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Consumer Reviews

2016 Kia Soul Consumer Reviews

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4.6
(346 reviews)
2016 Kia Soul
5
80%
4
8%
3
4%
2
2%
1
5%
88%
Recommend this vehicle
Value
4.6
Performance
4.6
Quality
4.6
Comfort
4.6
Reliability
4.7
Styling
4.7
2016 Soul Overview
Among the 346 owners who provided feedback on the 2016 Kia Soul for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with 88% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and styling to be its strongest features and value to be its weakest. 278 out of 346 of owners (80% 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 fun driving experience, excellent fuel efficiency between 24-40 MPG depending on conditions, and outstanding value. The comfortable, spacious interior with heated seats, high seating position, and excellent visibility consistently impress reviewers. Many highlight strong reliability with owners reporting zero issues past 90,000 miles, backed by industry-leading warranty coverage. A few report transmission lag or engine concerns, but these represent a small fraction of feedback. Overall, most customers consider this an affordable, dependable choice for daily commuting and road trips.
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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 346 reviews.


Ann Elizabeth
6/10/2026
Reliable No-Fuss Car
Pros

Roomy. Great visibility. Quality.

Cons

If you like a floaty ride, it's not for you. If you like to feel the road you'll love it.

101,000 miles on my chariot and I finally had to replace the factory installed battery today. New brakes also this year. New tires 3 years ago. A crankshaft position sensor went out about 3 years ago. ($150 repair.). The rest of her is 100% factory. Bought her 9 years ago (with 44,000 miles) for $10K. Looked up her value today on KBB and it's about $8K. When I checked about 6 months ago it was about $6K. So reliable. Comfortable to drive. Visibility is (One of my top priorities.) is unmatched. Fun to drive, really zippy. The old commercials had the hamsters bouncing around in the back.... it's like that. I like feeling the road. It's only seen a garage the last two years and yet exterior looks great. Headlight lenses are clear and ceramic coating at the carwash has kept the black accents crisp. Love this car!

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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1
0

Denali
6/8/2026
Flashy car's
Pros

Nice resale value reliability quality styling

Sporty design, plenty of performance get up go!! Quality interior, comfortable seats. Touch screen stereo with navigation etc. Cargo area, luggage rack plenty of room. Reliable car, super sporty, holds it's resale really well. I, have no concerns!!

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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8
0

Richard
6/8/2026
The entire car is very nice 👍
Pros

Good value, Reliability, Quality, Styling

Lot's of fun driving this car around. Good gas mileage, easy to get around in. Good performance, and the handling. Styling exterior, really nice quality interior. Comfortable seats plenty of room space. Cargo area, having a luggage rack. Good reliable vehicle as I drive mine around daily

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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8
0

Benson
6/4/2026
Popularity
Pros

The value, performance, styling, quality etc..

Fun vehicle with really good reliability. Fuel efficiency. Comfortable seats plenty of room for others. Stereo seems really good. Strong reliable vehicle with nice quality. Overall I'm very satisfied 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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17
0

Carson
6/4/2026
Boxy style car
Pros

Fuel efficiency, Value, Quality, Performance

Hi, I'm leaving a good review about my boxy styling car. It's actually a fun car to own. Good overall reviews, the performance, fuel mileage, low cost up keep. Comfortable leather seats heated. Cargo are is spacious, and the luggage rack is perfect for my travel carrier. Reliable vehicle, I'm very happy to have 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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18
0

Debbie
6/4/2026
Well designed
Pros

Performance is fun, Good value, Reliability

Kia provides a strong 10 year warranty on these cars. This warranty coverage is really good!! These vehicles are fun, roomie and pretty good gas mileage. Comfortable seats nice quality. Stereo system is very nice with navigation. Cargo area is spacious, plus rear folding down seats.

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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17
0

Andrea
6/3/2026
The + primo awesome model 😀
Pros

Reliable Value Quality Performance Styling

"Very Good Reliable Car" Fun to drive, and having this boxy style is neat. I, can literally pack up this car with items. Good gas mileage, low cost maintenance up keep. Comfortable heating seats plus air cooled. Steering wheel is leather wrap and heated. Infinity stereo system with light up speakers. Uvo app, navigation.

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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21
0

Molly
6/3/2026
Really nice luxury model !
Pros

Value performance quality comfort

Cons

No

Top model of these kia soul is absolutely amazing. All luxury, heated leather seats front and rear plus air cooled. Heated steering wheel, panoramic moon roof with shade cover. Reliable vehicle, good quality and the resale value.

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?
18
0

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