2016 Kia Soul: A Detailed Overview
The 2016 Kia Soul continued its reign as a quirky and practical compact car, offering a unique blend of style, versatility, and value. Known for its distinctive boxy design, the Soul appealed to buyers seeking something a little different in the segment, without sacrificing everyday usability.
Highlights
- Engine Options: The 2016 Kia Soul offered two distinct engine choices to cater to different driving needs:
- 1.6L Four-Cylinder Engine: This standard engine delivered a respectable 130 horsepower and 118 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. It provided adequate power for city driving and general commuting.
- 2.0L Four-Cylinder Engine: Available on higher trims, this more potent engine produced 164 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, also mated to a six-speed automatic. This offered a more engaging driving experience and better acceleration.
- Safety Features: Kia equipped the 2016 Soul with a suite of active and passive safety features to enhance occupant protection:
- Antilock Braking System (ABS): This system prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC helps prevent skids and loss of traction by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power when it detects a loss of steering control.
- Traction Control System (TCS): TCS helps prevent wheel spin when accelerating, especially on slippery surfaces, by reducing engine power or applying brakes to the spinning wheel.
- Hill Start Assist Control (HSAC): HSAC automatically prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an incline.
- Front, Side-Curtain, and Knee Airbags: A comprehensive airbag system provides protection for occupants in various impact scenarios.
- Optional Advanced Safety Features: Depending on the trim level, the Soul could be equipped with more advanced driver-assistance systems such as a rearview camera, parking sensors, and a forward collision warning system (though not all were available on every trim).
- Trim Level Summary: The 2016 Soul was available in three distinct trim levels, each offering increasing levels of features and refinement:
- Base (or simply Soul): The entry-level trim provided the core Soul experience with essential features, including power windows and locks, air conditioning, and a basic audio system.
- +!/!Plus/! (or Soul Plus): This mid-range trim added more desirable amenities like upgraded upholstery, a better audio system with a touchscreen display, alloy wheels, and often the more powerful 2.0L engine.
- !!Exclaim/! (or Soul Exclaim): The top-tier trim boasted the most premium features, including leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, navigation, and often the sport-tuned suspension for the "Exclaim" models.
- Notable Aspects:
- Unique Styling: The Soul's iconic boxy silhouette remained a major selling point, offering a distinctive personality in a segment often dominated by more conventional designs.
- Spacious Interior: Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Soul offered a surprisingly roomy and airy cabin, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.
- Versatile Cargo Space: The upright design translated to a practical cargo area with a low liftgate, making it easy to load and unload groceries, luggage, or even larger items.
- Comfortable Ride: The suspension was tuned for a comfortable and compliant ride, absorbing road imperfections well, making it a pleasant companion for daily commutes.
- User-Friendly Technology: Kia's infotainment systems were generally intuitive and easy to use, with clear graphics and logical menu layouts.
What to Expect
Owning a 2016 Kia Soul typically translates to a reliable and practical ownership experience. Kia has a reputation for building durable vehicles, and the Soul is no exception.
- Maintenance: Routine maintenance is generally straightforward and affordable. Expect regular oil changes, filter replacements, tire rotations, and brake checks. The parts are readily available, and most routine tasks can be handled by a competent mechanic or even a DIY enthusiast. Scheduled maintenance intervals are typically in line with industry standards.
- Insurance: Insurance costs for the 2016 Kia Soul are generally competitive, especially when compared to larger SUVs or sportier vehicles. Factors like your driving record, location, and chosen coverage levels will influence the exact premium. However, as a mass-market compact car, it's not typically considered a high-risk vehicle for insurance companies.
Potential Considerations
While the 2016 Kia Soul offers a compelling package, there are a few potential considerations buyers should be aware of:
- Engine Power: While the 2.0L engine offers adequate performance, the base 1.6L engine can feel a bit underpowered, especially when accelerating from a standstill or carrying a full load of passengers and cargo. For those prioritizing spirited driving, the 2.0L is a noticeable upgrade.
- Road Noise: At highway speeds, some road noise can permeate the cabin. While not overly intrusive for most, it's worth noting for those sensitive to interior quietness.
- Basic Interior Materials: On lower trim levels, the interior materials can feel a bit utilitarian and less premium than some competitors. Higher trims do improve upon this with better upholstery and finishes.
- No All-Wheel Drive Option: The 2016 Soul was exclusively a front-wheel-drive vehicle. Buyers in regions with significant snowfall or challenging road conditions might prefer an all-wheel-drive option.
- Limited Rear Visibility: The styling, while unique, does contribute to somewhat limited rearward visibility, particularly through the smaller rear window and thicker C-pillars. A backup camera, if equipped, is a valuable addition.
Overall Summary
The 2016 Kia Soul stands out as a practical, stylish, and value-oriented compact car that successfully carved its own niche. Its distinctive design, surprisingly spacious interior, and comfortable ride make it an attractive option for a wide range of buyers, from urban commuters to small families. While it may not offer the most exhilarating performance or the most luxurious interior materials, its overall reliability, user-friendly features, and overall practicality cement its position as a strong contender in the compact car segment.
