, is peppy enough to pass if needed, has plenty of room, tight enough handling and VERY comfortable. Could have a little better gas milage, but not the make or break feature for me. The warranty is great as well. I love this car every time I get in it!


VS

Critical Review

"Engine failure"

The engine on my 2017 Kia Soul + seized. All of my maintenance was up to date. The Kia service department wants to charge me $6,000 for repairs. I am the second owner of the vehicle. Kia won't back their own product. There is no warranty coverage. So now I have an expressive lump of metal... Last Kia I will ever buy (was my second).

2016 Soul Reviews

In our commitment to delivering the most comprehensive assessment of the vehicle possible, KBB.com widens the scope of our reviews to include all pertinent model years.
ex. Dependable

Showing 8 of 419 reviews.


Vallejo
7/28/2026
Really good
Pros

Fuel mileage, resale value, styling exterior

This car is good, fun to drive. I, do like the body style. The interior is really nice with quality leather seats heated. Plenty of cargo area. The stereo is fun, it does have navigation. Strong suspension, and pretty good performance. Well designed vehicles that are reliable and enjoyable to drive.

Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
5.0
Recommends this vehicle
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27
0

Russell
7/28/2026
Good choice
Pros

Pro's good value, Styling, Quality, Comfort

"These car's are super fun" Reliable, good fuel mileage. Sporty subcompact car pretty good performance. Comfortable seats with a nice quality interior design. Touch screen stereo that I do like. It's a spacious car with lot's of nice things to say about it.

Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
5.0
Recommends this vehicle
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14
0

Suzanne
7/27/2026
Sporty subcompact vehicle's fun to drive
Pros

Stylish exterior, Value, Performance, Reliable

The performance in these vehicles are really good for it's size, and the fuel mileage. Stylish exterior, well designed. The interior is impressive with it's nice quality leather seats. Touch screen stereo with navigation etc. Overall very impressive and the handling is spot on.

Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
5.0
Recommends this vehicle
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14
0

Trinity
7/27/2026
Sharp exterior/interior design
Pros

The resale value, Reliable, Quality, Styling

Subcompact car's are fun, they do well on the fuel mileage and the lower cost for maintenance. The performance is fun on sport mode. Comfortable seats, plenty of head room. I, like the roomie size cargo area when the rear seats fold down. Good reliable vehicle, very nice quality.

Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
5.0
Recommends this vehicle
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14
0

Marcus
7/25/2026
Smile's 😀
Pros

I'm satisfied, Value, Reliability, Performance

Pretty cool ride, good gas mileage definitely affordable. It has plenty of leg and head room. A really nice sunroof with shade cover. Comfortable seats heated. Cargo area, luggage rack. Good looking vehicle's that are also reliable, very nice styling, quality, and a good resale value.

Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
5.0
Recommends this vehicle
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31
0

Keith
7/25/2026
Compact car's, easy to get around in
Pros

Pro's value, Reliable, Comfort, Quality

I, like this car, it's reliable and fun to drive. Easy to get around in, especially tighter parking spaces. Good gas mileage, lower cost for maintenance. Decent performance overall it's a smaller size car. The interior is impressive with nice quality leather seats. Fun to play around with the stereo system. The cargo area is a good size as well.

Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
5.0
Recommends this vehicle
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39
0

Phil
7/24/2026
Surprisingly very fun
Pros

Value Quality Styling Performance Reliable

This car is fun lot's of room area. The fuel mileage is really good. I, like these comfortable seats. Styling exterior, performance is fun enough. Cargo area, luggage rack are very useful. Touch screen stereo with navigation and other apps. Reliable car, very nice quality.

Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
5.0
Recommends this vehicle
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39
0

Sharon
7/24/2026
👍 Yuppers👍
Pros

Reliable car, Quality, Value, Performance

(Giving a full positive overall review) These smaller vehicles maybe slower on the road, but they are built for fuel savings, and reliability. The overall experience is very strong. Good vehicle, with nice quality leather seats. Head room, leg room. Cargo are with folding down rear seats. I, like driving around in my Kia soul.

Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
5.0
Recommends this vehicle
Was this review helpful?
57
0

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