Skip to main content

2016 Kia Soul EV consumer reviews

$31,950 starting MSRP
side view of 2016 Soul EV Kia
(23 reviews)
82% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.7
  • Interior 4.5
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.3
  • Exterior 4.4
  • Reliability 4.4
Explore the 2016 Kia Soul EV
Shop the 2016 Kia Soul EV

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
0 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

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
13 people out of 15 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

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
23 people out of 24 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

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.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

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!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

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.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Interior 2.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 1.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
5 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

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 .

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

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.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

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.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 1.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

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.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No