2016
Kia Soul EV

Starts at:
$31,950
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New 2016 Kia Soul EV
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Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 5dr Wgn EVe
    Starts at
    $31,950
    93 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Electric
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Wgn
    Starts at
    $33,950
    93 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Electric
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Wgn +
    Starts at
    $35,950
    93 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Electric
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2016 Kia Soul EV 2016 Kia Soul EV 2016 Kia Soul EV 2016 Kia Soul EV 2016 Kia Soul EV 2016 Kia Soul EV 2016 Kia Soul EV 2016 Kia Soul EV 2016 Kia Soul EV 2016 Kia Soul EV 2016 Kia Soul EV 2016 Kia Soul EV 2016 Kia Soul EV 2016 Kia Soul EV 2016 Kia Soul EV 2016 Kia Soul EV 2016 Kia Soul EV 2016 Kia Soul EV

Notable features

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

The good & the bad

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
See all specifications

Expert 2016 Kia Soul EV review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
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

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

Available cars near you

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Safety review

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

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years or newer / less than 80,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles
Dealer certification
165-point inspection
See all CPO program details

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Consumer reviews

82% of drivers recommend this car
4.3 / 5
Based on 23 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.7
Interior 4.5
Performance 4.0
Value 4.3
Exterior 4.4
Reliability 4.4

Most recent

  • By cartersamuel744 from Aurora Colorado
    Owns this car
    June 5, 2022

    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.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Bloomdog from Cleveland, OH
    Used to own this car
    March 9, 2021

    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.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    13 people out of 15 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Bewood from Washington, DC
    Owns this car
    December 14, 2020

    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!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    25 people out of 26 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Berine the DIY Guy from Kapolei, Hawaii
    Owns this car
    August 21, 2020

    Best car I have ever owned in 61 years.

    This car is totally electric. With the heavy battery underneath the car, it has a very stable ride and handles like a sports car which I also own. The interior and amenities are excellent. It looks like an ordinary Soul on the outside but the inside is like a luxury car. I love that I can use my excess solar energy to fuel the car and it emits no pollutants.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Bill from Los Angeles, CA
    Owns this car
    June 6, 2020

    Awesome car

    Car was great. Great utility. Great value. No gasoline needed. Apple Car Play means you have up to date electronics and features. Little maintenance. If you're looking for a commuter car this is it!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Joseph from Aurora, Colorado
    Owns this car
    January 3, 2020

    Save your money for a better EV.

    I own one of these 2016 Kia Soul EV, I bought it with less than 5k miles on it and mine only has 6k miles on it currently and here are some of my issues with it. Wouldn't recommend this car - Reason: - The range really does suck, even if it is just 100 miles. You WILL get some range anxiety at some point. - Feels like the slowest accelerating EV ever made. - Gets bad highway miles, this car needs a second gear for highway driving. - Poor aerodynamics, due to boxy design and poorly designed front end. - Battery goes dead fast unless you drive 50 MPH to 55 MPH, going over 65 is a quick way to drain your battery fast, and heat it up rapidly. (which damages it, KIA doesn't tell you this) - There is absolutely no way to monitor battery temperature without using some paid phone app, and it is VERY important to be able to monitor your battery temperature. - Has a Thermal management system, with reasonable air cooling, but has no liquid cooling! - The regenerative braking kinda sucks. - Had a recall for a steering linkage issue. - The car is comfortable until you hit a small bump in the road, as the top of your head smashes into the roof. -You can never trust the GOM. (Shows the remaining estimated mileage left on the battery) -Loses 15% to 30% of its range in the cold weather. -Battery gets very stressed if you charge with DC fast chargers and will rapidly lose its range, if you continue to use them or charge your vehicle past 80%. -Backup camera could be better. My advice? Save your money. There are so many new EVs coming out with more range, better battery management. Don't waste your time with the 2014-2019 KIA Soul EV, the 2011 - 2018 Nissan Leaf.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 3.0
    5 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Martha from Los angeles
    Owns this car
    December 28, 2019

    Charge on battery very misleading

    I bought this car used 3 months ago and my biggest regret so far . my issue with the car is the battery keeps decreasing. When I first bought it a full charge was 78. Now a full charge gets me 65-67. I don’t know how much more it’s going to decrease and the dealership hasn’t been very helpful. “The battery passed the cell test” “the battery holds a full charge”. I can’t go anywhere to far with out the worrying about charging somewhere . Using the heater right now really drops my range . limited on places to go within my current 65-67 mile range .
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By EVjax from Fallbrook, CA
    Owns this car
    September 12, 2019

    Pleasantly surprised by this electric vehicle!

    Certified, pre-owned sun and fun package Kia Soul EV with all the bells and whistles I was looking for in a replacement for my 14 year old Scion xB. A great commuter car with a terrific warranty, just suits my needs, and, after 5 weeks, no concerns about charging.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Jstackeaa from Chandler,az
    Used to own this car
    June 24, 2019

    No battery cooling ,poor choice

    In the Phoenix az area the battery on all 10 i checked failed. The controller also shut dowm twice in rush hour from heat. It took over a month to get the battery replaced. A terrible elevtric in any hot area of the world.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By kyreds from Corbin Ky
    Owns this car
    November 14, 2018

    Great Car for the money!!!

    This car although it looks small has a lot of leg room in it! Gets decent Mileage & is loaded! Great value for the money! Would buy another one.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By MoNilla from Culver City
    Owns this car
    October 13, 2018

    When I Put A Car in Park I Expect It To Stay There

    I ended up liking this car a lot more than I expected to- having cold AC blow up your xxx is something you really have to experience to fully appreciate. Everything was just great until...one day I put it in "park", got out to move something out of my parking spot, and it rolled down the driveway and hit the wall. $2000 in damages. Did I mention it was in "PARK"? At first KIA Corporate was cool but then they stopped answering my calls. I took it to the dealership. They checked it over and said "We can't find anything wrong with it". Great. Just great. Thanks for that, guys! Want to see my pictures of the car resting up against the wall while the shifter is in "PARK"? Unbelievable.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By CoryB from Snohomish, WA
    Owns this car
    April 27, 2018

    Smooth, quiet ride

    I love driving this car. It isn't zippy, but it has smooth acceleration, and costs only roughly $20 a month for 1000 miles in "gas". I love the light colored interior and the panoramic sunroof, but the navigation is lacking and constantly sends us through residental / farm roads. The voice navigation has no Point of interest lookup, so you have to say the address. It takes less time to just ask google to navigate where i need to go. Sirius XM traffic data is lacking coverage as well, leaving the navigation experience very lacking.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all reviews

Latest news from cars.com

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2015-2016 Kia Soul EV: Recall Alert

Approximately 3,700 Kia Soul EV hatchbacks are being recalled for their parking mechanisms. Read more

2014-2016 Kia Soul, Soul EV: Recall Alert

Approximately 342,000 mdoel-year 2014-16 Kia Soul and Soul EV 
 hatchbacks are being recalled for the steering assembly pinion plug.

2014-2016 Kia Soul, Kia Soul EV Steering Issue

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Kia dealers near you

See all Kia dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2016 Kia Soul EV?

The 2016 Kia Soul EV is available in 3 trim levels:

  • (1 style)
  • + (1 style)
  • EVe (1 style)

What is the electric range of the 2016 Kia Soul EV?

The 2016 Kia Soul EV can travel 93 miles on a single charge depending on electric motor and battery options.

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, trim level, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2016 Kia Soul EV?

The 2016 Kia Soul EV compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2016 Kia Soul EV reliable?

The 2016 Kia Soul EV has an average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2016 Kia Soul EV owners.

Is the 2016 Kia Soul EV a good Hatchback?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2016 Kia Soul EV. 82.6% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 23 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.7
  • Interior: 4.5
  • Performance: 4.0
  • Value: 4.3
  • Exterior: 4.4
  • Reliability: 4.4

Kia Soul EV history

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