Kia Soul 2016 Electric Car Review Features and Performance Insights
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The 2016 Kia Soul Electric delivers a surprisingly spirited drive with its 109-hp motor and 210 lb-ft of instant torque, making city commuting both fun and efficient. Boasting an EPA-estimated 93-mile range and a well-equipped, tech-forward cabin, it’s a practical yet stylish EV choice for urban drivers seeking value and versatility.
Key Takeaways
- Impressive range: 93-mile range suits daily commutes efficiently.
- Fast charging: 80% charge in 30 mins with DC fast charger.
- Spacious interior: Roomy cabin and cargo space enhance practicality.
- Smooth handling: Responsive steering and stable ride improve comfort.
- Eco-friendly tech: Regenerative braking boosts energy efficiency significantly.
📑 Table of Contents
Why the 2016 Kia Soul EV Might Surprise You
Remember when electric cars were seen as futuristic oddities—expensive, impractical, and only for tech enthusiasts? Well, the 2016 Kia Soul EV quietly challenged those stereotypes. Launched as a bold step into the EV market, it offered something rare at the time: a compact, affordable, and genuinely fun-to-drive electric vehicle that didn’t feel like a compromise. As someone who once hesitated to switch from gas to electric, I remember test-driving the Soul EV with skepticism. But within minutes, I was grinning. Its quirky design, nimble handling, and surprisingly practical range made it stand out in a sea of underwhelming EVs.
The Soul EV wasn’t just another eco-friendly option—it was a statement. Kia took a beloved urban runabout and electrified it without losing its soul (pun intended). Whether you’re a city dweller tired of gas prices, a first-time EV buyer, or just curious about how far EVs have come, this car has lessons to teach. In this review, we’ll explore what makes the 2016 Kia Soul EV special, from its real-world performance to its quirks, and help you decide if it’s the right EV for your lifestyle. Spoiler: It might be more practical than you think.
First Impressions: Design and Interior Comfort
Bold Looks That Stand Out (Without Being Loud)
The 2016 Kia Soul EV’s design is its first win. Unlike many EVs that scream “look at me, I’m electric!” with flashy blue accents, the Soul EV keeps it subtle. You’ll spot unique EV-specific touches like a closed-off grille (no need for airflow when you’re not burning fuel) and blue-tinted headlight bezels, but it still looks like a regular Soul. This is a huge plus if you want an EV that doesn’t draw stares—or if you just love the original Soul’s boxy, friendly vibe. I once parked mine next to a gas-powered Soul, and my friend didn’t notice the difference until I popped the charging port. That’s the kind of understated appeal Kia nailed.
The compact size (163 inches long) makes it perfect for city life. Parallel parking in tight spots? No problem. Navigating narrow streets? Easy. And those large side mirrors? A lifesaver when checking blind spots. Pro tip: The optional panoramic sunroof (available on higher trims) adds airiness but can increase cabin heat in sunny climates—consider window tinting if you go this route.
Interior: Where Quirk Meets Practicality
Step inside, and you’ll find a cabin that feels more premium than you’d expect for the price. The EV-specific touches start here: a futuristic digital instrument cluster, a center console with a rotary gear selector (no more “P-R-N-D” stalk), and blue ambient lighting. The seats are supportive, and the driving position is upright—great for visibility. But it’s not all roses. The rear seats are tight for adults (6-footers will feel cramped), but perfect for kids or groceries. The cargo area holds 19 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 49.5 with them folded—comparable to a small SUV.
One standout feature: the “eco” seat fabric. It’s made from recycled materials and feels surprisingly durable. After a year of daily use (and two coffee spills), mine still looked new. The touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive, though it’s a 7-inch screen (small by today’s standards). The standard navigation and Bluetooth connectivity were ahead of their time in 2016. Just don’t expect Apple CarPlay or Android Auto—those weren’t available yet.
Performance and Driving Experience
How Does It Handle the Real World?
The 2016 Soul EV’s 109-horsepower electric motor won’t win any drag races, but it delivers something more valuable: instant torque. That means you’ll zip away from stoplights like a scooter, with no lag or gear shifts. In city driving, this is pure joy. I remember merging onto a busy highway during rush hour—the car accelerated smoothly and confidently, even with a full load of passengers. The top speed is 90 mph, which is plenty for most drivers.
Where the Soul EV truly shines is in urban environments. The steering is light and precise, making U-turns and parking maneuvers effortless. The suspension leans toward comfort, soaking up potholes and speed bumps better than many EVs. But it’s not a sports car. Take a corner too fast, and you’ll feel body roll. This is a city commuter, not a canyon carver. If you’re used to a sporty hatchback, you’ll need to adjust your expectations.
Regenerative Braking: The Hidden Gem
The Soul EV’s regenerative braking system is a game-changer. It captures energy when you slow down, feeding it back into the battery. The system has three levels (adjustable via steering wheel paddles), letting you tailor how much energy you recover. I found Level 2 perfect for city driving—it slows the car noticeably when I lift off the accelerator, reducing brake wear. Level 3 is aggressive (almost like one-pedal driving), but it can feel jerky in stop-and-go traffic. Pro tip: Use the “B” mode (max regen) for downhill stretches—it feels like engine braking in a gas car and can extend your range by 10–15%.
One quirk: The brakes themselves are a bit grabby at low speeds. This is common in EVs due to the transition between regen and friction braking. After a few days, I got used to it, but new drivers might find it jarring at first.
Noise and Vibration: A Quiet Ride
Electric cars are famously quiet, and the Soul EV is no exception. At low speeds, you’ll hear a faint whir from the motor—almost like a spaceship. But at highway speeds, tire and wind noise take over. The cabin is well-insulated, though, and road noise is minimal for a small car. I once took a 200-mile road trip and arrived with zero ear fatigue. The only downside? The lack of engine noise can make it harder to judge speed. Keep an eye on the speedometer, especially in 25 mph zones.
Battery, Range, and Charging: The Practical Side
Real-World Range: What You Can Expect
The Soul EV’s 27 kWh lithium-ion battery officially delivers 93 miles of EPA-estimated range. But real-world results vary. In my experience, I averaged 80–85 miles in mixed driving (70% city, 30% highway). In summer, with moderate AC use, I hit 90 miles. In winter, with the heater blasting, that dropped to 60–65 miles. This is a critical point: EV range is highly temperature-sensitive. Cold weather reduces battery efficiency, and heating the cabin draws significant power.
For context, here’s how the Soul EV compares to rivals of its era:
| Model | Battery Size | EPA Range | Real-World Range (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Kia Soul EV | 27 kWh | 93 miles | 60–90 miles |
| 2016 Nissan Leaf | 30 kWh | 107 miles | 70–100 miles |
| 2016 BMW i3 | 22 kWh | 81 miles | 50–75 miles |
Bottom line: The Soul EV’s range is adequate for most daily commutes (the average American drives 37 miles per day). But it’s not ideal for long road trips without planning. If you’re considering one today, ask: “Can I charge at home?” If yes, you’ll rarely face range anxiety.
Charging: Home vs. Public Options
The Soul EV supports two charging methods:
- Level 1 (120V): The standard household outlet. It adds 3–5 miles of range per hour. A full charge takes 24 hours. Only practical if you drive <20 miles daily and charge overnight.
- Level 2 (240V): The recommended option. Using a home charger or public station, it adds 12–25 miles per hour. A full charge takes 4–5 hours. I installed a 240V outlet in my garage and charged overnight—like plugging in a phone.
- DC Fast Charging (optional): Available on higher trims, it adds 80% charge in 30 minutes. Rare for 2016 EVs, but a lifesaver for road trips. Just don’t rely on it daily—fast charging degrades batteries faster.
Pro tip: Use the Kia app (or third-party tools like PlugShare) to find public chargers. In 2016, the network was sparse, but it’s grown significantly since. Always carry the included portable charger for emergencies.
Charging Port: A Minor Annoyance
The charging port is on the front grille, which is convenient but can be awkward in tight parking spots. I once had to back out of a space because the charging cable couldn’t reach. A rear port would’ve been better, but it’s a small gripe.
Technology and Safety Features
Infotainment: Ahead of Its Time
The Soul EV’s 7-inch touchscreen includes standard navigation, a rearview camera, and a premium audio system. The interface is snappy for 2016 tech, with large icons and minimal lag. Bluetooth pairing is seamless—I connected my phone in under 30 seconds. But the lack of smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) is a missed opportunity. You’ll need to use the built-in navigation or a phone mount. The voice command system works well for basic tasks (“Call Mom”) but struggles with complex requests.
One standout: the “Eco” menu. It shows real-time energy usage, regen stats, and a trip computer. I used it to track how much energy I saved by coasting instead of braking. It’s a fun way to gamify efficiency.
Safety: More Than Just Airbags
The Soul EV earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard features include:
- Six airbags
- Electronic stability control
- Hill-start assist
- Blind-spot monitoring (optional on higher trims)
The car’s high driving position gives great visibility, and the rearview camera is crystal clear. But the lack of advanced driver aids (like adaptive cruise or lane-keeping) is notable. In 2016, these were rare in EVs, but today’s buyers might miss them. If you want more tech, look for a 2017+ model with Kia’s UVO3 system.
Unique EV-Specific Tech
The Soul EV includes a few EV-only features that impressed me:
- Remote climate control: Pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin while charging. In winter, this is a godsend—no more scraping ice off the windshield.
- Battery preconditioning: Optimizes battery temperature for fast charging. Use it before hitting a DC charger.
- Regen paddle: Adjust regen strength on the fly. Great for adapting to traffic flow.
These features made the Soul EV feel more “complete” than rivals like the Leaf, which lacked remote climate control in 2016.
Ownership Costs and Long-Term Value
Upfront Price and Incentives
The 2016 Soul EV started at $33,700 (before incentives). With the federal tax credit ($7,500) and potential state rebates, the effective price could drop to $25,000–$28,000. Today, used models sell for $8,000–$15,000 depending on condition and range. That’s a steal compared to new EVs. I bought mine certified pre-owned with 40,000 miles for $12,000—less than half the original price.
Running Costs: The EV Advantage
EVs are cheaper to maintain. No oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust systems. The Soul EV’s annual maintenance costs are roughly $400 (vs. $600 for a gas car). Electricity costs vary, but I paid about $40/month to drive 800 miles. That’s $0.05 per mile—half the cost of gas. Pro tip: Charge during off-peak hours (nighttime) to save more.
Battery degradation is a concern. After 7 years, most Soul EVs retain 70–80% of their original range. Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile battery warranty (transferable) offers peace of mind. I’ve seen some batteries last 150,000+ miles with proper care.
Resale Value and Market Trends
The Soul EV holds its value well for a 2016 EV. It’s more desirable than older Leafs due to its better range and tech. However, newer EVs (like the Kona Electric or Bolt) have longer ranges, so prices will keep dropping. If you’re buying used, prioritize models with the DC fast-charging option—it’s a future-proof feature.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the 2016 Kia Soul EV?
The 2016 Kia Soul EV isn’t perfect. Its range is modest by today’s standards, and the lack of smartphone integration feels dated. But for the right buyer, it’s a fantastic choice. It’s ideal if you:
- Drive less than 80 miles daily
- Have access to home charging
- Want a fun, practical city car with low running costs
- Prefer quirky design over flashy tech
I’ve owned mine for three years, and it’s been reliable, efficient, and surprisingly fun. It’s not a Tesla—but it doesn’t need to be. The Soul EV proves that EVs can be affordable, practical, and joyful. If you’re on the fence about going electric, take one for a spin. You might just fall in love with its quiet confidence and quirky charm. And who knows? You could end up grinning just like I did on that first test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the Kia Soul 2016 electric car?
The 2016 Kia Soul EV offers an EPA-estimated range of 93 miles on a full charge, making it ideal for daily commutes and city driving. Actual range may vary based on driving habits and conditions.
How long does it take to charge the 2016 Kia Soul EV?
Using a 240V Level 2 charger, the Kia Soul 2016 electric car can fully recharge in about 4–5 hours. With a standard 120V outlet, charging takes significantly longer—up to 24 hours for a full charge.
What are the standout features of the 2016 Kia Soul electric car?
The Kia Soul 2016 electric car includes heated front seats, a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and regenerative braking. It also offers a quiet, smooth ride with ample cargo space for its class.
Is the 2016 Kia Soul EV eligible for federal tax credits?
Yes, the 2016 Kia Soul electric car qualifies for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, depending on your tax liability. Additional state or local incentives may also apply.
How does the 2016 Kia Soul EV perform in cold weather?
Cold weather can reduce the Kia Soul 2016 electric car’s range by up to 30% due to increased battery drain and cabin heating. Preconditioning the car while plugged in helps preserve range.
What safety features does the 2016 Kia Soul EV include?
The 2016 Kia Soul electric car comes with standard safety features like electronic stability control, six airbags, and a rearview camera. It also earned strong safety ratings from the IIHS for its class.
