Discovering The 2016 Kia Soul: Your Next Fun Ride

Elmo Aufderhar 23 Jul 2025

Are you thinking about getting a used car that truly stands out, perhaps something with a little personality and a whole lot of practicality? Then, you might want to give the 2016 Kia Soul a closer look. This vehicle, you know, has always been a bit of a favorite for folks who want something different, something that just works for daily life without being boring. It's a car that, frankly, tends to keep its charm even after some years on the road, making it a pretty smart choice for a pre-owned vehicle, actually.

Finding a good used car can feel like a big job, but some models, like the 2016 Kia Soul, make it a bit easier to consider. You see, this particular year offers a nice mix of features and a solid reputation, which is important when you're looking for something reliable. It's got that distinct boxy shape that everyone recognizes, and that means it's pretty good at fitting people and stuff inside, which is a big plus for many drivers, so.

We're going to talk all about what makes the 2016 Kia Soul a compelling option for anyone looking for a dependable and rather cool used car. We'll look at its different versions, what people say about it, and what you should think about before you decide to bring one home. It's about finding that just-right vehicle for your daily trips and weekend plans, you know, and the Soul could very well be it.

Why the 2016 Kia Soul Still Shines
Trim Levels and What They Offer
Performance and How It Drives
Safety and Peace of Mind
What to Look for When Buying Used
Finding Your 2016 Kia Soul
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Kia Soul

Why the 2016 Kia Soul Still Shines

The 2016 Kia Soul, even years later, holds a special spot for many car buyers. It's a vehicle that, you know, just seems to fit into so many different lives. People often pick it for its unique look, which really stands out from other cars on the road. It’s got that tall, boxy shape that means it's surprisingly roomy inside, which is pretty handy for groceries or even a small piece of furniture, you know, or just a bunch of friends.

When you think about a used car, things like how well it holds its value and how safe it is come to mind, right? Kelley Blue Book, for instance, provides information on depreciation and safety for this model, which is something you'd want to check out. This kind of information is, frankly, pretty important when you're trying to make a smart choice for your money. So, it's not just about the cool looks, but also about the practical stuff that matters day to day.

Experts who drive cars for a living, like those at Edmunds, test every car they review, performing all sorts of checks. They drive over 200 vehicles a year, actually, to help people pick the right one. Their insights on the 2016 Kia Soul can give you a really good idea of what it’s like to live with this car, you know, day in and day out. It's about getting the real scoop before you even take it for a spin yourself.

Owners also have a lot to say about their 2016 Kia Soul vehicles. You can often find many owner reviews that give you a feel for what people genuinely like and maybe what they wish was different. These real-world experiences, you know, are incredibly helpful when you're trying to picture yourself with the car. It’s one thing to read about specs, but quite another to hear from someone who drives it every single day, so.

The availability of these cars is also pretty good. You can find many used 2016 Kia Soul cars for sale, sometimes even thousands near you, which is nice. This means you have a good selection to choose from, whether you're looking for a specific color or a particular set of features. It gives you a bit of freedom in finding just what you're after, which is, you know, always a good thing when car shopping.

Trim Levels and What They Offer

The 2016 Kia Soul came in a few different versions, or trims, as they call them, and each one offered a little something extra. Knowing these differences is pretty helpful when you're looking at used models, because it tells you what features you might find. You can compare all the 2016 Kia Soul trims in one place, which is, you know, super convenient for figuring out what's what.

The Base 2016 Kia Soul

The entry-level 2016 Kia Soul, the basic model, comes with a decent set of features for everyday driving. It's usually powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which is, you know, good enough for getting around town and on highways without too much fuss. This version is often a bit more budget-friendly, making it a good pick if you just need reliable transport and don't require all the bells and whistles, actually.

It typically has a six-speed manual transmission as standard, but you can often find models with an automatic transmission, too. For a lot of people, this base model is just fine, offering that distinctive Soul look and plenty of interior room. It's a solid starting point if you're looking for value and that unmistakable Soul vibe, you know, without spending a ton.

The 2016 Kia Soul + (Plus)

Stepping up to the 2016 Kia Soul + (Plus) brings a bit more power and some extra comforts. This trim usually has a larger 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which gives it a little more pep, especially when you're getting onto the highway or passing other cars. This engine, you know, makes a noticeable difference in how the car feels on the road, giving it a bit more oomph.

The Soul Plus also often includes more standard features than the base model. For example, it might have a nicer audio system, bigger wheels, and perhaps some extra bits of trim inside and out. The screen on the Plus can also be upgraded to the 8-inch display with navigation, which is, you know, a pretty useful feature for finding your way around. It adds a layer of convenience that many drivers really appreciate, so.

The 2016 Kia Soul ! (Exclaim)

The top-tier 2016 Kia Soul ! (Exclaim) is where you find all the premium features and the most powerful engine. It shares the same 2.0-liter engine as the Plus, but it often comes with more standard equipment that makes the driving experience a bit more luxurious. This is the version for someone who really wants all the goodies, you know, that Kia offered for this model year.

The Exclaim also comes with standard UVO eServices, which is Kia's infotainment system that offers a bunch of connected features. Like the Plus, its screen can be upgraded to the 8-inch display with navigation. And for those who really like to make a statement, the younger crowd, as they say, will love the optional speaker lights that help complete the mood when rocking out to your favorite beats. It's a pretty fun addition, actually, that adds to the car's quirky charm.

Performance and How It Drives

When you're considering a 2016 Kia Soul, you're probably wondering how it feels to drive, right? The specifications for this model include various engine types and fuel systems, which play a big part in its performance. As mentioned, the base model typically has a 1.6-liter engine, while the Plus and Exclaim versions usually get a more powerful 2.0-liter engine. This means, you know, you have choices depending on how much power you prefer.

The 2.0-liter engine, in particular, offers a good balance of power for daily driving and highway cruising. It’s not a race car, by any means, but it feels pretty capable and responsive for its size. Edmunds, for example, really puts cars through their paces, and their expert insights can give you a good sense of how the 2016 Soul handles different driving situations. They look at things like horsepower, engine capacity, and transmission, so you get a full picture, you know, of what to expect.

Fuel economy is another thing many people think about, and the 2016 Kia Soul does a pretty decent job here, too. While it’s not the absolute most fuel-efficient car out there, it offers competitive numbers for its class. This means you won't be stopping at the gas station constantly, which is, you know, always a good thing for your wallet. It's a practical choice in that regard, frankly.

The ride itself is generally comfortable, and the car handles pretty well for its boxy shape. It’s easy to maneuver in city traffic and park in tight spots, which is a big plus for urban dwellers. For longer trips, it’s quite stable on the highway, making it a good companion for weekend getaways, too. You know, it's a car that just feels pretty solid on the road, which is comforting.

If you're really curious, you can even test drive a used 2016 Kia Soul at home from some top dealers in your area. This is a pretty cool option that lets you get a feel for the car in your own neighborhood, which is, you know, a really convenient way to try it out before you commit. It helps you see if it's truly the right fit for your daily routine, actually.

Safety and Peace of Mind

When you're looking at a used car, safety is always a big concern, and it's something you should definitely look into for the 2016 Kia Soul. Many sources, like Kelley Blue Book and Carfax, provide details on safety ratings and other important safety features. Knowing how a vehicle performs in crash tests and what safety technologies it has can give you a lot of peace of mind, you know.

The 2016 Kia Soul generally earned good safety scores for its class. It typically comes with a good set of airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control, which are standard features you'd expect in a modern car. These systems are there to help keep you and your passengers safe in various driving conditions, which is, you know, the most important thing.

Beyond the standard safety equipment, some models might have extra features, too. While the 2016 Soul wasn't at the forefront of advanced driver-assistance systems, it offered solid passive safety. It’s always a good idea to check the specific car you're interested in for its full list of safety items. Carfax, for example, provides a free report with every used car for sale, which includes vehicle history and service history, so you can see if it's been well cared for, you know, and if there have been any reported incidents.

Reading owner reviews can also give you insights into how people feel about the car's safety in real-world situations. Sometimes, owners will share their experiences with the car's braking or handling in tricky spots, which can be pretty valuable information. It's about getting a complete picture, you know, from both the experts and the people who drive these cars every day.

Knowing that you can compare safety ratings and warranty details from various sources helps you make a really informed decision. It's about feeling confident in your choice, which is, you know, pretty important when you're buying something as significant as a car. You want to feel good about what you're driving, frankly.

What to Look for When Buying Used

When you're on the hunt for a used 2016 Kia Soul, there are a few things you'll want to keep an eye out for to make sure you're getting a good deal. First off, you should compare trims and options, as we talked about, to see what features are included. Kelley Blue Book, for instance, offers tools to compare these things, which is, you know, super helpful for figuring out what you're getting for your money.

Checking the vehicle history is, frankly, a must. Carfax provides free reports with used cars for sale, detailing service history and any past accidents. This report is a pretty big deal because it can tell you a lot about how the car has been treated over the years. It helps you avoid any nasty surprises down the road, which is, you know, always a good thing.

You'll also want to look at the car's overall condition, both inside and out. Pay attention to any signs of wear and tear, like dings, scratches, or interior stains. A car that looks well-maintained on the outside often means it was well-maintained mechanically, too. It’s a pretty good indicator, actually, of how the previous owner cared for the vehicle.

Think about depreciation, too. Kelley Blue Book offers insights into how much value a car typically loses over time. While a 2016 model has already gone through a good chunk of its depreciation, understanding this can help you gauge if the price is fair for its age and condition. It's about making a smart financial choice, you know, for your future.

Also, consider the price range. Used 2016 Kia Soul models can range quite a bit, from around $1,500 to $24,995, depending on the trim, mileage, and condition. Knowing this range helps you understand if a particular listing is priced reasonably. You can even find deals, like saving up to $5,448 on one of 12,059 used 2016 Kia Souls near you, or finding July 2025 deals on CarGurus where you might save $4,812. It's about finding that sweet spot, you know, where value meets your budget.

Finally, if you can, take it for a test drive. Edmunds editors test drive over 200 vehicles a year, and while you might not do that many, your own test drive is, frankly, essential. It's your chance to feel how the car handles, listen for any unusual noises, and make sure everything feels right to you. It's about getting a real feel for the car before you make a decision, actually.

Finding Your 2016 Kia Soul

The good news is that finding a used 2016 Kia Soul is pretty straightforward, given how many are out there. You can search from hundreds of used Kia Soul cars for sale, including the base model, the Plus, and the Exclaim, which is, you know, a pretty wide selection. This means you have a good chance of finding one that fits what you're looking for.

Online platforms are a great place to start your search. Websites like CarMax.com let you search used cars, research vehicle models, and compare cars all online. Carvana also lets you browse used cars online and even have your next vehicle delivered to your door with as soon as next-day delivery, which is, frankly, incredibly convenient. It takes a lot of the hassle out of car shopping, you know.

Cars.com is another excellent resource where you can shop 2016 Kia Soul vehicles for sale, research, compare, and save listings, or contact sellers directly from hundreds of models nationwide. This gives you a broad view of what's available across different locations and prices, which is pretty useful for comparing options.

CoPilot offers expert reviews and ratings on the 2016 Kia Soul, which can help you learn more about the vehicle before you even start looking at specific listings. This kind of research helps you narrow down your choices and understand what makes a good deal. It's about being prepared, you know, before you dive into the listings.

Edmunds also provides expert reviews, car comparisons, and pricing tools to help you find your perfect car. They really give you a lot of information to work with, helping you feel confident in your decision. It’s about making sure you’re making a choice that you’ll be happy with for a while, actually.

Remember to filter your search by your preferences, like features, prices, and locations. You can find used 2016 Kia Soul+ wagons with various features, prices, and locations on Carfax, for example. This helps you narrow down the vast number of available cars to just those that truly match what you're looking for, which is, you know, a big time-saver.

Whether you're looking for the Soul+, the base model, or the Exclaim, there are plenty of options out there. It's about taking your time, doing your research, and finding that particular 2016 Kia Soul that feels just right for you. You know, it's a car that brings a bit of fun to the everyday drive, and that's something pretty special.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Kia Soul

People often have questions when they're thinking about a used car, and the 2016 Kia Soul is no different. Here are some common things folks wonder about this particular model, so.

Is the 2016 Kia Soul a good used car to buy?

Many experts and owners would say yes, it's a pretty good choice for a used car. It offers a unique style, a surprisingly roomy interior, and generally reliable performance. Reviews from places like Edmunds and CoPilot, you know, often highlight its practicality and overall value as a pre-owned vehicle. It's a car that, frankly, holds up pretty well over time, which is something many people look for.

What are the common problems with a 2016 Kia Soul?

While the 2016 Kia Soul is generally seen as reliable, like any used car, it can have some common issues that pop up. These might include things like minor electrical quirks or, sometimes, issues with the infotainment system, especially the older versions. It's always a good idea to check the specific car's service history on a Carfax report, for example, and get a pre-purchase inspection to catch any potential problems, you know, before you buy.

What is the average lifespan of a 2016 Kia Soul?

The average lifespan of a 2016 Kia Soul, like many modern cars, can vary quite a bit depending on how well it's been cared for. With regular maintenance, many owners report their Souls lasting well over 150,000 miles, and some even reaching 200,000 miles or more. It's about consistent upkeep, you know, like oil changes and routine checks, that helps it keep going for a long time.

To really get a feel for the 2016 Kia Soul and what it offers, you might want to check out expert reviews and owner insights. Learn more about used cars on our site, and for more detailed comparisons, you can always link to this page here.

2016 Kia Soul Pricing - For Sale | Edmunds

2016 Kia Soul Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims

2016 Kia Soul Price, Value, Depreciation & Reviews | Kelley Blue Book

Where Style Meets Soul