Is the 2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle a Good Car Find Out Now

The 2016 Kia Soul EV is a standout compact electric car, offering a practical 93-mile range, nimble handling, and a surprisingly spacious interior—all at a competitive price. With its quirky design and strong reliability ratings, it’s a smart choice for urban commuters seeking affordability and low maintenance in an eco-friendly package.

Key Takeaways

• Affordable pricing: Great value for budget-conscious EV buyers.
• 100-mile range: Ideal for city commutes, not long trips.
• Spacious interior: Roomy cabin and cargo area for its class.
• Slow charging: Level 2 charge takes 5+ hours—plan ahead.
• Basic tech features: Lacks advanced driver aids and infotainment.
• Reliable build: Kia’s warranty and durability stand out.

Is the 2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle a Good Car? Let’s Find Out

The world of electric vehicles (EVs) has grown rapidly over the last decade, but finding a model that balances affordability, practicality, and performance can still feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Enter the 2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle—a quirky, boxy compact that dares to be different in a sea of sleek sedans and SUVs. At first glance, it’s hard not to smile at its cartoonish charm. But behind that friendly face lies a real contender in the early wave of affordable EVs. So, is the 2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle a good car? That’s the question we’re tackling today—not just from a specs perspective, but from the real-world experience of owners, commuters, and families who’ve lived with this little electric box on wheels.

When the Soul EV launched in 2014, it was Kia’s first serious foray into the electric market. By 2016, it had matured with a few key upgrades, making it more competitive against rivals like the Nissan Leaf and Ford Focus Electric. But competition is just one piece of the puzzle. What really matters is how it handles your daily grind: Can it get you to work and back? Is it comfortable for longer trips? Does it feel worth the price tag? We’ll dive into all of that and more, sharing real-life insights, pros, cons, and practical tips to help you decide whether this electric Kia deserves a spot in your garage. Whether you’re a first-time EV buyer or a seasoned green driver, this honest, no-nonsense review will help you find out—once and for all—if the 2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle is a good car.

Design and Exterior: Quirky, Compact, and Surprisingly Practical

Let’s start with what you see first: the design. The 2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle keeps the same boxy, “tall hatchback” silhouette that made the gas-powered Soul a hit. But it adds unique touches to signal its electric soul. From the front, you’ll notice the closed-off grille (since EVs don’t need airflow like combustion engines), blue-tinted accents, and distinctive LED daytime running lights that give it a futuristic vibe. The charging port is neatly hidden behind the Kia logo on the front grille—a clever touch that keeps the look clean.

Exterior Features That Stand Out

• LED Lighting: Both front and rear lights use LEDs, which are brighter, more energy-efficient, and last longer than traditional bulbs.
• Unique 16-inch Alloy Wheels: The Soul EV comes with lightweight, aerodynamic wheels designed to reduce drag and improve range.
• Blue Accent Trim: The signature blue highlights on the grille, side mirrors, and badging subtly announce that this isn’t just another Soul—it’s the electric one.
• Rear Spoiler and Roof Rails: Adds a sporty flair and practicality for mounting cargo carriers.

Now, let’s talk practicality. The Soul EV’s boxy shape isn’t just for show—it maximizes interior space. At just 163 inches long, it’s easy to park in tight city spots, yet the upright roofline gives it a surprising amount of headroom. I remember driving one through downtown Portland during a rainstorm. I pulled up to a narrow parallel spot, and the high seating position made it easy to judge the edges. The large side windows and thin A-pillars also help with visibility—a big plus in urban environments.

Build Quality and Materials

While the Soul EV’s exterior is mostly plastic (common for compact cars), the fit and finish are solid. Panel gaps are tight, and the paint holds up well over time. One owner I spoke with, Sarah from Seattle, said her 2016 Soul EV still looks “like new” after six years of daily use, even with frequent exposure to salt and rain. That’s a win for durability. However, the plastic front fenders and bumpers can scratch more easily than metal, so be careful in tight parking situations. A few minor dings are inevitable in city driving, but nothing that affects performance.

Color Options and Personalization

In 2016, the Soul EV was offered in three main colors: Clear White, Titanium Silver, and Shadow Black. All come with the blue EV accents. While the palette is limited, the clean, modern look ages well. Some owners have added custom wraps or decals to personalize their Soul EV—especially popular among younger drivers who love the car’s playful personality. Think of it as a blank canvas for your electric lifestyle.

Interior and Comfort: Room for Four, Not Five

Step inside the 2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle, and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels more spacious than it looks. Thanks to the high roof and flat floor (no transmission tunnel), there’s plenty of legroom and shoulder space. The seats are firm but supportive, with a mix of cloth and leatherette in the base model and full leather in the upgraded trim. The driving position is upright, almost SUV-like, which many find comfortable for long drives.

Seating and Passenger Space

• Front Seats: Adjustable for height, with good lumbar support. The driver gets a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, which helps find the perfect position.
• Rear Seats: Best for two adults or three kids. The center seat is narrow and has a high floor hump, so it’s not ideal for adults on long trips.
• Headroom: Exceptional—over 40 inches in both front and back. Taller passengers will appreciate this.

One thing I noticed during a weekend road trip with my family: the rear seats recline slightly and have adjustable headrests, which made the kids much happier on a 3-hour drive. The large side windows also reduce the “tunnel effect” common in boxy cars, making the cabin feel airy.

Materials and Build Quality Inside

The interior uses a mix of hard and soft plastics. The dash and door panels are mostly hard plastic, which can feel a bit cheap compared to newer EVs. But the surfaces are well-textured and resist fingerprints. The center console has a soft-touch finish, and the door armrests are padded. It’s not luxury-grade, but it’s durable and easy to clean—perfect for families or pet owners.

Storage and Practicality

The Soul EV shines here. The cargo area offers 18.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats—enough for a stroller, groceries, or a weekend’s worth of luggage. Fold the rear seats down, and you get 49.5 cubic feet. That’s more than many small crossovers. There’s also a small storage bin under the cargo floor for the charging cable, and clever cubbies throughout the cabin: a deep center console, door pockets, and a sunglasses holder in the ceiling.

Pro tip: Use the under-floor storage for your Level 1 (120V) charging cord. It keeps the trunk tidy and protects the cable from weather when parked outside.

Performance and Driving Experience: Smooth, Quiet, and City-Friendly

Now, let’s talk about what really matters: how the 2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle drives. Under the hood (well, under the floor) is a 81.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an 81.4 kW (109 horsepower) electric motor. That might not sound like much compared to today’s EVs, but it’s perfectly suited for city life. The Soul EV delivers 210 lb-ft of torque instantly—no waiting for revs. That means quick, smooth acceleration from a stop, which is great for merging onto highways or darting through traffic.

Acceleration and Power Delivery

0 to 60 mph takes about 11 seconds, which is slow by sports car standards but feels just right in urban settings. The power delivery is linear and predictable. There are two driving modes: Normal and Eco. Eco mode reduces throttle response and HVAC output to extend range. I found Normal mode ideal for most situations. Eco is useful when you’re low on charge and need to stretch every mile.

One thing I love: the regenerative braking. The Soul EV has a paddle on the steering wheel that lets you adjust regen strength on the fly. Pull it once for moderate regen (like engine braking), or twice for strong regen (almost one-pedal driving). I used strong regen in stop-and-go traffic and found I rarely needed the brake pedal. It’s a game-changer for efficiency and reduces brake wear.

Handling and Ride Comfort

The Soul EV is no sports car, but it handles well for its size. The steering is light and responsive, perfect for zipping through city streets. The suspension absorbs bumps better than you’d expect. On a rough road in Chicago, the Soul EV handled potholes better than my friend’s gas-powered compact sedan. The low center of gravity (thanks to the floor-mounted battery) reduces body roll in corners, making it feel planted.

However, the ride can feel a bit stiff on poorly maintained roads. The low-profile tires and firm suspension prioritize efficiency over comfort. If you live in an area with bad pavement, consider upgrading to slightly taller tires (within manufacturer specs) for a smoother ride.

Noise Levels and Refinement

One of the best things about the Soul EV: it’s quiet. At low speeds, the only sound is the faint whine of the motor and the hum of tires. At highway speeds (60+ mph), wind and road noise increase, but it’s still quieter than most gas cars. The cabin insulation is good, and the electric motor is nearly silent. I remember pulling up to a stoplight and realizing I couldn’t hear the car running—just the birds chirping. It’s a peaceful experience, especially after years of driving noisy combustion engines.

Range, Charging, and Efficiency: The Real-World Numbers

Here’s where the 2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle shows its age—but also its strengths. The EPA-rated range is 93 miles on a full charge. That’s less than today’s EVs (many now offer 200+ miles), but it’s solid for a 2016 model. In real-world use, most owners report 70–90 miles, depending on driving style, temperature, and HVAC use.

Real-World Range Breakdown

Condition	Average Range (Miles)	Notes
City Driving (65°F, no HVAC)	90–95	Best-case scenario; stop-and-go with regen braking
Highway Driving (70 mph, AC on)	65–75	Speed and AC reduce efficiency
Cold Weather (20°F, heater on)	50–60	Heater uses significant power; preheat while plugged in
Mixed Driving (50/50 city/highway)	75–85	Most common real-world usage

Charging Options and Times

• Level 1 (120V): Adds 3–5 miles of range per hour. A full charge takes 24+ hours. Use for overnight charging at home.
• Level 2 (240V): Adds 20–25 miles per hour. Full charge in 4–5 hours. Ideal for home or public stations.
• DC Fast Charging (CHAdeMO): Adds 50–60 miles in 30 minutes. Available at public stations (rare in 2016, but growing).

Pro tip: Install a Level 2 charger at home if possible. It’s a one-time investment (around $500–$1,000 with installation) that saves hours of waiting. I installed one in my garage and never looked back. I wake up every morning with a “full tank.”

Energy Efficiency

The Soul EV gets 105 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) combined, according to the EPA. That’s excellent for its time. In city driving, it can exceed 110 MPGe thanks to regen braking. At 15,000 miles per year, it costs about $600 in electricity (at $0.13/kWh), compared to $1,500+ for a gas car. Over five years, that’s $4,500 in fuel savings—enough to cover the cost of a home charger and more.

Technology and Features: Simple, Functional, and Reliable

The 2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle isn’t packed with the latest tech, but it gets the essentials right. The centerpiece is a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. It’s not the fastest system, but it’s intuitive and rarely glitches. I found the voice command system surprisingly accurate for setting destinations or making calls.

Infotainment and Connectivity

• Touchscreen: Bright and responsive, though a bit slow to boot up in cold weather.
• Navigation: Preloaded maps with EV-specific routing (shows charging stations along your route).
• Bluetooth: Supports hands-free calling and audio streaming. Pairing is quick and reliable.
• USB and Aux Port: Located in the center console for easy access.

One standout feature: the EV-specific energy monitor. It shows real-time power usage, regen braking, and estimated range. You can even see how much energy the AC or heater is using. I used this daily to optimize my driving and extend range.

Safety and Driver Aids

The Soul EV comes with standard safety features like ABS, stability control, and six airbags. Available options (on higher trims) include:

• Rearview Camera: Standard—essential for parking.
• Parking Sensors: Front and rear (helpful in tight spots).
• Automatic Climate Control: Keeps cabin at a set temperature efficiently.

Note: The 2016 model doesn’t have advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise or lane-keeping. That’s a limitation compared to newer EVs, but for city driving, it’s not a dealbreaker.

Charging and Battery Management

The Soul EV includes a battery preconditioning feature. When plugged in, you can schedule the cabin to heat or cool before you leave, using grid power instead of battery. This preserves range in extreme weather. I used this every winter morning—my car was warm, and my battery was ready to go.

Ownership Costs, Reliability, and Long-Term Value

Let’s talk money. The 2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle had a starting MSRP of $31,950. After the $7,500 federal tax credit (available at the time), the effective price dropped to $24,450. That’s competitive with the Nissan Leaf and Ford Focus Electric. Today, used Soul EVs sell for $8,000–$12,000 depending on condition and range.

Reliability and Maintenance

Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (including the battery) is a huge plus. Most 2016 Soul EVs are still under warranty for battery and electric motor. Owners report excellent reliability. Common issues include:

• Minor software glitches (fixed with updates).
• 12V battery drain (common in EVs; replace every 3–5 years).
• Wear on regen braking system (rare, but check during service).

Maintenance costs are low. No oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust systems. Just tire rotations, cabin air filters, and brake fluid checks. One owner told me he spent $300 over five years on maintenance—compared to $2,000 for his previous gas car.

Depreciation and Resale Value

The Soul EV depreciates faster than gas models, but slower than other early EVs. A well-maintained 2016 model with 60,000 miles can still fetch $10,000–$12,000. That’s better than the Leaf, which tends to lose value faster due to battery degradation concerns. Kia’s warranty helps maintain trust in the battery’s longevity.

Total Cost of Ownership

Over five years, a 2016 Soul EV can save you $5,000–$7,000 in fuel, maintenance, and tax credits compared to a gas-powered compact car. Factor in lower insurance (often 5–10% cheaper for EVs), and the savings grow. It’s not just green—it’s economical.

Final Verdict: Is the 2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle a Good Car?

So, is the 2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle a good car? Yes—for the right driver. It’s not perfect, but it hits a sweet spot of affordability, practicality, and electric efficiency. If you’re a city dweller, a short-commute commuter, or a family looking for a second car, the Soul EV is a smart choice. Its 93-mile range is enough for most daily needs, and its boxy design offers space and visibility that rivals can’t match.

You’ll love the smooth, quiet ride, the clever storage, and the low running costs. You might miss advanced tech or long-range capability, but for its era, the Soul EV was ahead of the curve. And with Kia’s legendary warranty, you can buy one with confidence—even today.

Think of it this way: the 2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle isn’t trying to be a Tesla. It’s a practical, fun, and reliable electric car that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to go green. If your lifestyle fits its range and features, it’s not just a good car—it’s a great one. So go ahead, take one for a test drive. You might just fall in love with that little electric box on wheels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle a good car for city driving?

The 2016 Kia Soul EV excels in city environments thanks to its compact size, nimble handling, and 93-mile range. Its instant torque and smooth acceleration make stop-and-go traffic easier to manage.

How does the 2016 Kia Soul EV compare to other electric cars in its class?

The 2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle stands out with its spacious cabin and practical cargo area, outperforming rivals like the Nissan Leaf in interior room. However, its range is shorter than newer EV models released after 2016.

What is the battery life and charging time for the 2016 Kia Soul EV?

The 27 kWh battery delivers up to 93 miles per charge and takes about 4-5 hours on a Level 2 charger (240V). DC fast charging (available on some trims) can replenish 80% in 33 minutes.

Is the 2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle a good car for long road trips?

Due to its limited range and sparse fast-charging infrastructure in 2016, it’s less ideal for long trips. It’s better suited for daily commutes or regional travel with planned charging stops.

What are common problems with the 2016 Kia Soul EV?

Some owners report issues with battery degradation over time and limited service centers specializing in EVs. However, Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile battery warranty helps mitigate concerns.

Does the 2016 Kia Soul EV have enough power for highway driving?

With 109 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, the 2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle accelerates adequately for highway merging. However, it lacks passing power at higher speeds, making it better for steady cruising.