New for 2016

The 2016 Kia Soul gets even more goodies for the new year, including two-tone paint and lane-departure and forward-collision warning systems. Kia has also enhanced the various trim levels: the base model gets standard alloy wheels, the Plus trim gains fog lights and a rearview camera, and the Exclaim gains leather seats. The Soul just keeps getting better!

Soul Mate 

You'd be hard-pressed to find another car like the Soul. Kia's popular urban wagon has endeared itself to drivers across the country, but you don't have to be a hip-hopping hamster to appreciate the Soul's charming design and exceptional interior. In fact, the interior is where the Soul truly wins customers over. Thanks to its boxy frame, the Soul maximizes interior comfort, while its fuel-efficient engine - and attractive starting MSRP of $15,900* - make the Soul a perfect mate for the budget-conscious. 

Powertrains and Performance

Having options is a wonderful thing and the front-wheel-drive 2016 Kia Soul is happy to oblige. It’s available with your choice of 1.6-liter four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The former comes mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission (a six-speed automatic is optional) and serves up 130 horsepower and 118 pound feet of torque, while the latter is only available with the six-speed automatic and produces 164 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque.

Getting the most mileage out of your tank is a quality we can all value, and its one the 2016 Soul excels at. Fuel economy for models outfitted with the 1.6-liter return 26 mpg combined (24 city/30 highway) with either transmission,** while 2.0-liter models earn 26 mpg combined (23 city/ 31 highway).** For increased fuel economy, certain Soul models can be equipped with an available Eco package, which increased fuel economy.

Features and Trims

With four doors and seating for five, the 2016 Kia Soul is as versatile as it is stylish. It’s available in three trim levels: base, + (Plus), and ! (Exclaim). 

Base models come with 16-inch alloy wheels (new for 2016), rear privacy glass, full power accessories, driver-selectable steering settings, air-conditioning, and cloth upholstery. There’s even a handy roof rack for mounting all manner of equipment, and the rear seats feature a 60/40-split fold which makes carrying awkward cargo even easier.

The base Soul also comes with a wide array of standard tech amenities, including Bluetooth® functionality that allows you to pair your smartphone, make calls (hands-free), and stream music, as well as a six-speaker sound system, complete with CD player, satellite radio, and USB/iPod® interface.

Step up to the Soul+ and you get a more powerful 2.0-liter engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, cruise control, and upgraded cloth upholstery. The + also comes with a fold-down rear-seat armrest and a front seat center armrest that provides extra storage. For 2016, the Soul+ adds to its repertoire with foglight and a rearview camera for your convenience. 

The Soul+ also gets access to Kia’s UVO eServices package, along with the UVO infotainment that features geo-fencing, speed alert, voice control, and Internet radio capability.

For the crème of the crop Soul!, buyers get all the + model’s standard equipment (including the UVO eServices package) as well as 18-inch wheels, exclusive body-colored fascia accents, LED daytime running lights, power-folding side mirrors, and an eight-way power driver seat with two-way power lumbar support. The Soul! also adds to its premium vibe with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, and new-for-2016 standard leather upholstery.

The 2016 Soul! can be outfitted further with a number of optional packages. Of note is the Premium package, which packs in xenon headlights, LED taillights, a lane-departure wanring system, and forward collision warning. 

Design

The Soul’s design may not resonate with everyone right off the bat, but once you learn how much you benefit from its funky yet functional design we’re confident you’ll fall head over heels in love with its boxy frame. 

The 2016 Soul retains the original’s tall rectangular profile, providing abundant headroom and luggage space. The high roof also allows for elevated seating positions, and provides the type of visibility often associated with a traditional SUV or crossover. There’s even 19 cubic feet of cargo room which grows to a massive 61 cubic feet with both sections of the 60/40-split rear seatbacks folded down. For the unaware, that’s greater than compact wagons and on par with many smaller SUVs.

This brilliant mix of form and function lives harmoniously alongside a cabin brimming with quality materials, which belie the Soul’s modest price tag. Climbing up the trim level ladder naturally increases that price tag but with worthy features often found in much more expensive models, it is well and truly worth it.

Safety

The 2016 Kia Soul model features a robust list of standard safety equipment. This includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes, hill-start assist, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. A rearview camera is now standard on the Soul+, adding additional peace of mind and value. 

Drivers looking for even more in the way safety features can opt for the Soul!'s optional lane departure warning and forrward collision warning systems. Additional safety equipment includes the optional UVO eServices package.

Bottom Line

True value for your money isn't always easy to come by, especially when purchasing a new car. Thankfully, the 2016 Kia Soul is here to change that for the better. Not only does the Soul back up its style with an abundance of standard and available safety features, but it also offers a spacious and premium cabin that is as versatile as a crossover SUV. And at nearly half the price of a small crossover SUV, the Kia Soul has got enough soul and charm to win you over time and again. 

For more information, or to schedule a test drive, be sure to contact or visit us at 3Birds Template today.

* Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest model trim. MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, taxes, title, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

** Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle’s condition.

Image: Kia