The extremely popular Soul ups its “wow” factor for the 2016 model year with a host of new style and convenience features, some of which actually debuted on the K900 luxury sedan. In addition, owners can further express their unique individualism through a new Designer Collection that plays up the Soul’s fun-loving attitude with a two-tone paint scheme.
Three unique trim levels (Base, Plus, and Exclaim) remain, and each one adds new features for the 2016 model year. Alloy wheels now come standard across all models. Meanwhile, Base models equipped with the Convenience Package add a 4.3-inch color touchscreen, SiriusXM® satellite radio, and integrated Rear Camera Display.
The standard features list grows for the Plus model, which now gets gloss black bumper “tusks,” fog lights, and integrated Rear Camera Display. A new Designer Collection package, inspired by its all-electric sibling, brings new style with two visually striking two-toned color combinations: white with a red roof, or red with a black roof. In addition, the Designer Collection also adds 18-inch alloy wheels with black spokes, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob.
The Exclaim now comes standard with leather-trimmed seats. Also new to Exclaim is the Premium Package, which elevates the driving experience with desirable convenience features including Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS) and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), both of which are new to the Soul. The camera-based LDWS helps to monitor the Soul’s position and provides visual and auditory warnings to the driver when the vehicle begins to drift too close to the lane markers.
Other creature comforts that come as part of the Premium Package include navigation, an upgraded Infinity® audio system, string-LED front speaker surround mood lighting, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front driver and passenger seats, seat heaters for all four outboard positions, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, and a leather-wrapped gearshift knob.
The optional interior Umber Color Package, which is available with either the Shadow Black, Titanium, Fathom Blue or Cloud White exterior colors, now benefits from HID projector headlights for the 2016 model year. Also included with the option package is premium Nappa leather seating surfaces and door armrest accents.
Motivation for the Base Soul is delivered by a gasoline direct injection (GDI) 130-horsepower (at 6,300 rpm) 1.6-liter all-aluminum DOHC four-cylinder engine. The GAMMA engine produces 118 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm. The Plus and Exclaim models enjoy the more powerful 2.0-liter NU power plant with GDI technology. Power is rated at 164 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. of torque at a 4,000 rpm. The 1.6-liter engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission or, optionally, to a six-speed automatic. The Plus and Exclaim models are available exclusively with the six-speed automatic.
What’s New
Soul
Base
- Standard 16-inch alloy wheels
- Convenience Package
— Audio 3.0B with AM/FM MP3, 4.3-inch color touchscreen, Rear-Camera Display
— Auto on/off head lights
Pluss (+)
- Standard Gloss black bumper tusks
- Standard Front fog lights
- Standard audio 3.0B with AM/FM MP3, 4.3-inch color touchscreen, Rear-Camera Display
- Standard auto on/off head lights
- Designer Collection
— 18-inch alloy wheels with black spokes
— Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob
— Two-tone roof treatment
Exclaim (!)
- Standard leather trim seats
- Standard 17-inch alloy wheels replace 18-inch alloy wheels
- Standard halogen headlights replace projector head lights
- Premium Package
— Navigation with 8-inch display
— Infinity audio system with center speaker, subwoofer, and amplifier
— Speaker lights
— Automatic temperature control with cluster ionizer
— Panoramic sunroof with power sunshade
— Ventilated front seats
— Heated front seats
— Heated rear outboard seats
— Heated steering wheel
— Push-button start with Smart Key
— Immobilizer
— Projector low beam head lights
— LED positioning lights and LED tail lights
— Supervision meter cluster with 4.3-inch color touchscreen
— Lane Departure Warning System
— Forward Collision Control Warning System
Price
Recommended retail price (MSRP) starts from $15,800
2016 Soul EV
The 2016 Soul EV marks the second year of Kia’s first mass-market zero emissions, battery electric vehicle. For 2016, the Soul EV is offered in three trims – Soul EV-e, Soul EV, Soul EV+ (plus) – up from two in 2015. Offering a long list of standard equipment at a lower price point, the Soul EV-e brings new value for those looking for a fun and funky alternative in the EV segment.
The Soul EV+ continues as the range-topping trim, and is further enhanced for 2016 with the addition of the Sun & Fun Package. Additional 2016 enhancements standard across the Soul EV lineup include a charge port nozzle lock, an illuminated Aux/USB port, and two new exterior colors: Shadow Black and Bright Silver.
The new Soul EV-e provides versatility and affordability while offering a long list of standard equipment. Eco-conscious drivers will appreciate standard features that include a DC fast charge port, 6.6-killowatt onboard charger, 3.5-inch OLED Supervision cluster, smart key with push button start and a driver-only ventilation function that closes the passenger vents to help maximize efficiency based on vehicle occupancy. The Soul EV-e also includes heated front seats, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and FlexSteer™, as standard equipment.
The Soul EV trim carries over for 2016 with a number of standard premium features and content that adds to the Soul EV-e’s equipment list. Front and center is the capacitive touch 8-inch navigation touchscreen with Rear Camera Display and UVO EV Services, Kia’s suite of telematics technology that incorporates the ability to search for charging stations, remotely check the state-of-charge and precondition the vehicle’s interior temperature through the user’s Smartphone. In addition, a heat pump HVAC system is standard, and helps improve energy efficiency to maximize driving range.
For 2016, the popular Soul EV+ (plus) is available with the new Sun & Fun Package, which includes a panoramic sunroof, LED interior lighting and speaker lights that pulse to the beats of the six-speaker audio system. Additional standard EV+ features include ventilated front passenger seats, heated rear outboard seats, leather trimmed seats, front and rear Park Assist, and power folding mirrors.
Addressing range anxiety, the entire Soul EV lineup offers an EPA estimated range of 93 miles and an EPA MPGe of 92 miles highway and 120 miles city for a combined mileage of 105 miles. This class-leading range originates from the Soul EV’s state-of-the-art 27kWh air-cooled, 200-watt-hour/kg Lithium Ion Polymer battery, located under the floor.
The Soul EV makes charging easy by plugging into any standard 120v outlet or a conventional 240v EV charger. Two charging ports are standard, including a SAE J1772 port for Level 1 and Level 2 AC, and a CHAdeMO DC fast-charging port (480v). Found behind a sliding door located in the front grille, the dual ports offer flexibility and increase the Soul EV’s go-anywhere appeal, making it more convenient to charge inside the owner’s garage or when on the road. Recharging times vary from 24 hours for a fully depleted battery using a standard 120v outlet to under five hours when plugged into a 240v outlet. An 80-percent charge can be achieved from empty in as little as 33 minutes with a 50 kW-output DC fast charger. Kia has partnered with three charger providers – Bosch, Leviton and AeroVironment™ – which gives Soul EV buyers an opportunity to select the unit best suited to their in-home needs.
The Soul EV has been honored with an industry-first automotive environmental validation by Underwriters Laboratory (UL) for its innovative use of 52.7 lbs. of bio-based organic interior content. Bio-based plastics derived from cellulose and sugar cane are found in many areas within the cabin, including the door panels, headliner, seat trim, roof pillars and carpeting. In all, organic, bio-based materials are used in 19 different interior parts.
What’s New
Soul EV
Soul EV-e
- New model for 2016
— California only
— Colors: Clear White and Bright Silver
— Nozzle locking function for SAE J1772 Port (inboard port)
— Illuminated AUX/USB port
Soul EV
- Nozzle locking function for SAE J1772 Port (inboard port)
- Illuminated AUX/USB port
- Colors: Shadow Black and Bright Silver
Soul EV+ (plus)
- Sun & Fun Package
— Panoramic sunroof
— LED interior lighting
— Speaker Lights
— Nozzle locking function for SAE J1772 Port (inboard port)
— Illuminated AUX/USB port
Colors: Shadow Black and Bright Silver
Price
Recommended retail price (MSRP) starts from $24,450