HomeKiaKia Soul2016 Kia Soul
Consumer Reviews

2016 Kia Soul Consumer Reviews

Save This Car
Write a Review
4.6
(351 reviews)
2016 Kia Soul
5
81%
4
8%
3
4%
2
2%
1
5%
88%
Recommend this vehicle
Value
4.6
Performance
4.6
Quality
4.6
Comfort
4.7
Reliability
4.7
Styling
4.7
2016 Soul Overview
Among the 351 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 comfort and reliability to be its strongest features and value to be its weakest. 283 out of 351 of owners (81% 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.
See Cars for SaleBuild & Price

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.
Was this summary helpful?

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 351 reviews.


Nisha
6/14/2026
Styling :))
Pros

Value Comfort Quality Performance Styling

Cons

No

Super fun good gas mileage definitely my keeper car for years to come. Very good reputation, low cost maintenance. Comfort seating, plenty of space. Very nice and impressive vehicles. Different models to choose from, mine is the plus model. Strong reliable vehicle, fun to drive.

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?
7
0

Boebert
6/14/2026
My little subcompact car 😃
Pros

Nice comfortable seats, Reliable, Value

Hello people's reading my review. Well, for starters this car is fun. Reliable, getting me around and having a fuel efficiency car. I, like this car for many good reasons. Low cost maintenance. Fun to drive and having plenty of room for my items. The stereo is pretty neat. I, like how comfortable these seats are. It's a really nice affordable vehicle to own. No complaints!!

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?
6
0

Pepper
6/13/2026
Pretty good ride
Pros

Resale value, Reliable, Quality, Comfort

Small car boxy style, good gas mileage definitely a strong Kia warranty. Fun vehicle to drive, I find it to be very useful when I need the cargo area space. Comfortable seats heated, touch screen stereo with navigation. Good resale value, quality, performance, reliability.

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?
7
0

Carson
6/13/2026
Strong car's
Pros

Fuel efficiency, Value is good, Reliability

They are reliable, good quality, the performance is good enough. Comfortable seats, plenty of room. The cargo area is spacious with rear folding down seats. This car is amazing, different from other vehicles. I, can get into really nice and tight parking spaces especially parallel parking.

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?
7
0

Sadie
6/11/2026
Yes 👍
Pros

Quality is nice, Value, Reliability, Styling

Thumbs up, very good reputation vehicles. Fun to drive, and having plenty of space. Good fuel mileage, affordable service up keep. Comfortable seats, they are heated. Nice cargo area, and the luggage rack. Reliable, good performance and very nice styling exterior design.

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?
10
0

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
Was this review helpful?
14
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
Was this review helpful?
21
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
Was this review helpful?
21
0

More 2016 Kia Soul Consumer Reviews

kbb-logo-mini

Reviews You Can Trust

Kelley Blue Book has been a respected figure in the automotive world since 1926. Our commitment to maintaining this legacy is evident in our Consumer Reviews and Ratings. To ensure our customers receive candid, genuine, and impartial car reviews, we've teamed up with Bazaarvoice, a leader in the industry that employs cutting-edge fraud protection and state-of-the-art protocols to guarantee the authenticity of each review. At Kelley Blue Book, trust is the cornerstone of our relationship with our valued customers, and it’s the guiding principle in everything we do.
Advertisement