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2016 Kia Soul EV

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$31,950

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Hatchback

Body style

105
Combined MPGe Combined MPGe

Miles per gallon-equivalent is how the EPA provides efficiency ratings for battery-electric vehicles in a way that can be used in comparison with gasoline-powered vehicles. Actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.

Related: Top 10 Most Efficient Electric Cars
93 mi.
EPA-est. range EPA-est. range

EPA-estimated range is the distance, or predicted distance, a new plug-in vehicle will travel on electric power before its battery charge is exhausted. Actual range will vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.

Related: Electric Cars With The Longest Range
4 hrs.
Level 2 charging Level 2 charging

Charge time estimates are based on using a 240-volt charging circuit charging from empty to 100% battery capacity. Level 2 is the fastest way to charge at home, though charging times can vary and are dependent on factors such as the capabilities of the charging circuit, charging equipment and the vehicle’s onboard charger. Level 2 charging time provided by Chrome Data, a JD Power company.

24 mins.
DC fast charging DC fast charging

DC fast charging is the fastest way to charge and only available at pay-for-use public charging stations, though some EVs come with complimentary charging for a limited time. Real-world DC fast charging times can vary greatly, even on the same vehicle, because of this type of charging’s sensitivities to ambient and battery conditions. DC fast charging time provided by Chrome Data, a JD Power company.

27 kWh
Battery capacity Battery capacity

Battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours, which is a measure of how much energy is used over time. A 70-kWh battery has more energy capacity than a 50-kWh battery and would result in a longer driving range if all other factors were equal. But more battery capacity doesn’t always mean longer range because of differences in energy consumption from vehicle to vehicle. Battery capacity provided by Chrome Data, a JD Power company.

5

Seating capacity

163” x 63”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(23 reviews)

The good:

  • Interior quality
  • Long list of features
  • Decent passenger space

The bad:

  • Slow acceleration
  • Unusual paint scheme
  • Long recharge time on household 120-volt current
  • Tight cargo space

3 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2016 Kia Soul EV trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Hatchbacks for 2024

Notable features

  • Five-seat subcompact electric car
  • Electric motor, single-speed transmission
  • EPA-estimated 93-mile range
  • Unique color schemes, interior styling

2016 Kia Soul EV review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

Based on the recently redesigned front-wheel-drive Kia Soul subcompact car, the Soul EV in 2015 joined the growing list of small battery-electric vehicles on sale primarily in states that mandate zero-emissions vehicles.

The Soul EV uses a 109-horsepower electric motor driving the front wheels through a single-speed gear reduction transmission. The battery is a 27-kilowatt-hour, air-cooled lithium-ion pack under the floor that provides a 93-mile driving range, according to the EPA. The battery pack eliminates about 3 inches of rear legroom.

Recharging happens through one of three methods. A full recharge takes about 24 hours on a standard household 120-volt Level 1 outlet and drops to about five hours on a 240-volt Level 2 fast charger. A third option is a 480-volt DC fast charger, typically only available at industrial locations or commercial charge stations, which can recharge the car to about 80 percent in just 33 minutes.
New for 2016
A lower-priced Soul EV-e model is available in California and it comes without features such as navigation and a backup camera that are standard on other models. All models get an illuminated MP3 jack and USB port and a lock for the charging port nozzle. The top-of-the-line Plus model gets a new Fun & Sun Package that includes a panoramic sunroof, LED interior lighting and speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the audio system.
Significant Standard Features

  • 109-horsepower electric motor
  • 27-kwh, air-cooled lithium-ion pack
  • Single-speed transmission driving front wheels
  • 16-inch alloy wheels
  • Air conditioning with driver-only ventilation mode
  • Heated front seats and steering wheel
  • Driver-selectable steering assist
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Leather upholstery
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Heated outboard rear seats
  • UVO multimedia system
  • Navigation system with 8-inch display
  • Power-folding side mirrors
  • Rear camera
  • Parking assist with front and rear sensors

Consumer reviews

(23 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.7
  • Interior 4.5
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.3
  • Exterior 4.4
  • Reliability 4.4
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Most recent consumer reviews

Don't run over a crub!!!

When I first got it it ran great but after running over a crub,it doesn't run the same way anymore.it overheats and check engine activates.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Best Everyday EV on the Market, At the Time

This is a great "entry level" EV crossover if the estimated 96-mile range doesn't scare you off. (I topped out @ 108-miles on an 80-degree day.) Good comfort for a 200#+ driver and three additional passengers w/luggage or groceries.Little change in maximum mileage over three-year lease period, even in sub-zero weather. Hauls a lot of stuff, including 8' lumber with rear seats down. Hated to give it up at lease end.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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Much Less Weird, Much More Cool Than I Thought!

Have owned my 2016 Kia Soul EV (Base) for 3 weeks now, and put a couple hundred miles on it. It is the perfect car for commuting. I have a 16 mile round trip to and from work, and I’ve never had range anxiety or any problems whatsoever with this car. I also own a 2017 Kia Sedona EX minivan, and the infotainment features, climate control and window/door buttons and procedures are very similar (mostly identical), and comparable. (Back up camera, heated seats, heated steering wheel, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto). This is a well equipped car! While I have used the Soul EV primarily for commuting, I have also loaded up the family (wife, 3 kids) and taken it around town, and it performed admirably. We fit 3 car seats in the back, and it was obviously a tighter fit than the Sedona, but the kids (5, 3, 1) had no complaints. For performance, I can’t say it’s very fast. Top speed is 90mph. But the old girl is QUICK! The 0-60 time isn’t impressive, but 0-30? You’re burning cats off the line! The instant torque you have available with an electric drivetrain is awesome for quick maneuvering in the city and on non interstate highways. Merging into traffic is NO problem. In fact, I feel better merging in with the Soul EV than a normal car. One thing that is unique about the 2014-2016 Soul EV’s is that you can set the car to charge at home on a timer, and have it charge up to either 80% or 100%. The option to stop at 80% was removed for the 2017 and newer models due to some bizarre EPA rule. Many people want to stop at 80% regularly because it’s better for the long term health of the battery to only charge to 100% when that range is really needed. This makes the 2016 and older somewhat desirable for those who are concerned about battery life. It makes it quite simple to manage the battery in a healthy way. The 2016 being the newest with that option makes it particularly a good buy when you can find one. One thing to make clear about the battery life is that these cars all have a 10 year/100,000 mile EV system warranty, including the battery pack. This warranty transfers to each subsequent owner, and is effective from the day it’s sold to the first customer. When the battery reaches a state of health (SOH) level below 70% of new, Kia will repair or replace it for free, under this warranty, regardless of number of owners, as long as you’re under 10/100k. For example, my 2016 wasn’t originally sold until Aug 2017. That means I have a full battery warranty till Aug 2027 or 100k miles. I’m at 19738 miles today. I think there are many of these types of situations sitting on lots today. Cars with lots of battery life and warranty left. At LOW prices. The 2014-2018 Souls have depreciated a lot since new, due primarily to one factor: The 2019-2020 and newer EV’s from Kia/Hyundai, Chevy, and others have more than doubled the range of these older ones. They are all above 200 and creeping up on 300 miles of electric range. That’s great! But if you don’t currently have 30-40k to spend on a new one, and don’t have a 70-80+ mile daily commute, then these 100 miler 2014-2018’s are a STEAL right now. They’re going as low as 10-12k in some cases at the moment, and may go even a bit lower. But many are low mileage, in excellent shape, have lots of battery life and warranty left. And they’re still well equipped like they are a $35k new vehicle -which they were in 2016. I’ll end by saying, I feel sad for my poor old gas Sedona. I just don’t feel like driving it anymore! We have her for the occasional large load or longer trip... but I have to say: I only go to the gas station for snacks and drinks these days! Owning an EV is WAY more cool and MUCH less weird and stressful than I thought it would be!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Safety

Based on the 2016 Kia Soul EV base trim.
Combined side rating front seat
5
Combined side rating rear seat
5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5
Overall rating
5
Overall side crash rating
5
Risk of rollover
14.7%
Rollover rating
4
Side barrier rating
5
Side barrier rating driver
5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Kia
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
60 months/60,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/100,000 miles
Powertrain
120 months/100,000 miles
Roadside assistance
60 months/60,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
6 years or newer/less than 80,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
12 months/12,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required
165-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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