2016 Kia Soul
Should You Buy a 2016 Kia Soul?
The 2016 Kia Soul is a compact wagon that offers a unique blend of style, practicality, and affordability. With a starting MSRP of $15,900, it provides a spacious interior with seating for five and a respectable combined fuel economy of 26.0 MPG, making it an excellent choice for daily commuting and urban driving. Powered by a 1.6L I4 engine, it delivers 130 hp and 118 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, offering a fun driving experience for those who enjoy a bit of engagement behind the wheel.
However, potential buyers should be aware of some concerning trends in the NHTSA complaint data. With a reliability score of 68.3/100, the Soul has reported 493 engine-related complaints, particularly around the 60,000 to 120,000-mile range. While the vehicle remains a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers, it's essential to consider these factors when making a decision.
The 2016 Kia Soul is best suited for budget-conscious individuals or small families seeking a practical, stylish, and economical vehicle for daily commuting and urban driving.
Strengths
- +Affordable MSRP, making it accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
- +Spacious interior with ample cargo space and comfortable seating for five.
- +Good fuel economy at 26.0 MPG combined, ideal for daily commuting.
- +Unique and stylish design that stands out in the compact segment.
- +Fun driving experience with a manual transmission option.
Weaknesses
- -Reported engine issues, particularly in higher mileage ranges.
- -Reliability score of 68.3/100 indicates potential concerns.
- -Limited power with only 130 hp, which may not satisfy performance enthusiasts.
- -Some complaints regarding the fuel propulsion system.
- -Higher incidence of fire-related complaints compared to competitors.
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2016 Kia Soul has reported a total of 1,000 complaints to the NHTSA, with a significant focus on engine issues. Notably, there were 493 complaints related to the engine, with patterns indicating problems arising between 60,000 and 120,000 miles. While there have been no fatalities reported, the presence of 34 injuries and 52 fire incidents raises some concerns for potential buyers. Overall, while the Soul offers many benefits, it's crucial to be mindful of these known issues.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 1.6 L
- Cylinders
- I4
- Transmission
- Manual 6-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 26
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 163 in
- Width
- 70.9 in
- Height
- 63 in
- Wheelbase
- 101.2 in
- Curb Weight
- 2,714 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- –
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –