By 2016, the Kia Soul was no longer just the funky box that turned heads at traffic lights. It had grown up quietly, confidently, and without losing the personality that made it famous in the first place. While the exterior still carried that unmistakable upright stance and playful proportions, the real story of the 2016 Kia Soul lived in the details: smarter safety tech, richer interiors, and packaging decisions that made daily driving easier and more enjoyable.
This wasn’t a full redesign year, and Kia didn’t pretend it was. Instead, the brand focused on refinement—adding meaningful features that responded to how people were actually using the car. For buyers looking back at this model today, that approach is exactly what makes the 2016 Soul such a compelling used-car option.
A Familiar Shape With Sharper Style Choices
At a glance, the 2016 Soul looks much like its predecessor—and that’s intentional. Kia knew the design worked. The tall roofline, wide stance, and squared edges continued to deliver excellent visibility and cabin space, while also standing out in a sea of rounded compact crossovers.
What changed was how buyers could personalize it. Alloy wheels became standard across all trims, giving even base models a more premium curb appeal. The introduction of the Designer Collection added a fresh layer of flair, pairing two-tone paint schemes—such as white with a red roof or red with a black roof—with black-spoke wheels and subtle exterior accents. It was a nod to fashion-conscious buyers who wanted something expressive without going full aftermarket.
Interior Comfort That Quietly Raised the Bar
Step inside the 2016 Kia Soul, and the cabin immediately feels intentional. Controls are logically placed, sightlines are excellent, and the upright seating position makes even short drivers feel confident behind the wheel.
Kia made smart improvements across trims. Base models equipped with the Convenience Package gained a color touchscreen, satellite radio, and a rear-view camera—features that many rivals still treated as optional luxuries. The Plus trim added fog lights, gloss-black exterior details, and a standard camera, while the top Exclaim trim leaned into comfort with leather-trimmed seats as standard.
One standout option was the Umber Color Package, which introduced premium Nappa leather and warm interior tones—paired for 2016 with HID projector headlights. It gave the Soul a genuinely upscale feel that few competitors could match at the time.
I once spent an afternoon driving a 2016 Soul Exclaim through mixed city and highway traffic, and what stood out wasn’t speed or drama—it was how relaxed the cabin felt, even after hours behind the wheel.
Technology That Finally Felt Grown-Up
The biggest leap forward for the 2016 model year was technology—especially safety. Kia introduced Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning systems as part of the new Premium Package on the Exclaim trim. These features, borrowed from higher-end models like the K900, were still rare in the compact segment at the time.
Beyond safety, the Premium Package read like a wish list: built-in navigation, an upgraded Infinity audio system, mood lighting around the front speakers, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, heated seats for all four outboard positions, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a heated steering wheel. This level of equipment blurred the line between mainstream and near-luxury.
For drivers who valued comfort during long commutes or road trips, the Soul suddenly felt like a far more serious contender.
Powertrains Built for Real Life
Under the hood, the 2016 Kia Soul kept things straightforward—and that’s not a bad thing.
Base models used a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 130 horsepower. It wasn’t exciting, but it was dependable and efficient, especially for city driving. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual or automatic, which added flexibility rarely seen today.
Plus and Exclaim trims stepped up to a 2.0-liter engine with 164 horsepower, paired exclusively with an automatic transmission. This setup offered better highway confidence and smoother acceleration when fully loaded with passengers or cargo.
The Soul wasn’t built to chase lap times. Instead, it focused on predictability, comfort, and everyday usability—qualities that matter far more over years of ownership.
How It Fit Into Everyday Life
Picture a typical weekday: morning traffic, tight parking spaces, errands squeezed between meetings, and a quick highway run in the evening. This is where the 2016 Soul shines.
Its compact footprint makes urban driving effortless, while the tall roof and wide-opening doors simplify loading groceries, sports gear, or even flat-pack furniture. Rear passengers enjoy generous headroom, and the cargo area remains practical even with all seats in use.
For young professionals, small families, or downsizers who didn’t want an SUV, the Soul offered a surprisingly versatile solution.
A Look at the Competitive Landscape
Compared to its closest rivals, the Soul carved out a unique identity rather than chasing trends.
| Aspect | 2016 Kia Soul | Honda HR-V | Nissan Juke |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Space | Tall, roomy | Flexible but tighter | Cramped rear |
| Ride Comfort | Smooth & stable | Balanced | Firm, sporty |
| Technology | Advanced options | Conservative | Limited |
| Design Personality | Bold but practical | Neutral | Polarizing |
| Long-Term Appeal | Strong used value | Reliable but plain | Aging quickly |
While the HR-V focused on versatility and the Juke leaned heavily into styling, the Soul balanced character with comfort and technology—making it easier to live with long-term.
Why the 2016 Kia Soul Still Holds Its Ground
The reason this model continues to attract buyers today isn’t nostalgia—it’s value. The combination of modern safety features, a comfortable interior, and proven mechanical reliability makes it a smart choice in the used market.
Maintenance costs remain reasonable, parts availability is strong, and the design hasn’t aged poorly. In a world where many older compacts feel outdated, the 2016 Soul still feels relevant.
Related: 2015 Kia Soul Overview
Conclusion
The 2016 Kia Soul Overview represents a turning point where fun design met genuine maturity. It didn’t abandon its roots; it refined them. By adding meaningful safety tech, elevating interior comfort, and expanding personalization options, Kia turned the Soul into more than a style statement—it became a well-rounded daily companion.
For buyers seeking something practical, distinctive, and quietly upscale, the 2016 Soul continues to make a convincing case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2016 Kia Soul reliable?
Yes. With proper maintenance, the 2016 Soul is known for dependable performance and reasonable ownership costs.
Does the 2016 Soul have modern safety features?
Higher trims with the Premium Package offer forward collision and lane departure warnings, which were advanced for its time.
Which engine option is better?
The 2.0-liter engine in Plus and Exclaim trims offers better performance, especially for highway driving and heavier loads.
Is the 2016 Soul good for long drives?
Yes. Its upright seating, optional premium features, and smooth ride make it comfortable for extended trips.
Who should consider buying a 2016 Kia Soul today?
It’s ideal for city drivers, small families, and anyone seeking a reliable, character-filled used car with modern amenities.
