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Consumer Reviews

2016 Kia Soul Consumer Reviews

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4.3
(218 reviews)
2016 Kia Soul
5
69%
4
13%
3
6%
2
3%
1
8%
83%
Recommend this vehicle
Value
4.3
Performance
4.3
Quality
4.3
Comfort
4.4
Reliability
4.4
Styling
4.6
2016 Soul Overview
Among the 218 owners who provided feedback on the 2016 Kia Soul for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is mostly positive, with 83% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's styling and comfort to be its strongest features and value to be its weakest. 150 out of 218 of owners (69% 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
The vehicle offers a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and responsive handling. Customers appreciate the good gas mileage and impressive features for the price. However, some have reported issues with oil consumption, transmission problems, and braking performance. While a few have concerns about long-term reliability, most customers are satisfied with the vehicle and would recommend it as a practical and affordable commuter car.
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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 218 reviews.


Melinda
4/24/2026
+ primo package
Pros

Nice looking vehicles, Good value, Quality

Loaded up with all the options. Stylish exterior, panoramic sunroof with shade cover. Infinity stereo, navigation etc and the speaker lights. Comfortable leather seats heated, plus air cooled front and back. Good fuel mileage, affordable service. Reliable, fun 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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21
0

Ryan
4/23/2026
Affordable price range
Pros

Reliable is good, Resale value, Performance

Cons

No

Pre-owned in really nice condition. Looking at this vehicle I can say it's pretty nice. Rides really smooth, comfort seating. My family feels happy with it. Plenty of room space, and the stereo is fun. Good gas mileage in today's economy, as fuel prices are high. No concerns, I'm keeping what I have :)

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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16
0

Sean
4/23/2026
I, like this vehicle too!!
Pros

Strong resale value, Safety Technology

((Pretty Cool 😎 I'm happy to own it)) Fuel efficiency, affordable for my up keep service. Comfortable seats, panoramic sunroof. Touch screen stereo with many different apps. Reliable, good quality, value it's a super fun vehicle.

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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7
0

Colton
4/23/2026
The design is sharp looking
Pros

Reliable vehicle, Affordable, Good value

Sporty, good performance and the fuel mileage. Quality interior, plenty of head room, leg room. Cargo area is very roomie. This vehicle has a smooth suspension. I, enjoy driving mine, and I like the good overall reputation.

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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16
0

Susan
4/23/2026
Fabulous 😃
Pros

Kia soul+ primo package

Good size vehicle, fuel mileage, styling exterior. The drive mode selector changes to eco, comfort, normal, and sport that actually tightens up the steering and suspension dampers. Pretty good performance!! Comfortable seats heated. The cargo area is spacious, luggage rack on top as well. It's a really neat vehicle :)))

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

Gail
4/22/2026
Daily use vehicle, fun to drive
Pros

Book value, Quality, Performance, Styling

Cons

No

I, have no complaints about my vehicle. I, like driving this small compact size for many good reasons. Good gas mileage, affordable service. Having the extra cargo area space with the luggage carrier. The seats are omfortable. My stereo is really good, really basic easy to use. Overall is excellent in my opinion because it also fits my spending budget.

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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16
0

Quinn
4/22/2026
Good Reputation 👌
Pros

All Pro's, Performance, Safety technology

Nice vehicles that are fun to drive, and reasonably good price range. Pretty good fuel mileage. Really nice interior design with comfortable seats. Easy to use stereo, nice sounding speakers. Plenty of cargo area luggage rack. Good reliability, value, 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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18
0

Sophia
4/22/2026
Hot Wheels 💯
Pros

Performance, Value, Reliable, Impressive

Sporty, good performance smooth ride. The fuel mileage is efficient. Styling, very nice quality interior. Comfort seats heated plenty of room space for passengers. My review is all positive thoughts, I do like having this vehicle.

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?
16
0

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